Al Awsaţ

Al Awsaţ (the Central Region, also known as Maekel) is the smallest but most populous of Eritrea's six regions, surrounding and encompassing the national capital, Asmara. Located on the highland plateau at an elevation of around 2,300 m, the region enjoys one of the most pleasant climates in Africa — mild year-round with cool evenings. It is the political, economic, and cultural heart of the country, containing Asmara's UNESCO-listed Italian modernist architecture as well as the President's residence and all national government institutions.

Beyond Asmara, the region includes a ring of suburban and rural highland communities — Himbirti, Emba Derho, Tsazega, Ghala Nefhi, and Serejaka — where traditional Tigrinya village life continues alongside the capital's urban energy. Terraced farmlands, eucalyptus groves, and stone-house villages (hidmo) characterise the countryside, offering a stark contrast to the busy streets of Asmara just a few kilometres away.

The dry season from October to April offers the most comfortable conditions, with sunny days and cool nights. The rainy season (June to September) brings afternoon downpours that turn the countryside lush green. Temperatures range from 10-25°C year-round, with December and January being the coolest months. The dry season from December to April is also the dustiest, while August to October is the greenest period.

Asmara is well-connected by paved roads to all towns within the region. The public bus system (red Mercedes-Benz buses) and white minibuses serve the capital and connect to surrounding villages like Himbirti, Tsazega, and Emba Derho. Yellow taxis and contract taxis are widely available in Asmara. For exploring villages beyond the bus routes, a hired taxi or guided tour is recommended.

• Asmara — the capital city, a UNESCO World Heritage site for its exceptional Italian modernist architecture
• Himbirti — historic town with an Italian fort and scenic highland setting
• Emba Derho — traditional highland village with panoramic views of the Asmara plateau
• Tsazega — traditional Tigrinya village with stone houses and terraced farming
• Ghala Nefhi — reservoir and recreational area on the outskirts of Asmara
• Serejaka — quiet agricultural village in the central highlands

Asmara is the culinary capital of Eritrea, with restaurants serving everything from traditional injera with zigni to Italian pasta, pizza, and espresso. The city's Italian colonial legacy is still alive in its cafe culture. Outside the capital, village restaurants serve home-style Eritrean highland cooking — shiro, alicha, and fresh dairy products. Asmara Beer, brewed nearby, is the national drink.

The Central Region is the cultural heart of Eritrea. Asmara hosts the national celebrations for Independence Day (24 May) and other public holidays. The city's many cinemas, theatres, and cafes sustain a vibrant cultural scene. Orthodox Christian festivals — Meskel (September), Timkat (January), and Easter — are celebrated with processions and gatherings. The city's architecture itself is a cultural attraction, with over 400 modernist buildings.

• Walking along Harnet Avenue (also known as Kombishtato) through Asmara's architectural heart
• Enjoying an espresso at one of Asmara's historic Italian cafes, such as the Impero or Roma
• Visiting the National Museum of Eritrea to explore five millennia of history
• Driving the dramatic Asmara-Massawa road from the highlands down to the Red Sea coast
• Exploring traditional highland villages like Tsazega and Emba Derho on the outskirts of the capital