Discover Serengeti in December
December is that time when you don’t want to miss the festive vibes, lush green landscape… and more. Our valuable clients often ask this important question concerning a safari in Serengeti in December, especially in the festive season. We completely understand it. Europe and other parts of the world are freezing cold. So, it’s a silly mistake to generalize. And you aren’t alone. In this article, we explore Serengeti, especially in December.
Weather in Serengeti in December
Serengeti (and Tanzania as a whole) is warm from December to early March. The first days of the month can be wet, but it dries after two weeks. Therefore, you’ll enjoy optimal weather conditions, such as clear skies, dry trails, and warm temperatures.
In December, Serengeti is superb. Day temperatures range between 25°C and 30°C (77°F to 86°F). The early days of December come with little, occasional rainfall, often happening in the day. By mid-December, rainfall decreases, marking the start of a short dry season that continues until February.
What to see in December
There’s much to see in the Serengeti in December. This wildlife expanse never lies in terms of wildlife density. Anytime you visit it, there are good chances to encounter some of the most unique animals on earth. Here are our top things to watch in December.
The Great Migration
At the top of the list is the wildebeest migration. For many, the river crossings in Northern Serengeti are top highlights worth setting off for. Other events go unnoticed. The short rains (that started in November) turn the plains greener and very appealing to grass eaters like wildebeest and zebras. As rain increases, animals, which are in the north this time, start heading southwards. This time, they move faster and in small herds.
By the end of the month, they have gathered in the fertile, short-grass southern plains to feast on the nutrient-rich grass. December marks the beginning of the calving season. During this event, about half a million calves are brought into life. The birthing of newborns sparks interest in predators around the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area. They migrate to the south where prey is abundant.
And where to stay? No worries. That’s sorted out. The southern region is short of permanent camps (unlike the central region), with only two properties: Ndutu Lodge in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Sanctuary Kusini Camp in the southern Serengeti. But there’s a sea of mobile camps that often moves to the south from November through March (or April). Our favorites include Legendary Serengeti Camp, Olakira Camp, Serengeti Safari Camp, Serian South, and Singita Explore.
The Big Five
As mentioned, Serengeti never lies. It’s a year-round destination to watch the Big 5 animals: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. Lions are extremely abundant in the Seronera Valley in large prides protecting large acres of savannah plains as their territory. Leopards live near the banks of the Seronera River, where they find many hideouts: acacia and sausage trees.
Buffalo (often in large herds) roam the plains feeding on the tall grass. Elephants are common in the woodlands and along the riverine forests. And rhinos? Rhinos are a little bit rare in the Serengeti. But there are good chances of seeing these prehistoric animals in the Moru Kopjes in their protected zones.
Diverse wildlife
The concentration of wildlife in Serengeti never changes much, but the landscape does. You can see a lot of animals, including giraffes, cheetahs, hyenas, impalas, bushbucks, dik-diks, and elands. Every drive is a unique way to discover plenty of animals. Bushbucks, impalas, and elands eat the fresh grass while giraffes browse the leaves of acacia or sausage trees. There’s plenty of animals to tick off, including rare ones like the African wild dog, roan and sable antelopes, and oribi.
Birds.
By November, many migratory birds had moved into the Serengeti for breeding. European roller, European bee-eater, barn swallow, steppe eagle… and more. On top of that, you can see Tanzanian endemics, including the yellow-collared lovebird, Tanzanian red-billed hornbill, grey-breasted spurfowl, rufous-tailed weaver, and ashy starling. And there’s more than that. Yes, over 500 species.
Photograph opportunities.
The landscape turns green. And there are plenty of baby animals in the park. All these are perfect for gorgeous pictures sought after by most avid photographers. The shots of a wildebeest mother giving birth or a video clip of hyenas lingering on the fringes of a large zebra herd are so beautiful.
Our protip: There’s an influx of visitors toward the end of the year. Guests come to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Serengeti. Competition is higher, making packages pricey. We highly recommend that you book early to secure your spot. The best lodges sell out months in advance. Prior booking will give you bargaining power.
December is good for a Serengeti safari. If you want to spend your festive season in this classic wildlife sanctuary, book a safari with us. Focus East Africa Tours will handle everything from flights to bookings in lodges and camps.
