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Eritrea, the small unknown country in the east Africa at the banks of the Red Sea, is home to one of the world’s worst dictatorships and is (un)popularly known as the North Korea of Africa.

This small nation with just over 6 million people, is one of the world’s biggest providers of refugees. The UK receives more Asylum seekers from Eritrea than from anywhere else.

Traveling to and around Eritrea is not easy. Their visa is one of the most difficult in the world to obtain. Don’t think that all the hard work is done when you receive your visa. You will also need to obtain permits to do basically anything in the country.

You can´t even leave the capital without one.

There´s also no ATM´S here and the internet is among the worst in the world here. You are not allowed to have internet in your home

But don´t let all this scare you. I found Eritrea to be the most fascinating and the underrated country in all of Africa. This is the country where the biggest national hero suddenly walks into the coffee bar while I’m enjoying a warm coffee.

More info: unusualtraveler.com

Eritrea used to be an Italian colony, so there´s alot of old remains from the colonial time

I Visited Eritrea, The North Korea Of Africa

The ruins of Haile Selassie the Rastafarian Messiah personal castle on the outskirts of old town Massawa

I Visited Eritrea, The North Korea Of Africa

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You have to have style when biking around.

I Visited Eritrea, The North Korea Of Africa

Beautiful old door in Massawa

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I Visited Eritrea, The North Korea Of Africa

Massawa was the place for one of the biggest battels in the 30 year old war

I Visited Eritrea, The North Korea Of Africa

Scenery in the southern part of the country

I Visited Eritrea, The North Korea Of Africa

Old Italian bank building, now only ruins

I Visited Eritrea, The North Korea Of Africa

Still alot of ruins from the war

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I Visited Eritrea, The North Korea Of Africa

But they do have amazing beaches

I Visited Eritrea, The North Korea Of Africa

Traditional houses

I Visited Eritrea, The North Korea Of Africa

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the locals where always friendly and smilling

I Visited Eritrea, The North Korea Of Africa

Scenery when driving west

I Visited Eritrea, The North Korea Of Africa

Old military remains from the war for independence against Ethiopia.

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I Visited Eritrea, The North Korea Of Africa

Old military remains from the war for independence against Ethiopia.

I Visited Eritrea, The North Korea Of Africa

Old military remains from the war for independence against Ethiopia.

I Visited Eritrea, The North Korea Of Africa

Guards carry AK47 here

I Visited Eritrea, The North Korea Of Africa

Old military remains from the war for independence against Ethiopia.

I Visited Eritrea, The North Korea Of Africa

Old military remains from the war for independence against Ethiopia.

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I Visited Eritrea, The North Korea Of Africa

Small cute cafes are everywhere

I Visited Eritrea, The North Korea Of Africa

The local taxis are old Fiat´s

I Visited Eritrea, The North Korea Of Africa

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