Attractions in Southern Highlands
Canyons, ancient pillars, and the roots of civilization 🏛️⛰️
Showing 7 attractions · Sorted by importance
Metera Archaeological Site
📍 Senafe
🏰 CastleA significant historical site home to a five-meter-tall Aksumite stela and the excavated ruins of an ancient city.
Qohaito Archaeological Site
📍 Adi Keyh
🏰 CastleAn expansive ancient Aksumite plateau featuring the ruins of the Temple of Mariam Wakino and unique rock art.
Asmara-Senafe Scenic Highway
📍 Asmara
🚗 Road Trip135km paved mountain highway (approx. 3.5 hours) traversing the Eritrean Southern Highlands. The route winds through high-altitude terrain, passing the Art Deco town of Dekemhare, the archaeological gateway of Adi Keyh, and terminating at the ancient ruins of Metera near Senafe. Key highlights include the massive sycamore trees of the Dekemhare valley and the dramatic 1,200-meter drop-offs of the nearby Qohaito Plateau.
Qohaito Plateau Archaeological Circuit
📍 Adi Keyh
🥾 Hiking & Cycling15km moderate day walk exploring the ancient Sabaean city of Qohaito. Duration is roughly 5 hours with an elevation gain of 300m across the plateau at 2600m altitude. The route connects the Safira Dam, the Egyptian Tomb, and the edge of the Great Canyon. No formal rental companies exist on-site; visitors must bring gear or arrange tours from Asmara.
Emba Soira Summit Hike
📍 Senafe
🥾 Hiking & Cycling12km challenging day hike to the highest point in Eritrea (3018m). Typical duration is 6-7 hours with an elevation gain of approximately 850m. The trail follows rugged mountain ridges with steep sections and loose rock. No local rental shops; equipment and guides are typically arranged in Asmara through the Ministry of Tourism. Best hiked between October and March.
Adi Keyh to Senafe Road Cycle
📍 Adi Keyh
🥾 Hiking & Cycling25km moderate road cycling route following the P3 highway through the southern highlands. Duration is 1.5 to 2 hours with approximately 400m of undulating elevation gain/loss. This route offers iconic views of the Metera stele (Hawulti) and Mount Soira. Bike rentals are not available locally and must be sourced from cycle shops in Asmara such as Asmara Cycle (no website).