The Destination
The plane descends over a landscape that looks like a forgotten postcard from the 1950s. Asmara, the capital of Eritrea, greets you with palm-lined boulevards, faded Art Deco buildings, and a silence that feels almost sacred. There are no billboards advertising smartphones, no neon-lit stores, no one staring at a screen. For a country often called the North Korea of Africa, the reality is less about fear and more about a strange, haunting nostalgia.
Eritrea is one of the most isolated nations on earth. Since independence from Ethiopia in 1993, it has been ruled by the same president, Isaias Afwerki, with no elections, no free press, and — most jarring for a traveler — no public internet. Yes, you read that right. The entire country has no accessible internet for its citizens or visitors. Social media is blocked, international roaming is banned, and even local SIM cards don't offer data. You can only use the internet at a handful of government-controlled hotels or cafes, and even then it's slow and monitored.
What makes Eritrea unique right now is its sheer otherness. In a world of hyper-connectivity, this is a place where you have to remember your hotel location in your brain because you can't just Google it. The architecture in Asmara is a UNESCO World Heritage site — a stunning collection of Italian rationalist, futurist, and Art Deco buildings that make you feel like you've stepped into a time machine. But beyond the beauty lies a complex reality: a nation shaped by decades of war, a diaspora that fled oppression, and a government that controls nearly everything.
Getting There & Getting Around
Getting to Eritrea is not a spontaneous trip. It requires planning, patience, and a tolerance for bureaucracy. The creator in this video flew from Goma (DRC) to Entebbe (Uganda) via a grueling 10-hour taxi ride that cost $450 — then from Entebbe to Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), and finally from Jeddah to Asmara. That's a three-leg journey that took days. Most travelers from the West fly via Dubai or Cairo, with flights to Asmara operated by Turkish Airlines, EgyptAir, and Eritrean Airlines.
Visas are the real hurdle. There is no visa on arrival for most nationalities unless you have a pre-arranged authorization letter from a local tour company. The creator mentions that he had to get this letter in advance, and the process is notoriously slow and opaque. You'll need to contact an Eritrean tour operator, pay a fee (usually around $50-$100), and receive a PDF that you present at the airport. Without it, you won't be allowed to board. Plan at least 3-4 weeks ahead.
Once you're in Asmara, getting around is surprisingly easy. The city is walkable, and taxis are cheap — around $2-$5 for a ride within the city. For longer trips, like visiting the port city of Massawa or the Dahlak Archipelago, you'll need to hire a private driver or join an organized tour. Buses exist but are unreliable and uncomfortable. The best time to visit is between October and March, when the weather is mild and dry. Avoid the rainy season (June to September) when roads become impassable.
The Experience
The first thing you'll notice in Asmara is the architecture. It's not just old — it's frozen. The Fiat Tagliero building, a futuristic service station designed to look like an airplane, is a must-see. The Cinema Impero, with its neon sign and original 1930s interior, still shows films. Walk down Harnet Avenue, the main boulevard, and you'll see cafes where old men sip macchiato and play chess, just as they did 70 years ago.
But the real experience is the people. Eritreans are incredibly warm and curious about foreigners. Many speak Italian, Arabic, or English. The creator notes that locals were surprised to see him — not in a hostile way, but with genuine curiosity. "Why are you here?" is a common question. The food is a mix of Italian and East African influences. Try zigni (a spicy stew served with injera) and pasta dishes that taste like they came straight from Rome.
One hidden gem is the Asmara market (Meda), where you can buy handmade textiles, silver jewelry, and traditional coffee. The coffee ceremony is a ritual — beans are roasted on the spot, ground with a mortar, and brewed in a clay pot. It's strong, sweet, and communal. For history buffs, the National Museum of Eritrea has exhibits on the country's struggle for independence, though it's small and underfunded.
A word of caution: photography is sensitive. Don't take pictures of military installations, government buildings, or soldiers. Even in public squares, be discreet. The creator mentions that he had to be careful with his camera, and some locals asked him not to film them. Respect that. The government is paranoid about foreign media, and you don't want to end up in a situation.
Costs & Budget
Eritrea is not cheap for what it offers. The visa authorization fee is around $50-$100. Flights from major hubs cost $600-$1,200 round trip. Accommodation in Asmara ranges from $30-$50 per night for a mid-range hotel (like the Hotel Asmara Palace) to $80-$150 for nicer options (like the Sunshine Hotel). Budget travelers can find guesthouses for $15-$25, but they're basic.
Food is affordable. A meal at a local restaurant costs $3-$7. A coffee and pastry at a cafe is under $2. Street food is limited, but you can find grilled meat and fresh bread for cheap. Taxis within the city are $2-$5. For a day trip to Massawa (about 2 hours from Asmara), expect to pay $50-$80 for a private car, plus $10-$20 for a guide.
Overall, a 7-day trip to Eritrea will cost a solo traveler around $1,000-$1,500, including flights, accommodation, food, and transport. It's not a budget destination, but it's also not luxury. You're paying for the exclusivity and the hassle of getting there.
For Travel Creators
Eritrea is a goldmine for content creators — but only if you're prepared. The lack of internet means you must download all your maps, translation apps, and reference materials before you arrive. The creator in the video mentions that he had to do all his editing and data transfer in Jeddah because he knew he'd have zero connectivity in Eritrea.
Best spots for footage: the Fiat Tagliero building (best shot at golden hour), the Cinema Impero facade, Harnet Avenue with its vintage Fiat taxis, and the old market. The light in Asmara is beautiful — soft and warm, especially in the late afternoon. For drone footage, you need a special permit, which is nearly impossible to get. Leave your drone at home.
Permissions: You don't need a special filming permit for general vlogging, but avoid filming near military areas, police stations, or the airport. Be respectful when filming people — ask first. The creator notes that locals were generally fine with being filmed after a smile and a nod, but some declined. Respect that.
Storytelling angles: Focus on the contrast between the frozen-in-time aesthetic and the modern reality of isolation. Talk about the lack of internet, the government control, but also the resilience and warmth of the people. Don't just make it a "crazy country" video — dig deeper.
Should You Go?
Eritrea is not for everyone. If you're a backpacker looking for cheap beaches and easy travel, skip it. If you're a luxury traveler who needs Wi-Fi and room service, definitely skip it. But if you're a curious traveler who wants to see a place that feels genuinely different — a country that has resisted globalization in the most extreme way — then yes, go.
It's best for solo travelers or small groups who are comfortable with uncertainty. Families might struggle with the lack of amenities and the complicated logistics. Digital nomads will hate it. But for those who want to understand what the world was like before the internet, Eritrea offers a rare, uncanny experience. Just be prepared for the bureaucracy, the cost, and the fact that you'll be completely offline. That's the whole point.
