Is December A Good Time To Go To Tanzania?
Tanzania is a beautiful destination in East Africa for anyone seeking a wildlife experience, hiking, cultural immersion, and more. The country hosts the Great Migration in its flagship park, the Serengeti. Other attractions include Mount Kilimanjaro, the Maasai, Hadzabe, and many other ethnic groups.
The country gets busy with tourist activities in the dry season, from June to October. And it’s actually the best time to visit it. But we know not everyone’s trip falls into this season. Some guests may have free time to travel to Tanzania in December, but are unsure if they’ll enjoy their trip. If you’re one of them, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog, we’ll describe the weather and what to expect on your December safari holiday.
Tanzania’s Weather in December
Tanzania experiences a short dry window from December to February. Short rains start falling in November, making the vegetation greener and more scenic. A typical day in December is warm and dry, with a daily temperature range of 20˚C at night and 30˚C during the day.
Since it’s a short rainy season, it may rain on some days. However, the rainfall is always brief and mainly happens during the night.
Especially for those coming from Europe, where it’s freezing, you can avoid the cold by traveling to Tanzania, where it’s warm.
What to do in Tanzania in December?
There’s much to do in Tanzania during your December visit. Every destination, every lodge or camp, and every trip is unique. We’ve picked three top destinations for you. But we are always flexible: we can include any destination of your interest, and we can promise that you will have fun. So, let’s have a look at these three places.
Visiting the Serengeti.
During this time, Serengeti has three unique things to offer: the calving season, numerous animal encounters, and over 500 bird species.
- The calving season.
By December, the migration herds settle in the southern plains of the Serengeti, which stretches to the Ndutu area. Here, birthing starts with each day welcoming at least 5,000 calves in the nutrient-rich grass of Ndutu and Kusini plains.
As this happens, the big cats – lion, leopard, and cheetah – and other predators like hyenas migrate closer to the plains. There are plenty of predator-prey movements to see. You can also spot other animals like buffalo, antelopes, giraffes, and elephants.
- Countless wildlife encounters.
Serengeti promises numerous wildlife encounters anytime you visit it. In December, you can search for the Big Five in Central Serengeti, a part of the park that never disappoints. It harbors not only all five animals, but also the big cats.
You can search for other wildlife like a variety of antelopes, including impalas, elands, dik-diks, hartebeest, duikers, and roan antelopes. You can also watch Nile crocodiles, hippos, jackals, and bat-eared foxes.
- Bird species.
December welcomes many migratory birds to the vast wilderness of this park. You can encounter large birds like ostriches or small birds like the yellow-billed cuckoo. Other birds include secretary birds, vultures, Kori bustards, and crowned eagles.
Beach Holiday in Zanzibar
Zanzibar is dry and hot in December. At the beginning, the island sees a few visitors, but it may get traffic during the festive season. Top beaches like Nungwi and Kendwa teem with vibrant parties at many beachfront resorts like Kendwa Rocks.
Other fantastic properties to spend your December beach holiday at include Melia Zanzibar, Elewana Kilindi Zanzibar, Hotel Riu Palace, Zuri Zanzibar, and BlueBay Beach Resort & Spa.
If you want a more intimate and private experience, you can stay at private island resorts like AndBeyond Mnemba Island, Bawe Island, and Chapwa Private Island.
You can also avoid the crowd by sailing to isolated islands like Mafia, Pemba, and Misali. A one-night stay in the Underwater Room of the Manta Resort in Pemba is more rewarding in December due to the rich marine life in the azure blue Indian Ocean.
Climbing Kilimanjaro
December’s dry and hot days are good for hiking Kilimanjaro. Though you may struggle with slippery trails, especially in the rainforest zone, the rewards are worth the price. The trails are not busy with crowds, making your hike quiet and inspiring. You’ll navigate through scenic trails and enjoy breathtaking views, all at the best price.
What to bring for a Tanzania safari in December?
We recommend simplicity over overpacking. Because many visitors know it must be raining heavily and constantly, they sometimes bring too many things, which are not necessary. Light packing is king to your safari. Here are our recommendations regarding packing.
- Light and simple, quick-drying fabrics.
- A simple raincoat to protect you from short, unpredictable rain.
- Neutral-colored clothing, e.g., beige, khaki, blue, and brown.
- A fleece jacket for cold mornings, evenings, and nighttime.
- Long sleeves and long pants to avoid insect bites.
- Sunhat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to avoid the sun.
- Simple, closed-toe shoes or hiking boots (if you plan to hike).
- A swimsuit if you would like to soak in a swimming pool or beach.
- Mosquito repellent because the risk of contracting malaria is high.
- A good camera and binoculars to view and take pictures of scenic landscapes.
There are also some items not worth bringing for your December safari. Here are some of them:
- Bright colors like red, yellow, orange, and white. They startle the animals.
- Dark blue and black clothing because they attract tsetse flies.
- Camouflage clothing.
- Drones, unless you have a permit.
- Disposable plastic bags because the country banned them.
- White colored clothing because it catches dirt easily.
The bottom line.
We know how tempting it is to make your decision to visit Tanzania in December. But you can trust us with your trip and leave everything – from travel planning to places to stay. Our safari planners are here to help you achieve your dream adventure. Give us a call.
