Where to go in Africa in December

A vast volcanic caldera packed with wildlife, one of the best places to see black rhino.

Ancient rainforest that is home to around half of the world’s mountain gorillas.

Mountain gorillas and golden monkeys on the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes.

The Nile forces through a seven-metre gap in one of Africa’s most powerful waterfalls.

Spice island beaches and the winding alleys of UNESCO-listed Stone Town.

Table Mountain, beaches, penguins, wine and food in one of the world’s most beautiful cities.

South Africa’s classic road trip of lagoons, forests, beaches and adventure.

Endless salt flats, meerkats and a zebra migration after the rains.

The last standing wonder of the ancient world, at the edge of a huge, lively city.

The world’s greatest open-air museum: temples, tombs and the Valley of the Kings.

Nubian culture, felucca sails and the colossal temples of Ramesses II.

Medieval churches carved down into solid rock, still in daily use.

Dramatic escarpments with gelada monkeys and Ethiopian wolves.

A car-free Swahili town of donkeys, dhows and carved doors.

Long white beaches and coral reefs south of Mombasa.

Coastal castles that tell the story of the Atlantic slave trade.

A lively Atlantic capital, plus the island symbol of the slave trade.

A dramatic mountain over a turquoise lagoon, with kitesurfing and forest hikes nearby.