• Tourism is such a vitally important sector in a lot of countries, and for Africa, there is an abundance of 'cool' tourist attractions. National Geographic has released its list for the 19 'cool' places to see in 2019. 

    The Cool List 2019 gives space to destinations that entail futuristic cityscapes, modern architecture, pristine rain-forests and rehabilited wildlife. It features destinations such as Hong Kong, San Miguel de Allende, Guyana, Oslo, Indonesia, Setouchi and many more. 

    The African destinations completing the list include Zimbabwe, Eritrea, KwaZulu-Natal (a province in South Africa) and Uganda. If you are on the hunt for cool places to visit on the African continent, these destinations are an excellent recommendation.  

     The list goes on to give a brief outlook on each and every destination it mentions. It alludes to the issue of government change for Zimbabwe, saying Robert Mugabe's departure has seen the new president Emmerson Mnangagwa having a keen interest in the growth of the tourism sector in the country, in what it terms "Tours are on the rise, post-Mugabe". There is mention of how despite the political and economic challenges which the country is going through, there is still lots of safety for the tourists. 

    The main attractions for Zimbabwe include Victoria Falls and the whole surrounding area which encompasses the Zambezi National Park. There's also mention of Hwange National Park, Mana Pools National Park; and also Gonarezhou National Park. If one would summarise their reference to Zimbabwe, it is abundantly in positive terms. 

    Next on their list is Eritrea, which they term "The African country is firmly back on the travel map" due to the country resolving its border dispute with neighbouring Ethiopia. "This little-visited African country is opening up to adventurous travellers as well as those with an eye for architecture." The main attractions include Asmara because of its mid-century modernist architecture, the Red Sea, and the Dahlak Archipelago. Other things to look out for while in Eritrea include the abulous cuisine; dine out on injera, a sour, spongy flatbread served with spicy, colourful stews.

    KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) also features on the list. KZN is a province in South Africa, province to the city Durban. "New flights and lodges in South Africa’s safari hotspot" is how it has been described by National Geographic because of the launch of direct flights from Heathrow to Durban by British Airways, and two new lodges opening in the Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park. The Durban beaches and the wildlife are some of the main attractions KZN hosts. Want to get an insight into the origins of apartheid?  KwaMuhle in Durban provides an evoking aspect into that. 

    Last on the list is Uganda, described with the phrase, "Marvel at mountain gorillas in the wild" because of its impressive mountain gorilla population, which is one of Africa's great conservation stories. Exploring Bwindi’s birdwatching trails, cycle routes and craft scene after your gorilla trek are activities not to miss in Uganda. 

    For more details into these destinations, visit the list on this Nat Geo site, and be amazed with what Africa has to offer. 

    Header image credit: Getty Images via National Geographic