Expo 2007Expo in Asmara is the most exciting cultural event in Eritrea. Every year in July/August the nine different ethnic groups meet in Asmara for two weeks. They present their culture by traditional dancings, with traditional arts and many music contests. An event which is not only attracting tourists, even Eritreans are coming to Asmara from all their homes in the country to celebrate. Updated pictures from Expo August 2007:
Eritrea - the countryEritrea offers the latest and most distinctive destination for the discerning tourist. The youngest nation on the continent of Africa, with a history as old as humanity, it is a land of dramatic contrasts, rich traditions plus warm and welcoming people. The land is blessed
with tranquil and unspoilt tropical beaches, verdant, fertile plains and hillsides, and starkly beautiful mountain ranges. It is and idyllic landscape replete with colourful wildlife, much of it unique to Eritrea.
Although tourism is still in its infancy, the opportunities which are not to be missed to tour far from the maddening crowd, to investigate undocumented ancient monuments, trek or drive through unspoilt and spectacular landscapes, to dive in crystal clear waters or sail round uninhabited islands. The claim that Eritrea offers three seasons in two hours is not an idle boast. In the two hours it takes to drive from the coast into the highlands you leave behind pristine and remote beaches basking in the tropical sun. As you rise from sea level, you pass the lush forests of the plains and hills, and the fertile fields of Eritrea's bread basket. At 2,000 metres you reach the cool mountain highlands, pleasant all year round.
Eritrea is divided roughly into three topographical areas. The "handle" of the country lies along the Red Sea coast offering over 1,000 kilometres of remote tropical paradise. Offshore, sparkling like gems on a turquoise backdrop, lie over 350 mostly uninhabited islands, where rare and endangered marine mammals like the dugong breed undisturbed.
Through the centre of the country, runs the mountain ranges, Eritrea's high-lands. Here the climate varies remarkably little from season to season but during the winter months night-time temperatures can fall to nearly zero. To the west of the highlands are the fertile lowlands which enjoy the greatest climatic contrasts - high temperatures in April to June and chilly weather in December. On the western lowlands the main annual temperature ranges from 26 to 29 degrees.
Most of the country receives two rainy seasons: the short rains in March to April and the long rains from June to September. However, the coast is an exception with rain only falling in the north during the winter months and hardly ever in the south. Each of the geopraphical zones offers unparalleled experiences for the tourist. At the coast you can savour the exotic tastes of Massawa, the main sea port, steeped in trading history. Instead of lazily basking in the sun, you can take a camel trek or an exhilarating drive through the desert sands in a four-wheel-drive. Alternatively you may prefer a leisurely sail around the Dahlak Islands, with fishing and scuba-diving. Along the coast lie almost unexplored archaeological sites and ancient monuments, half hidden in the sand for the adventurous to
taste a slice of untouched time.
On the plains and hillsides you can visit the picturesque villages and browse in the colourful bazaars. Or visit some of Eritrea's famous mosques, medieval monasteries and orthodox churches. Perched on a plateau in the highlands lies Asmara, Eritrea's Italianate capital, which provides a relaxed and safe environment for exploring, shopping or simply sipping espresso at street cafés. Surrounding it are breathtaking views of towering mountains and dramatic ravines where tiny villages nestle in the folds.
Although war has taken its toll on the wildlife, peace has provided a safe habitat for the animals, birds and plant-life to recover. In addition, conservation and environment protection programmes have safeguarded the continuing existence of the indigenous flora and fauna. Gradually the numbers of ostrich, antelope, gazelle, baboon and monkeys are recovering. There have even been sightings of leopard and the wild ass.
Over the millennia other races immigrated by sea and land and intermingled with the original inhabitants. Today there are nine ethnic groups whose history is rooted in a rich and ancient past. However, regardless of ethnic origin, the people are harmoniously united in their newly independent State of Eritrea. After a hundred years of colonization and thirty years of war, the people have a pride in their achievements of the past and drive and determination to build a state worthy of the future. A future which includes extending a smiling welcome to visitors. Eritrean hospitality is legendary and must be experienced
to be believed.
Eritrea is within easy reach of European, Middle Eastern and other African cities, being well-served by international airlines Lufthansa, Saudia, Egypt Air and since April 2003 with the national airline Eritrean Airlines. Tourists usually arrive at the Asmara International Airport from where they can take relatively cheap taxis or buses into the city centre. Asmara, as well as Massawa and other urban areas, boast numerous hotels, conference centres and restaurants offering traditional Eritrean and Italian food. Eritrean food is usually spicy served in rich sauces and accompanied by the local injera bread with its distinctive lemony flavour. The lunch banquet is a mouth-watering experience.
Eritrea is a land of excitement and opportunity unmatched elsewhere
in Africa and an experience not to be missed!
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