Maps are more than geography. They tell stories — of movement, belonging, and memory. For Eritrip founder Daniel Abbay, maps became the starting point of a lifelong love letter to Eritrea, written through the language of design.
Inspired by a Legacy
Raised in Ethiopia, shaped in Kenya and the UK, and deeply rooted in Eritrean blood, Daniel grew up collecting travel guides. As a designer influenced by Harry Beck, creator of the London Underground map, he saw how structure and simplicity could reveal deep truths. So, he applied the same clarity to Eritrea’s complex cultural landscape.
The Birth of the Eritrip Map
In 2011, Daniel travelled to Eritrea to reconnect with his heritage. He searched for a travel guide that was culturally accurate and practical — but all he found were bulky, impersonal books written by outsiders. That gap sparked a vision: what if there was a passport-sized map that made Eritrea navigable, beautiful, and proudly Eritrean?
Designing for Meaning
The result was more than a guide. It was a portal. Every curve on the map, every colour palette, every icon was carefully chosen to reflect Eritrean rhythm and identity. It was designed to fit in your pocket, but its purpose was larger: to hold a nation’s story in the palm of your hand.
