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Great Wildebeest Migration herds on a Tanzania safari in the Serengeti
Month-by-Month Safari Guide

Tanzania Safari in December

Green Plains, Calving Begins and Festive Safaris

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December sees the short rains ease and the herds return to the southern Serengeti, where calving begins late in the month. Green plains and the festive season make it a popular time to travel.

SeasonShort rains ease
WeatherWarm, brief showers, green
MigrationHerds back south; calving begins late month
CrowdsModerate–High (holidays)
ValueMid–High (festive peak)
Best ForGreen scenery, early calving, festive trips
The Verdict

Is December a Good Time for a Tanzania Safari?

Great — green scenery and the start of calving, plus a festive-season sparkle.

Early December is quiet and green with good value; the festive period (roughly 20 Dec–2 Jan) is a popular peak with premium rates. Wildlife viewing is strong and the first calves arrive on the southern plains.

Why go in December

    • Lush green scenery and clear air
    • Calving begins on the southern plains late month
    • Good value in early December
    • A magical festive-season safari

Things to note

    • Festive period is busy and premium-priced
    • Brief afternoon showers
    • Migration only reaching the south
Climate

Weather in Tanzania in December

December is warm (24–30°C) with the short rains easing to occasional brief showers and plenty of sunshine. The plains are green and the light is excellent.

For a full month-by-month overview, see our best time to visit Tanzania guide.

Great Migration

The Great Migration in December

The herds return to the short-grass plains of the southern Serengeti in December, and the first wildebeest calves begin to appear late in the month — the prelude to January's calving peak.

Time of yearWhere the herds are
Dec–MarCalving on the southern Serengeti & Ndutu plains
Apr–MayMoving north-west through the central & western Serengeti
JunGrumeti River crossings in the Western Corridor
Jul–SepMara River crossings in the northern Serengeti
Oct–NovReturning south as the short rains begin

See Migration Safari Packages

What You'll See

Wildlife & Best Parks in December

Wildlife highlights

  • Early calving and gathering herds late month
  • Green-season plains game and predators
  • Strong birding
  • Reliable resident wildlife across the north

Where to go in December

Itineraries

Safari Packages for Tanzania Safari in December

Every trip is private and fully customizable to your dates and the season.

View All Tanzania Safari Packages

Budgeting

Cost, Crowds & Value in December

December splits in two: good-value low season early in the month, and a premium festive peak around Christmas and New Year. Book festive dates far ahead. Prices are per person and exclude international flights — see our Tanzania safari cost guide for detail.

LevelPer person (land only)What you get
Budget camping$2,000–3,500Camping & simple lodges, shared 4×4
Mid-range lodge$3,500–6,000Comfortable lodges with pools, private 4×4
Luxury$6,000–15,000Premium lodges & tented camps, private guide
Ultra-luxury$15,000+Exclusive camps, fly-in safaris, top service
Plan Ahead

Tips for a December Safari

  • Travel early December for value, or book festive dates early
  • Head south for the start of calving
  • Pack layers and a light rain jacket
  • Festive camps sell out — reserve well ahead

See our full what to pack on a Tanzania safari guide before you go.

The Sia Yangu Difference

Why Book with Sia Yangu Africa Safari

  • Local Tanzanian company based in Arusha
  • Private, custom-built 4×4 Land Cruisers
  • Unlimited game drives
  • Experienced, licensed English-speaking guides
  • Custom itineraries built around the season
  • No hidden fees — honest, transparent pricing
  • 24/7 in-country support
  • Flexible departures, any day of the year
  • Responsible, community-minded tourism
  • 5.0-rated by travelers on TripAdvisor
Good to Know

Tanzania Safari in December — FAQs

Is December a good time for a Tanzania safari?
Great — green scenery and the start of calving, plus a festive-season sparkle. Early December is quiet and green with good value; the festive period (roughly 20 Dec–2 Jan) is a popular peak with premium rates. Wildlife viewing is strong and the first calves arrive on the southern plains.
What is the weather like in Tanzania in December?
December is warm (24–30°C) with the short rains easing to occasional brief showers and plenty of sunshine. The plains are green and the light is excellent.
Where is the Great Migration in December?
The herds return to the short-grass plains of the southern Serengeti in December, and the first wildebeest calves begin to appear late in the month — the prelude to January's calving peak.
Is December peak or low season, and how much does it cost?
December splits in two: good-value low season early in the month, and a premium festive peak around Christmas and New Year. Book festive dates far ahead. Excluding international flights, budget safaris start around $2,000–3,500 per person, mid-range $3,500–6,000 and luxury $6,000–15,000.
What wildlife can I see on a December safari?
In December you can expect: early calving and gathering herds late month; green-season plains game and predators; strong birding; reliable resident wildlife across the north.
Which parks are best to visit in December?
For December we recommend the northern circuit — Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire and Lake Manyara — with the exact focus set by where the migration and wildlife are that month.

Read the Full Best-Time-to-Visit Guide

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