The New Africa

Uncover the culture, cuisine and charm of the Motherland's emerging hot spots

- Dana Givens

There's more to Africa than safari and deserts. While cities like Marrakech, Accra and Johannesburg continue to bring in hundreds of thousands of international travelers every year, other urban destinations should also be on your radar. Featuring vibrant restaurant scenes and hubs of creative freedom, here are five emerging African cities to visit this year.

Abidjan, Ivory Coast

Côte d'Ivoire has seen steady economic growth over the past decade—and the capital, Abidjan, has been a main driver. One of the reasons is its rapidly growing tech sector, which attracts startups from around the continent. What makes this destination particularly exciting to visit is the chance to explore its thriving arts scene. The city has become a thriving center for contemporary artists in the region—making it of particular interest to global art collectors.

Kigali, Rwanda