Overview
Keren sits in the picturesque foothills of northern Eritrea as the country's second-largest city and regional capital. Approximately 146,000 people from various tribes and ethnic groups call the city home, with Bilen and Tigre peoples representing over 80 percent of the population.
Architecture · Day Trips · History · Nature
Before you go
Accommodation
Five small pensions provide the main accommodation options. Book ahead during June pilgrimage season at Debre Sina Monastery.
Food
Traditional Eritrean cuisine: injera bread with stews, fried mutton called kuluwa. Budget approximately 50-100 Nakfa for a meal.
Transport
Keren Airfield provides air access; overland buses connect to Asmara and Nakfa. Local bajaj and taxis available for getting around the city.
Weather
Semi-arid climate with hot season March-June (up to 31°C) and cooler October-February period. Rainy season mid-June to mid-September brings 44-199mm monthly rainfall.
