It isn’t easy to decide which destination in Africa comes out tops. Let’s face it, this vast continent features incredible wildlife, waterfalls, lakes, islands, mountains, pyramids and craters. Despite this, a marketing company, Think! X Innovations has issued its Tourism Sentiment Index, based on data collected from online content. They used this data to determine various locations in the world ranking by positive digital “word of mouth.”

The company analyzed data from 2022 to find out what people say about various worldwide destinations, and whether reviews were positive, negative, or neutral. Meanwhile, the score is taken as a reflection of each location’s tourism industry as a whole. Moreover, it looked at all facets of the travel experience, including accommodations, tours, transportation, attractions and more. Here we look at the top five places to visit in Africa, according to the Tourism Sentiment Index.

5. Marrakesh, Morocco

The beautiful city of Marrakesh, Morocco lies on the northwestern coast of Africa and is a city and desert oasis. Moreover, its surrounding dunes offer a variety of activities. This particular location came up tops for the many tours available here, including dune buggies, camel rides and nights in a Bedouin tent under the stars.

However, while Marrakesh made the top list, the rest of Morocco offers many of its own charms and attractions, making it a great spot for your 2023 itinerary.

4. Hermanus, South Africa

On the opposite end of Africa, a coastal town is popular and also world famous for its whale watching. While there are many places in the world where you can watch whales from out on the water, here in Hermanus, you can watch them from dry land.

Moreover, the town is known as the best location for land-based whale watching in the world, where the migratory southern right whales visit every year. The best time to visit is between June and November, when the whales can be seen arriving in Walker Bay from Antarctica, ready to breed and calve. Of course, Hermanus has many other attractions, including its beaches, wine tasting and sea kayaking and it is located around an hour and a half’s drive from Cape Town.

3. Zanzibar, Tanzania

For those travelers seeking white-sand beaches, backed by palm trees and overlooking crystal-clear waters, Zanzibar is the place to be. The island lies off the eastern coast of Tanzania but somehow feels far away.

Meanwhile, Tanzania is a popular destination, for its national parks and wildlife, so a visit is a great idea. How about going on a safari in Tanzania, then heading over to Zanzibar, enjoying the beaches, the wonders of Stone Town and the Slave Market Memorial, a part of the island’s history.

2. Mauritius, an island off the coast of Africa

Next in line is the beautiful island nation of Mauritius, located to the east of Madagascar and nestled in the Indian Ocean. Most people flock here for the beaches and crystal-clear waters, but many come for the majestic national parks.

Another interesting aspect is that Mauritius is becoming highly popular with digital nomads. Who can blame them for doing their work, while relaxing on amazing beaches?

1. The Seychelles, off East Africa

According to the report, the next location is located 1,700 km (1,056 mi) north of Mauritius and off the coast of East Africa. The Seychelles is an island archipelago that is actually the top place on the Tourism Sentiment Index, mainly for its idyllic beaches.

The archipelago features 115 islands and offers a remote, deserted island vibe, along with gorgeous beaches, crystal-clear water and colorful marine life.

This year, experience the top African destinations according to the Tourism Sentiment Index, seeing Africa as its best.