Most loved places in Africa? These top 5 tourist destinations surprise and delight

The pyramids in Cairo, Egypt, are iconic, and a wildlife safari near Nairobi, Kenya, is always worth it. But are those the most loved tourist destinations in Africa?

Not according to the Tourism Sentiment Index, a ranking by Think! X Innovations. The 2022 index is based on digital “word of mouth” — millions of pieces of publicly available content posted online about places around the world, according to the report’s methodology.

The index analyzes whether people are posting positive, negative or neutral reviews about everything from the events to the accommodations in a particular tourist destination. These scores are totaled then ranked.

The result? These places were identified as the top, most-loved spots in five African countries — and the destinations will both surprise and delight you:

5. Marrakesh, Morocco

With hot sunny days and cool desert nights, modern disco nightclubs and millennium-old city center, Marrakesh is a city of contrasts. It absorbs European, Arabic and Berber influence into a distinctly Moroccan culture.

Marrakesh’s historic city center is a labyrinth of alleyways punctuated by market vendors, open-air squares and marvelous architectural gems — including a stunning mosque and palaces. The country offers a wide array of cuisines from pastries to fruits to roasted meats.

Morocco is on the northwestern coast of Africa. Marrakesh is a desert oasis about 195 miles southwest of Rabat, the capital. The surrounding desert offers camel rides, motocross or other adventure tours.

Marrakesh scored 24.06 points in the Tourism Sentiment Index, ranking No. 93 worldwide. Its standout feature? It’s tour offerings.

4. Hermanus, South Africa

On the opposite side of the continent is Hermanus, South Africa, a beloved whale-watching spot. The city is about 75 miles southeast of Cape Town and along Walker Bay. Observant visitors can spot several different species of whale frequenting the bay. Every late summer into fall, the waters are “converted into a big whale maternity room” and baby calves can be seen.

Beyond the coast, the area boasts hiking and biking trails, golf courses, zip-lining and vineyards. The city itself has beautiful art galleries and thriving weekly markets.

Hermanus scored 31.02 points in the Index, ranking No. 18 globally. The city’s wildlife viewing was the highlight, rankers said.

3. Zanzibar, Tanzania

Zanzibar is an island off the coast of mainland Tanzania in east Africa. The island’s main city, also named Zanzibar, is a blend of east African and Arabic influences where English, Swahili and Arabic are all commonly spoken.

The island is known for Stone Town, an 18th century Swahili trading town and UNESCO World Heritage sight. Visitors can wander the alleyways, peruse the still-thriving market and confront historical justices and injustices at the site “where slave-trading was finally terminated.”

Zanzibar is ringed by white sands and crystal blue waters, where visitors can soak up the sun or grab a snorkel and dive into the water.

Zanzibar scored 32.3 points with the Tourism Sentiment Index, ranking No. 16 worldwide. The highlight? Its beaches, according to the ranking.

2. Mauritius

Mauritius is an English-speaking island country off the east African coast and surrounded by the Indian Ocean. A local once described the island to author Mark Twain by saying, “Mauritius was made first and then heaven; and heaven was copied after Mauritius.”

And Mauritius boasts everything from sandy beaches, mountains and waterfalls to a volcanic crater, coral reefs and giant turtles. Wander the old town in the capital city of Port-Louis. Try kitesurfing at a world-renowned spot. Learn the rhythms and dance moves of Sega, a homegrown musical culture. Or just relax on the beach.

Mauritius scored 32.92 points with the Index, ranking No. 13 globally. Rankers said its beaches were the highlight. The country is also popular with digital nomads who work remotely.

1. Seychelles

Taking the top spot as the most-loved tourist destination in Africa is the Seychelles, an island archipelago nation located off the east coast of Tanzania and Kenya. Seychelles scored 36.74 points on the Tourism Sentiment Index and landed at No. 4 worldwide, per the rankings. The location’s top highlight was its beaches.

Although made up of 115 different islands, most of the country’s tourist offerings are located on its three largest islands – Mahé, Praslin and La Digue.

Tropical and sunny year-round, you can soak up the sun, swim in the ocean or hike the rainforest in Seychelles. The country also offers unique cuisine and one-of-a-kind culture.

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