Zimbabwe named in Lonely Planet’s list of “best countries” to visit in 2019

Top travel publisher, Lonely Planet has released its selection of the best travel destinations of 2019, with Zimbabwe named in the top 10 countries to visit.

Despite the ongoing economic and liquidity crisis in Zimbabwe, the country’s tourism sector received a major boost, coming third on Lonely Planet’s list of 10 “best countries”, which are “primed to capture travellers’ imagination” next year.

Profiling Zimbabwe, Lonely Planet  wrote on its website: “While it may be known for making the headlines for all the wrong reasons, Zimbabwe has always been a country that travellers on the ground have raved about. Not only is it one of Africa’s safest destinations, it’s one blessed with ultra-friendly locals, Big Five-filled national parks, World Heritage-listed archaeological ruins, forested mountains and, of course, the mighty Victoria Falls”.

“Although the controversial 2018 election may have dampened the unbridled optimism following the end of Robert Mugabe’s time in power, the sense of hope for what the country can become remains strong in Zimbabweans. And as always, a visit here is viewed by locals as a sign of support of them on their journey to a new dawn,” the website notes.

Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Africa. Victoria Falls is undoubtedly amongst the most spectacular waterfalls in the world. Located on the mighty Zambezi River, Victoria Falls is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is one of the largest waterfalls in the world. Zimbabwe boasts of other numerous top tourists sites, which justify the country’s selection.

The 668m-high Pico Cão Grande rock tower on São Tomé Island © Justin Foulkes / Lonely Planet

Sri Lanka takes the top spot on the travel firm’s list, and second place is taken by Germany. São Tomé and Príncipe, the African island nation located close to the equator is ranked number nine on the list.

The two-island nation of São Tomé and Príncipe is renowned for its surreal landscapes [which] climb dramatically to the heavens, tropical waters [that] kiss its empty beaches, jungles and many untold treasures, Lonely Planet says.

Read: World Tourism Day: 7 African destinations to visit

Among cities, Copenhagen is rated the best in the world, and two African cities, Dakar, in Senegal and Meknes, in Morocco are named on the list of best cities to visit.

Lonely Planet is a leading travel media company and the world’s number one travel guidebook brand, providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveller since 1973.

Lonely Planet’s best countries 2019:

Sri Lanka

Germany

Zimbabwe

Panama

Kyrgyzstan

Jordan

Indonesia

Belarus

Sao Tome and Principe

Belize

Here are Lonely Planet’s best cities 2019:

Copenhagen, Denmark

Shenzhen, China

Novi Sad, Serbia

Miami, FL, USA

Kathmandu, Nepal

Mexico City, Mexico

Dakar, Senegal

Seattle, WA, USA

Zadar, Croatia

Meknes, Morocco