Anticipation is building in Bahir Dar as the "Tananesh-2" tourist boat is expected to reach Lake Tana soon, culminating an extraordinary overland journey from Djibouti's Port of Doraleh. The arrival of the 150-metric-ton vessel, which has drawn considerable attention across the nation, promises to usher in a new era for tourism on Ethiopia's largest lake.
Having already received enthusiastic welcomes in cities like Adama and Mojo, the 38-meter-long boat, capable of carrying up to 188 passengers, represents a significant feat of logistics and a strategic investment in Ethiopia's growing tourism sector. Its unique cross-country transport highlights innovative solutions for landlocked nations seeking to enhance their water-based tourism infrastructure.
The successful journey of "Tananesh-2" parallels similar endeavors in other landlocked countries that rely on overland transport to bring large vessels to their inland water bodies. Switzerland, for instance, a country celebrated for its pristine lakes, regularly imports large passenger boats, moving them by specialized vehicles through challenging mountainous terrain to their destinations. This practice enables robust tourism operations on lakes that are otherwise inaccessible by sea.
Uganda also provides a compelling example, having recently acquired the "MV IMB," a modern vessel capable of transporting over 150 tourists. This boat undertook an arduous 45-day overland trek from Kenya's Mombasa port, demonstrating the feasibility of such monumental logistical operations to bolster inland tourism.
As "Tananesh-2" prepares to Lake Tana, its deployment is expected to significantly enhance the visitor experience, offering modern, high-capacity transport for tourists eager to explore the lake's ancient island monasteries and natural beauty. This landmark achievement is set to boost local economies and further solidify Ethiopia's position as a vibrant tourist destination.