What to Expect: Diving, Snorkeling, Sailing,  Spice Tour, Stone Town Tour

Why: Zanzibar is an island off the Indian Coast of Tanzania and averages only five rainy days for the month of January. The south of the main island offers the best diving conditions while the north has the best sunset views. For exceptional reef diving and snorkeling, head to the exclusive outlying islands of Pemba, Mafia and Mnemba. Zanzibar is also home to Stone Town, a World Heritage Site with plenty to see and do. A beach holiday on Zanzibar is the perfect way to relax after the early morning wake-up calls of a Southern Serengeti safari.

Southern Serengeti – Tanzania

Season High Summer Average Temperature for January 17 Celsius 63 Fahrenheit

What to Expect: Calving season during the Great Wildebeest Migration.

Why: The herds mass in the Southern Serengeti at this time of year to take advantage of the excellent grazing – depending on whether good rains fell in time – that will sustain their calves. About 8 000 calves are born every day and there is plenty of predator action from lions, hyenas, leopards, wild dogs and jackals. Game drives will take you to the heart of the action.

Gorilla Trekking Uganda

Season High Summer Average Temperature for January 11 Celsius 64 Fahrenheit

What to Expect: Trekking mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Why: January generally coincides with a short dry spell, making it easier and more comfortable to trek because there is less rain and mud.

When to book: All gorilla-trekking destinations issue a limited number of permits per day and there is limited accommodation available in remote parks like Bwindi. Book as soon as you decide to go trekking to avoid disappointment – peak dry season is very popular.