Assab

Assab sits in Eritrea's far southeast on the Red Sea near the Djiboutian border, a port town that handled a large share of Ethiopia's trade until that traffic stopped, after which it became very quiet. Low buildings spread along a hot flat shore with the harbour to one side and the Danakil behind. It is one of the hottest inhabited places in the country and the Afar coast runs south from it.

What you actually see

• The harbour - the port that handled the country's southern trade.
• The shore - the flat hot coast the town spreads along.
• The Danakil backdrop - the depression country behind the town.
• The quiet - a port with much less traffic than it once had.

When to go

November to February is the cool season. Summer heat here is extreme, among the highest anywhere. Flights from Asmara are irregular.

Honest expectations

A travel permit is required and this region has additional restrictions. Summer heat is dangerous. Facilities are very limited and there is little arranged for visitors.

Nearby

The Danakil is northwest, and the Djiboutian border is south.