Keren Tourist Places to Visit in Keren, Eastern Africa, Africa

Keren Tourist Places to Visit in Keren, Eastern Africa, Africa

Keren, earlier called Sanhit and Cheren, is the 2nd largest city of the Eastern African country, Eritrea. It is in the central part of the country, coming under the Anseba region, lying at an elevation of 1,390 meters, around 90 km northwest of Asmara, the capital of Eritrea. Keren features a semi-desert with cold winter from October to February, and hot summer from March to June. Its rainy season begins in mid-June and extends until mid-September.

Keren is one of the top tourist destinations of Eritrea holding many historic attractions including Tigu Egyptian fort, Sayed Bakri Mausoleum and St Maryam Deari chapel.

 

History of Keren:

The most parts of Keren’s history revolve round wars such as the World War II, the Eritrean War of Independence and battle between British and Italian armies in the year 1941. It headed towards development with the Eritrean Railway project in 1887 by the Kingdom of Italy.

 

Getting Keren:

Getting Keren would not be a difficult task for visitors as it is not too far from the national capital, Asmara, around 90 km. It is served by Asmara International Airport with scheduled flights from Cairo, Kassala, Khartoum, Port Sudan and Sana’a, served by EgyptAir, Nova Airways, Sudan Airways and Yemenia.

The airport is located around 100 km away from Keren, which can be crossed by bus or airport taxis or pre-booked private transfer.

Including Asmara and Massawa, the bus transportation of Keren extends to all the important cities and towns of Eritrea.

 

Culture, Food and Shopping in Keren:

The Bilen and the Tigre are the major ethnic groups forming the Keren’s population and the city also houses some portion of Tigrinya people.

Keren is home to a renowned traditional market with a wide selection of handicraft products, jewelries and clothes.

Restaurant Fickri & Selam is one of the recommended restaurant options in Keren.

 

Things to do in Keren:

  • Exploring archeological and historical sites
  • City tours
  • Shopping

 

Tourist Attractions in Keren:

 

Tigu Egyptian Fort:

Tigu Egyptian Fort is one of the prime tourist attractions of Keren, which dates from the nineteenth century, still good in condition and attracts tourists from all around the country.

 

St Maryam Deari chapel:

Being a prime religious site of the city, the St Maryam Deari chapel gains attention of tourists throughout the nation. It is allowed for visitors year round.

 

Cemeteries of British Army and Italian Army soldiers:

Keren was the site of the historic war fought between the British and Italian Armies during the Second World War from February to April in 1941. For Soldiers who died in that war, a cemetery was constructed that is now a tourist attraction.

 

Former railway station of Keren:

Railway project in Eritrea was initiated by the Kingdom of Italy in 1887 and the project had remained in operation until 1932, during their rule in Eritrea. Due to the wars fought in the later years destroyed the construction and railway lost importance in Eritrea. Although many former railway stations can be seen in the country and the Keren Railway Station is one of them.

 

Other places of interest in and around Keren include:

  • Sayed Bakri Mausoleum
  • Debre Sina monastery
  • The old mosque
  • Baobab tree
  • Keren markets
  • Fiat Tagliero Building
  • Asmara President’s Office
  • Cinema Impero
  • Joseph’s Cathedral
  • National Museum Asmara
  • Enda Mariam Orthodox Cathedral
  • Asmara Theatre and Opera House
  • Sembel Archaeological Site
  • Synagogue of Asmara
  • Al Khulafa Al Rashiudin Mosque

 

Ideal time to visit Keren:

Considering cool weather supportive for sightseeing, October to February is the best time to visit Keren in Eritrea.

 

Accommodation options in Keren:

Compared to the most other cities in Eritrea, Keren owns an upgraded hospitality industry with some modernized hotels with all basic and latest facilities and services. Below is the list of some nice hotels in Keren and Asmara (around 901 km):

  • New Costina Hotel
  • Sarina Hotel
  • Hotel Asmara Palace
  • Albergo Italia
  • Sunshine Hotel
  • Lion Hotel
  • Savanna International Hotel
  • Embasoira Hamasien Hotel
  • Africa Pension
  • Hotel Khartoum
  • Crystal Hotel Eritrea
  • Asmara Central Hotel
  • Ambasoira Hotel

Beautiful Tourist Places to Visit in Dekemhare, Debub, Eritrea, Asmara, Africa

Beautiful Tourist Places to Visit in Dekemhare, Debub, Eritrea, Asmara, Africa

Dekemhare is a town located in the Dekemhare District in Debub region of Eritrea, around 35 km southeast of the national capital, Asmara. Dekemhare coordinates with 15°4′ N latitude and 39°2′ E longitude. Dekemhare is a historical town, developed by Italians during their colonization in Eritrea from the end of the 19th century to the middle of the 20th century and then it gained prominence as an industrial town and also a transportation hub and vineyard. It lost most of its dignity during the Eritrean War of Independence and currently it is under redevelopment program.

 

History of Dekemhare:

Dekemhare originated as an agricultural community during the 15th century and it was promoted as a town with its occupation by the Italians along with the other settlements of Eritrea in the late 19th century. It was the Italian military base during the Italy- Ethiopia war.

 

How to reach Dekemhare?

Dekemhare is served by Asmara International Airport with scheduled flights, catered by EgyptAir (Cairo), Nova Airways (Kassala, Khartoum), Sudan Airways (Kassala, Khartoum and Port Sudan) and Yemenia (Sana’a). The airport is located around 40 km away from the heart of Dekemhare which can be crossed by bus or airport taxi. It one booked a private transfer prior to the reaching the airport that would be more convenient.

The local transportation of Dekemhare is served by minibuses and rental vehicles.

 

Food and Shopping in Dekemhare:

Although Dekemhare housing modernized restaurants and shops, visitors can refer shopping malls and restaurants in Asmara (around 35 km) to enjoy unforgettable shopping and hospitality services.

 

What to do in Dekemhare?

  • Shopping
  • Cycling
  • Village tours

 

What to see in Dekemhare?

 

Italian colonial buildings:

Dekemhare houses many historic buildings of which the most dates from the Italian Eritrea period and some of them are in good condition and others were damaged in the Eritrean War of Independence.

 

St. Joseph’s Cathedral:

Located in Asmara, around 35 km away from Dekemhare, the St. Joseph’s Cathedral is a masterpiece, constructed in the year 1922 in Romanesque Revival style of architecture. It is must a visit.

 

Asmara Theatre and Opera House:

Being one of the most important cultural centres in Eritrea, the Asmara Theatre and Opera House is housed in historic Italian building, known for its eye-catching exterior and interiors designs. Constructed in 1920, this regal landmark structure is located in Asmara.

 

Al Khulafa Al Rashiudin Mosque:

The Al Khulafa Al Rashiudin Mosquen is considered as one of the beautiful mosques in Africa, well known for its combination of Italian and Moorish architectural styles. It is situated in Asmara, around 35 km from Dekemhare.

 

Massawa:

Massawa is a prominent coastal city in Eritrea, situated around 120 km away from the centre of Dekemhare. The city gains attention of tourists for its excellent beaches with snorkeling and diving opportunities and majestic historic mosque, the Sheikh Hanafi Mosque.

 

List of other places of interest in and around Dekemhare include:

  • Enda Mariam Orthodox Cathedral
  • Fiat Tagliero Building
  • Cinema Impero
  • Asmara President’s Office
  • National Museum Asmara
  • Fiat Tagliero
  • Sembel Archaeological Site
  • Denkalya Desert
  • Debre Bizen
  • Liberation Avenue
  • Synagogue of Asmara
  • Asmara Historic Perimeter

 

Ideal time to visit Dekemhare:

Throughout the year is best, especially from November to February is the ideal time to visit Dekemhare in Eritrea.

 

Where to stay in Dekemhare?

There are hotels limited in number in Dekemhare, so it is suggested for tourists to reach the national capital, Asmara for upgraded star rated hotels. Between these cities, buses are regular and also one can hire a car for comfort travel. List of the famous hotels in Dekemhare, Asmara (around 35 km) and Massawa (around 120 km) are as follows:

  • Crystal Hotel Eritrea
  • Dahlak Hotel
  • Central Hotel
  • Sunshine Hotel
  • Asmara Central Hotel
  • Savanna International Hotel
  • Hotel Asmara Palace
  • Albergo Italia
  • Embasoira Hamasien Hotel
  • Africa Pension
  • Hotel Khartoum
  • Gurgussum Beach Hotel
  • Red Sea Hotel
  • Seghen International Hotel

Tourist Places to Visit in Barentu, Asmara, Africa

Tourist Places to Visit in Barentu, Asmara, Africa

Barentu is a town situated in the south-western part of the African country, Eritrea, between 15°07′ N latitude and 37°36′ E longitude, around 250 km southwest of the national capital, Asmara. It is the administrative centre of Gash-Barka region, growing in rapid manner to become one of the prime cities of the country. Barentu experiences a semi-desert climate with cold winter and hot summer.

The economy of Barentu is concentrated on its mining and agricultural activities. Barentu was once heavily damaged during the Eritrean-Ethiopian War since then the city has been growing to regain its glory. Tauda, Alegada, Dedda, Cona, Mogolo and Augana are the surrounding settlements of Barentu.

 

Conenctivity to Barentu:

Barentu is served by the Asmara International Airport, which is served by EgyptAir (Cairo), Nova Airways (Kassala, Khartoum), Sudan Airways (Kassala, Khartoum and Port Sudan) and Yemenia (Sana’a). This airport is situated around 250 km away from the midpoint of Barentu.

Barentu has a good connectivity to all the major cities of the country through roadway by scheduled bus services including the national capital, Asmara.

To move within Barentu, to reach tourist destinations and airport, visitors can use a rental car from the local travel agency.

 

Culture, Food and Shopping in Barentu:

People belong to Nilotic Kunama and Nara communities form the greater proportion of Barentu’s population.

There are several traditional shops and food corners in Barentu but modernized options are less in number. So, one can drive towards the national capital Asmara to have a memorable shopping experience and to take some authentic international dishes.

 

Things to do in Barentu:

  • Village tours
  • Walking
  • Shopping

 

Places to see in Barentu:

 

Agordat:

Agordat is the nearby town of Barentu, situated on the Barka River, housing many tourist attractions including a large mosque, and Italian hospital. Its traditional market and eateries are also famous among both locals and visitors. It is located around 50 km northeast of Barentu.

 

Gash-Setit Wildlife Reserve:

The Gash-Setit Wildlife Reserve is a national wildlife reserve covering an area of 709 km2, situated to the west of Barentu. The reserve features affluent vegetation as well as some endemic animals. It can be explored best through a guided tour.

 

Asmara:

Located around 250 km away from Barentu, Asmara is the national capital, housing many famous colonial buildings dating from Italian Eritrea of which the most recognized ones are the St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Asmara Theatre and Opera House, Enda Mariam Orthodox Cathedral and Cinema Impero.

 

Other places of interest in and around Barentu include:

  • Cinema Impero
  • Synagogue of Asmara
  • Asmara Theatre and Opera House
  • The National Museum Asmara
  • Joseph’s Cathedral
  • Asmara President’s Office
  • Enda Mariam Orthodox Cathedral
  • Al Khulafa Al Rashiudin Mosque
  • Asmara Historic Perimeter
  • Debre Bizen
  • Fiat Tagliero
  • Sembel Archaeological Site
  • Beaches in Assab
  • Nightlife in Assab

 

Ideal time to visit Barentu:

Generally the ending and beginning months of the year are ideal to travel Barentu in Eritrea.

 

Where to stay in Barentu?

It is difficult to find star rated hotels in Barentu, on this point, those who want to enjoy their tour in staying star rated hotels can head towards Asmara, which is located around 250 km away from Barentu. Some nice hotels in Barentu, Asmara and Massawa include:

  • Dahlak Hotel
  • Central Hotel
  • Sunshine Hotel
  • Crystal Hotel Eritrea
  • Asmara Central Hotel
  • Savanna International Hotel
  • Hotel Asmara Palace
  • Albergo Italia
  • Embasoira Hamasien Hotel
  • Africa Pension
  • Hotel Khartoum
  • Seghen International Hotel
  • Gurgussum Beach Hotel
  • Red Sea Hotel
  • Gurgussum Beach Hotel

Best Tourist Places to Visit in Assab, Eritrea, Africa

Best Tourist Places to Visit in Assab, Eritrea, Africa

Assab, also known as Aseb, is a beach city belonging to the Southern Red Sea Region of Eritrea, located between 13°00′28″ N latitude and 42°44′28″ E longitude, around 16 meters above sea level. Its position on the west coast of the Red Sea, Assab experiences very hot summer months and sometimes in July and August it may reach 54°C.

The tourism industry of Assab is adorned with excellent beaches, rich nightlife and a large traditional market. Also there is an ancient city, Arsinoe, founded by the king of Ptolemaic Egypt, Ptolemy II, near Assab. Assab is also home to a port.

 

History of Assab:

The history of Assab began with its purchase, from the local Sultan by the the Rubattino Shipping Company. It turned as a port town when it was conquered by Italy in the year 1882 along with the rest of Eritrea and later also became a coaling station.

 

How to reach Assab?

Assab houses an international airport, situated around 13 km away from the heart of the city. This airport is occasionally used, so it is advised for international tourists to first get down at Massawa International Airport and then they can choose airport taxi or bus from the airport to Assab. This airport covers many global destinations like Dubai, Entebbe, Jeddah, Juba, Khartoum, Nairobi, Asmara, Cairo, Cape Town, Frankfurt, Johannesburg, Karachi, Khartoum, Lagos, Lahore and Rome.

By bus, Assab reaches all the major cities and towns of the country including Asmara and Massawa.

 

Food and Shopping in Assab:

Assab houses both modern and traditional shopping options and restaurants that spread up all around the city. Only a few shops in the city accept credit cards, so it is advised for visitors to keep some local currency in pocket prior to go for shopping and dining.

 

Things to do in Assab:

  • Beach exploring
  • Cycling
  • Shopping
  • Strolling

 

What to see in Assab?

 

Beaches in Assab:

Beaches are the highlights of Assab, with the opportunities of different water sport activities. Other than beach beauty, visitors can also have mouthwatering crunchy and crispy delicacies at the restaurants located on the beach line.

 

Nightlife in Assab:

With plenty of restaurants, cafes and disco clubs, Assab is rich in nightlife, which attracts both locals and tourists throughout the year.

 

Assab International Airport:

The Assab International Airport is used for both public and military services. Although few public flights it operates, it draws a large number of tourists for its nice construction and pleasant surrounding environment.

 

Asmara:

Massawa is the capital city of Eritrea, situated in the centre of the country, to the northwest of Assab. The city is packed with full of recognized manmade tourist attractions like National Museum Asmara, St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Asmara President’s Office, Cinema Impero, Synagogue of Asmara and Enda Mariam Orthodox Cathedral.

 

List of other places of interest in Assab includes:

  • The National Museum Asmara
  • Joseph’s Cathedral
  • Asmara President’s Office
  • Cinema Impero
  • Synagogue of Asmara
  • Asmara Theatre and Opera House
  • Asmara Historic Perimeter
  • Debre Bizen
  • Enda Mariam Orthodox Cathedral
  • Al Khulafa Al Rashiudin Mosque
  • Fiat Tagliero
  • Sembel Archaeological Site

 

When to visit Assab?

From October to May is generally the ideal time to visit beach city Assab.

 

Where to stay in Assab?

Although having a title of beach city, Assab boasts a limited number of modernized accommodation centres, so it would be better if visitors consider either Asmara or Massawa city for accommodation purpose. The major hotels in Assab, Asmara and Massawa are as follows:

  • Dahlak Hotel
  • Seghen International Hotel
  • Gurgussum Beach Hotel
  • Red Sea Hotel
  • Gurgussum Beach Hotel
  • Central Hotel
  • Sunshine Hotel
  • Crystal Hotel Eritrea
  • Asmara Central Hotel
  • Savanna International Hotel
  • Hotel Asmara Palace
  • Albergo Italia
  • Embasoira Hamasien Hotel
  • Africa Pension
  • Hotel Khartoum
scroll to top