African Christmas Safari Holidays | Where to go in December
December is just magnificent in Kenya’s Maasai Mara, Laikipia and Lewa and in Tanzania’s Serengeti and Ngorongoro. Game viewing is harder in Southern Africa as the wet season begins to set in. Most of Zambia and Zimbabwe is closed this time of year. South Africa still has adequate concentrations of game to assure a high grade safari. Cape Town and the Garden Route are wonderful summer locations!
A “Christmas safari” refers to a holiday safari in December, which can be in various locations like Southern Africa for dry, game-viewing conditions or East Africa for a “green season” with baby animals and birdlife. Popular destinations include Kruger National Park in South Africa, Tanzania’s Serengeti, and Kenya’s Maasai Mara. Alternatively, “Christmas safari” could refer to a themed event at a local wildlife park, such as those offered at the Blair Drummond Safari Park or Chessington World of Adventures.
African Christmas Safari Holidays in December. Why not think outside the box this Christmas? Ditch the snowy streets and grey skies for a new adventure, and embark on a Christmas safari in Africa! Christmas at a safari park is an experience you’ll never forget – what could be a better Christmas morning than gazing out at the Serengeti?
Where to Go in Africa in December
December is an exceptional time to visit Africa, offering peak summer beach weather in the south, great conditions for gorilla trekking, and lush green-season safaris. Top destinations include: South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda.
1. Tanzania
In Tanzania the mild rains have a big impact on how the wildlife moves around. In the lesser renowned reserves – Katavi, Ruaha and Nyerere (previously Selous) – the number of game changes dramatically as the herds spread out across the huge parks. The effect is much tougher big game viewing. However, the Northern Circuit of Tanzania is wonderful at this time of year, as the Great Migration of the Serengeti is in full flow.
2. South Africa
December is one of South Africa’s best months, with the weather in the Cape and up the Garden Route at its best. Not quite as wonderful as a few of months ago, but the Kruger’s private reserves still provide excellent big game watching — Timbavati is one of our favourite spots for a South African safari at this time of year.
3. Kenya
Kenya’s short rains normally finish by mid-December and the dry season is starting. The scenery after the rains is stunningly green and although this can make viewing the game more difficult than the dry season do not let this put you off. December is a terrific month for safari in Kenya and works incredibly well for Christmas or New Year getaways, however you have to book these crucial dates a long way in advance to obtain the top camps.
4. Mauritius
Best time to visit Mauritius is December when the temperatures for the year are at their peak either in December or January. The advantage of December is that the humidity levels are not as high as they are in January and hence it is excellent beach weather for sun lovers. As this is the summer rainy season you can receive some random tropical showers and thunderstorms, generally in the evenings, but are almost assured 6 – 8 hours of sunshine each day.
5. Seychelles
December is a very popular month to visit the Seychelles and one of the warmest months of the year. December can be quite damp on the islands, with light winds, and the southern islands are in the cyclone area and should be avoided.