Bicycle Africa

Sharing the road, Eritrea (click to enlarge)

Eritrea Program

Unique Programs To Special Places For Memories Of A Lifetime!

Bicycle Tour Fact Sheets

ERITRIA: 3 Seasons, 3 Millennia and 3 Km Vertical

The Eritrea 3 Seasons, 3 Millennia and 3km Vertical program derives its name for the diversity of the itinerary: Between the cool highland temperatures, the harvest season in the agricultural area and the perpetual summer conditions of the plains along the Red Sea, there are at least three seasons to enjoy. The recorded history of the area dates back to the Queen of Sheba and settlements of the Axumite Kingdom. The people of Eritrea we meet, including Tigrinya, Kunama, Nara, Bilen, Tigre and Hadareb, have long, rich and elegant tradition and culture. The great news is 3000 vertical meters is mostly a descent to the Red Sea (and you can take a bus or cycle back up!) Other parts of the trip are hilly as well so participants must be prepared to cycle up hill. Among the other joys of the trip are the fresh fruit juice in Asmara, the spectacular mountain scenery, the wonderful friendliness of the Eritrean people and a great cuisine.

Schedule: October (see full schedule and status) Because of low demand this program is only run every couple years. It is very helpful if you let us know that you are interested in this program. Furthermore, we can't offer this program at present because the Government of Eritrea has placed so may travel restrictions on foreigners (basically they can't leave the capital) that it is impossible to run the trip.
Program Price (lodging, two meals/day, guide, museum fees and more): US$1290, (less than six people add $100) (airfare is not included). Average out of pocket expenses per program $60 plus or minus $40.
Description: Day 1-3: Explore Asmara and start south across the Eritrean highlands. Day 4-7: Descend to the western plains. Day 8-9 Ascend back on to the high plateau with its spectacular views and high valleys. Day 10-12: Make a awesome descent (2400 vertical meters, 8000 ft) to the coastal plain, hit the beach. Day 13-14: Return to the bicycle-friendly city of Asmara and finish the program.
Features: Explore the history and societies (Tigrinya, Kunama, Nara, Bilen, and Hadareb) from Asmara to Barentu to the Red Sea. This program passes through some of Africa's most spectacular countryside. Explore 3 seasons, 3 millenniums and 3 thousand vertical feet (mostly descending) in two weeks.
Starting/Ending Point: Asmara, Eritrea
Skill Level: Suitable for fit Intermediate/Expert
Mileage Daily / Total: 50-100 km, 31-62 miles / 650 km, 400 miles.
Cycling Conditions: 45% dirt, low lands and long hills, moderate elevation (2400m).
Accommodations: Mostly small hotels, some rustic conditions, no tent camping.
Van Support: None. Local transport generally plentiful when need to be called upon.
Meals Included: Two meals per day, generally breakfast and dinner (traditional Ethiopian/Eritrean cuisine (eggs, beans, vegetables, injera, meat, fish) and pasta).
Other Activities: Walking.
Bike: Mountain bike recommended. Bike Rental: Not available.
Registration Information

ERITREA / ETHIOPIA: STYLE, STELAE & SEASHORES *

Note: Pending resolution of the border conflict between Eritrea and Ethiopia, our Eritrea programs will be entirely within Eritrea (see above).

Schedule: October (pending normalization of relations between Eritrea and Ethiopia) (see full schedule and status)
Program Price (lodging, two meals/day, guide, museum fees and more): US$1290, (less than six people add $100) (airfare is not included). Average out of pocket expenses per program $60 plus or minus $40.
Description: Day 1-4: Explore Asmara and start south across the Eritrean highlands. Day 5-6: Explore the renown village of Axum. Day 7-11 Ascend back on to the high plateau with its spectacular views and high valleys, stopping to visit historical sites and social programs along the way. Day 12-15: Make a awesome descent (2400 vertical meters, 8000 ft) to the coastal plain, hit the beach and return to the bicycle-friendly city of Asmara.
Features: Explore history and society from Asmara to Axum and the Red Sea. This program passes through some of Africa's most spectacular countryside. It also traverse the culturally and historically rich center of the Axumite Kingdom associated with the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon. Explore 3 seasons, 3 millenniums and 3 thousand vertical in two weeks.
Starting/Ending Point: Asmara, Eritrea
Skill Level: Suitable for fit Intermediate/Expert
Mileage Daily / Total: 25-100 km, 15-62 miles / 630 km, 390 miles.
Cycling Conditions: some mountainous terrain, moderate elevation (2000-3000m).
Accommodations: Mostly small hotels, some rustic conditions, no tent camping.
Van Support: None. Local transport generally plentiful when need to be called upon.
Meals Included: Two meals per day, generally breakfast and dinner (traditional food, Ethiopian/Eritrean cuisine and pasta).
Other Activities: Walking.
Bike: Mountain bike recommended. Bike Rental: Not available.
Registration Information

Return to top of the page

Unique Programs To Special Places For Memories Of A Lifetime!

Please write if you have questions, suggestions and comments about our program or want to be added to Bicycle Africa's mailing list. (Also let us know how you found this site.)

Bicycle Africa Homepage Ibike Programs IBF Homepage To Search