Johannesburg to Europe 2017, Some good ideas , places i need to visit

I did a trip in the lower 12 countries of Africa in 2013 ,and had an amazing experience, I want to finish the next leg of my round the world trip next year ,I will be starting in Jo'burg and heading sorta up through Zimbabwe ,Malawi direction, through to Tanzania and Kenya first , i am trying to work out which side to go ,is east or west better at the moment , any one got the word on whats happening , I know things change pretty quick , any ideas or places to see ,i would love to hear
Dave