Tanzania
Offering a stunning diversity of landscapes and wildlife, this East African country appears on plenty lists of the best places to visit in Africa in December. Top this off with the ease with which visitors can obtain visas for Tanzania and you’ve got the formula for a fantastic time in Africa.
Serengeti National Park
The ‘short rains’ season from November to December relieve the dry mid-year winter in Tanzania. Clouds build up in the mornings and break in spectacular, but generally short-lived, showers in the late afternoons that are unlikely to affect game viewing.
Migrant birds return from the northern hemisphere and resident plains game give birth. The Wildebeest Migration is still heading south to the great plains and offer plentiful targets for the Serengeti’s big cats. If you’re looking for dramatic game drives, the Serengeti is where to go on an African safari in December.
Tarangire National Park
Temperatures are pleasant – it doesn’t get much above 28°C (82°F) – and game viewing is good right across Tanzania. Elephant-packed Tarangire National Park, yet to receive its main rains, is another great place to go on an African safari in December.
Ngorongoro Crater
Created about 3 million years ago when a big volcano exploded and collapsed on itself, the Ngorongoro Crater is the largest intact volcanic caldera on Earth. It’s one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders, supporting over 25 000 animals.
While it’s mostly green and lush throughout East Africa in December, the Crater is particularly gorgeous at this time of year. Wildlife photographers are in for a treat in one of the easiest places to see the Big 5.
Nyerere National Park (Selous) and Ruaha
Second-time-round safari visitors may want to explore a little further away from the more popular destinations in Tanzania. Early rains are turning Southern Tanzania’s Ruaha National Park and the Nyerere National Park (Selous) green, and a December safari is considered good for game viewing.
Beautifully wild, enormous in size and filled to the brim with wildlife, these areas offer crowd-free safari experiences in East Africa in December.
Kenya
Incredible natural beauty and unforgettable cultural encounters make Kenya a strong contender for the top spot on the list of best African holidays in December. Combining time on seemingly endless green plains with the country’s pristine beaches is the perfect way to spend a holiday in Kenya in December.
Masai Mara National Reserve
The Masai Mara is out of Migration season – November kicks off the short summer rains which trigger the last leg of the Wildebeest Migration, when the herds move south to the Serengeti to give birth.
Calving (birthing) season for the Masai Mara’s resident animals is between December and January. It’s a time when surface water is plentiful and wildebeest, zebra and antelope give birth to their calves, foals and fawns. With so much easy prey around, it’s also a good time for predators to raise their cubs and pups, making a December safari fantastic for photographic opportunities.
Thanks to the Mara’s abundant resident wildlife, temperate, climate and wide-open plains, there’s virtually always something to see, no matter what time of year you visit. But an African safari in December will also offer you low-season prices and lower visitor numbers.
Thinking of Visiting Africa in December?
Africa’s most popular destinations are busy and some summer rains are getting started. But with good deals and more of the bush to yourself, Africa in December offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy a classic game-viewing safari or go off the beaten path. Several destinations are at their most enticing and there’s a sense of excitement as the end of the year approaches.
Get in touch with our team of Inspire African Safaris Experts to help you plan an unforgettable trip to Africa in December:
