The
Eritrean Highlands are a mountainous region in central Eritrea that are bordered to the south by the
Mareb River. It is a continuation of the
Ethiopian Highlands to the south. The region has seen tremendous
deforestation since the colonial period, which began in the late 19th century. The Highlands are at particular risk of deforestation and associated
soil erosion. Furthermore, the region, lying south of the
Sahel are at particular risk of desertification and frequent drought. The Highlands experience, as most tropical regions, two seasons; the rainy season (
kremti) is from June-September while the dry season is from September to June. The average temperature for the Highlands is approximately 16°C. The highest point in
Eritrea is located in the Eritrean Highlands at
Emba Soira (3,018 m). The Eritrean Highlands are drained by four major rivers towards
Sudan and by several smaller rivers into the
Red Sea coast of Eritrea. Flowing towards Sudan and the
Nile River are the
Gash and
Setit Rivers, while towards Sudan without reaching the Nile are the
Barka and
Anseba Rivers. The Eastern Escarpment of Eritrea is drained by numerous small streams.