This week, an article on CNN.com suggests Ethiopia is “the next big thing in Africa travel.” The increased appeal, said CNN, can be attributed to “new infrastructure” and “expanding industry” in this East African nation, which is situated to the north of Kenya (a country who in recent years has suffered a dip in its tourism numbers).
It goes without saying that travel forecasts don’t guarantee an actual trend. Still, Ethiopia–with its vast wilderness, wildlife, and mountain ranges–is ripe for a tourism boom. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital, seems especially ready, CNN reports:
“Addis Ababa is in the midst of a building boom that includes a massive expansion of Bole International Airport and a number of new hotels including glitzy high-rise offerings from Marriott and InterContinental currently under construction.”
However, foreign travel to Ethiopia is not without complications. While the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office have lowered its terrorist threat level in some areas, the official still advise against all travel to “within 10 km of the border with Eritrea,” with the exception of some nearby main roads and tourist sites.
The travel website Lonely Planet agrees that travel to Ethiopia is “tough, both physically and mentally.” But its experts certainly don’t write off the rewards of visiting the country, saying “Testing, awe-inspiring and heartbreaking – a journey you’ll never forget. You don’t explore Ethiopia for a relaxing getaway, you venture here to be moved. And moved you shall be.”