Tanzania Safari in December
Short rains begin. Calving season starts. Green landscapes return. A different Tanzania safari.
December is when Tanzania's safari character transforms. The short rains arrive, breaking the long dry season's golden grip. The landscapes shift from parched gold to fresh green within days of the first rains. The Great Migration calving season begins in the southern Serengeti, with the first newborn wildebeest appearing toward mid-month. December is a month of beginnings — the start of the calving cycle, the start of the green season, the start of a new safari year.
December occupies a unique position in the safari calendar: not yet in peak season's shadow, not fully in the green season's territory. The first half of the month (before the Christmas holiday surge) offers excellent wildlife viewing with green-season value pricing. The second half shifts to holiday-season dynamics. For travellers who want an authentic, intimate safari experience with newborn wildlife and transformed landscapes, the first two weeks of December are one of Tanzania's best-kept secrets.
What wildlife you will see in December
Calving Season Begins — Southern Serengeti
December marks the beginning of the Great Migration calving season in the southern Serengeti and Ndutu plains. Wildebeest herds have moved south from their northern positions, and the first newborn calves appear toward mid-December. The calving spectacle — 500,000+ calves born within a 2-3 week window — builds through the month and peaks in January-February. December is when the cycle begins again: the first vulnerable newborns, the first predator activity around the calving herds, the first steps on the green plains.
Green Season Newborn Wildlife
December is peak birthing season across Tanzania's wildlife populations, not just the migration. Zebra foals, impala lambs, gazelle kids, and warthog piglets appear across all parks. The short rains have greened the landscapes, and newborn animals are everywhere — a heartwarming backdrop to any game drive. This abundance of vulnerable young prey also draws high predator activity. December newborn wildlife is one of the green season's most rewarding experiences.
Migrant Birds — Summer Visitors
December is peak summer for Tanzania's birdlife, with European and Palaearctic migrant species present during their northern winter. The combination of resident and migratory species makes December one of the best months for birding. Yellow-throated sandgrouse, steppe eagles, barn swallows, and white storks are among the migrants present. December's birding is particularly rewarding at Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, and Tarangire — where the bird diversity is highest and the short rains create ideal conditions.
Elephant Herds — Southern Circuit
December elephant herds are beginning to disperse from their dry-season concentrations as the short rains open up water sources across the landscape. The permanent rivers and waterholes still concentrate wildlife, but elephant sightings become more distributed. Tarangire National Park remains excellent for elephants in December as the park's permanent river remains the most reliable water source. The southern Serengeti and Ndutu area offer excellent elephant viewing as the calving migration herds move through.
Weather, roads & getting around in December
Daytime High
December temperatures are warm to hot — typical of Tanzania's late spring. 27-31°C in the Serengeti, warmer in Tarangire and at lower altitudes. The short rains bring cloud cover that moderates the midday heat compared to the peak dry months. Afternoon game drives may be abbreviated by brief thundershowers — a welcome respite from the warmth. December's warmth is more comfortable than July-August's cold mornings for many travellers.
Morning Low
December mornings are pleasantly cool. 15-18°C at dawn — no cold layers required, a light fleece is sufficient. This contrasts sharply with July-August's 8-12°C dawns. December mornings are comfortable for game drives, with warm sunshine appearing quickly after sunrise. Layered clothing for warmth and sun protection remains the strategy, but the cold-weather gear can stay at home.
Rainfall
December is the start of the short rainy season — but the rains are intermittent, not continuous. Afternoon thundershowers are typical, often brief and dramatic, followed by sunshine. They rarely disrupt game drives. The rain transforms the landscapes within days: parched plains become green and lush. Road conditions in December are generally good, though some secondary routes may be affected by early short rains. Standard 4WD vehicles handle all routes.
Road conditions in December
December road conditions are generally good, though the short rains may have begun softening secondary routes. The Ndutu area's access roads can show early rain impact toward month's end. The main northern circuit routes (Serengeti central, Ngorongoro, Tarangire) remain fully accessible throughout December. Light aircraft flights to Ndutu Airstrip (southern Serengeti) are recommended for the calving territory — the fastest way to reach the best December wildlife viewing.
December's logistical advantage: internal flights are generally more available than peak season, and the Christmas-New Year period aside, the roads and parks are less congested than July-September.
December's two-speed character
First Half (1–15 December)
Early December offers green-season value pricing — 7-day safaris from $3,200 per person. The short rains have begun, transforming the landscapes. The calving season is beginning in the Ndutu area, with the first newborn calves appearing. Parks and roads are quiet before the Christmas surge. This is December's best-kept safari secret: near-peak wildlife experiences at shoulder-season pricing, with the transformed green landscapes as a bonus. Book early December for the best combination of wildlife, value, and availability.
Holiday Period (20 Dec – 5 Jan)
Christmas and New Year bring peak-season dynamics to Tanzania — premium pricing, higher demand, more vehicles in the parks, and advance booking requirements of 6-9 months minimum. The wildlife viewing remains exceptional: the calving season is in full swing by late December, and the holiday atmosphere in the camps is festive. For families whose school schedules require December travel, the holiday period is worth the premium for the experience of a lifetime. Book 9-12 months ahead for the best camps.
A recommended 7-day December safari
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, transfer to Arusha for the night. December briefings focus on the calving calendar and current herd positions — your guide will advise on where the first calves are appearing and plan your southern Serengeti strategy accordingly.
Fly to Ndutu Airstrip in the southern Serengeti. Three days focused on the beginning of calving season. Early December: the first newborns appear, and predator activity begins to follow the vulnerable young. Late December: more newborns, higher predator activity. The green landscapes are photogenic and beautiful. The atmosphere is intimate — fewer vehicles than peak season, and a sense of being among the first witnesses of the year's new life. Sundowners over the Ndutu plains are extraordinary in December's dramatic skies.
Drive north to Ngorongoro Crater. December crater viewing is excellent — wildlife concentrates around Lake Magadi and the permanent water sources as the short rains begin. The crater's walls create a natural amphitheatre. Flamingos crowd Lake Magadi. Black rhinos are reliably seen. The crater is at its most colourful in December, with green crater walls framing the wildlife-packed floor.
Drive to Tarangire — December Tarangire is a birding paradise as migrant species arrive. The park's elephant herds remain concentrated around the permanent Tarangire River. Baobab forests are beautiful in December's warm light. The combination of elephants, birds, and the park's characteristic landscapes makes for a rewarding final full day.
Morning return to Arusha. If time allows, a final morning at Arusha National Park for colobus monkeys and giraffes before transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight. December's warm evenings make post-safari relaxation in Arusha particularly pleasant.
Frequently asked questions about December safaris
Is December a good time for a safari in Tanzania?
Can you see the Great Migration in December?
Does it rain every day in December?
What does a Tanzania safari cost in December?
Start Planning Your Ready to plan your December safari?
December's first half offers exceptional wildlife value before the holiday pricing surge. Whether you are travelling in early December or over the holidays, we can design a safari around the calving season and your schedule. Contact us to check availability and start building your itinerary.