Still haven’t booked your safari? Here’s where to go in 2016…

[Sam Ward]

(c) South Africa Tourism

If you still haven’t booked your safari, here are four places which are off the charts when it comes to adventure. From urban city scapes to safaris on the sands and in undiscovered climes, you won't be disappointed.

Swaziland village dancing (c) Acacia Africa

There’s still a buzz surrounding travel to South Africa, especially for British travellers. Sterling has doubled in value against the rand over the last five years and the Post Office Holiday Money Report named the country as the most affordable long-haul destination for 2016. Both landlocked within the country’s borders, the intriguing Kingdom of Swaziland and less well-travelled Lesotho are also earmarked to become travel hotspots.

Zulu village visit (c) Acacia Africa

A great time to visit the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal, this year the country will celebrate the 200th birthday of the Zulu nation, and while it may be southern Africa’s smallest country, experts are also suggesting that the tiny Kingdom of Swaziland could well become Africa’s new adventure capital in 2016.

Johannesburg, the City of Gold (c) Acacia Africa

On the urban front, Johannesburg is also basking in the limelight. No stranger to accolades, in 2015, the city took first place in Rough Guides’ ‘Best Cities to Visit’ and recently the destination snapped up a GQ award for being coolest capital in the southern hemisphere. Earlier this month, YouthfulCities announced their top cities for the younger generation. Of the 55 cities participating, Johannesburg is the first on the African continent to make the list (coming in at 35th).

On what to see and do in the city, Arno Delport, Sales & Marketing Manager at Acacia Africa says “Hang out in the funky Maboneng District – it’s where you’ll find Joburg’s hip crowd.  A great place for foodies and creatives, the best time to visit is Sundays when artisans from all over the city sell and exhibit their crafts at the market.”

Want to book? Acacia Africa offers four day add on city stays in Johannesburg and many of the safari specialist’s overland expeditions either start or end in City of Gold.

Zanzibar (c) Acacia Africa

Zanzibar scooped up the award for ‘World’s Leading Dive Destination’ at the 2016 World Travel Awards, and here’s why.  Kwenda beach, which is situated at the far northwest of the island, is famed for its snorkelling and scuba experiences.  On the reefs surrounding this island paradise you might expect to see angelfish, butterfly fish, moorish idols, lionfish, surgeon fish, trigger fish, clown fish, damsel fish, cuttle fish, cray fish, puffer fish, box fish, parrot fish, nudibranches, shrimps, crabs, wrasses, snappers, eels, sting rays, dolphins, barracudas, sweet lips, and groupers – to name just a few!!  For the ultimate underwater safari, dives under the moonlight are a special highlight.

Zanzibar's dream white sand beaches (c) Acacia Africa

While Zanzibar is a year round destination, the best time to go is probably between June and September when temperatures are around 25-30 degrees Celsius and you sometimes see some light rainfall. If you’re flippering up over this period, you’ll enjoy visibility in excess of 20 metres at Mnemba Island - a favourite haunt for divers who are in the know.

Matobo National Park, Zimbabwe (c) www.bigcavematopos.com

Zimbabwe is a rising star on the Africa travel circuit, the country continuing to grow in popularity. Acacia Africa recently launched three small group safaris - the 14 day Southern Africa Magic, seven day Kruger & Victoria Falls and 11 day Delta and Chobe Waterways making several stops in the country. All of the itineraries will visit the Victoria Falls, Bulawayo and the Matobo National Park - one of the best places to view rhino in Africa.

14 day Southern Africa Magic from £1,395pp (two sharing) + Safari Pass from £870pp including transport, accommodation (twin share chalets and guest houses with en-suite facilities 12 nights, pre-erected tent with en-suite facilities one night), most meals and services of as tour leader/driver. Guaranteed departures 23 April and 07 May.

Acacia Africa (020 7706 4700; acacia-africa.com) SATSA membership No. 1931, ATOL No. 6499 and ABTA No. W4093 PROTECTED.