African Safaris in December – Where to go on safari in December? – Best place for African Safari in December – Africa Gorilla trekking safaris in December.
African Safaris in December – As the northern hemisphere sinks into the short, cold, dark days of winter, Africa stretches its arms out wide in a warm welcome. Summer gets going in Africa in December and many destinations are at their best. The weather in Africa in December is mostly hot and sunny, while the occasional cooling rains in the interior ‘green’ things up.
Beach holidays are excellent at most Indian Ocean destinations, too. Whether you’re planning a safari or a beach vacation (or a combination of both), keep in mind that Africa in December can be busy. Beaches are at their sunniest and the traditional Christmas and New Year summer holiday season is in full swing.
If you live in the northern hemisphere and you’re thinking about visiting Africa in winter, December is a wonderful and festive time of the year.
December allows you to experience, the Southern African green season, when the bush comes alive with fresh grass growth, flowers, and new-born animals, and being summer it makes for ideal safari and beach holidays.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
While summer storms light up Southern African skies, Uganda enters a three-month dry period that creates ideal Mountain Gorilla trekking conditions. Paths are less slippery, while the absence of rain means better visibility – you won’t be peering through the mist to see gorillas. Similar conditions also occur from June to August each year, with the forest being impenetrable in name only. Go full primate, by trekking for Chimpanzees in one of Uganda’s other forest reserves.
Offering a stunning diversity of landscapes and wildlife, this East African country appears on plenty of lists of the best places to visit in Africa in December. Top this off with the ease with which visitors can obtain visas for Tanzania and you’ve got the formula for a fantastic time in Africa.
Serengeti National Park
The ‘short rains’ season from November to December relieves the dry mid-year winter in Tanzania. Clouds build up in the mornings and break in spectacular, but generally short-lived, showers in the late afternoons that are unlikely to affect game viewing.
Migrant birds return from the northern hemisphere and resident plains game drives birth. The Wildebeest Migration is still heading south to the Great Plains and offers plentiful targets for the Serengeti’s big cats. If you’re looking for dramatic game drives, the Serengeti is where to go on an African safari in December.
African Safaris in December – Ngorongoro Crater
Created about 3 million years ago when a big volcano exploded and collapsed on itself, the Ngorongoro Crater is the largest intact volcanic caldera on Earth. It’s one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders, supporting over 25 000 animals.
While it’s mostly green and lush throughout East Africa in December, the Crater is particularly gorgeous at this time of year. Wildlife photographers are in for a treat in one of the easiest places to see the Big 5.
