Eritrea small group tour

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

Efforts to Reduce Flying: Efforts have been made to integrate rail travel into the itinerary where feasible. On our Eritrea tours, there is an optional opportunity to experience the historic Italian-built railway using a steam locomotive. This unique journey provides a memorable travel experience while reducing reliance on road transport for this part of the route. However, since the railway infrastructure is not consistently operational, it is offered as an optional activity rather than a primary mode of transport.

For other parts of the itinerary, such as the journey from Asmara to Massawa and the exploration of the Dahlak Islands, the use of private vehicles and motorboats is necessary due to limited public transport options and the specific logistics of these regions. These choices aim to balance comfort, feasibility, and the opportunity to experience the local environment.

Renewable Energy in Accommodations: The accommodations on this tour do not explicitly rely on renewable energy, but efforts are made to reduce their carbon footprint in other ways:
• Dahlak Islands Camp: The igloo-style tents have minimal environmental impact due to their temporary nature, requiring no permanent infrastructure. Water conservation is a priority, as fresh water is scarce, and meals are prepared using locally sourced ingredients, such as fresh fish and traditional foods.
• Hotels: While the hotels in Asmara and Keren offer modern comforts such as air conditioning, their use of shared rooms (twin or double en-suite) reduces energy usage per guest. Additionally, solo travellers are encouraged to share rooms where possible to further optimize resource use.

Human-Powered Transport: While most transportation during the trip is by minibus, we also include a day of walking tours in cities like Asmara and Keren, where guests explore on foot, reducing environmental impact.

Customer Guidance on Carbon Reduction: We provide advice to customers on reducing the carbon impacts of their holiday. In our tour notes, we include information on resources where travellers can review and compare airline CO2 emissions. This helps customers make informed choices when selecting carriers, enabling them to opt for flights with a lower environmental impact.

Vegetarian and Vegan Food Availability: Vegetarian and vegan food options are available throughout the tour in Eritrea. Local cuisine often features dishes like injera with vegetable stews, lentils, and traditional foul, all of which can be prepared with plant-based ingredients. Meals on the Dahlak Islands include fresh fish, rice, pasta, and fruit, with adjustments possible for dietary needs. Accommodations and restaurants are accommodating, offering meals made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. In Keren, enjoy the vibrant local markets where fresh produce and traditional foods are abundant.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE
Entry Fees to Parks or Protected Areas: The Eritrea tour includes entry fees for visits listed in the itinerary, such as the Dahlak Archipelago, which is a marine biodiversity hotspot.

Local Guides: Local guides accompany travellers, providing insights into Eritrea’s culture and environment.

Information for Travellers to Reduce Their Impact: Travellers are encouraged to reduce waste and energy use, conserve water, and use biodegradable products like sun creams and shampoos. The tour promotes responsible travel behaviour to mitigate environmental impacts.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

Locally Owned Accommodations: On this tour, the itinerary incorporates locally owned accommodations, including comfortable hotels in Asmara and Keren, and authentic camping on the remote Dahlak Islands. This immersion allows travellers to experience local hospitality, support community-run establishments, and engage directly with the region’s culture, rather than staying in international hotel chains. The camping experience on the Dahlak Islands also ensures that resources are sourced locally, benefiting the surrounding communities.

Maximizing Local Economic Opportunities: This tour is designed to benefit local communities by maximizing economic opportunities at every step:
•Local Guides: The tour exclusively employs local guides and representatives, directly supporting the local economy while providing travellers with authentic insights into Eritrea’s culture and heritage.

•Visits to Local Markets: Travelers explore vibrant markets in Keren and Asmara, including the covered food market, women’s market, and wood and coal markets in Keren. These visits promote direct engagement with local artisans, farmers, and small business owners, fostering economic support for the community.

•Village Visits: The itinerary features culturally enriching village visits, such as the Sanctuary of Mariam Dearit near Keren, a multi-faith pilgrimage site. These visits enhance religious and cultural tourism, benefiting the surrounding communities.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

Local Employment: The tour exclusively employs local guides and representatives, ensuring that all staff involved in operations are from Eritrea, directly contributing to the local economy and community development.

Opportunities for Marginalized Groups: The city of Keren, home to the Bilen people, showcases the vibrant contributions of local tribes and communities. The local market, a key attraction, features sections dedicated to tailors, silversmiths, and the women’s market, supporting income-generating opportunities for women and artisans. By including these visits, the tour indirectly promotes economic activity among marginalized groups, particularly women and indigenous communities.

LGBTQ+ Inclusivity: We warmly welcome all travellers, including LGBTQ+ guests, on our tours. While Eritrea is a culturally rich destination, societal attitudes toward LGBTQ+ individuals can be conservative due to traditional norms. We are committed to fostering a respectful and inclusive environment for all guests, and our team will ensure a welcoming experience throughout your journey, offering support as needed to help you feel comfortable and secure.

Accessibility: The itinerary includes activities such as market visits, village tours, and camping, which may present challenges for individuals with limited mobility, vision, hearing, or cognitive issues. To ensure a comfortable experience for all guests, we encourage individuals with specific accessibility needs to contact us in advance.