Welcome to the TravelPod forums

[corinneconley]

I just came back from Morocco (which was amazing!) but now I am getting the itch to go back to that continent. The only question is where?!?! I would like to check out parts of the continent that don't have as much arab influence, and possibly see some wildlife.

Is there somewhere you went that I MUST go to? Also, is it safe?

[aopaq]

How about considering Ethiopia? It is a very interesting country and I would say quite safe. If you also want to get a little off the beaten track, going into Somaliland is also a consideration.

[corinneconley]

Have you visited there?

We have a lot of Somalian and Ethiopian refugees by me which makes me think there is still some issues going on, or at least just being resolved. Do you know anything about that?

[aopaq]

Have you visited there?

We have a lot of Somalian and Ethiopian refugees by me which makes me think there is still some issues going on, or at least just being resolved. Do you know anything about that?

I visited Ethiopia and Somaliland for a short time a couple years ago and found them to be very interesting and the people to be quite friendly. I never felt unsafe. Of course there are areas in Ethiopia to avoid (as many other countries) such as near the border with Eritrea where there is apparently still a border dispute of sorts and also near the central and southern parts of Somalia. But there are a lot of interesting sites in Ethiopia such as the stone churches at Lalibela.

However, Somaliland (northern Somalia) is actually its own "country" that is not recognized by the rest of the world. They have their own democratically elected government, currency and issue their own visas. I was there only a few days but found it very interesting and again you must be careful where you go. However, I never felt unsafe in the capital of Hargeisa and met some interesting folk.

[corinneconley]

cool! thanks for the info

[kili-kelly]

Of course you must come visit us in Tanzania. It is an interesting cultural mix, Islamic influenced coastal regions and a balanced mix in the interior. Very peacefully coexisting. With the Serengeti, Mt Kilimanjaro, Gombe Stream (Jane Goodall's chimpanzee research project), Ngorongoro Crater among many other attractions. I find the country quite safe and am enjoying it immensely. Karibu!