Unique Places in Eritrea

Eritrea's coastal "panhandle" leading towards Djibouti is one of the most desolate and hottest places on Earth. It is largely uninhabited, with the only sizeable town being the port of Assab.
I found the desert scenery, enlivened by wildlife, beaches, and off-shore islands, awesome here, but unfortunately couldn't take photos to show it as I got no slide film in Djibouti where I had entered this region from!

The highlands south of Asmara towards the Ethiopian border are both the breadbasket of the country, and the cradle of her civilization.
You will find Eritrea's most impressive archeoligical sites around Senafe, while the road towards Adi Quala goes through heavily cultivated, green flields.
Unfortunately, I only took the latter route, and found green fields so remiscent of home that I took not a single photo there!

The islets and islands of Dhalak must be some of the best island spots in the Red Sea. Largely undeveloped in any sense of the word due to war and economic crisis, it is rough to visit Dhalak, unless you have money to charter a boat with all supplies and to keep it while out there. You need to travel about two hours at full speed straight out from Massawa to get the the central islands. There is a fairly good hotel in a big, sheltered cove on the main Dhalak, yet guests are probably still few and far between.
A permit is needed to get out there, obtainable, better with some references, from the Director of Fisheries, office in Massawa. Dhalak is a nature protection area.
In the harbour area of Massawa you can find someone willing to take you there. Just ensure you do not get involved in any smuggling operations across to Yemen, where apparently many of Eritrean's consumer durables originate. The hull of the "fishing boats" have a layer of fish on top and TVs underneath...
The boats for Dhalak are fast old diving or speed boats with dual 130hp + outbordmotors that normally cross the Red Sea for Yemen. The cost of fuel and the rental can be sky high. Easily 2500-3000 Nakfa for a short day's tour. Splitting the amount between several will ease the pain. Getting the booking through some local contacts may help.
You are well advised to bring your own snorkelling gear, as it is below standard equipment that which is available locally.
Bring picnic food, plenty of water and clothing to cover you up against the sun. Off the islands are some of the best reefs in the world are still intact, not worn down by tourists and divers. May it remain like this! On other islands are some very fine beaches, some with above water coral overhangs that give good shade.
When I was there I spotted manta rays, sharks, colorful fish of all kinds, dolphins, ospreys (in the air) and many other interesting creatures.

Small desert town

Barentu, a small town...