Southern Red Sea Region, Eritrea Travel Guide

Discover the Southern Red Sea Region of Eritrea - a blend of pristine beaches, dramatic landscapes, and rich cultural heritage along the Red Sea coast.

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Southern Red Sea Region

The Southern Red Sea Region of Eritrea is a captivating destination that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historical significance. Located along the Red Sea coast, this region boasts pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs, making it a paradise for underwater enthusiasts and beach lovers alike. The unspoiled coastline is dotted with charming fishing villages where visitors can experience the local way of life and savor fresh seafood delicacies. In contrast to its serene coastline, the Southern Red Sea Region is also home to dramatic landscapes, including the rugged foothills of the Danakil Depression, one of the hottest places on Earth. This area is rich in geological wonders, such as salt flats, volcanic formations, and colorful mineral deposits, offering adventurous travelers a chance to explore some of the planet's most extreme environments. The region's unique flora and fauna, including endemic species, add to its ecological significance. Cultural enthusiasts will find the Southern Red Sea Region intriguing as well, with its historical sites and ancient ruins that tell the story of Eritrea's past. The region is dotted with relics from the Ottoman and Italian colonial periods, including old fortresses and buildings that stand as silent witnesses to the area's rich history. Visitors can also engage with the local Afar and Saho communities, who maintain their traditional lifestyles and crafts, providing a glimpse into the region's cultural diversity.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Southern Red Sea Region.

Visit during the cooler months from October to March to avoid the extreme heat.
Bring snorkeling gear to explore the vibrant coral reefs and marine life.
Hire a local guide to navigate the Danakil Depression safely and learn about its geological wonders.
Respect local customs and traditions when visiting villages and interacting with the Afar and Saho communities.
Ensure you have adequate supplies of water and food when traveling to remote areas.

Explore Southern Red Sea Region: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Southern Red Sea Region

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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Dahlak Marine National Park

Explore the stunning Dahlak Marine National Park, a serene haven of marine life, rich culture, and breathtaking landscapes in Eritrea's pristine waters.

4.4

Ayaba Jazira

Experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of Ayaba Jazira, a hidden gem in Eritrea perfect for relaxation and exploration.

4.3

Black Water Spring

Explore the breathtaking Black Water Spring in Dalol, Ethiopia, where vibrant colors and geothermal wonders await your discovery.

4.6

Danakil Desert

Uncover the extraordinary landscapes and rich culture of the Danakil Desert, a breathtaking destination for adventurous travelers in Ethiopia.

4.5

Best restaurants in Southern Red Sea Region

Top-rated picks

Best Restaurants

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Asseb Restaurant

Discover authentic Eritrean flavors at Asseb Restaurant - a cozy coffee shop experience in Āssab.

4.3

family fresh juice

Discover the refreshing flavors of Eritrea at Family Fresh Juice in Āssab – your go-to spot for delicious and healthy juice options.

5.0

Best bars in Southern Red Sea Region

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Cacata di rospo

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Cacata di Rospo, a cozy bar in Murad, Yemen, perfect for unwinding and connecting with locals.

4.4

AFT bar and restaurant

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Serdo at AFT Bar and Restaurant, where local flavors and a lively atmosphere come together.

4.5

بن وبهارات البتيس

Discover the vibrant atmosphere of بن وبهارات البتيس in Hajdah, Yemen, a lively bar perfect for tasting local flavors and enjoying social interactions.

5.0

Ethiopia hotel

Experience the vibrant nightlife and local flavors at Logiya's top bar, where culture and community come together for an unforgettable evening.

5.0

Best shops in Southern Red Sea Region

Top-rated picks

Best Shops

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Asseb Restaurant

Experience authentic Eritrean cuisine and exceptional coffee at Asseb Restaurant in Āssab, a culinary gem on the Red Sea coast.

4.3

,Afar,red,sea

Experience the serene beauty and cultural richness of Afar along the stunning Red Sea coastline.

5.0

Daui rori Érythrée

Experience the authentic taste of Eritrea at Daui rori Érythrée, where quality meats and local flavors come together in Dabu.

4.0

Ali-Afar coffee

Experience the warm embrace of Eritrean culture at Ali-Afar Coffee in Deba-Sima, where every cup tells a story.

1.0

Explore Southern Red Sea Region on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Southern Red Sea Region, mapped for you.

Southern Red Sea Region Essentials

Southern Red Sea Region is accessible primarily via the Asmara International Airport, located in the capital city of Asmara. From Asmara, you can take a domestic flight to the Assab Airport, situated in the Southern Red Sea Region. Alternatively, you can travel by road from Asmara to Assab, which takes approximately 10-12 hours by car or bus. The road trip offers scenic views of Eritrea's diverse landscapes.
Within the Southern Red Sea Region, transportation options include taxis, buses, and private car rentals. Taxis are widely available in major towns like Assab, and they offer a convenient way to navigate the area. Public buses and minibuses operate between towns and villages, providing a cost-effective means of travel. For those who prefer more flexibility, renting a car is a viable option, though it is advisable to have a local guide or driver due to challenging road conditions in some areas.
The official currency in Eritrea is the Eritrean Nakfa (ERN). Credit cards are not widely accepted, so it is essential to carry cash for most transactions. ATMs are scarce in the Southern Red Sea Region, so it is recommended to withdraw sufficient cash in Asmara before traveling. Some larger hotels and businesses in Assab might accept major foreign currencies like the US Dollar or Euro.
The Southern Red Sea Region is relatively safe for tourists, but standard safety precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and always keep your valuables secure. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is always advisable. The border areas near Djibouti and Ethiopia can be sensitive, so it is best to avoid these regions unless you have official permission.
In case of an emergency, dial 113 for fire services, 114 for police, and 115 for medical emergencies. The main hospital in the region is the Assab Hospital, which provides basic medical services. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in Assab where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.
Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes when entering mosques. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.
To experience the Southern Red Sea Region like a local, visit the local markets in Assab where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Eritrean goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the region's history and culture. Don't miss exploring the Dahlak Archipelago, known for its pristine beaches and excellent diving spots. For a unique cultural experience, attend traditional dance performances and local festivals that showcase the rich heritage of the region.

When is the best time to visit Southern Red Sea Region?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Southern Red Sea Region

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Southern Red Sea Region. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- Helloሰላም
  [selam]
- Goodbyeደሓን
  [dehan]
- Yesእወ
  [ew]
- Noኣይ
  [ai]
- Please/You're welcomeኣስናጽብቲ
  [asnashti]
- Thank youእንተይ
  [entay]
- Excuse me/Sorryኣደናኻ
  [adnekha]
- How are you?ንብረትራብዕ?
  [nberetraab]
- Fine. And you?ብሓሰብይ. እንተይ?
  [bhasibey. entay?]
- Do you speak English?እንተይ እንግሊዝኛ እዩ?
  [entay englizna eyu?]
- I don't understandኣለይ ኣይነበር
  [aley ainabir]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseእንተዩ እቶም ኣልበምን
  [entay etom albamn]
- I don't eat meatእንተዩ ኣምሓራ ኣይተሽን
  [entay amhara aiyteshn]
- Cheers!ሰላም
  [selam]
- I would like to pay, pleaseእንተዩ ኣስናጽብቲ
  [entay asnashti]
- Help!ወጽንዕ!
  [wetsne]
- Go away!ሓደሽ!
  [hadesh]
- Call the Police!ጥበል ሓደሽ!
  [tibele hadesh]
- Call a doctor!ጥበል ሓደሽን ዶክተር!
  [tibele hadeshn dokter]
- I'm lostእንተዩ ዝተዋሕ
  [entay ztewah]
- I'm illእንተዩ ጎይታ
  [entay goyta]
- I'd like to buy...እንተዩ ኣይደርስዎም...
  [entay aiderswom...]
- I'm just lookingእንተደረሰ
  [entaderes]
- How much is it?ኣብዚ ኣይስጉም?
  [abzi aysugum?]
- That's too expensiveኣብዚ ኣይግዝብሉ
  [abzi aiygzeblu]
- Can you lower the price?ኣብዚ ኣይስምላኽ ኣብ እዮ?
  [abzi aysmlakh ab eyo?]
- What time is it?ስለዚ ሰዓት ነይሩ?
  [slezi sa'at nayru?]
- It's one o'clockሰዓት ኣኣሽሩ
  [sa'at a'ashru]
- Half past (10)ሽም ኣኣሽሩ
  [shim a'ashru]
- Morningጉዕ
  [gwe]
- Afternoonሓርነት
  [harent]
- Eveningምስማዕ
  [mesmae]
- Yesterdayኣብዚ
  [abzi]
- Todayዓርቢ
  [arbi]
- Tomorrowቐለል
  [qalel]
- 1ኣኣሽሩ
  [a'ashru]
- 2ርብቃ
  [rebka]
- 3ሰሓት
  [sehat]
- 4ኣወሽሩ
  [awashru]
- 5ምስላ
  [mesla]
- 6ሜድራ
  [medra]
- 7ስምንት
  [semnt]
- 8ሰለስት
  [slest]
- 9ስባት
  [sbat]
- 10ሕማም
  [h'mam]
- Where's a/the...?ብዝሒ እኩሎ...?
  [bzi ekulo?]
- What's the address?ስለዚ ኣብዚ ንውሓይኩሞ?
  [slezi abzi nwehaykumo?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?ኣብዚ እኩሎ ኣብ መትከል?
  [abzi ekulo ab mtakel?]
- When's the next (bus)?ስለዚ ማእከል እሞሓይ?
  [slezi maekel emohay?]
- A ticket (to ....)ትኪት (ክፈትል ...)
  [ticket (kiftel ...)]

History of Southern Red Sea Region

The ancient port city of Adulis, located near the coast of the Southern Red Sea Region, was an important trading hub in the Aksumite Empire. Dating back to the 1st century AD, Adulis served as a key link between the Mediterranean world and the Indian Ocean trade routes. Archaeological excavations have uncovered remnants of ancient buildings, inscriptions, and artifacts that provide insight into the city's commercial and cultural significance.
The Southern Red Sea Region is historically tied to the Aksumite Civilization, one of the great civilizations of the ancient world. Spanning from the 1st to the 7th century AD, the Aksumite Kingdom was known for its monumental obelisks, advanced architecture, and extensive trade networks. The region's proximity to the Red Sea facilitated maritime trade with Egypt, Greece, Rome, and India.
In the 16th century, the Ottoman Empire extended its influence over the Red Sea coast, including parts of the Southern Red Sea Region. The Ottomans established a presence in the region to control the strategic maritime routes and enhance their trade interests. This period saw the construction of fortresses and other infrastructure to solidify Ottoman control.
The late 19th and early 20th centuries marked the period of Italian colonization in Eritrea. The Southern Red Sea Region, like the rest of the country, experienced significant changes under Italian rule. Infrastructure development, such as roads and ports, was undertaken to facilitate resource extraction and military control. The Italian influence is still evident in the architecture and urban planning of the region.
The mid-20th century was a tumultuous period for Eritrea, including the Southern Red Sea Region, as the country fought for independence from Ethiopian rule. The region played a crucial role in the Eritrean War of Independence, which lasted from 1961 to 1991. The rugged terrain and strategic coastal locations provided advantages for the Eritrean People's Liberation Front (EPLF) in their guerrilla warfare against Ethiopian forces.
The Southern Red Sea Region is home to a rich tapestry of cultures and ethnic groups. The Afar people, known for their pastoralist lifestyle, are one of the prominent communities in the region. The cultural practices, traditional music, dance, and cuisine of the Afar and other ethnic groups contribute to the region's vibrant cultural heritage. Festivals and communal gatherings are integral to the social fabric of the region.
The Southern Red Sea Region is not only historically significant but also boasts stunning natural landscapes. The Dahlak Archipelago, a group of islands off the coast, is renowned for its pristine beaches, coral reefs, and diverse marine life. The region's unique geological features, such as volcanic formations and hot springs, attract nature enthusiasts and adventure travelers.