Whole Network Most Recent TOP10 A World Away En Route Hidden Gems Travel News

 

East Africa's Hidden Gem

Filed in archive Videos by Josh Lew on November 06, 2007

Fifteen years ago, Eritrea didn't exist as a country. The geographically diverse region on North Africa's Red Sea coast was controlled by Ethiopia. It was only after years of conflict that Eritrea gained independence. Today, the nation is emerging from its past turbulence and, thanks to the UN peace keepers monitoring its borders, is actually one of the safer places in Africa.

Despite its long coastline, there are few decent beaches on mainland Eritrea. The coast is simply too rugged and the water around ports too polluted. There are islands off the coast, which boasts white sand and perpetual sun. Known as the Dahlak Archipelago these islands are fast becoming a tourist destination.

The Sahel Desert in the country's north and the Great Rift Valley, in the west, are testaments to Eritrea's diverse topography. It is possible to travel to both these areas, but only with a permit. These can be gotten through a travel agency, but it is up to you to decide if it's worth the hassle. It is probably better to stick to the city and the islands.

Asmara is one of the safest large cities in all of Africa. It is at the center of Eritrea's drive to promote its tourist industry. And for good reason. The bustling cafes and restaurants, along with the blend of Arab and European architecture, make Asmara an atmospheric place. The city seems to wear its history proudly.



Granted, things are just getting started in Eritrea's P.R. campaign. But it seems like they are on the right track.


Advertisement


Permalink: East Africa's Hidden Gem
Tags: Eritrea  Africa  Sahel  Sahara  coast  islands  Asmara  Dahlak  Red  Sea  Safety  security  cafes  restaurants  tr 

Trackback: http://www.creative-weblogging.com/cgi-bin/mt-tb.pl/100502



Related Entries:

Hidden Safety - 07 March 2007

Summer in Minneapolis - 04 July 2007

Nordeast - 01 September 2007

Fighting the Bird Flu - 30 September 2007

Asia's Wild, Wild East - 18 November 2007

Sightseeing in Tunisia: North Africa's Hidden Gem - 25 November 2007

Island in the Middle of Nowhere - 22 February 2008

Advertisement


Advertisement


CW ToolbarInstall
RSSrss   | See all blog subscribe options
Googlegoogle   |   What is RSS?
Yahoo!yahoo
AddthisAddThis Feed Button
BloglinesBloglines
Newsletter
Advertisement - Book yours here.

Use our search feature to look for other interesting posts

Just this blog Whole network
Advertisement -
Book yours here..


 
  • Would you like to see your text link here? Let us know!
Advertisement
Book yours here.



  • Other blogs in the same channel in the Creative Weblogging Network

Advertisement -
Book yours here..






Advertisement - Book yours here..
 
Tagcloud: A World Away Adventure Budget Travel Business Travel Cities Dining En Route Events Hidden Gems Islands Learning Experiences Luxury Travel Modern World Neighborhoods Sport Travel Books Travel News Videos Websites