How many regions: Three of the six regions is the sensible number for most backpackers on a stay of one to two weeks. Permits, slow transport and heat eat into the schedule, and the permit system makes constant changes of plan difficult. Visiting four is possible with 12 days or more. Five or six means long days in vehicles and little time on the ground.
Choosing by travel style: For travelers who like cities, architecture and cafe culture, the highland region around the capital should take the most time, since it is the easiest and cheapest to do independently. Hikers and history enthusiasts should add a second highland or southern area for archaeology and village walks. Those drawn to heat, markets and mixed cultures should add the western lowlands. Divers, snorkelers and anyone interested …
read more 👉 How many regions: Three of the six regions is the sensible number for most backpackers on a stay of one to two weeks. Permits, slow transport and heat eat into the schedule, and the permit system makes constant changes of plan difficult. Visiting four is possible with 12 days or more. Five or six means long days in vehicles and little time on the ground.
Choosing by travel style: For travelers who like cities, architecture and cafe culture, the highland region around the capital should take the most time, since it is the easiest and cheapest to do independently. Hikers and history enthusiasts should add a second highland or southern area for archaeology and village walks. Those drawn to heat, markets and mixed cultures should add the western lowlands. Divers, snorkelers and anyone interested in the Red Sea should add the coast, but only if they can pay for boats and accept limited comfort. Combining one cool region with one hot region gives the widest contrast.
Budget: Budget travel in Eritrea costs about US$40 to 70 a day. That covers a basic room at US$20 to 40, meals at US$3 to 8, and shared buses at roughly US$2 to 6 per leg. Hiring a car and driver or guide for lowland and remote stops raises costs to about US$100 to 180 a day, though the price is split if you share. Boat trips to the islands usually run US$100 to 250 a day for the vessel, so seek a group. Entry fees at sites are typically small, often US$1 to 10, and guides at specific sites may charge US$10 to 30. A one-week trip with two regions outside the capital normally totals US$450 to 900 excluding flights and visa fees. Treat all prices as approximate and confirm them locally.
Money handling: Foreign cards do not work, so bring all your cash in clean, recent US dollars or euros. Hotels and tour operators often quote and take foreign currency, while small purchases are in nakfa. Keep spare small notes for tips and drivers.
Safety and culture: The cities are calm and street crime is low. Border zones, especially near Ethiopia and Djibouti, are restricted or hazardous, and unmarked areas may still hold landmines, so stay on established roads and tracks. Carry your passport and permit at all times, because checkpoints are frequent and officials expect to see them. Do not photograph soldiers, military sites, government buildings or the port without asking, and delete anything an official objects to. Dress modestly, particularly in the Muslim lowlands and the coast, where women should cover shoulders and knees. Ask before photographing people. During Ramadan, eating and drinking in public is discouraged in the Muslim areas. In the hot regions, carry at least 3 liters of water per person per day and plan outdoor activity before 10 a.m. Check your government's current travel advice before booking.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.