ZANZIBAR AND MOUNT KILIMANJARO, TANZANIA

Why it’s still available: The African connection, as mentioned above.

What’s good about it: Experience some of Zanzibar’s exotic cuisine, cultivated from the expansive spice fields harvesting everything from cloves and vanilla to nutmeg and cinnamon. The destination also offers beaches, Turkish baths, and quaint winding streets with colonial architecture. Mount Kilimanjaro, the “rooftop of Africa”, meanwhile, stands at 5,896 metres and is the tallest freestanding g mountain in the world, and truly a sight ight to behold. December also offers some of the clearest and warmest conditions.

Xmas X-factor: Those fit enough can take the holiday to new heights and try their hand at scaling the summit; it takes from five to nine days round trip depending on the route chosen.

How to get there: You can fly via the Middle East, either with Emirates through Dubai or Doha with Qatar Airways, then to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. Qatar also flies between Doha and Kilimanjaro. SAA, meanwhile, flies to Dar es Salaam via Johannesburg twice a day.

Hotels: Doubletree Resort by Hilton Hotel Zanzibar – Nungwi, Bluebay Beach Resort & Spa and Sal Salinero Hotel Kilimanjaro have rooms ready to welcome you.

Visa: Those from Hong Kong, Malaysia and some African countries including Ghana and Gambia don’t require a visa, while people from other nations should leave four days for processing.