One of the most exciting activities in the whole country definitely is riding the steam train. The Eritrean railway system was built by the Italians and construction began in the end of the nineteenth century. It was meant to export the minerals and metals from the mines as well as it was intended to connect to the rail networks of the neighbouring countries. The network was finished in 1911 connecting Asmara to Massawa and trains used to run on a daily basis. People could move fast from one side of the country to the other and goods were shipped fast across Eritrea.

Eritrea is very mountainous and the capital is over 2.300 meter above sea level and the ports below sea level. This means that it was quite the challenge to install the network making sure the train could deal with the steep hills, meaning the engineers had to come up with a whole system of winding roads, viaducts and tunnels. After the Italians left, the railway functioned for a few more decades, but large parts got destroyed during the war and the rest started to decay. The part between Asmara and Massawa was restored in 2003 and is now only used by tourists. The trains haven’t changed a lot since the Italians left and to board the old train is a unique and amazing adventure. It’s like going back in time.

We can arrange to charter a two and a half roundtrip from Asmara to Arbaroba, including a traditional coffee ceremony. Let us know the size of your group and we’ll make it happen. Be sure to ask well in time.