Where to Go in Africa in December
Africa in December
Kenya’s Maasai Mara, Laikipia, and Lewa regions, and Tanzania’s Serengeti and Ngorongoro are simply superb in December. As the wet season starts to set in, game viewing becomes more difficult in Southern Africa. The majority of Zambia and Zimbabwe is shut at this time of year. South Africa still has enough concentrations of game to guarantee a top-quality safari, while Cape Town and the Garden Route are fantastic summer destinations!
Tanzania
Tanzania’s light rains have a substantial effect on the movement of game in the lesser known reserves – Katavi, Ruaha and Nyerere (formerly Selous) see a dramatic shift in game volumes as herds disperse across these vast parks. The result is substantially more difficult big game-viewing. However Tanzania’s Northern Circuit is fantastic at this time of year, with the Serengeti’s Great Migration in full swing.
South Africa
December is one of South Africa’s finest months, as the weather in the Cape and up the Garden Route is at its best. Safari is not as good as a couple of months previously, but the Kruger’s private reserves still offer excellent big game viewing – Timbavati is one of our favourite destinations for a South African safari at this time of year.
Kenya
Kenya’s short rains are usually over by mid-December and the dry season is beginning. After the rains the scenery looks dramatically green and although this can make game viewing more difficult than the dry season do not let this put you off. Kenya in December is a great month for safari and works extremely well for Christmas or New Year breaks, although you must book these key dates a long way in advance to get the best camps.
Mauritius
December is a great month to visit Mauritius with temperatures for the year reaching a peak in either December or January. The advantage of December is that humidity levels are not yet as high as January and so it is great beach weather for sun worshippers. As this is the summer rainy season you can get some sporadic tropical showers and thunderstorms, usually in the evenings, but are almost guaranteed 6 – 8 sunny hours each day.
Seychelles
December is a very popular month to visit the Seychelles and one of the warmest months of the year. During December the islands can be quite wet, with light winds and care should be taken to avoid the southern islands that are within the cyclone belt.
Best December Destinations
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Tanzania
A classic safari destination home to big game, epic wildlife events, and iconic national parks.
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South Africa
Big Five safaris, lively cities, and dramatic coastlines. South Africa delivers exciting contrasts and variety.
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Kenya
The original birthplace of safari, where world-class wildlife experiences and beautiful beaches meet.
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Mauritius
The quintessential Indian Ocean island paradise getaway.
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Seychelles
A picturesque archipelago of white-sand beaches, rare wildlife, and exclusive private islands.
Best Trips in December
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