Why You Should Go on a Wildlife Safari in December and January?
While much of the world is cold and grey, Tanzania is alive with lush greenery, young wildlife, and festive energy. You’ve every reason to trade cold for heat. And there’s more than good weather. That’s why we recommend you plan your trip in these months. In this article, we’ll discuss in detail traveling to Tanzania in December and January.
Wildlife highlights.
Calving season.
Short rains in November turn the golden plains south of the Serengeti green. As usual, wildebeest detect this and change their course from the north to the south. By December, they’ve settled on the nutrient-rich grass in the south, spreading into the Ndutu plains of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
From December through February, they bring into life half a million calves. That’s about 5,000 newborns per day, with a peak of 8,000 on some days. This event attracts large predators, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas, as they eye any opportunity.
Thinking of places to stay? We got you covered. The southern region comprises two permanent camps: Ndutu Lodge and Sanctuary Kusini Camp. However, there’s a plethora of mobile camps, most of them being luxuriously designed to offer a front-row seat to the Great Migration. Mobile camps include Olakira Camp, Serengeti Under Canvas, Nomad Serengeti Safari Camp, and Serian Serengeti South Camp.
Big Five.
These months offer the best safari experience, especially with Big Five sightings. You’ll enjoy incredible views of these iconic animals without having to scramble for a wildlife sighting with other tourists. And there’s something to add to this experience – a green scenery, a perfect backdrop for every photo.
Serengeti is a year-round destination always offering unique wildlife adventures. The central part teems with unique animals, from the Big Five to the highest concentration of predators. Driving becomes straightforward due to pleasant weather, which means dry trails and infrequent rains.
The Ngorongoro Crater is also less crowded. So, yes – you can explore the floor to search for the Big Five. And unlike the Serengeti, there’s a high probability of cracking these ferocious animals.
Birdwatching.
As the forests and woodlands turn green, birds enter their breeding season. It’s this time when migratory birds from Asia and Europe settle in Tanzanian parks. As a result, you will see a lot of these birds, including the European bee-eater, lesser kestrel, steppe eagle, yellow-billed stork, African spoonbill, and white stork.
Green landscapes.
If you love green backdrops in your photo, then December and January are perfect. These months are well-known for breathtaking green scenery. Mornings are clear and offer stunning morning sun rays. Temperature fluctuations may vary, reaching up to 32 degrees.
Festive safari vibes.
Early December is wet and often uncrowded. Things change when Christmas approaches. Rain stops, but the park becomes crowded, driving prices much higher. Many people are in a rush to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve in spectacular parks, like Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. So, prior booking is highly important.
To avoid crowded roads and trails, you can go to lesser-known destinations like Ruaha National Park and Nyerere National Park. These southern parks are known for better calm, undisturbed wildlife sightings, especially the highest concentration of wild dogs. Additionally, you can do a lot of safari activities, such as boat cruises, bush walks, fly camping, and night game drives.
The festive season comes with one-time offers in most lodges and camps. Some camps include bush dinners, Christmas feasts, or Maasai New Year’s parties. Some exclusive offers are also included in their package. A clear example of this is &Beyond Serengeti Under Canvas, which offers ‘stay 4 nights, pay for 3’, which is valid until January 2026.
Fewer crowds.
Since everyone may be rushing to catch the wildebeest migration in the dry season (from June to October), traffic is common in most parks. So, you will watch wildlife with no competition from other safari-goers. And you’ll see the value of every dollar. Lodges lower the rates and include exclusive offers for guests. We recommend this period for couples like honeymooners and families with kids.
Tips for a rewarding safari in December and January.
Book early – Holiday season lodges sell out early. We recommend getting your spot as early as possible. Aside from securing your spot early, you’ll also enjoy discounts.
Pack for mixed weather – Temperature rises during the day and drops at night. Therefore, bring the right thing: layers for cold nights and mornings, and light clothing for hot days.
Combine bush and beach – It’s amazing to conclude your festive tour with a beach holiday in Zanzibar. Two or three days are enough to discover marine life, white sandy beaches, and historic towns of this idyllic archipelago.
Start planning today.
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