Mamma Mia, Eritrea! | Weekend in Asmara + Massawa, Eritrea

Historically intriguing, culturally compelling and scenically magical, Eritrea is one of the most interesting countries in Africa – and to many travellers, one of the most mysterious.

To this day, Eritrea's government is one of the world's most repressive, with no legislature or free press. Public and private life is highly controlled, with restrictions imposed on freedom of expression, opinion and faith. The country possesses extensive agricultural and mineral resources, yet it is among the poorest nations on the continent.

But despite the tough political and economic landscape and the odd travel restrictions, Eritrea remains one of the most inspiring destinations in Africa.

For a relatively small country, Eritrea impresses with incredible scenery that’s just made for a road trip, from the plateaus and soaring peaks of the Abyssinian Highlands to the Filfil Rainforest and the deserted white-sand beaches of the Red Sea coast. Culturally, it is a melting pot, home to an array of ethnic groups, and boasting a delicious cuisine familiar to fans of Ethiopian food.

A walk through the old town of Massawa is like stepping back in time, its streets lined with gently crumbling Ottoman buildings and home to the oldest mosque in Africa. The cherry on top is Asmara, Eritrea’s scenic capital full of striking and whimsical Art Deco architecture.

Join us as we return to this fascinating destination and make sure Eritrea feels the love!

Let’s go!
See highlights from former trips here: https://vimeo.com/211172658

DAY 1 // FRIDAY
Meeting at Terminal 2 at 17:00 for a flight 19:10.
Arrival at Asmara International Airport and immigration clearance, then we’ll check into our hotel in the city and get some rest.

DAY 2 // SATURDAY
After breakfast we’ll hit the road towards Massawa, descending from the highlands to sea level as we drive through Eritrea’s famed Green Belt. This small pocket of greenery is the Filfil Rainforest, the most northerly rainforest in all of Africa, home to deciduous trees as well as olive and cedar trees. If the road allows, we’ll stop by hot springs famous for their healing properties for ailments such as rheumatism. Continuing the journey, we will pass through desert plains before reaching the port city of Massawa.
Massawa’s old town features a fascinating blend of Turkish and Italian architecture, a reminder of the country’s Ottoman and Italian colonial history. We’ll stroll the sleepy streets and take a look at the old Turkish Palace and the more modern port built by the Italians at the turn of the 20th century. Another highlight is a structure that has been standing for more than 800 years: Masjid as-Sahaba (Mosque of the Companions), dating to the 7th century and believed to be the first mosque built in Africa.

Later we will head to Gurgusum Beach, a beautiful stretch of sand on the Red Sea, to enjoy an afternoon of sunbathing and swimming.
Overnight in Massawa.

DAY 3 // SUNDAY
An early start to make the drive back to Asmara. This time we are gradually ascending back into the highlands, passing through a number of villages and experiencing three climates in just over two hours’ drive.
Located at an altitude of 2400 meters above sea level, Asmara is the capital of Eritrea and a place of significant history and heritage. A unique feature attracts photographers and architecture enthusiasts from around the world: an African/Italian crossover resulting in one of the world's greatest collections of early 20th century experimental architecture.

Under Italian rule, there was an overhaul of the built environment of Asmara in the 1930s, with architects given free rein to realize their most experimental designs. The quiet colonial town was transformed into Africa’s most modern metropolis, the “Little Rome” at the centre of Italy’s planned African empire.

Today, Asmara is still home to more than 400 Art Deco, Futurist and Modernist buildings, and has been officially recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. We will roam the streets and visit the most intriguing examples throughout the city, ranging from cathedrals and gas stations to cinemas.

Later, we’ll venture to another unique landmark of Asmara: a tank graveyard, where piles of mangled and decommissioned tanks, trucks, buses and more have been piled high and left to the elements. It’s a place just begging for selfies and photos for Instagram!
In the evening, return to airport for a flight back home.

Level of difficulty: easy, available for everyone
Activities: sightseeing and getting amazed with Afro-European Art Deco.
Accommodation & meals: 5 star in Asmara, 3 star in Mussawa - double sharing, restaurant meals excluded.

Cost: AED 5600 all incl. direct flights until MAY 4th.

Specifically excluded:

• Visa - to be obtained in consulate prior to travel. We can support you throughout the process but you ll need to visit Consulate in Dubai.
• meals,
• insurance.

See yah in Eritrea x

Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 050 4848238 / https://linktr.ee/trekkup