Things To Do
in Mersa
Mersa is a small port town on Ethiopia’s eastern Red Sea frontier, where sea breeze meets desert horizons. The city offers authentic coastal life with markets, fishing boats, and simple guesthouses that invite lingering over tea and conversation. Visitors often encounter a blend of Afar and Somali-influenced cultures, with a welcoming, no-frills pace that suits curious explorers.
The surrounding landscape ranges from salt-dusted flats to sandy shores, creating dramatic sunrises and photogenic moments at every turn.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by wandering through the cobbled streets of Mersa, soaking in the rich history that surrounds you. Visit the ancient churches with their unique architecture, marveling at the intricate stone carvings that tell the stories of the past. Enjoy a local breakfast at a nearby café, sampling traditional dishes such as injera and doro wat.
After lunch, head to the Mersa Museum, where you can learn about the local culture and history through various exhibits and artifacts. Take a leisurely stroll around the vibrant market, engaging with friendly vendors and picking up unique handicrafts as souvenirs. As the sun begins to set, find a cozy spot at a local café to enjoy a refreshing drink and people-watch.
As dusk settles in, join a guided walking tour of the town to learn about its historical significance and local legends. Discover hidden gems and tucked-away spots that showcase Mersa's charm while interacting with the locals. Wind down your evening with a traditional Ethiopian dinner at a popular restaurant, enjoying the lively atmosphere and traditional music.
Rise early and embark on a guided hike through the picturesque hills surrounding Mersa, where the fresh mountain air invigorates your spirit. With stunning views of the landscape, take your time to appreciate the diverse flora and fauna that thrive in this unique ecosystem. Stop for a mid-morning snack, enjoying locally sourced fruits while soaking in the tranquil atmosphere.
After your hike, return to town for a leisurely lunch at a cozy eatery, sampling local dishes made with fresh ingredients. In the afternoon, visit the nearby lake for a chance to spot various bird species, including pelicans and kingfishers, as you take a peaceful walk along the shore. Capture the beauty around you with photographs that will remind you of this serene experience.
As the sun begins to set, enjoy a quiet evening by the lakeside, reflecting on the day's adventures. Consider bringing a picnic dinner to savor while watching the colors of the sky change. Close out your night with a bonfire, sharing stories with fellow travelers and locals under the starlit sky.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $2-5 |
| 🥗Meal at mid-range restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🏨1 night at budget hotel | $15-40 |
| 🚕Local taxi or ride | $1-4 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $0.5-2 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic coastal Ethiopian atmosphere with hospitable locals
- Accessible markets, seafood, and simple guesthouses offering real-life travel experiences
- Limited dedicated tourist infrastructure and nightlife
- Heat and aridity can be challenging without proper preparation
- "Selam" - Hello
- "Amesegnallo" - Thank you
- "Dehna neh?" - How are you?
- "Betam amesegnallo" - Thank you very much
- "Ewedishalhu" - Please (I would like)
Places to Visit in Mersa
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful fishing boats, nets laid out to dry, and soft morning light creating reflections on calm water.
Wide sea-facing walkway with benches, palm shade, and locals socializing—great for candid street photography.
Bustling lanes, spice stalls, and Market women with baskets; a vibrant study in texture and color.
Golden sands meeting the waterline—especially striking during sunrise or sunset.
Simple, traditional buildings and courtyard spaces offering a glimpse of regional design.
Food in Mersa
Mersa Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Freshly caught fish prepared with Ethiopian spices, often served with injera or flatbread at harbor-side eateries.
Must-Try!
Classic Ethiopian staple: a sour flatbread with a chickpea-based stew on the side; often enjoyed as a filling lunch or dinner.
A rich chicken stew with spices, commonly eaten with injera and shared among friends and family.
Desert-adapted flavors featuring camel meat, marinated with spicy berbere and grilled to balance salt air and heat.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Vibrant daytime market where you can sample fresh produce, spices, and snacks from local vendors.
Early-morning stalls offer the day’s catch—great for tasting straight-from-the-net fish or picking up smoked varieties.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite greetings and asking about well-being are valued; a smile and a handshake are common, with attention to elders and hosts.
Conservative dress is appreciated in public spaces; shoulders and knees should be covered when visiting religious sites or traditional neighborhoods.
Use the right hand for handshakes, sharing, and giving; hospitality and sharing food and tea are important customs.
Safety
Tipping in Mersa
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated for good service in restaurants and for drivers or guide services; typical amounts range from 5-10% for meals and a small backup tip for luggage handling or guided tours.
Cash in USD or local currency is commonly accepted in small towns; some larger venues may take cards, but carry cash for markets, street vendors, and rural areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Very hot and dry with high sun exposure; carry sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water. Sea breezes help by dusk, but shade is precious during the day.
Milder days with cooler evenings; comfortable for outdoor exploration, though nights can be chilly by the shore.
Occasional short showers; roads can become dusty or muddy and some paths may be less accessible. Bring a light rain shell and plan flexible itineraries.
Mersa at Night
Hiking in Mersa
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Day trips along the coast offer dune walks and serene views of the meeting point between sea and desert, suitable for easy to moderate hikes.
Short treks into dry riverbeds and wadis provide dramatic scenery and opportunities to observe birdlife and desert flora.
Airports
How to reach Mersa by plane.
Ethiopia's primary international gateway with connections to many regional and domestic destinations; from ADD, you can typically arrange a domestic flight to eastern towns and port hubs.
Regional airport serving eastern Ethiopia with domestic connections; useful for onward travel to smaller towns and coastal areas.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Cultural influences from neighboring regions shape language, cuisine, and daily life, with sea-based livelihoods and desert-adapted traditions.
A core demographic engaged in daily trade, craftsmanship, and seafood-related activities; hospitality and storytelling are common cultural threads.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across the country, with informal games and local league activity in towns like Mersa.
Common in schools and community centers; casual street games and local gatherings occur in the evenings.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Mersa.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Ethiopian cuisine offers many vegetarian options such as shiro, gomen (collard greens), misir (lentils), and misir wat; ask for teff injera to accompany dishes and specify spice level if needed.