Africa in December: When/Where to Go, Things to Do & Weather
As the northern hemisphere descends into the short, cold, dark days of winter, Africa extends its arms out wide in a warm welcome. Summer commences in Africa in December, when numerous sites reach their peak appeal. In December, the weather in Africa is predominantly hot and sunny, with sporadic cooling rains in the interior that enhance vegetation. Significant wildlife migrations are currently occurring as new grasses emerge over Africa’s huge plains, from the Serengeti to the Kalahari Desert.
The herds draw numerous predators, and tourists on an African safari in December typically see abundant sightings of big cats in action. Migrant birds arrive, enlivening the atmosphere with vibrant hues and melodies, while Africa’s trees display their full foliage, providing inviting cover for December safari lunches. Beach vacations are exceptional at several Indian Ocean locales as well. Regardless of whether you are organising a safari or a beach holiday (or a fusion of both), be aware that Africa in December can be quite crowded.
The beaches are basking in sunlight, and the customary Christmas and New Year summer holiday season is in full effect. If you reside in the northern hemisphere and are considering a trip to Africa during winter, December is an excellent and celebratory period – here are our top suggestions for destinations in Africa in December:
Africa in December: Things to Do & Destinations
South Africa
South Africa Safari: Our once in a lifetime trip
Not surprisingly, South Africa is one of the best places to visit in Africa in December because it offers some of the best Big 5 game viewing on the continent, plenty of opportunities to combine beach and bush vacations, and well-developed infrastructure that makes getting around easy.
Cape Town
One of the greatest destinations in Africa to visit in December is Cape Town, which is often ranked as one of the best cities in the world to visit. The “Mother City,” one of South Africa’s most popular travel destinations, is at her most beautiful in December and boasts stunning beaches, bottle-green wine valleys, and magnificent mountains all within easy reach.
Christmas in Africa is ideal because of the hot, Martini-dry weather, bustling beaches, and contagious joy. To have a premium location at the best beaches, exclusive use of parking and swimming pools, housekeeping, and round-the-clock security, we advise renting a private villa.
The Garden Route
The Garden Route in South Africa, which stretches from a few hours outside Cape Town to shortly after the seashore town of Plettenberg Bay, is arguably the most picturesque section of coastline in Africa. Renting a car and driving yourself is the best way to experience all of the Garden Route’s sandy beaches, rocky shores, charming towns, and indigenous woods. It’s a family favourite for a December vacation in South Africa.
Kwa-Zulu Natal
KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), which is further up the coast, offers a sunny subtropical beach experience together with coral reefs, wetland parks, and Big 5 game reserves. For the greatest bush-and-beach safari combos that combine the luxury of a safari lodge with the beach resort’s barefoot style, KZN is among the warmest destinations in South Africa in December.
A leisurely self-drive trip from King Shaka International Airport in Durban to the Garden Province is the ideal way to enjoy this stunning province.
Botswana
Africa’s Ultimate Safari | The Okavango Delta (Botswana)
With plenty of top predators – it’s where to see African wild dogs, lion, leopard and hyenas – and abundant plains game, a Botswana safari is sure to be one of the best African winter holidays you’ll ever have. Aside from being one of the top big game safari destinations, Botswana is also one of the safest countries in Africa to discover.
The Kalahari
This semi-arid sandy savannah spans Southern Africa and encompasses an area about 1.5 times that of Texas. The Kalahari encompasses a significant portion of Botswana and provides safari enthusiasts with three remarkable parks: Nxai Pan National Park, the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, and Makgadikgadi Pans National Park.
Embark on a December safari in Botswana’s Kalahari region, and you will be astounded. Lush grass now blankets the previously parched soil, and drinking holes, which were desiccated merely a month ago, overflow with avian and terrestrial fauna. The period from November to April is the Green Season in Botswana. If you can tolerate occasional afternoon thunderstorms (or possibly no precipitation at all), a Kalahari safari in December is highly recommended.
Ensure you pack an ample supply of additional camera batteries, as the Kalahari’s annual exhibition is occurring. Numerous zebras arrive, snorting and braying as they proceed to the verdant pastures. Springbok antelope herds have mass parturition, inundating the terrain with unsteady-legged offspring coinciding with the arrival of wildebeest and buffalo herds. In December, the Kalahari is the premier destination in Africa for poignant predator encounters, as magnificent black-maned Kalahari lions, cheetahs, wild dogs, and hyenas exploit abundant prey.
Tanzania
Insane Tanzania Safari (You Won’t Believe What We Saw!) – Serengeti
This East African nation boasts a remarkable variety of landscapes and wildlife, frequently appearing on numerous lists of premier destinations in Africa for December travel. Couple this with the simplicity of visa acquisition for Tanzania, and you have the recipe for an exceptional experience in Africa.
Serengeti National Park
The ‘brief rains’ season from November to December alleviates the arid mid-year winter in Tanzania. Clouds accumulate in the mornings and culminate in dramatic, yet often brief, rains in the late afternoons, which are unlikely to impede game viewing.
Migratory birds return from the Northern Hemisphere, while resident plains game reproduce. The Wildebeest Migration continues its southward journey into the expansive plains, providing abundant opportunities for the Serengeti’s large felines. For exhilarating game drives, the Serengeti is the premier destination for an African safari in December.
Tarangire National Park
Temperatures are agreeable, rarely exceeding 28°C (82°F), and wildlife observation is excellent throughout Tanzania. Tarangire National Park, abundant with elephants and yet to experience its primary rainfall, is an excellent destination for an African safari in December.
Ngorongoro Crater
The Ngorongoro Crater, formed approximately 3 million years ago due to a significant volcanic eruption and subsequent collapse, is the biggest intact volcanic caldera on the planet. It is among the globe’s most magnificent natural marvels, sustaining approximately 25,000 creatures.
Although East Africa is predominantly verdant and flourishing in December, the Crater is especially stunning during this period. Wildlife photographers will find an exceptional opportunity in one of the most accessible locations to observe the Big 5.
Nyerere National Park (Selous) and Ruaha
Repeat safari travellers may wish to venture beyond the more frequented locales in Tanzania. The early rains are transforming Southern Tanzania’s Ruaha National Park and Nyerere National Park (Selous) into lush greenery, making December an opportune time for game viewing.
Majestically untamed, vast in expanse, and teeming with fauna, these regions provide uncrowded safari opportunities in East Africa during December.
Kenya
This Kenya Safari Will Blow Your Mind (Masai Mara)
Kenya’s remarkable natural beauty and memorable cultural experiences position it as a leading candidate for the premier destination for African holidays in December. Spending time on the expansive green plains beside the country’s unblemished beaches constitutes an ideal getaway in Kenya throughout December.
Masai Mara National Reserve
The Masai Mara is currently outside of Migration season; November initiates the short summer rains, prompting the final phase of the Wildebeest Migration, during which the herds migrate south to the Serengeti to calve.
The calving season for the resident fauna of the Masai Mara occurs from December to January. It is a period characterised by an abundance of surface water, during which wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes give birth to their calves, foals, and fawns. The abundance of accessible prey creates an opportune environment for predators to rear their young, rendering a December safari exceptional for photographic prospects.
The Mara’s plentiful resident species, mild climate, and expansive plains ensure that there is consistently something to observe, regardless of the season of your visit. An African safari in December provides reduced pricing and fewer visitors because to the low season.
Indian Ocean Islands
SEYCHELLES – ULTIMATE 10-DAY TRAVEL ITINERARY (TRAVEL GUIDE) – MAHÉ, PRASLIN, LA DIGUE
Few experiences rival Christmas in Africa while reclining on a hammock beneath a softly swaying palm tree. Experiencing relaxation in a tropical paradise is the optimal conclusion to your African safari in December.
In many instances, one can savour coffee in their safari camp in the morning and indulge in a cocktail that evening on a tropical beach. Select your island judiciously, as the summer rains commence over the Indian Ocean archipelago. The weather is not detrimental, yet cyclone season often commences around January, with varying dryness across locations; consulting your Africa Safari Expert is advisable.
We recommend destinations for African beach holidays in December:
The Seychelles
The Seychelles boasts some of the world’s premier beaches, acclaimed resorts, and elegantly designed villas, with a generally warm and ideal climate for beach activities throughout the year, particularly from December to April, which are the hottest months.
The circumstances for diving and snorkelling are favourable, and for unparalleled exclusivity, one might consider the private island resorts in Seychelles as the premier destination in Africa throughout December. Moreover, due to its convenient logistics and strategic location, the Seychelles serves as an excellent complement to an East African safari in December.
Mauritius
This popular destination for active visitors and families with children features pristine beaches, mild waters, and excellent weather throughout the year. The optimal period to visit Mauritius is from May to December, characterised by cool, dry, and sunny weather. Frequent flights render Mauritius an excellent complement to a Southern African safari in December.