Eritrea Dahlak Island Tour

What's it all about?

Begin your trip in Asmara, the capital city celebrated for its well-preserved art deco architecture and vibrant street life. Wander through its charming streets, savouring the unique blend of African and Italian influences.

Next, explore the historic port city of Massawa, where Ottoman-era buildings and coral stone houses tell stories of a rich past along the shores of the Red Sea. Stroll through the narrow alleys of the old town and marvel at the majestic ruins that echo the city’s grandeur.

Trip highlight!* Continue your Eritrea tour at the pristine Dissie Island, a paradise of crystal-clear waters in the Dahlak island group, perfect for some overnight camping.

Experience the dramatic beauty of Eritrea’s highlands in Keren, a town nestled in a picturesque valley, famed for its traditional markets before wrapping up the tour in Asmara.

Join us for an unforgettable experience, as we guide you through Eritrea’s diverse landscapes and warm hospitality on this special Eritrea Dahlak Island camping tour.

We’re also running our hugely popular Socotra tour directly following this trip. Contact us for a combo disocunt!

Where?

Asmara – Massawa – Dissei Island – Keren – Asmara.

When?

January 25 – 31st, 2026.

Visa?

We will issue you an invitation letter which will allow you to get the visa on arrival in Asmara airport.

The Itinerary

January 25th | Asmara Arrival Day

Arrival in Asmara.
Your guide will be at the airport to pick you up and transfer you to our hotel.
Overnight in Asmara.

January 26th | Asmara

After breakfast let’s start our walking tour of Asmara.
Check out the main drag of this UNESCO World Heritage City, Harnett Street as well as the Post Office – built in 1916, the presidential palace built in 1907, and the Hotel Hamassien built in 1916.
Visit more sights that Asmara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers including the famous Fiat Tagliero building, an incredible example of Art Deco architecture.
Dinner & overnight in Asmara in the Crystal Hotel.

January 27th | Nefasit - Massawa

After breakfast, we’ll check out and embark on a journey towards the Red Sea coast, where the charming port city of Massawa awaits.
Follow the route of the old Italian steam trains down to Nefasit. We’ll stop at the old train station here and admire the stunning mountain views before continuing onto the coast.
On arrival in Massawa stop at the 3 Tanks Monument, next to our hotel. It commemorates the 3 types of tanks that were instrumental in the city’s liberation from Ethiopian rule.
Massawa is a city that has been among the area’s most important ports for centuries. With its elegant Turkish-Egyptian-Italian style architecture, shop fronts, stunning mosques, and delicious fish and shellfish – Massawa is the perfect location to cater to all interests.
Dinner at the “Salam Restaurant”- Famous for its fresh fish prepared in a traditional oven.
Follow it up with drinks in the heart of the Ottoman quarter.
Overnight in the iconic Grand Dahlak Hotel Massawa.

January 28th | Massawa - Dissei Island

After breakfast, we journey by boat from Massawa to the beautiful and pristine Dissei Island.
The Dissie Islands are part of the Dahlak Archipelago, which lies 22 miles south off the coast of Massawa, the regional capital. The island is rich in flora & fauna and is home to a huge biodiversity. It’s also home to pristine beaches and coral reefs and great snorkelling!
The island will be our escape for day and night, chill, swim, snorkel and sunbath to your heart’s content. All meals included here.
Overnight on the island and camp in the stunning nature.

January 29th | Dissei Island - Massawa - Asmara

Let’s cook up a breakfast before we take down our tents.
Enjoy a morning swim and make use of the last possibility to snorkel.
Around midday, we’ll sail back to Massawa and enjoy ourselves a lunch in one of the restaurants.
It’s time to say goodbye to some of the freshest seafood we can find!
Afterwards, we’ll continue our journey to Asmara.
Overnight Asmara, Crystal Hotel.

January 30th | Keren – Asmara

We start our journey to Keren early in the morning, and we will travel via the major Asmara–Keren highway through the town of Serejeqa to the city of Keren.
Keren is the second-largest city in Eritrea. It is located around 91 kilometres northwest of Asmara at an elevation of 1,390 meters above sea level. It has a moderate climate. The fine tarmac road, built by the Italians, is like a hairpin curved out from mountainous plateaus.
Visit the Italian and Common Wealth war cemeteries. In 1941, Keren was the site of some of the fiercest battles between the Commonwealth and the Italian forces. The fall of Keren to the advancing army of the Common Wealth signalled the end of the Italian occupation of Eritrea.
Visit the famous Mariam Dearit temple carved out of a Baobab tree and other sights.
Overnight in Keren, Sarina Hotel.

January 31st | Keren - Asmara

Drive back to Asmara.
Spend the last day catching up with the sites we may have missed on our first days.
Enjoy your final dinner in Eritrea!
Head to the airport to catch the late night/early morning international departures from Asmara.
End of Eritrea tour – Join us in Abu Dhabi and continue onto Socotra island!

Tour Map

Inclusions

Exclusions

Hotels

Hotel accommodation in twin share.
Entrance fees

All entrance fees (unless otherwise stated)
Guides

Both an expert local guide and English speaking tour leader.
Transport

All transport in country to complete the itinerary.
Visa support

We will provide you the support for your Eritrea visa application

International Fights

And travel arrangements before and after the tour.
Visa Fee

Visa & visa fees.
Tips

Tip are encouraged for your local guides.
Single supplement

Please enquire at time of booking for exact cost.
Meals

Lunch and dinner not included

You’ll be in the vastly experienced hands of our English speaking local guides & fixer as well as your Rocky Road Travel guide. Given the unpredictable nature of travelling in Eritrea, the itinerary may change slightly, but we will always go above and beyond with added extras such as stops at local cafe-bars, and parks. We are in constant communication with our local partners on the ground who advise the safe routes to take.

Before the Eritrea tour we will add you to a dedicated WhatsApp group so you can chat about the tour & share photos easily with your travel mates. Just let us know is you want to opt out of this.

To book simply hit the button below and start the conversation today.

Apply for your spot on the tour now or simply request more info below.

January 25 - 31st, 2026

Eritrea Tour

Camping tour!

Spend a night in the Red Sea on Dissie Island.

Secure hotels & Camp

6 nights in Eritrea

The price

$2180 USD

Our Story

ROCKY ROAD TRAVEL

Rocky Road Blog

ALL DESTINATIONS

ALL DESTINATIONS

AFGHANISTAN

AFGHANISTAN TOURS

IRAQ

IRAQ TOURS

LIBYA

LIBYA TOURS

MAURITANIA

MAURITANIA TOURS

SOCOTRA

SOCOTRA TOURS

SYRIA

SYRIA TOURS

PAKISTAN

PAKISTAN TOURS

Eritrea Dahlak Island Tour

What's it all about?