Tanzania Safari in December – A Complete Guide

Yes — December is a great time for a safari in Tanzania! It marks the end of the short rains and the start of the lush green season. While not peak dry season, it offers superb wildlife viewing, fewer crowds, and spectacular scenery, especially in the Southern Serengeti and Ndutu region, where the Great Migration herds arrive.

🌦️ Tanzania Weather in December

• Temperature: Warm during the day (25–30°C / 77–86°F), cool in mornings and evenings.

• Rain: Light rains (known as short rains) usually taper off mid-month.

• Landscape: Green, fresh, and photogenic—ideal for photography.

This month offers a pleasant balance: lush landscapes without the heavy rains of April/May or the dryness of peak season.

🐘 Wildlife Viewing in December

December is an underrated month for game viewing:

• Southern Serengeti & Ndutu Plains: Arrival of the Great Migration. Large herds of wildebeest and zebra begin to gather for the calving season.

• Ngorongoro Crater: Outstanding game viewing all year round.

• Tarangire National Park: Resident animals remain, but fewer elephants due to water availability elsewhere.

• Lake Manyara: Excellent birding, tree-climbing lions, and lush vegetation.

• Ruaha & Selous (Southern Tanzania): Still accessible and less crowded, but some lodges may close early in the month due to rain.

🦓 Where to Go for a Tanzania Safari in December

Here are the top safari destinations for December:

1. Southern Serengeti (Ndutu Region)

• Best for: Wildebeest migration, large predators

• Highlights: Herds start to arrive from the north, dramatic predator activity begins

2. Ngorongoro Crater

• Best for: Big Five viewing

• Highlights: Permanent water keeps animals in the area year-round

3. Lake Manyara National Park

• Best for: Birdwatching, lush scenery, flamingos

• Highlights: Excellent for shorter game drives

4. Tarangire National Park

• Best for: Baobabs, diverse birdlife

• Highlights: Though some wildlife disperses, the park remains scenic and rewarding

📅 Safari Activities in December

• Game Drives: Excellent, especially in Serengeti and Ngorongoro

• Bird Watching: Superb due to migratory birds

• Photography: Green landscapes and dramatic skies

• Cultural Tours: Maasai village visits, local experiences

• Hot Air Balloon Safari: Available in Central and Southern Serengeti

💡 Travel Tips for a Tanzania Safari in December

• Book Early: December is popular due to the holiday season.

• Pack Smart: Include waterproof jackets and insect repellent.

• Consider Shoulder Season Rates: Early December offers better deals than peak holiday pricing from mid-December onwards.

• Layer Your Clothing: Mornings can be chilly, especially in Ngorongoro.

🏕️ Accommodation Options in December

Many lodges and tented camps are open and lush with greenery:

• Ndutu Mobile Camps (follow the migration)

• Ngorongoro Serena Lodge

• Lake Manyara Tree Lodge

• Tarangire Safari Lodge

Choose camps that offer flexibility in case of weather-related changes.

🎄 Safari During Christmas and New Year

Spending Christmas or New Year in the Serengeti or by a campfire in Ngorongoro is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Many lodges host festive meals, Maasai dances, and unique bush celebrations.

Just be aware that holiday periods are busy, so:

• Book 6–9 months in advance.

• Expect slightly higher pricing after mid-December.

✅ Why Choose a Tanzania Safari in December?

• Witness the start of the Great Migration calving movement.

• Enjoy lush, beautiful landscapes.

• Benefit from fewer tourists (especially early in the month).

• Combine your trip with beach holidays in Zanzibar — ideal weather for both safari and relaxation.

🧳 Combine with: Zanzibar Beach Holiday in December

Zanzibar is hot and sunny in December—perfect for post-safari relaxation. Many visitors pair a week of safari with a few days of white-sand beaches, snorkeling, and spice tours.