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Explore Dankalia in Eritrea for stark Danakil landscapes, Afar culture, Red Sea coastlines and the port town of Assab.

Dankalia is Eritrea’s austere southern Red Sea landscape, a region of salt plains, volcanic ground, intensely bright skies and long, sparsely settled coastlines. The name is also used for the Danakil lowlands and their Afar communities, whose territory extends beyond Eritrea into Ethiopia and Djibouti. Within Eritrea, the travel focus is the Southern Red Sea lowlands around Assab, together with remote desert and maritime environments that demand careful planning and official permission.

My first-day picks

Arrange travel permits, transport and local authorisation well before entering the Southern Red Sea lowlands, as independent movement may be restricted.
Plan around the heat by carrying ample water, protective clothing, sun protection and a dependable means of communication.
Use a locally knowledgeable driver or guide for desert routes, since distances, tracks, fuel access and reliable navigation can be challenging.
Treat Afar communities and working landscapes respectfully by seeking permission before photography and avoiding unplanned approaches to camps or pastoral activities.
Do not assume that a coastal location guarantees easy swimming or boating access; tides, reefs, heat and limited rescue services require caution.
Keep a flexible itinerary, because checkpoints, road conditions, permissions and local security arrangements can affect movement at short notice.

When is the best time to visit Dankalia?

Best: December–February · 30–31°C

Best 30° Temperature Range for JanuaryLow: 21°C, High: 30°C Precipitation Range for JanuaryLow: 0 mm, High: 10 mm J

Best 31° Temperature Range for FebruaryLow: 22°C, High: 31°C Precipitation Range for FebruaryLow: 0 mm, High: 10 mm F

33° Temperature Range for MarchLow: 24°C, High: 33°C Precipitation Range for MarchLow: 0 mm, High: 20 mm M

35° Temperature Range for AprilLow: 26°C, High: 35°C Precipitation Range for AprilLow: 0 mm, High: 20 mm A

37° Temperature Range for MayLow: 28°C, High: 37°C Precipitation Range for MayLow: 0 mm, High: 10 mm M

39° Temperature Range for JuneLow: 30°C, High: 39°C Precipitation Range for JuneLow: 0 mm, High: 10 mm J

40° Temperature Range for JulyLow: 31°C, High: 40°C Precipitation Range for JulyLow: 0 mm, High: 20 mm J

39° Temperature Range for AugustLow: 30°C, High: 39°C Precipitation Range for AugustLow: 0 mm, High: 20 mm A

38° Temperature Range for SeptemberLow: 29°C, High: 38°C Precipitation Range for SeptemberLow: 0 mm, High: 10 mm S

36° Temperature Range for OctoberLow: 27°C, High: 36°C Precipitation Range for OctoberLow: 0 mm, High: 10 mm O

33° Temperature Range for NovemberLow: 24°C, High: 33°C Precipitation Range for NovemberLow: 0 mm, High: 10 mm N

Best 31° Temperature Range for DecemberLow: 22°C, High: 31°C Precipitation Range for DecemberLow: 0 mm, High: 10 mm D

Average daytime high and rainfall by month
Month	High (°C)	Rainfall (mm)
January (best)	30	5
February (best)	31	5
March	33	10
April	35	10
May	37	5
June	39	5
July	40	10
August	39	10
September	38	5
October	36	5
November	33	5
December (best)	31	5

Getting to and around Dankalia

How to get there

Assab has an airport, but scheduled commercial connections can be limited or subject to change, so arrangements must be confirmed through an authorised Eritrean travel or governmental channel. Overland access is possible from other parts of Eritrea, but the journey is long and may require permits and an approved vehicle. Massawa, outside Dankalia to the north, is a possible Eritrean gateway for some itineraries, although it is not a nearby substitute for Assab and does not remove the need for permission to enter the Southern Red Sea area.

Transportation

Travel within Dankalia is difficult without an arranged vehicle and an experienced local driver. Assab can be explored locally, but desert tracks, coastal areas and remote settlements require preparation, fuel planning and permission. Public transport is limited outside the main town, roads may be rough, and phone coverage can be unreliable. Walking or cycling is unsuitable for long-distance exploration because of extreme heat, scarce water, exposed terrain and the possibility of administrative or security restrictions.

Destinations in Dankalia

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Dankalia

Dankalia’s attractions are primarily environmental and cultural rather than built for mass tourism. Assab provides the practical base, with its port setting, waterfront atmosphere and surviving elements of colonial-era urban planning. Beyond the town, the Southern Red Sea lowlands offer stark views of salt-affected ground, volcanic terrain, gravel plains and an exceptionally arid coastline. Authorised excursions may focus on desert geology, coastal scenery, birdlife, reefs or the interaction between marine and pastoral landscapes, but access varies and should never be assumed. Afar cultural landscapes are an important part of the region’s appeal, particularly where visitors can learn respectfully about pastoral movement, salt work and traditional knowledge through local arrangements. The coast around the Bay of Assab has marine interest, although heat, reefs, tides, security controls and limited rescue facilities make water activities highly dependent on permission and preparation. Dankalia is not a region of conventional museums, amusement parks or extensive tourist infrastructure; its value lies in scale, remoteness, geology, maritime history and the opportunity to understand how people live in one of the world’s most demanding environments.

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Best landmarks in Dankalia

Dankalia’s most meaningful landmarks are closely tied to its geography and strategic history. Assab’s port and waterfront express the town’s continuing role on the Red Sea and its proximity to the maritime approaches leading towards the Bab el-Mandeb. Within the town, surviving elements of Italian colonial planning and older port infrastructure provide a visual record of the late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century development of the settlement, although individual buildings and access arrangements should be checked locally. Beyond Assab, the Bay of Assab is the defining natural landmark, contrasting open water and islands with the dry volcanic and desert terrain inland. Salt-affected plains, lava-strewn ground and low coastal escarpments create a landscape whose scale is more significant than any single monument. Afar routes, wells and pastoral spaces are also cultural landmarks, but they are living places rather than open-air exhibits and should be visited only with permission. Port, military and border-sensitive sites must not be photographed or approached without explicit authorisation.

Desert 3.5 (2 reviews)

Dankalia Region

Discover the breathtaking vistas and rich cultural heritage of the Dankalia Region in Eritrea, where desert meets the Red Sea.

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Explore Dankalia on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Dankalia

Dining in Dankalia centres on Assab and on practical meals arranged for travel into the lowlands. Eritrean staples such as injera with stewed meat, vegetables or pulses are part of the broader national food culture, while Assab’s position on the Red Sea gives seafood a local presence when supplies and availability permit. Small restaurants and cafés are more likely to offer straightforward Eritrean dishes, tea, coffee and soft drinks than an extensive international menu. Travellers heading into remote areas should carry suitable provisions and confirm food and water arrangements in advance, since shops and eating places are sparse beyond the town. Afar pastoral traditions have historically included dairy products and livestock-based foods, but visitors should not assume that particular dishes will be available commercially or served in every community. Alcohol availability, restaurant choice and opening arrangements may be limited, so dining is best viewed as part of the region’s practical travel rhythm rather than as a separate tourism scene.

Family-friendly 5.0 (3 reviews)

family fresh juice

Discover deliciously fresh juices at Family Fresh Juice in Āssab - a family-friendly destination offering nutritious beverages bursting with local flavors.

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Best bars in Dankalia

Dankalia has a modest evening scene concentrated in Assab rather than a broad network of nightclubs. Local cafés, hotel restaurants and informal meeting places provide the main options for an evening drink, tea, coffee or conversation, while music and social activity may be occasional and locally organised. Outside Assab, settlements and travel camps have few dedicated nightlife facilities, and darkness, heat management, security arrangements and transport distances limit late movement. Visitors should follow local guidance, avoid photographing people or premises without consent and make transport arrangements before going out. The region’s evenings are often better suited to quiet conversation, observing the changing light over the coast or resting after a demanding journey than to organised entertainment. Availability can change, and foreign visitors should not assume that alcohol, card payment or late opening will be readily accessible.

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Best nightclubs in Dankalia

Bar 4.1 (15 reviews)

Bar Jima

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Bar Jima in Asmara, where drinks meet Eritrean culture and hospitality.

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Best shops in Dankalia

Shopping in Dankalia is practical and small-scale, with the greatest choice in Assab. Local shops and markets may provide food, water, household goods, clothing, basic travel supplies and imported everyday products, but stock can be irregular and specialist equipment should be brought from elsewhere in Eritrea or from abroad. Visitors may find Eritrean textiles, woven items, beadwork or other locally made goods, though availability and provenance vary and respectful bargaining should not become intrusive. Regional foods and coffee may be useful purchases when properly packaged, while shells, coral and archaeological-looking objects should not be removed from the coast or bought without clear assurance that they are lawful and ethically sourced. Outside Assab there are few dependable retail facilities, so travellers should purchase fuel-related essentials, medicines, sun protection and provisions before entering remote areas. Commercial photography, sales and access to markets should be handled with courtesy and permission.

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Dankalia essentials

Currency and Payment

The currency is the Eritrean nakfa, code ERN, used throughout Dankalia as in the rest of Eritrea. Cash is essential because card acceptance and cash-machine access are very limited, particularly outside Assab. Carry clean, usable notes obtained through lawful channels and confirm payment arrangements before travelling into remote areas. Foreign-currency exchange and local payment rules can be regulated, so visitors should rely on authorised advice rather than informal arrangements.

Safety

The principal risks are severe heat, dehydration, vehicle breakdown, limited medical support, poor communications and travel restrictions rather than conventional sightseeing hazards. Follow official instructions, remain with an authorised group or driver and avoid entering remote areas without local knowledge. Keep out of military, port and border-sensitive locations, and do not photograph infrastructure or checkpoints without permission. Coastal water can conceal strong currents, reefs and difficult rescue conditions; swimming or boating should only be undertaken through properly authorised arrangements.

Emergency Situations

Emergency response in Dankalia is constrained by distance, heat, roads and limited communications, making prevention and self-sufficiency especially important. Eritrea commonly lists 113 for police, 114 for ambulance services and 116 for fire services, although visitors should confirm the current arrangements locally before travelling. Tell an authorised guide or accommodation provider about any emergency immediately, carry essential medicines and water, and do not assume that evacuation from a remote desert or coastal site will be rapid.

Do's and Don'ts

Dress modestly and practically, particularly in settlements and around religious or community spaces, and ask before photographing people, animals, homes, port facilities or official buildings. Respect local instructions at checkpoints and do not wander into restricted or military areas. Avoid wasting water, leaving litter or disturbing fragile desert and coastal environments. Tipping is not a universal obligation, but a modest payment may be appropriate for agreed guiding or driving services; establish the arrangement clearly in advance.

Local Tips

Treat Assab as a base for carefully planned excursions rather than assuming that remote sites can be reached spontaneously. Carry sun protection, oral rehydration supplies, a first-aid kit and spare food appropriate to the length of each journey. Ask local authorities or your authorised guide about current road and access conditions, because apparently short distances can take much longer than expected. The most rewarding encounters often come through learning how Afar communities use wells, routes, livestock and the coast, rather than through rushing between viewpoints.

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics

English	Local	Say it
Hello	Selam	[seh-lahm]
Goodbye	Dehan	[deh-han]
Yes	Ewe	[eh-weh]
No	Ayde	[ah-yeh]
Please/You're welcome	Bega	[beh-gah]
Thank you	Yekenyeley	[yeh-ken-yeh-ley]
Excuse me/Sorry	Ma'af	[mah-ahf]
How are you?	Kemey alek?	[keh-mey ah-lek]
Fine. And you?	Bihay, kemey alek?	[bee-hay, keh-mey ah-lek]
Do you speak English?	Tiguh English?	[tee-goo English]
I don't understand	Aytihiyu	[ay-tee-hee-yoo]

Eating & Drinking

English	Local	Say it
I'd like to see the menu, please	Bega menu zeykoni	[beh-gah meh-noo zay-ko-nee]
I don't eat meat	Aytiguh baste	[ay-tee-goo bas-teh]
Cheers!	Salute!	[sah-loo-teh]
I would like to pay, please	Bega zeyhajel	[beh-gah zay-ha-jel]

Emergencies

English	Local	Say it
Help!	Aydish!	[ah-yee-dish]
Go away!	Zekuh!	[zeh-koo]
Call the Police!	Call Police!	[call po-leece]
Call a doctor!	Call doctor!	[call doc-tor]
I'm lost	Ana dikh!	[ah-nah dee-kh]
I'm ill	Ana marid	[ah-nah mah-reed]

Shopping

English	Local	Say it
I'd like to buy...	Bega zeykoni...	[beh-gah zay-ko-nee]
I'm just looking	Ana zeykoni bziya	[ah-nah zay-ko-nee bzi-ya]
How much is it?	Kemey zeyna?	[keh-mey zay-nah]
That's too expensive	Ayde zeyna kulu	[ah-yeh zay-nah koo-loo]
Can you lower the price?	Tiguh zeyna gher	[tee-goo zay-nah gher]

Time & Numbers

English	Local	Say it
What time is it?	Kemey zeyna?	[keh-mey zay-nah]
It's one o'clock	Ala zeyna	[ah-lah zay-nah]
Half past (10)	Nekat zeyna (10)	[neh-kat zay-nah (10)]
Morning	Bokur	[bo-kur]
Afternoon	Mizuk	[mee-zook]
Evening	Hawari	[ha-wah-ree]
Yesterday	Hizb	[hizb]
Today	Hizb zeyna	[hizb zay-nah]
Tomorrow	Hizb zeyne	[hizb zay-neh]
1	1	[1]
2	2	[2]
3	3	[3]
4	4	[4]
5	5	[5]
6	6	[6]
7	7	[7]
8	8	[8]
9	9	[9]
10	10	[10]

Transport & Directions

English	Local	Say it
Where's a/the...?	Kemey zeykoni ...?	[keh-mey zay-ko-nee ...?]
What's the address?	Kemey zeyna address?	[keh-mey zay-nah ad-dress?]
Can you show me (on the map)?	Tiguh zeykoni (fi map)?	[tee-goo zay-ko-nee (fee map)?]
When's the next (bus)?	Kemey zeyna next (bus)?	[keh-mey zay-nah next (bus)?]
A ticket (to ....)	Tiket (to ...)	[ti-ket (to ...)]

History of Dankalia

Afar Lowland Settlement and Red Sea Exchange

For centuries, the lowlands now associated with Dankalia have been inhabited and traversed by Afar communities whose economies traditionally combined pastoralism, salt gathering, fishing in some coastal areas and long-distance exchange. The desert was not an empty barrier but a network of seasonal routes linking the Red Sea shore with inland markets. Control of wells, grazing areas and caravan passages shaped local authority, while maritime trade connected the coast to Arabia and the wider western Indian Ocean.

Ottoman and Egyptian Influence on the Red Sea Coast

From the sixteenth century, Ottoman power and later Egyptian administration affected sections of the Eritrean Red Sea coast, although effective control varied greatly beyond ports and strategic settlements. Coastal authority was negotiated with local rulers and communities rather than uniformly imposed across the desert. These successive influences helped connect the region to wider Red Sea political and commercial systems, while Afar social structures remained central in the inland lowlands.

The Founding of Assab and Italian Expansion

Assab became a focus of European expansion in the late nineteenth century. In 1869, the Italian missionary and traveller Giuseppe Sapeto negotiated the acquisition of territory around the bay on behalf of the Rubattino shipping company. Italy later consolidated its position, and Assab became part of Italian Eritrea after the colony was proclaimed in 1890. The port’s development introduced new administrative buildings, shipping infrastructure and colonial settlement patterns to the southern coast.

Colonial Port Development and the Desert Hinterland

Under Italian rule, Assab served as a maritime outpost and logistical centre rather than a densely settled inland region. Roads, warehouses, customs facilities and port works tied the town to wider colonial networks, while the surrounding lowlands remained sparsely populated and dependent on local knowledge of wells and routes. The contrast between a planned port town and an expansive pastoral hinterland remains visible in Dankalia’s geography and built environment.

War, Federation and Eritrean Self-Determination

After the Second World War, Eritrea’s changing constitutional status brought the Red Sea ports into wider struggles over political authority. Eritrea was federated with Ethiopia in 1952 and annexed by Ethiopia in 1962, after which armed resistance developed into a prolonged war of independence. Assab and the southern coast had strategic importance because of their port facilities and position near the Bab el-Mandeb. Eritrea achieved internationally recognised independence in 1993.

Assab in Contemporary Eritrea

Since independence, Assab has remained an important Eritrean port and a centre for the Southern Red Sea area, although regional conflict, border tensions and changing maritime conditions have affected commercial activity and travel. The town and its hinterland continue to combine port infrastructure, Afar cultural landscapes and extremely arid terrain. Contemporary Dankalia is therefore shaped by both ancient mobility across the lowlands and the modern strategic importance of Eritrea’s Red Sea coastline.