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Best December Getaways in Tanzania

Festive Season in Tanzania

December brings a short dry spell that makes it one of the best months to combine a safari with beach time — Zanzibar is glorious for the holidays, and the southern plains are gathering pace ahead of calving season.

Zanzibar

Zanzibar

Season: Short dry spell  •  Average Temperature: 27°C to 31°C
  • What: Warm, sunny beach conditions through the festive season.
  • Why: A brief dry interlude between the short and long rains makes December ideal for the coast.
  • When to Book: Book well ahead — December is one of the busiest months for Zanzibar.
  • Good to Know: Book accommodation early for Christmas and New Year dates specifically.

December's short dry spell makes it one of the most popular times to be on Zanzibar's beaches, with warm days and calm seas carrying through the holiday season.

Southern Serengeti

Southern Serengeti

Season: Approaching calving season  •  Average Temperature: 22°C to 28°C
  • What: Herds regathering on the southern plains ahead of January's calving season.
  • Why: December sets the stage for the following month's concentrated wildlife activity.
  • When to Book: Book ahead — December is a popular month on the northern circuit.
  • Good to Know: A good early alternative to the busier January–February calving peak.

By December, the herds have largely returned to the southern plains, gathering in growing numbers ahead of the main calving season that follows in January.

Ngorongoro Crater

Ngorongoro Crater

Season: Short dry spell  •  Average Temperature: 18°C to 24°C
  • What: Reliable game viewing through the holiday season.
  • Why: Ngorongoro's resident wildlife stays consistent year-round.
  • When to Book: Book well ahead for December and holiday-period dates.
  • Good to Know: A natural pairing with a southern Serengeti safari this month.

Ngorongoro rounds out the year in strong form, with dependable Big Five sightings that make it an easy addition to a festive-season itinerary.

Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro

Season: Short dry spell  •  Average Temperature: Varies sharply by altitude
  • What: A brief, often-overlooked window for a holiday-season climb.
  • Why: December's short dry spell can offer good conditions, though it's less predictable than the main seasons.
  • When to Book: Book well ahead for guides and permits over the holidays.
  • Good to Know: Conditions vary more than in the June–October window — check recent reports before booking.

December isn't Kilimanjaro's primary climbing season, but the short dry spell can still deliver a rewarding, quieter ascent for well-prepared climbers over the holidays.

Plan Your December Safari

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