Agordat

Agordat lies on the Barka river in Eritrea's western lowlands, a hot flat town with a mosque of white domes and arcades that is the building it is known for, and a market that draws the Beni-Amer and other lowland communities from a wide area. Camels come in for the trade. The Barka runs sand for most of the year with water below the surface, and the country around is dry acacia scrub. The town was an administrative centre through the colonial and later periods, which is why it has more built fabric than its size suggests.

What you actually see

• The domed mosque - the white arcaded building the town is known for.
• The market - the trading point for the western lowland communities.
• The Barka - the sand river running through the town.
• The lowland setting - dry acacia country around the settlement.

When to go

November to February is the cool season. Summer heat in the lowlands is extreme. Market days are busiest.

Honest expectations

A travel permit is required and the western lowlands have additional restrictions. Summer heat is severe. Facilities are basic and there is little arranged for visitors.

Nearby

Keren is east, and Barentu is southwest.