VICTORIA FALLS, ZAMBIA

Why it’s still available: There are some seats left via Johannesburg, but they’re going fast…

What’s good about it: It’s a wildlife lover’s wonderland. Visit the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River and one of the over 20 national parks in the country. Of them, Mosi-oa-Tunya is the closest to the falls – there are giraffes, zebras and impalas here – and entry is approximately US$10 per person per day.

Xmas X-factor: Champagne by one of the world’s largest cascading curtains of water is sure to get those celebratory feelings flowing.

How to get there: The best access is through Victoria Falls Airport on the Zimbabwe side, but if you want to avoid the border crossing, fly into Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International tional Airport in Zambia. Both are reachable via Johannesburg with th SAA, Cathay Pacific (CX) and Singapore Airlines (SIA).

Hotels: The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia and Zambezi Sun Victoria Falls Hotel are both outstanding, close to the falls and park, and have vacant rooms.

Visa: Indian and Chinese nationals require prior visa application to enter Zambia, but Singaporeans, Malaysians and Irish passport holders require no visa, while Japanese, Australians, English, South Koreans, Swedish and Cambodians can obtain a visa on arrival.