Eritrea

Asmara, Eritrea

JW
John Ward
  • Email address verified
25 reviews
Mar 10 - 14, 2025
Group size: 1 - 19
Eritrea
Asmara, Eritrea

John Ward
  • Email address verified
25 reviews

$1,999
Deposit: $250
Mar 10 - 14, 2025
Group size: 1 - 19

About this trip

The North Korea of Africa. A police state, and one of the least visited countries in the world, Eritrea is a little gem. Tough to get to, tough to get in to, and hidden on Africa's west coast, little Eritrea packs a punch for a few reasons. 

Why Visit Eritrea?


One of the least visited countries in the world

Eritrea remains one of Africa’s most undiscovered treasures, offering an authentic experience away from the usual tourist trails.

Architectural Marvels

Asmara, the capital, is renowned for its well-preserved Italian colonial architecture, earning it a UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

Diverse Landscapes

From the pristine beaches of the Red Sea coast to the dramatic highlands and arid deserts, Eritrea’s varied landscapes are stunning.

Rich History

Eritrea’s historical sites, including ancient ruins and centuries-old monasteries, provide a deep dive into the region’s past.

EVERY COUNTRY IN THE WORLD!

On the slow march to visit every country in the world, you can't skip little Eritrea. So let me help get you there!

For me personally...


For me personally, I haven't visited Eritrea since my journey to every country in the world, way back in 2017. The visa was (and still often is) almost impossible. I had been rejected countless times in the few embassies. A friend gave me a contact who would allow me to SKIP THE VISA PROCESS, and get me a visa-on-arrival. Wow! I did that, it worked and voila, I was in my 54th and FINAL african country.


To this day, I use the same contact to get all you guys in the country!

Is it Safe to visit Eritrea in 2025?

Eritrea's Government runs the country explicitly. You can't criticize, or you're locked up. And it's vert difficult for locals to leave. Hence the use migration and the migrant crisis across Europe involving so many Eritreans. 

Further to that, they have their issues with Ethiopia too. 

However, for the handful of foreigners who go there? It's safe as houses. Like Turkmenistan, North Korea etc there is almost no crime, aside from petty theft. 

Eritrea Tour FAQ

Can the itinerary change?

In the least visited countries in the world, where visas/permits/legal stuff can change in a heartbeat, the itineraries can always change! Please bear with me. That being said, almost always the itinerary is as stated. And even if it's not, it's normally chopped and changed so it includes the same epic stuff, just different days. 


Can any nationality join this tour to Eritrea?

Yes, everyone and anyone is welcome! Normally my groups are 16 people from 10+ countries, come join the party. 

What about the Eritrean Visa Process?

I've got you covered. Don't worry! I just need passport copies etc. 

How Do I Get To Eritrea?

Depending on the state of the Government, we may all have to take the same flight in. I'll confirm that at a later date. 

Generally speaking, we'll be flying in from Dubai, Addis Abbaba or Istanbul. 

Can I come a day early/leave a day late?

Nope. 

Can I join this trip Solo?

YES! In fact 90% of the people who join my trips come solo. You can either pay a single supplement to have your own room, or I'll pair you up with another traveler of the same gender. Don't worry!

Can I have my own room or do I have to share?

You will be paired with someone of the same gender, or you can get your own room for an additional fee of $600.

What's the Cancellation Policy?

The deposit is non-refundable. Full payment is due 2 months before the trip starts. You can cancel anytime in the lead-up to full payment. After that, there are no refunds (I'll have done all your permits etc, so it's difficult on the backend). 


If your visa is rejected, I'll refund everything minus $100 visa admin fees. And if the eVisa system changes in the interim, I'll offer full refunds to everyone. 


What’s included

  • All Accommodation
  • All Breakfasts
  • All transport
  • Airport transfers
  • Local guide throughout
  • Western Guide
    ('Guide' doing a fair bit of heavy lifting here, considering the guide is me! haha!)
  • All entrance fees

What’s not included

  • International airfare
  • Visa fees
    Ranges from $67 to $300+
  • Tips
    Recommended Euro/USD of $100-$150
  • Additional Nights
    If you wish to arrive a day early, or stay a day later.

Available Packages

Trip Price

4 nights, 5 days. Everything except tips and booze included. 

$1,999
Deposit: $250

Available Add-Ons

Single Supplement
$600

The trip is based on per-person sharing. Don't worry though, if you prefer your own private room, this option is for you.

Hotel on March 9th SINGLE ROOM
$110

If you arrive on the 9th and need a hotel, book here. 

Remember if you land on the '10th' at 2am or whatever, you'll also want a hotel for the 9th too. 

Hotel on March 9th DOUBLE ROOM
$140

If you arrive on the 9th and need a hotel, book here. 

Remember if you land on the '10th' at 2am or whatever, you'll also want a hotel for the 9th too. 

Hotel on March 8th
$90

If you come an extra day earlier still, then I've discounted the room further still. 

Hotel on March 14
$100

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive in Asmara

Once we have determined which flights we'll all arrive on, we'll aim to arrive in the morning. 


From here, it's time to check out the very cool Art Deco architecture that still stands from the brief Italian colonial period. Eritrea struggles economically, so proper coffee and gelato is a strange sight!


As the day progresses, we'll head to Keren, Eritrea's second city and overnight there. 

Your Organizer


JW
John Ward
25 reviews
Irish blogger @ onestep4ward.com. Every country in the world, 7 summits, North and South Pole. Now helping some crazy friends go to places they probably shouldn't.

Reviews

Such a blast! Johnny’s trips never disappoint! Loved the overnight camping on a gorgeous island in the Red Sea! Asmara and Massawa were also incredible. Missing those views already. As always, the memories and friendships made during trip will last a lifetime.
By Courtney J for Eritrea on Mar 23, 2025
This was an incredible trip from start to finish! Excellent food, awesome accommodations, and the most kind and welcoming people I’ve ever encountered. Seeing their happiness at having tourists again after so much turmoil at home was something truly special. Witnessing war torn towns and cities and then the beauty of Old Damascus has left me without words.
By Courtney J for Silk Road Trip on Mar 17, 2025
The itenary was great, even without Keren. Actually might have been that having Keren in it would have left too little time to Asmara and Massawa. Lunches on the road could maybe have been included as paying for them as such a mess most of the time. The bus was a bit small, but the group consisted of so nice people that I got more space for my legs when I needed it. For a first-timer the communication in the WhatsApp group especially before trip was a bit overwhelming and contained both important things and people just saying hi to each other. Most important things came however also as emails, appreciated. Would participate again to another trip if the destination would be one I'd wish to do.
By Pirkko S for Eritrea on Mar 16, 2025
Thank you for another fantastic experience Johnny. Eritrea was on the list for a while and we got to see it like few other do. The warmth of every Eritrean we met, the incredible Art Deco architecture and the general safety of the country made this one for the books. Onto the next one!
By Aavishkar M for Eritrea on Mar 16, 2025
Third trip with Johnny, won’t be the last. The group culture he creates is really uniquely special in addition to the fun and adrenaline on the itinerary.
By Kalli H for Eritrea on Mar 16, 2025
Show More Reviews