Experience Africa’s “Best of the Best”: Top Tripadvisor Attractions & The Tours That Take You There

When it comes to planning the ultimate African adventure, the sheer size and diversity of the continent can feel overwhelming. Where do you start? How do you ensure you are spending your hard-earned money on the best experiences?

Fortunately, the travelers have spoken. Tripadvisor recently released its travelers choice “Best of the Best” Attractions and Experiences in Africa, highlighting the most awe-inspiring, bucket-list-worthy destinations across the continent. Even better? African Overland Tours (AOT) has been awarded the prestigious Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for three years running (including 2024, 2025 and 2026), boasting a near-perfect 4.9/5 star rating from hundreds of happy adventurers. Check out African overland Tours on Tripadvisor

If you are ready to stop dreaming and start exploring, here is how you can pair Africa’s top-rated attractions with the expertly crafted overland tours at AOT.

1. Conquer Cape Town & The Coastal Penguins

The Tripadvisor Favorites: * Table Mountain Aerial Cableway (South Africa): Rated as a top attraction, this cableway offers sweeping 360-degree views of Cape Town and the coastline.
Cape Point and Boulder’s Penguins Tour: A top-rated experience that combines spectacular coastal views with the chance to observe unique, adorable African penguins.

penguins boulders beach — Did you know a group of penguins on land are called a waddle?

The AOT Match: 20 Day Cape Town to Victoria Falls Ultimate Tour – This is AOT’s most popular route for a reason. Starting in the vibrant city of Cape Town, you will have the chance to explore the V&A Waterfront and take in the iconic Table Mountain before embarking on a journey that sweeps through Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe.

2. Soar Above the “Smoke That Thunders”

The Tripadvisor Favorite: * Helicopter Scenic Flight over Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe): Taking to the skies for a 12-13 minute flight gives you a breathtaking, once-in-a-lifetime aerial perspective of this natural wonder, complete with elephant and zebra sightings from above.

Aerial view of Victoria Falls showing the Zambezi River dropping into the gorge and creating thick mist. — From above, the sheer scale of ‘The Smoke That Thunders’ becomes breathtakingly clear as the Zambezi River plunges into the gorge.

The AOT Match: 24 Day Cape Town, Victoria Falls to Joburg – After traveling through the stark beauty of the Namib Desert and the wildlife-rich Okavango Delta, this tour culminates at Victoria Falls. AOT builds their itineraries to ensure you have time to book optional activities like the legendary helicopter flights over the falls.

3. Drift Over the Serengeti & Explore the Crater

The Tripadvisor Favorites: * Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania): A massive volcanic caldera celebrated for its diverse wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and incredible conservation efforts.
>Serengeti Balloon Safari (Tanzania): A top-tier experience where you glide over the savanna at sunrise to spot lions and elephants, followed by an authentic bush breakfast.

3 hot air balloons at sunrise over a gentle river in the Serengeti, Tanzania — Drifting silently over the African plains at dawn offers an unforgettable perspective of the winding rivers and vast landscapes below.

The AOT Match: 15 Day Tanzania and Kenya Tour – East Africa Migration For those chasing the classic East African safari, this 15-day adventure focuses heavily on nature, wildlife, and the Big 5. It places you right in the heart of Tanzania’s premium parks, providing the perfect canvas to witness the Great Migration or take to the skies in a hot air balloon.

4. Meet the Mountain Gorillas of Uganda

The Tripadvisor Favorite: * Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Uganda): Ranked as one of the best attractions on the continent, this lush rainforest offers the life-changing opportunity to trek with experienced guides and encounter mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

Close-up of a mountain gorilla's face as it eats a green plant stem in Uganda. — A mountain gorilla pauses to forage on fresh vegetation in the dense forests of Uganda.

The AOT Match: 15 Day Kenya Game Parks and Gorillas Safari Combining the sweeping plains of Kenya with the dense jungles of Uganda, this tour is a wildlife lover’s dream. AOT handles the complex logistics of cross-border travel and permits, allowing you to focus entirely on the awe-inspiring moment you lock eyes with a silverback gorilla.

5. Witness the Wilds of Kenya

The Tripadvisor Favorites: * Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (Kenya): A unique Nairobi sanctuary where you can get up close with rescued baby elephants and learn about wildlife rehabilitation.

Masai Mara Game Drives: Celebrated for offering up-close wildlife sightings and personalized routes through one of the most famous reserves on earth.

A leopard scans the horizon from the tall grasses of the Masai Mara.

The AOT Match: 42 Day Cape Town to Nairobi Tour For the ultimate explorer, this epic 42-day journey spans half the continent. Arriving in Nairobi, you will have access to top attractions like the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and Nairobi National Park, perfectly capping off weeks of Big 5 safaris and cultural immersion.

Why Choose African Overland Tours?

Booking an African safari is a major investment of both time and money. Here is why over 14,000 travelers have trusted African Overland Tours since 2007:

Award-Winning Excellence: AOT is incredibly proud to be a Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award Winner for 2024, 2025, and 2026. Out of 8 million listings on Tripadvisor, fewer than 1% achieve the “Best of the Best” milestone, and AOT’s consistent 4.9-star rating reflects a relentless dedication to customer satisfaction.

Expert Guidance: The AOT consulting team (including experts like Tammy, Reshma, Lee, and Chemone) has over 150 years of combined experience and has personally traveled these routes. As past travelers note, they provide “honest and personalized information” and offer invaluable support before you even pack your bags.

Travel Your Way: Whether you are an adventurous soul looking to camp under millions of stars in Namibia, or someone who prefers the comfort of accommodated lodges after a long day of game viewing, AOT offers flexible travel styles to suit solo travelers, couples, and seniors alike.

Ready to step away from the ordinary and into the extraordinary? Browse our Most Popular Tours or reach out to our team of experts today to start planning your award-winning African adventure!