These two African neighborhoods are cooler than those in New York and London

When you think of fabulous places to visit, you may envision Paris, London or New York City.

Africa is becoming a tourist attraction and slowly shedding its reputation as a continent solely for the exploitation of resources. Depending on the region visited, there are many wonderful entities to explore; from historical sites to places that delight the heart and eyes.

South Africa is no exception.  Two neighborhoods, in particular, were just bestowed with the title of being among the 12 coolest places in the world.

Let us take a closer look.

Kalk Bay, Cape Town

Kalk Bay is a former fishing town in Cape Town, South Africa that is now a quaint suburb.  It is nestled between the sea and a picturesque scene of mountains.

The town boasts of caves formed out of sandstone. Kalk Bay also attracts surfers due to its accessibility to the ocean.

“Each seaside ice-cream, delicious plate of fish and chips or souvenir bought from a small store goes a long way to growing the tourism and hospitality economy, and creating new jobs,” proclaimed Alan Winde, the Western Cape Economic Opportunities MEC.

Maboneng, Johannesburg

Maboneng, once an area off-limits during the days of Apartheid is now an area meshing sophisticated and urban living; proving that urban is more than the “ghetto.”

Maboneng translates to “place of light” in Sotho.  It lives up to its name by its renaissance that includes the formation of cafés, restaurants, boutiques and art galleries.

Vogue dubbed the city “South Africa’s answer to Williamsburg, Brooklyn.”