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Introducing Eritrea for First Time Visitors

Indeed it is a paradox to state that this country so called Eritrea is both a very far but also a very close destination for travel lovers from the rich countries of the North. It is very far because, Eritrea remained off limits for outsiders as the country has been subjected to historical vicissitudes. From the early ’60s, until the down of independence in the late ‘90s, Eritrea remained almost forgotten, hidden and inaccessible. The protracted war of liberation which lasted for well over 30 years was particularly significant in that the country was literally no-go area in every sense of the term. The then occupying power sealed off the country as it carried out its futile attempt to subjugate the struggle and break the resolve of the Eritrean people for their liberation. But even before the onset of the war of liberation, Eritrea had no national government functioning in the interest of the country to bring it to the world stage.

Throughout their history the people of Eritrea have been in constant struggle for their freedom as the country fell victim to successive aggressors. The country had to face first the Egyptian invaders, followed by the Ottoman Turks then the Italians and lastly the then feudal Ethiopia. The last aggressor was forced to give his back in 1991 only to retry in 1998 and was repulsed with disgrace in 2000. Given such a situation, there was never a time for any systematic and deliberate national agenda to attempt harnessing the country’s tourism potential. In as far as tourism was concerned the country remained terra incognita with its natural and cultural endowments in disguise. This is of course as it relates to its post modern history.

But for the ancient Egyptians, Eritrea was never an inaccessible land beyond the horizon. Eritrea together with the countries situated along both sides of the Great Rift Valley comprised part of the ‘’Land of Punt', and the “Land of the Gods”. From the Land of the Punt, the Pharaohs traded and took gold, frankincense and unfortunately slaves. Obviously from the standpoint of its ancient history, Eritrea was very close to areas and civilizations on its northern flank including the areas of southern Mediterranean Sea and the Middle East. As can be discerned from the map below, the geographical position of Eritrea could never have been an obstacle to the development of tourism.

Indeed Eritrea is very close to the major travel and adventure seekers that originate from Western and Northern Europe. Both the temporal and physical distances are remarkably shorter than many of the hot spots of the Southern Hemisphere. That is way we say it is very close. Eritrea straddles the Red Sea for over 1000 kilometres and lies to the south of the main attractions and resorts of Egypt and southern Mediterranean area. Yet, neither prospective travellers nor Eritrea’s colonizers had taken advantage of this geographical proximity and easy accessibility to develop tourism.

However, this state of affairs can be characterized as a blessing in disguise in the sense that, the country’s natural environment has been spared of ruthless exploitation. One can imagine the irrecoverable damage and environmental degradation that would have resulted from uncaring occupiers. But now all is changing for the good. Here is a recent remark of AFP reporter about the hidden treasures of the Eritrean Red Sea waters:

“Eritrea's isolation due to long years of bloody war with neighbour Ethiopia combined with minimal tourist numbers and government efforts to protect the coastline have left much of the country's extensive coral reefs untouched.-- "Around most of the world, especially Asian and African coastlines of the Indian Ocean, coral reefs have been plundered in one way or another, the most damaging activity being explosive fishing," added Veron, former chief scientist with the Australian Institute of Marine Science. "The reefs of Eritrea look as if they have been in a time warp -- they have not been touched. On a recent three-week diving expedition along Eritrea's 3,300 kilometres (2,046 miles) of mainland and island coastline, Veron found five species new to science -- something the scientist described as "most unusual". "Eritrea probably has the richest suite of corals of the Red Sea and its 'coral gardens' are in exceptionally good condition," he added. Such findings have encouraged ambitious plans offering hope for the future of reefs worldwide, with some believing that Eritrea's corals offer a potential nursery for future "re-planting". (Source credit: AFP)

Eritrea is now in the hands of its legitimate owners and has a national government which strongly believes in and practices sustainable development. There is therefore ample opportunity for travel lovers with sensitivity and respect to Eritrea’s cultural and environmental endowment to discover and enjoy what this less known country has to offer. Equally good news is that Eritrea is opening up and all those years of isolation are giving way for international business and economic transformation. Rightly the government of Eritrea has identified tourism as one of the priority areas. At the same time the policy of the Eritrean government on tourism is founded on the preservation of the country’s natural resource heritage to be governed by the principles of long –term sustainable management. This is to be highly applauded.

What travel lovers have missed in Eritrea is the excitement and refreshing experience that this mystique and fabled country can offer. Notwithstanding the destruction caused by incessant wars and instability during the past, Eritrea has a lot to offer. The jagged landscapes with their spectacular canyons provide the beholder a moment of silence to admire and marvel at how Mother Nature has been tirelessly busy in producing this splendid work of art. The Eastern Escarpment which forms the western edge of the spectacular Great East African Rift Valley is literarily beset with endless peaks, valleys and steep canyons. For travellers who value the challenge that reaching a site can offer, the sheer diversity of the physical features of the country will not disappoint them. They can be assured that if they so desire, they can travel from over hundred meters below sea level to well over 3000 metres above. This is almost like crossing the equator to the middle latitude, global warming permitting! For those who prefer less travel, the Eritrean Red Sea, one of the least spoiled coastlines in the world, environment conscious scuba diving and snorkelling activities are there for enjoyment.
Without a doubt nature has been very generous to Eritrea’s coastline. There are stretches of unspoiled tranquil beaches. And the government of is determined to exploit this natural resource heritage in a responsible manner. Definitely there is no place for destructive mass tourism in the government’s development policy. In the Dahlak archipelagos of which there 350 of them, stretches of pristine picturesque coral reefs are a delight travellers respectful of nature.

For those who may know little about this fascinating country, let them be informed that Eritrea is indeed one of the oldest areas of human habitation. Its geographical location made her act as a conduit of human migration between Africa and Asia for centuries. Consequently diverse civilizations have left their hallmark on the land. But Eritrea did not become a carbon copy of anyone of them. Instead what evolved was a unique but diversified cultural heritage. This cultural heritage partly and constantly engenders and is in turn endangered by the desire to maintain and nurture Eritrean national identity.

The Eritrean population is composed of Afro-Asiatic origins with diverse linguistic and religious characteristics. The country boasts with nine ethnic groups bound by historical destiny the communality of sociological dispositions resulting from centuries of intermingling of traditions. Above this hard bedrock of common national identity, lies a labyrinth of distinctive traditions. The people of Eritrea recognize and celebrate these diverse cultural traditions with mutual respect and inclusiveness. A traveller cannot miss people dressed in diverse colourful outfits walking proudly in honour of their culture and the enjoyment it brings. Indeed it is a scene of joy, splendour and cheerfulness.

But more fundamentally, perhaps not uniquely, the people of Eritrea are very welcoming, warm and engaging. Eritreans are extraordinarily generous and receive outsiders with open arms with unreserved hospitality. All ethnic groups without exception are open and remarkably easy to make friends with. Here is what the Lonely Planet's Top-Pick Countries, 2008 has to say about the country from the perspective of a traveller:

Eritrea might have one of the toughest regimes in East Africa but for travelers it's one of the most welcoming countries on the continent, with virtually no hassle, extremely courteous people (including officials), a sense of harmony and a strong culture.
Its trump cards include surreal landscapes and pristine reefs.
World Guide: Eritrea

Eritrean culture can be characterized by a gesture of courtesy, self assertiveness, generosity, humbleness, tolerance and mutual respect for the diverse ethnic and religious traditions. In point of fact, Eritrea’s history epitomizes the capacity of nation states to marshal diversity for the promotion of stability and inclusiveness. No where is this seen than in peaceful co-existence of Christianity and Islam side by side in the State of Eritrea.

Like all peoples worldwide Eritreans are very proud of their history. They are modest and peace loving and positive people. Their desire for peaceful neighbourliness and mutual acknowledgement is not only a matter of strategic consideration. Peaceful coexistence is considered a national policy in pursuit of the fulfilment of the promises of independence. That is why Eritrea puts tremendous efforts in promoting peaceful coexistence among the peoples of the Horn of Africa. However for the first timer to Eritrea, it may seem a bit driven when he/she finds that Eritreans are also uniquely uncompromising about issues relating to their country’s independence and sovereignty. When it comes to national sovereignty, their stoic patience and courage is astounding. To put this preoccupation euphemistically it suffices to say that it is a national past time. Be as it may, this is quite understandable for a people who have suffered and sacrificed so much to be free.

Having introduced you to Eritrea, allow us now to briefly inform you how we can help you get there.

With the launching Admas EriTravel & Tours, we would like to welcome you all our customers to one of the youngest but also most fascinating countries in the world. Ladies and gentlemen of course once again we are talking about the State of Eritrea!

We particularly urge travel lovers, to discover a new destination in the ‘’ punt and netjeru - land of the gods’’ as the ancient Egyptians used to call Eritrea. For whatever reason passengers may travel to Eritrea, we recommend that they set aside part of their time to enjoy the beauty of the country’s scenic mountains, breath taking canyons, not to mention the pristine littoral beaches along the Red Sea of this littoral state. But also the numerous 19th century buildings of Asmara and Massawa with their art deco style are wonderful attractions in their own right.
We can help you make your visit most memorable experience and turn it into life enriching vacation. Come to us and we shall take you there in comfort with


What Are the Reasons to Travel to Eritrea?

Recommended Times of Visit

Travelers to Eritrea can enjoy their vacation all year round. The only exception may be during the months of March-October. And this applies to people susceptible to high temperatures who may be less able to cope with the 300C+ along the Red Sea Coast during those months.

As we have indicated above, Eritrea has been designated as one of the 5 Pick Countries 2008 by Lonely Planet Blue List. As the saying goes ‘’variety is a spice of life’’ and we urge you to visit Eritrea and try something you have not seen or experienced before!

Admas EriTravel & Tours is here to arrange your travel to this fascinating undiscovered youngest nation in Africa and add spice to your life. Admas offers advice on hotels, restaurants and tips on travel and getting around in this naturally beautiful and culturally diverse small country. But Admas wants you to discover things for your self! Give us your travel requirements. We can assure you of quality of service and affordable prices.
Visit Eritrea and find what you have missed. We will arrange all your travel requirements and take you there in comfort with

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