Tanzania Safari in December: Weather, Wildlife and Crowds
What to expect on a Tanzania safari in December
December sees the migration generally moving back into the southern Serengeti and the Ndutu area, setting up for the calving season that follows in the new year. Weather is a genuine mix — short dry spells alternating with rain showers — but conditions are generally manageable for a full day of game driving rather than a serious obstacle.
The one thing worth planning around is pricing: rates rise through the holiday period, particularly in the final two weeks of the month, so travelers with flexible dates often find noticeably better value by booking in early December rather than over Christmas and New Year specifically.
For travelers looking to catch the very start of the migration's return south — ahead of the crowds that arrive for January and February's calving season — early December offers a genuinely good window.
Browse our Tanzania safari itineraries or contact us to plan around the December holiday period.
Real Itineraries
Tours Built Around This
06 Days
Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater $2,580 per person View Tour →
06 Days
Serengeti And Ngorongoro Luxury Tour
$2,580 per person (USD)
You Visit: Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater
05 Days
Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara National Park $2,900 per person View Tour →
05 Days
5 Day Tanzania Flying Safari
$2,900 per person (USD)
You Visit: Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara National Park
08 Days
Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara National Park $4,480 per person View Tour →
08 Days
Fly-In Safari From Arusha To Serengeti
$4,480 per person (USD)
You Visit: Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara National Park