Day Trips from Asmara
The best excursions and trips you can do in a day
Full-Day Trips
Worth dedicating a whole day to explore.
Massawa
Approximately $100-$150 for a private car hire for the day.The temperature drop matters. Highland cool versus Red Sea heat defines this journey. The winding descent from the plateau to Massawa delivers drama. Ottoman and Italian colonial architecture line the port, often in evocative ruin. Walk the causeway to Taulud Island. See coral-block buildings in the old town. Consider a short harbor boat ride. Worth it.
Keren
Around $15-$20 for shared transport, or $80-$100 for a private car.Keren feels different. The market hums. Tigre culture runs deep here. Scenic highlands frame the approach. Monday brings the main market. Time your visit. The Tigu Egyptian Fort and St. Mary's Orthodox Cathedral anchor the town. Wander the streets. The regional vibe contrasts sharply with Asmara's international polish.
Dekemhare and the Eastern Escarpment
Approximately $60-$80 for a half-day car hire.This trip prioritizes journey over destination. Southeast from Asmara toward Dekemhare, the escarpment edge develops. Pull over. Take in vast lowland panoramas. Dekemhare itself sees fewer visitors. Provincial life develops there. The landscape drives this trip. Photo opportunities line the road.
Adi Keyh and the Qohaito Archaeological Site
Around $120-$180 for a 4x4 vehicle and driver for the full day.History drives this trip. South of Asmara, near Adi Keyh, Qohaito's pre-Aksumite ruins sprawl across a plateau. Ancient dam remains. Rock art. Building foundations scatter widely. Imagination required. Scale and remote setting impress regardless. Metera village nearby offers smaller ruins. Combine both.
Filfil Selassie (Green Mountains)
Approximately $60-$80 for a car hire.Northeast from Asmara, Filfil delivers total transformation. Dense juniper and olive woodlands replace dry plateau. Cool air. Isolation. The road climbs into what feels like another country. No specific attractions. Just forest walks and fragrant, cool air. The environment itself suffices.
Nefasit and the Debre Bizen Monastery Trail
Around $5 for shared transport, plus water and snacks.Short drive. Significant hike. Nefasit sits east of Asmara. From there, a steep trail climbs to Debre Bizen Monastery, perched on cliff edges. Women cannot enter. Visitors rarely gain interior access. The hike remains the draw. Views back over the plateau reward the effort. The ascent demands several hours. Condition yourself.
Half-Day Options
Shorter excursions when time is limited.
Emba Derho (Emba Soira)
Approximately $30-$40 for a taxi round-trip.The closest proper mountain to Asmara. Locals hike here, weekends. Drive most of the way up a rough track. Final walk to the summit. Moderately steep. Panoramic views over Asmara and surrounding plains reward the effort. Elevation and perspective. That's the point.
Mai Jah Jah Pools
About $15 for a taxi round-trip.South of the city, small natural rock pools and waterfalls cluster. Local swimming and picnic spot. Water flow varies by season. Rainy season pleases. Dry season disappoints. The outing atmosphere matters more than natural spectacle. Manage expectations.
Around Asmara's Outskirts by Bicycle
Approximately $5-$10 for a bicycle rental.Asmara surprises cyclists. Calm streets. Smooth outgoing roads. Rent a bike. Ride toward Sembel or the plateau edges. Different pace. Roadside cafes. Views missed from cars. Worth the effort.
Day Trip Tips
Make the most of your excursions.
- ✓ For trips to Massawa, Keren, or archaeological sites, hiring a car with a driver for the day is often the most efficient and comfortable choice. Agree on the price, itinerary, and duration clearly before departing. Get it in writing.
- ✓ Shared taxis and minibuses are much cheaper but run on their own schedules. For half-day trips or to places like Nefasit, they are well viable. For longer trips, they can make timing a return difficult. Plan accordingly.
- ✓ Always carry your passport and travel permits with you. Police checkpoints are common on roads outside Asmara, and you will need to show your documents. Keep them accessible.
- ✓ Bring more water than you think you'll need, for trips to lower altitudes like Massawa or for any hiking. Dehydration happens quickly. Pack extra.
- ✓ Food options outside Asmara can be very limited. Pack snacks, fruit, or a picnic lunch for full-day excursions unless you know there is a reliable restaurant at your destination. Don't risk hunger.
- ✓ Dress respectfully, when visiting monasteries, churches, or smaller villages outside the capital. Shoulders and knees should generally be covered. Modesty matters.
- ✓ Start your trips early. Eritrea's daylight hours are consistent, and an early departure gives you more time at your destination and avoids the hottest part of the day for travel. Beat the heat.
- ✓ Inform your hotel or a contact in Asmara of your day trip plans, if you are traveling alone or to remote areas like Qohaito. Safety first.
Book These Day Trips
Top-rated excursions you can book now.
Asmara City Tour
Asmara has been voted the best city in Africa and also has the reputation as being the fourth best city of attraction on the planet. These accolades make it irresistible to visit along with other majo
4 days tour Asmara - Keren - Massawa
Visit Asmara, the city called as "Piccola Roma" (Little Rome) and observe its most shining collection of Art Deco (A style of design, marked by stylized forms and geometric designs, which was popula
8 Days in Eritrea Asmara Ancient Sites and Red Sea Paradise
This itinerary has an interesting journey through Eritrea, from the modernist capital of Asmara to the ancient ruins of Qohaito and the impressive Red Sea paradise of the Dahlak Archipelago.
3 days tour Asmara - Massawa - Keren
Visit Asmara, the city called as "Piccola Roma" (Little Rome) and observe its most shining collection of Art Deco (A style of design, marked by stylized forms and geometric designs, which was popular
9 Days Eritrea and Beyond Explore Asmara Keren Massawa Djibouti
Discover Eritrea's charm in 9 days! Explore Asmara's colonial legacy and lively markets, journey to Keren's busy scenes, and look into Massawa's rich history. Enjoy unique architecture, local culture,
Need a base for your day trips?
Our accommodation guide helps you pick the best area to stay in Asmara.
Where to Stay →Explore Activities in Asmara
Didn't see anything interesting yet?
Browse Viator's full catalog of tours, day trips, food experiences, and private guides in Asmara.
See All Asmara Tours on ViatorReady to plan your trip to Asmara?
Now that you've got the research covered, here's where to go next.