Our East Africa Tour is a private, fully guided journey through Djibouti City, Lac Assal, Hargeisa, Laas Geel, Asmara & Massawa, led by our own local guides.
East Africa Tour — overview
This East Africa tour links three rarely-combined countries (Eritrea, Djibouti and Somaliland) into one seamless 7-day journey across the Horn of Africa. You go from Africa's lowest point at Lake Assal to the 5,000-year-old rock art of Laas Geel, then up to Asmara's art deco streets. It is a true Horn of Africa tour for travellers who want depth, contrast and places few others reach, with every visa, permit and SPU escort handled for you.
This Eritrea, Djibouti and Somaliland tour is built for the curious traveller. In a single week you stand at Lake Assal and Laas Geel, walk Hargeisa's camel market, and explore Asmara, Africa's "Little Rome". Few three-country East Africa tour itineraries pack this much into seven days.
Because this is a multi-country Horn of Africa tour, logistics matter: we arrange all three visas, the Somaliland and Eritrea travel permits, and the SPU escort, so you simply travel. Small groups, local experts, and decades of regional know-how make this East Africa tour as smooth as it is rare.
East Africa Tour highlights
- Stand at Lake Assal, the lowest point in Africa (155m below sea level), and float in one of the world's saltiest lakes
- Discover Laas Geel's 5,000-year-old rock art, among the best-preserved ancient cave paintings in Africa
- Experience Hargeisa's famous camel market, a centuries-old trading tradition of Somaliland
- Explore Asmara, the UNESCO-listed art deco capital known as "Africa's Little Rome"
- Wander Massawa's Ottoman and Italian ruins on Eritrea's historic Red Sea coast
- Take in the surreal geothermal landscapes of Canyon Adaleh and the Gulf of Goubet
- Visit three rarely-combined countries (Eritrea, Djibouti and Somaliland) in a single 7-day journey
- Travel with local experts who handle all visa guidance, permits and SPU escorts for you
Why book this East Africa Tour with Adulis Travel
Adulis Travel is an Eritrean-owned operator based in Asmara, so every East Africa Tour is led by local guides who know the region first-hand. We keep groups small, arrange the visas, travel permits and logistics, and stay with you from arrival to departure.
East Africa Tour itinerary, day by day
Arrival in Djibouti
Upon arrival in Djibouti City, you’ll be greeted with an airport pickup and transferred to Ras Dika Hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you’ll either embark on a city tour or relax at the hotel for the remainder of the day. Overnight at Ras Dika Hotel or similar.
Overnight: Ras Dika Hotel · Meals: No meals
Djibouti City - Lac Assal - Djibouti City
After breakfast, we’ll journey to Lake Assal, Africa’s lowest point. En route, we’ll marvel at the Panoramic views of Canyon Adaleh and Goubet. At Lake Assal, the vast salt field creates an otherworldly experience, with its water displaying ever-changing hues under the sun’s rays. We’ll return to Djibouti City by evening. Overnight at Ras Dika Hotel or similar.
Overnight: Ras Dika Hotel · Meals: Breakfast
Djibouti City - Hargeisa (Somaliland)
Upon arrival in Hargeisa, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. If time allows, a walking tour of the city center will be provided; otherwise, you’ll relax at the hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you’ll either explore the city or unwind at the hotel. Overnight at Damal Hotel.
Overnight: Damal Hotel · Meals: Breakfast
Hargeisa - Laas Geel - Hargeisa
In the early morning, we’ll visit the camel market before heading to the ancient caves of Laas Geel. These caves house remarkably preserved rock art dating back over 5,000 years, offering a unique glimpse into ancient African culture. After exploring, we’ll return to Hargeisa and overnight at Damal Hotel.
Overnight: Damal Hotel · Meals: Breakfast
Hargeisa - Asmara (Eritrea)
Upon arrival in Asmara from Djibouti, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. Depending on timing, you may explore the city or relax at the hotel. Overnight at Bologna Hotel or similar.
Overnight: Bologna Hotel · Meals: Breakfast
Asmara - Massawa - Asmara
Early morning, we’ll journey to Massawa, a historic harbor town on the Red Sea. Explore archaeological sites and structures built by ancient civilizations. After lunch, return to Asmara for a city tour, visiting the National Museum of Eritrea, Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, and more. We’ll also visit Medebar Market. Overnight at Bologna Hotel or similar.
Overnight: Bologna Hotel · Meals: Breakfast
Asmara - Departure
Enjoy some free time to explore Asmara city before your departure. Our guide will accompany you to the airport for your onward journey
Overnight: Bologna Hotel · Meals: Breakfast
Where you will stay
- Bologna Hotel, Asmara — A characterful hotel in the highland capital, ideally placed for exploring Asmara's art deco streets, cafes and UNESCO-listed architecture.
- Mountain View, Lalibela — Overlooking the holy town.
- Djibouti Palace Kempinski — A beach resort finale.
What is included
- All transfers to/from airport & hotel
- 6 nights hotel accommodation
- Breakfast each day
- English-speaking guide
- Local taxes and entrance fees
- Travel permit fees
What is not included
- All flights and entry visa
- Lunch and dinner
- Travel insurance
- Personal spending and optional tours
- Any services not listed above
Optional extensions
Upgrade your lodge
Step up to a premium tented camp or boutique lodge for the ultimate in comfort and seclusion.
Private photographic guide
A dedicated photography guide to help you capture the light, the wildlife and the architecture at their best.
Bush breakfast or sunset dinner
A private meal set up in a spectacular spot: sunrise on the plains, or sundown beside the sea.
Extra nights on the coast
Extend your journey with relaxed days on the Red Sea or Indian Ocean before flying home.
Scenic charter
Add a light-aircraft or boat charter for a memorable new perspective on the landscape.
Cultural add-on
A guided visit to a local community, market or craft workshop, arranged with care and respect.
Practical travel information for Eritrea, Djibouti & Somaliland
Essential Travel Information: Eritrea, Djibouti and Somaliland Tour
Planning a trip to Eritrea is exciting, but smart preparation makes all the difference. Below is everything experienced travellers wish they knew before flying to Eritrea.
Money & Currency: No ATMs in Eritrea
There are no ATMs in Eritrea. Zero. None.
You must bring all the cash you will need for your entire stay.
Bring EUR or USD, both accepted.
Critical rule for USD: Only clean, new banknotes printed after 2016 are accepted. No rips, no marks, no old series.
Flights to Asmara (the only international airport)
You will fly into Asmara International Airport (ASM). These airlines operate direct flights:
Flydubai, from Dubai (DXB)
Flynas, from Jeddah (JED)
EgyptAir, from Cairo (CAI)
Turkish Airlines, from Istanbul (IST)
Tarco Air, from Port Sudan (PZU)
⚠️ Baggage delay alert: Luggage delays are common. Always keep medication, a swimsuit, a change of clothes, and your camera in your carry-on bag.
Vaccinations & Health
Visit a travel clinic 4–6 weeks before departure. Recommended vaccinations often include:
Hepatitis A & B
Yellow fever (if traveling from an endemic country)
Malaria is present in some lowland areas. Ask your doctor about prophylactics for the Dahlak region.
Travel Insurance: Non-negotiable
You are responsible for your own travel insurance. We strongly recommend a policy that covers:
Emergency medical evacuation (remote islands have limited facilities)
Trip cancellation
Baggage delay
Check SafetyWing for digital-nomad-friendly plans.
Packing List for the Dahlak Islands Sea Excursion
The Dahlak Islands are remote, hot, and stunning. Pack smart:
Sun protection: High-SPF sunscreen, wide hat, UV-protection sunglasses
On the boat: Motion sickness tablets, dry bag for electronics, reef-safe snorkel gear (if you prefer your own)
Clothing: Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts for sun and mosquitoes, swimwear, sarong
Health kit: Oral rehydration salts, antiseptic wipes, band-aids, anti-diarrhea meds, pain relievers, Malaria tablets
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), visa, printed flight confirmations, cash
Language & Communication
English is widely spoken in hotels and by tour operators. The official languages are:
Tigrinya
Arabic
English (plus some Italian in Asmara)
Do not expect reliable internet on the islands. Download offline maps and entertainment before you arrive.
Final practical tips
Visa: Most nationalities need a visa in advance, arrange through an embassy or with our support.
Electricity: 230V, European-style plugs (Type C & F). Bring a power bank.
Water: Drink only bottled or boiled water on the islands.
Terms and Conditions
The terms and conditions of Adulistravel.com form the basis of the agreement when you book a trip with Adulistravel.com. Therefore, we kindly ask you to carefully review the Adulistravel.com terms and conditions.
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
If Adulis Travel fails to deliver a service listed in the itinerary (excluding force majeure, weather delays, flight cancellations, road conditions, or government travel permit denial), we will refund the cost of that specific service. No refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or voluntary changes made by the traveller.
How do I pay for the tour?
We require a 10% deposit to confirm your booking. Pay via bank transfer in USD or EURO. We will send you an invoice with all banking details. The remaining balance is paid in cash upon arrival in Asmara (USD or EUR preferred). You may also prepay 100% via bank transfer if you prefer.
Which countries does the East Africa tour visit?
This 7-day tour combines three countries of the Horn of Africa: Eritrea, Djibouti and Somaliland. You experience UNESCO Art Deco Asmara, the lunar landscapes of Lake Assal and Lake Abbe, and the ancient Laas Geel rock art.
Do I need multiple visas for this East Africa tour?
Yes. You will need a visa for Eritrea, an eVisa for Djibouti, and a visa on arrival for Somaliland. We provide full guidance and the necessary invitation letters and permit support for booked guests.
How do you travel between the three countries?
The tour uses regional flights to connect Eritrea, Djibouti and Somaliland efficiently and safely, avoiding slow overland border crossings. All internal transport is included in the tour price.
Useful resources
For background before you join the East Africa Tour, these external sources are worth a read:
Explore more of the Horn of Africa
Ready to join our East Africa Tour? Places on this private journey are strictly limited, so early booking is essential. Contact Adulis Travel to reserve your place or to tailor the itinerary around your dates.
