A total of 3 Sub-Saharan holiday hotspots were featured in New York Times’ 52 Places to Go in 2015, namely Durban (South Africa), Zimbabwe and Tanzania.
Durban: A third city finds its place in the spotlight
Durban is one of South Africans’ favourite holiday destinations. It has a scenic promenade, and instead of four seasons they have one, and it’s called summer. For years Cape Town and Johannesburg have been vying for the top spot as South Africa’s international tourist destination, but this year Durban was put in the spotlight as the must see destination of the Republic as one of New York Times’ 52 Places to Go in 2015. This is what they had to say:
“The city’s creative set is staking its claim on a hefty share of the country’s cool quotient. The reinvention of Rivertown kicked things off: The city enclave is now home to a popular market, beer hall and, coming soon, a raft of boutiques showcasing proudly local brands (Dirty Indigo T-shirts; Spine men’s wear). The beloved but dated Durban beachfront is also getting a serious upgrade, courtesy of new dining spots like Afro’s Chicken, California Dreaming and Surf Rider’s Cafe. Not sure where to start exploring? Order a bunny chow, the quintessential Indian-South African fast food (Durban is home to one of the world’s largest Indian communities), and join a city walk led by Beset Durban.”
Zimbabwe: Stepping back into the spotlight
Zimbabwe was the forgotten gem of Southern Africa because of political unrest that plagued it in previous years. Now it is entering the limelight once again with it head high, and it’s rich heritage taking centre stage. This year the Victoria Falls Airport will open an international terminal, making Zimbabwe even more accessible. New York Times got excited about the “new trips from outfitters like Red Savannah and Cox and Kings (who) give travelers a way to explore the many riches (like) the spectacular Victoria Falls, the Zambezi, Unesco World Heritage sites like the granite landform Matobo Hills and the colonial charm of cities like Harare.” That’s not all. “The biggest draw, however, might be the abundance of game, including hippos and lions, on full view on water safaris, like those offered by the new luxury cruiser Matusadona, or the old-fashioned way, by land, at upscale lodges like Bomani Tented Lodge in Hwange National Park.”
Tanzania: Unprecedented safari beauty
Tanzania is becoming synonymous with luxurious adventures and rewarding safaris. The country is ready and waiting to embrace international tourists hungry for a new African experience. “Its luxurious new lodges are enticing diverted visitors. The ever-popular Serengeti retains its cachet with high-profile openings. Asilia Africa’s secluded Namiri Plains property and roving mobile camp Kimondo opened in July (2014), followed by Legendary Expeditions’ Mwiba Tented Camp in August, and a revamp of &Beyond Grumeti Tented Camp is slated to be unveiled this April (2015).”
But the real new treasure here is “unprecedented access to sparsely trafficked regions. Nomad Tanzania opened Kuro amid the baobab-studded landscapes of Tarangire; Azura opened a new camp in southern Tanzania’s Selous Game Reserve, home to large concentrations of elephant, wild dog and leopard; while Ruaha, one of Tanzania’s largest yet least visited national parks, is now home to Nomad’s new Kigelia camp and Asilia’s Kwihala. Not to be outdone by its bush brethren, the alluring isle of Zanzibar is scaling up its luxury hotel offerings in the form of the coming Park Hyatt Zanzibar.”
SOURCE: Amadeus East Africa