Gabon
A forward-thinking beacon of ecotourism, this tiny West African country, which straddles the Equator, largely flies under the tourism radar.
That's both good and bad given its location between Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The former French colony has escaped the strife afflicting some of West Africa and is betting its future on green travel.
The government has protected swathes of marine reserve off the coast, while national parks make up 10% of Gabon's land mass.
What's new?
Gabon will host the 2017 African Nations Cup, which will increase traveler interest and improve infrastructure.
This little-known beauty is filled with remote beaches, dense jungle, gushing rivers and wildlife such as undisturbed western gorillas and forest elephants.
Though travel isn't easy, rewards are high.
"Go in 2016 to explore wildlife-packed Ivindo National Park, Kangou Falls and Djidji River with our world-first equator-crossing trek and pack-raft expedition," says Bodkin of Secret Compass.
When to go: May to September.