Tanzania Safaris in December
By mid-December the short rains ease and the herds gather on the southern Serengeti ahead of calving. Green, warm and good for game viewing; the festive period is busy.
Is December a good time to visit Tanzania?
Green plains, herds gathering in Tanzania. By mid-December the short rains ease and the herds gather on the southern Serengeti ahead of calving. Green, warm and good for game viewing; the festive period is busy. December is a rewarding, festive safari month. The short rains usually taper off by mid-month, leaving green, photogenic landscapes and warm weather (around 14–28°C). The migration herds gather on the southern Serengeti plains as the calving season approaches. Game viewing is good and birding stays strong. The festive holiday period (roughly 20 Dec–early Jan) is busy and commands premium rates, while early December is quieter and better value.
Great Migration in December
Herds gather on the southern Serengeti plains as calving season approaches.
Why December
Why go on safari in December
Lush, green plains
The short rains leave the landscape vivid and green — beautiful scenery with good game viewing.
Herds gather to calve
Wildebeest mass on the southern Serengeti plains as the calving season draws near.
A festive safari
Warm weather and special holiday camp experiences make December a magical time to travel.
December safaris in depth
December is a month of two halves. Early December often still sees the tail of the short rains and is quieter and better value, while conditions dry out as the month goes on. By mid-to-late December the landscape is lush and green, the weather is warm, and game viewing is good across the region — a lovely time to combine wildlife with a festive getaway.
The migration herds move back onto the southern Serengeti's short-grass plains, gathering in anticipation of the calving season that begins in the new year. The festive holiday window from around 20 December is popular and commands premium rates, with the best camps booking out early, so plan ahead if you want to travel over Christmas and New Year.
Where to Go
Where to go in Tanzania in December
By mid-December the short rains ease and the herds gather on the southern Serengeti ahead of calving. Green, warm and good for game viewing; the festive period is busy.
Serengeti (Southern)
Tanzania · DecemberSerengeti (Southern) is a standout choice for a December safari in Tanzania.
Ngorongoro Crater
Tanzania · DecemberNgorongoro Crater is a standout choice for a December safari in Tanzania.
Ready-Made Itineraries
Tanzania safari itineraries for December
We don't have a ready-made December itinerary listed right now — but we craft every safari to order. Tell us your dates and we'll design the perfect December trip.
Let our local experts build a tailor-made December safari around your interests, pace and budget.
Get a free December quoteSafari Calendar
Compare every month
Each month offers something different. Tap any month to explore the best safaris and conditions for that time of year.
Plan With Experts
Why plan your Tanzania safari with Imara Africa Safaris
We design Tanzania safaris month by month, not from a template. As a Nairobi-based, KATO bonded and TRA-licensed operator, we know which of Tanzania's parks and camps are at their best in December — and how to balance wildlife, weather, crowds and value.
From your first enquiry to your final game drive, every Tanzania itinerary is tailored to your dates and interests, honestly priced and backed by round-the-clock support.
Curated and reviewed by the Imara Africa Safaris planning desk and senior guiding team, Nairobi, Kenya.
Plan your December Tanzania safari
Tell us your dates and we'll craft the perfect Tanzania safari for December — matched to the season, honestly priced and tailored to you.
December Safari FAQ
December safari questions, answered
Everything travellers ask us about safaris in December.
Green plains, herds gathering. By mid-December the short rains ease and the herds gather on the southern Serengeti ahead of calving. Green, warm and good for game viewing; the festive period is busy.
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