Unique Experiences
Ride a camel along the exotic beaches of Eritrea, meet the isolated Afar people on Dessei Island, or walk in the footsteps of ancient civilisations amongst the ruins of Qohaito.
Venture off the beaten track and allow Eritrea to seduce you with its mysterious allure and take you on an unforgettable journey through Abyssinian landscapes, art deco cities and kaleidoscope cultures. Eritrea is a multi-ethnic country with over 5 million residents. Attractions include Asmara Central Market in Asmara, Dahlak Marine National Park and the ancient city of Qohaito.
Get ready to explore one of the most secretive countries in northeast Africa with cheap flights to Eritrea. Asmara, the capital of Eritrea, is home to Asmara International Airport (ASM), which is a 20-minute drive from the city centre. Asmara International Airport serves several airlines, including Eritrean Airlines, Sudan Airways and EgyptAir. Popular connecting flights to Asmara depart from Johannesburg and Cape Town. Flight duration from Johannesburg is approximately 16 hours and 15 minutes.
| Flight Route | Airline | Trip Type | Travel Dates | Searched | Price From |
|---|
Ride a camel along the exotic beaches of Eritrea, meet the isolated Afar people on Dessei Island, or walk in the footsteps of ancient civilisations amongst the ruins of Qohaito.
Bewildering architectural juxtapositions abound in Eritrea. Art deco masterpieces line the streets of Asmara, while ornate buildings that whisper of Ottoman and Egyptian empires watch over the streets of Massawa.
Head to the Dahlak Islands for an enchanting expedition through coral kingdoms; embark on a daring journey to the Debre Bizen Monastery; or visit the Matara archeological site near Senafe.
Essential details you need to know before your trip
| Currency | Eritrean Nakfa (ERN) |
|---|---|
| Exchange Rate | 1 ZAR = 1.18 ERN |
| Language | Tigrinya / Tigre / Arabic |
| Hub Airport | Asmara International Airport (ASM) |
| Airline | Eritrean Airlines |
| Time Zone | GMT+3 |
| Travel Adaptor | Type C & L |
The best time to visit Eritrea depends on which area you will be spending your time. For the highlands, the best time would be between September and February; for the lowlands, between November and March; and between December and February if you want to embark on camel safaris in the lowlands. The rainy season lasts from June to September. For cheap flights to Eritrea, the best time to visit is between July and August.
Average temperature (°C) & rainfall (mm) per month
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low °C | 6°C | 7°C | 9°C | 10°C | 12°C | 12°C | 12°C | 12°C | 10°C | 9°C | 8°C | 7°C |
| High °C | 23°C | 24°C | 25°C | 25°C | 26°C | 26°C | 22°C | 22°C | 24°C | 22°C | 22°C | 22°C |
| Rainfall (mm) | 2 | 3 | 8 | 25 | 33 | 33 | 153 | 149 | 32 | 14 | 13 | 4 |
Hidden away on the coast of northeast Africa, along the majestic Red Sea, Eritrea is an undiscovered and untouched paradise. It is a place of intriguing cultures, breathtaking landscapes, unique experiences and incredible soul.
Asmara, the capital city, has spurred many legends since its discovery in the 12th century and enchanted just about every traveller that has wandered through its bustling streets. Magnificent art deco and modernist architecture lines the trembling streets, while the central market offers a unique chance to lose yourself in the chaotic whir of street shopping.
The city of Massawa, which nestles on the teal shores of the Red Sea, will take you on a shabby, yet undeniably enchanting, journey through the historical district of Old Town. Notable attractions in Massawa include the Shrine of Sahaba, Sheikh Hanafi Mosque and Imperial Palace. North of Massawa is the soft beach of Gurgusum.
Dahlak Marine National Park, just off the coast of Massawa, is an idyllic composition of islands and islets. The surrounding waters offer amazing scuba diving, snokelling and pearl fishing. Dolphins, sharks, dugongs, turtles and shipwrecks live beneath the waves.
Compare several airlines and book your cheap flights to Eritrea online at Travelstart!
South African passport holders require a visa to enter Eritrea. You will need to ensure your passport is valid for at least six months and has two blank pages for entry stamps.
The Embassy of the state of Eritrea is situated in Pretoria.
Address: 1281 Cobham Road, Queenswood, 0186
Phone: (+27) 0 12 333 1302
Email: eremb@lantic.co.za
Although crime levels are relatively low in Eritrea, you should still maintain vigilance and use common sense. Electronics need to be declared upon arrival and travel permits must be obtained for all travel outside of Asmara. Travel insurance to cover theft and medical expenses is recommended.
Due to the conflict in neighbouring countries, travel to the areas bordering Ethiopia, Sudan and Djibouti is not recommended. Banditry occurs along the coast north of Massawa and landmines are common in rural areas. Avoid carrying large sums of cash and valuables, as street crime does happen. You should familiarise yourself with the local laws and customs before arriving. Eritrea is situated in an earthquake and volcanic zone.
Malaria, dengue fever, chikungunya, Zika virus and other insect-borne diseases are a risk in Eritrea, so precautions should be taken to avoid insect bites. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required if you are travelling from an infected area. Immunisation against hepatitis A & B, typhoid, meningitis and rabies is recommended. Routine vaccinations include MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella and polio. Stick to bottled water.
| Item | Cape Town | Johannesburg | Eritrea (Asmara) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive restaurant) | R 90.00 | R 100.00 | R 152.00 |
| Domestic beer (0.5l draught) | R 22.00 | R 20.00 | R 20.00 |
| Cappuccino (regular) | R 20.00 | R 22.00 | R 13.00 |
| Taxi 1km (normal tariff) | R 11.00 | R 11.00 | R 13.00 |
| Pack of cigarettes (Marlboro) | R 35.00 | R 35.00 | R 68.00 |
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