Our Eritrea Island Camping Tour is a private, fully guided journey through Asmara · Keren · Massawa · Dahlak Islands, led by our own local guides.
Eritrea Island Camping Tour — overview
This nine-day Eritrea island camping tour ends with two nights in a beach camp on Dahret, in the Dahlak Archipelago, and a full day out to Duhul village and the Dulbahut reefs between them. The week before it is the classic Eritrean circuit: UNESCO-listed Asmara, the highland road to Keren for the Monday camel market, the Rashaida of the coastal plain and Ottoman Massawa.
Almost every operator gives the Dahlaks one hurried night. Two nights is the difference between seeing the islands and being on them: a morning with no boat waiting, a day among reefs nobody else visits, and a second evening when the light goes and the archipelago belongs to you.
How the island days work: the camp stands on Dahret and both nights are spent there. The day between is spent on the water: first to Duhul, one of the few inhabited specks in the archipelago, then on to the Dulbahut reefs, and back to Dahret for the second night. One base, three islands, nothing to pack up in between.
We are a licensed Eritrean operator based in Asmara, not an agency reselling from abroad. The permits, the boat and the camp are ours, which is the practical reason we can hold two island nights when most itineraries manage one. Groups are capped at twelve travellers.
Eritrea Island Camping Tour highlights
- Two nights camped on Dahret, with a full day out to Duhul village and the Dulbahut reefs between them
- Reefs that see a handful of visitors a year, snorkelled straight off the sand
- Keren’s camel market at dawn, which trades on Mondays only
- Asmara, Africa’s most complete modernist city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- The Rashaida nomads of the Red Sea littoral, met on their own ground
- Twelve travellers at most, with every permit, boat and transfer handled by our Asmara team
Why book this Eritrea Island Camping Tour with Adulis Travel
Adulis Travel is an Eritrean-owned operator based in Asmara, so every Eritrea Island Camping 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.
Eritrea Island Camping Tour itinerary, day by day
Arrival in Asmara: Welcome to “La Piccola Roma”
Touch down in Asmara, where your Italian/English-speaking guide is waiting, and step straight into a city Italians still call la piccola Roma. At 2,325 m the air is cool and clear, the boulevards are lined with palms, and 1930s espresso machines still hiss behind marble counters. Settle into your hotel, then join the evening passeggiata along Harnet Avenue as your guide sketches out the nine days ahead: from the highlands of Keren to a private beach in the Dahlak Archipelago.
Overnight: Bologna Hotel, Asmara · Meals: -
Asmara in Depth: Africa’s Open-Air Museum of Modernism
A whole day devoted to the city UNESCO calls Africa’s most complete modernist ensemble: more than 400 protected buildings raised in a single burst of 1930s ambition. Stand under the concrete aeroplane-wings of the Fiat Tagliero, catch a matinee glow from Cinema Impero’s original neon, and step from the Catholic cathedral to the Grand Mosque to the Orthodox Nda Mariam in a few unhurried blocks: three faiths sharing one skyline. At the Medeber market, watch craftsmen turn old war metal into stoves and coffee pots, then close the day the Eritrean way: a three-round coffee ceremony and a dinner of injera and zigni among locals.
Overnight: Bologna Hotel, Asmara · Meals: Breakfast
Highland Roads & the Bilen Villages: On to Keren
Leave the capital north-west along a road the colonial engineers stitched into the mountainsides, hairpin after hairpin of terraced slopes and long highland views. Along the way we call at villages of the Bilen people, whose homes of clay, straw and rough-cut stone have barely changed in generations. Expect firm handshakes, curious children and sweet tea poured without ceremony. Reach Keren by late afternoon and wander the old caravanserai quarter as the market town settles into evening.
Overnight: Sarina Hotel, Keren (or similar) · Meals: Breakfast
Keren’s Camel Market at Dawn: then Down to the Red Sea
Be at the livestock ground early, when the low sun catches the dust and hundreds of camels kneel for inspection: Keren’s Monday market is East Africa’s most authentic, and dawn is its finest hour. Afterwards, pay a visit to Mariam Dearit, the Black Madonna sheltered inside a 500-year-old baobab, and pause at the war cemeteries of the 1941 Battle of Keren. Then we trade the highlands for the coast, dropping through canyon country to the Red Sea. By evening you are in Massawa, dining on the day’s catch beside a harbour that has traded for a thousand years.
Overnight: Dahlak Hotel, Massawa · Meals: Breakfast
Adulis, the Rashaida Nomads & Massawa’s Old Town
A morning drive south to Adulis, once the busiest port of the Axumite empire, whose merchants dealt with Rome, Egypt and India two thousand years ago, its half-excavated streets still surrendering pottery shards to the wind. On the way back we are received at a camp of the Rashaida, semi-nomadic herders of Arabian origin: heavy hand-woven tents, veiled women renowned for silver-threaded embroidery, and tea poured with ceremony. The afternoon is Massawa’s: the Imperial Palace ruins, the Sheikh Hanafi Mosque and the arcaded alleys of the old town.
Overnight: Dahlak Hotel, Massawa · Meals: Breakfast
Setting Sail for the Dahlak Islands
Cast off from Massawa into the Dahlak Archipelago: more than 120 islands scattered across some of the least-visited waters of the Red Sea. Land on Dahret Island, where your beach camp of roomy igloo tents is pitched metres from the tide line. The afternoon needs no programme: snorkel straight off the sand, walk the shell-strewn shoreline, and let the day end with grilled fish around a driftwood fire beneath a sky crowded with stars.
Overnight: Comfort tented camp, Dahret Island beach · Meals: Full board
Duhul Village & the Reefs of Dulbahut
A full day of island-hopping. First to Duhul, one of the few inhabited specks in the archipelago, where a Dahlaki fishing community lives from the sea as it always has: nets, wooden hulls and a welcome that owes nothing to tourism. Then on to Dulbahut, whose reefs hold some of the richest marine life in the southern Red Sea: parrotfish, rays, turtles and coral gardens that have never seen a crowd. Back on Dahret, your last island sunset is the kind photographs never quite capture.
Overnight: Comfort tented camp, Dahret Island beach · Meals: Full board
Back up the Great Escarpment: Farewell Asmara
One final swim in the Red Sea before the boat carries you back to Massawa, and then the journey’s grand finale in reverse: the climb from sea level to 2,325 m along one of Africa’s most dramatic mountain roads. The scenery replays itself backwards, coast to cactus scrub to juniper highlands, with photo stops at the old railway viewpoints near Nefasit where the escarpment falls away beneath your feet. Arrive in Asmara with time for souvenir hunting (silver filigree, roasted coffee, spices) before a farewell dinner in la piccola Roma toasts the journey.
Overnight: Bologna Hotel, Asmara · Meals: Breakfast
Departure from Asmara
After breakfast, transfer to Asmara International Airport, leaving with the memory of a camel market at dawn, tea in a nomad tent and two nights on your own Red Sea island. Ask us about extensions: Qohaito and Senafe in the south, diving days in the Dahlaks, or our multi-country Horn of Africa tours all connect seamlessly.
Overnight: - · Meals: Breakfast
Where you will stay
- Bologna Hotel, Asmara — A comfortable, centrally placed base in the capital, an easy stroll from Harnet Avenue’s cafes and the Art Deco quarter.
- Sarina Hotel, Keren — A welcoming highland hotel in Eritrea’s second city, perfectly placed for a dawn start at the Monday camel market.
- Dahlak Hotel, Massawa — A relaxed Red Sea base within easy reach of the coral-stone old town and the harbour’s seafood restaurants.
- Comfort tented camp, Dahret Island — Roomy igloo tents pitched right on the beach, each with sleeping bag, camp chair, portable toilet and shower, with a dedicated cook and crew, and fresh fish grilled daily.
What is included
- 6 nights in tourist-category hotels (double room) + 2 nights comfort tented camp in the Dahlak Islands
- All transfers to/from airport and hotels, and all overland transport
- Bed & breakfast in hotels; full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner, bottled water) during the Dahlak cruise
- Italian/English-speaking tour guide throughout
- All entrance fees, Dahlak marine taxes and government travel permits
- Boat, island camp equipment, cook and crew
What is not included
- International flights and Eritrea entry visa
- Lunch and dinner outside the Dahlak Islands
- Travel insurance (required)
- Personal expenses and tips
Optional extensions
Private steam train charter
Charter the century-old Asmara railway exclusively for your group. Details and conditions under The Train Experience. Price on request.
Diving in the Dahlaks
Licensed divers can add tank dives on reefs that see almost no visitors. Equipment and boat arranged by us.
Qohaito & Senafe extension
Add the pre-Axumite ruins of Qohaito and the highland town of Senafe on a southern day trip from Asmara.
Horn of Africa combinations
Continue to Djibouti’s Lake Assal and whale sharks, or link Ethiopia and Djibouti on our 16-day grand tour.
Practical travel information for Eritrea
Essential Travel Information: Eritrea & Dahlak Islands: 9-Day Tour with 2 Nights Island Camping
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, followed by answers to the questions we are asked most often.
Is Eritrea Safe to Visit?
Eritrea has a well-earned reputation as one of Africa's safest and calmest destinations. Asmara is famously walkable, clean and low-crime, day or night.
The real challenge for visitors is paperwork (visas and travel permits) rather than security. Everything on this tour is arranged and accompanied by a licensed local guide.
Travel Permits: Required Outside Asmara
This is the single most important practical point for visitors to Eritrea: any travel beyond 25 km from Asmara city centre requires a government-issued travel permit. This includes Keren, Massawa and every destination outside the capital.
Permits must be applied for in advance and specify the exact destinations, dates, vehicle and licensed guide.
When you book this tour with us, we arrange all travel permits on your behalf, one of the key advantages of using a licensed local operator instead of travelling independently.
Visa for Eritrea
Most nationalities can get a tourist visa on arrival in Asmara for around USD 70; some nationalities instead need to obtain one in advance from an Eritrean embassy or consulate.
Tourist visas are usually valid for 30 days.
We can issue a visa support / invitation letter for guests who have booked a tour. Ask us when you book.
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.
Best Time to Visit Eritrea
The optimal time to visit Eritrea is October to April.
Highlands (Asmara, Keren): spring-like temperatures of 18–25°C and green landscapes after the rains.
Coast (Massawa): hot year-round, but most comfortable October–February.
Avoid July–August, when the highlands receive heavy rain and the coast becomes extremely hot. Keren's Monday camel market runs year-round.
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 and coastal areas. Ask your doctor about prophylactics if your itinerary includes the Red Sea coast or Dahlak region.
Bring any personal medication with you. Pharmacy supplies outside Asmara are limited.
Travel Insurance: Non-negotiable
You are responsible for your own travel insurance. We strongly recommend a policy that covers:
Emergency medical evacuation (remote areas have limited facilities)
Trip cancellation
Baggage delay
Check SafetyWing for digital-nomad-friendly plans.
What to Pack for Eritrea
Eritrea spans cool highlands and a hot Red Sea coast, so pack for both:
Highlands (Asmara, Keren): light layers. Evenings can be cool at 2,300 m. Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses are essential.
Coast (Massawa): lightweight, breathable clothing; modest dress near mosques and markets; swimwear for Green Island.
Health kit: personal medication, oral rehydration salts, basic first aid.
Documents: passport (valid 6+ months), visa, printed flight confirmations, and all your cash in USD/EUR.
Food & Drink in Eritrea
Eritrean cuisine is a highlight in itself.
Injera (sourdough teff flatbread) served with zigni (spiced beef stew) and tsebhi birsen (lentil stew) is the national staple.
Asmara's Italian heritage means excellent pasta and the famous macchiato coffee culture.
The traditional coffee ceremony (roasted, brewed and served in three rounds) is a must.
On the coast, Massawa is known for fresh grilled Red Sea seafood.
Language & Communication
English is widely spoken in hotels and by tour operators. The official working languages are:
Tigrinya
Arabic
English (plus some Italian in Asmara)
Your guide handles all local communication throughout the tour.
Connectivity, SIM Cards & Internet
Internet in Eritrea is slow and often unreliable, especially outside Asmara.
Mobile data and public Wi-Fi are very limited; do not rely on being constantly online.
Download offline maps, documents and entertainment before you arrive, and let family know you may be offline for stretches.
Tipping & Etiquette
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. A discretionary tip for your guide and driver at the end of the tour is customary if you are happy with the service.
Dress modestly at religious sites and markets, and always ask before photographing people.
Electricity & Water
Electricity: 230V, European-style plugs (Type C & F). Power cuts happen. Bring a power bank.
Water: drink only bottled or boiled water.
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.
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.
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.
+ The Train Experience: a private steam charter
The train journey offers a unique and memorable experience with no fixed timetable. The entire vintage train is chartered exclusively for your group. The rental cost is the same whether one traveller or a full group is on board, which makes it exceptional value shared.
Please note that the service is subject to availability and official approval. In rare cases the train service may be cancelled due to sudden decisions beyond our control. Should this occur, the full rental cost is refunded to you. Price on request.
Eritrea Island Camping Tour — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to what travellers ask us most before booking this tour.
How much does the 9-day Eritrea tour cost?
Price on request: every departure is private and tailor-made, so the quote depends on your dates, group size and hotel preferences. A 10% deposit confirms your booking, and visa support starts immediately.
How many nights do we spend in the Dahlak Islands?
Two nights, camped directly on the beach of Dahret Island, with a full island-hopping day to Duhul and Dulbahut in between, twice the island time most comparable Eritrea tours offer.
Is the Monday camel market guaranteed?
We schedule the Keren overnight so the market falls on a Monday morning wherever possible. Confirm your dates with us when booking. Keren is well worth the visit any day of the week.
Is this tour suitable for solo travellers?
Yes. Departures are confirmed from a single guest, with a single-room supplement, or we can try to pair you with another traveller to share costs.
Can this itinerary be customised?
Completely. Add diving days in the Dahlaks, extend to Qohaito and Senafe in the south, or combine with our multi-country Horn of Africa tours.
Useful resources
For background before you join the Eritrea Island Camping Tour, these external sources are worth a read:
Explore more of the Horn of Africa
Ready to join our Eritrea Island Camping 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.
