The Serengeti in December.

Wildlife in December

The migration is back in the southern Serengeti and Ndutu plains. Green grass is everywhere. Calving build-up begins: the first calves drop in mid-to-late December, with the main pulse arriving in late January. The herd is spread across the short-grass plains from Naabi Hill west to Lake Ndutu, and predator activity is rapidly building as cats reposition for the calving. Resident game across the ecosystem is strong. Central Serengeti delivers leopard and resident lion as always. Tarangire is in its quieter wet phase; head south for the spectacle. The Christmas and New Year holiday window (roughly 22 December to 4 January) sees the year's second demand peak after August — pricing jumps, popular camps fill 12 months ahead, and the parks are noticeably busier even in remote sectors.

Whatever the season, Serengeti game viewing is strong year-round — resident lion, elephant, leopard, hippo and buffalo populations don't migrate. December simply changes the spectacle.

Weather and what to pack

Short rains continuing — brief afternoon storms, mostly clear mornings and evenings. Daytime 26-31°C, mornings 17-19°C, humidity moderate. The short rains tend to ease in the second half of the month before picking up again in January. Pack a packable rain shell, quick-dry trousers, breathable shirts, light layers for dawn drives, sunscreen, insect repellent. Closed waterproof shoes for camp. Roads on the short-grass plains hold up well; black-cotton mud isn't usually a problem until the January rains intensify.

We send a tailored packing list with your booking confirmation — by month, by region, and by lodge type. See our full Tanzania packing guide for the long version.

Park-by-park in December

What's actually happening across the wider Tanzanian circuit this month — beyond the Serengeti migration line.

Southern Serengeti / Ndutu

Migration back. Calving build-up; first calves mid-to-late month.

Central Serengeti (Seronera)

Strong resident game. Useful base if Ndutu camps full.

Ngorongoro Crater

Reliable year-round. Easy add-on before or after the holiday window.

Tarangire

Quieter wet phase. Possible but not strong.

Zanzibar

Peak beach season starting. Reliable weather most days.

Recommended itineraries for December

For travelers visiting the Serengeti in December, these are our most-booked options. Each is private — your own guide and Land Cruiser.

• Most balanced
  5-Day Northern Circuit
• Most-booked
  7-Day Classic Tanzania

If Decemberdoesn't work

Mid-month (5-20 December, before the holiday rush) offers excellent value with most of the same game. Ngorongoro reliable year-round. Tarangire is in its quieter wet phase — possible but not strong. Zanzibar is at the start of its peak beach season (December through February) with reliable weather most days. If you can shift dates to early December or early January, you'll get the same game at 30-40% lower pricing than the holiday window.

Frequently asked

Is December a good time to visit the Serengeti?

Strong for holiday travelers. Christmas and New Year demand is high — book 12 months ahead. The season is green and crowding is peak (holidays).

Where is the migration in December?

In December, the migration herds are typically at the Southern Serengeti / Ndutu.

What's the weather like in December?

Short rains continuing — brief afternoon storms, mostly clear mornings and evenings. Daytime 26-31°C, mornings 17-19°C, humidity moderate. The short rains tend to ease in the second half of the month before picking up again in January. Pack a packable rain shell, quick-dry trousers, breathable shirts, light layers for dawn drives, sunscreen, insect repellent. Closed waterproof shoes for camp. Roads on the short-grass plains hold up well; black-cotton mud isn't usually a problem until the January rains intensify.

How far ahead should I book a December safari?

Holiday peak — book the Christmas/New Year window 12 months ahead; popular Ndutu mobile camps often go 14-16 months out. Mid-December (5-20 Dec) softens 30-40% and is the best value inside the month.

If December is fully booked, when else should I consider?

Mid-month (5-20 December, before the holiday rush) offers excellent value with most of the same game. Ngorongoro reliable year-round. Tarangire is in its quieter wet phase — possible but not strong. Zanzibar is at the start of its peak beach season (December through February) with reliable weather most days. If you can shift dates to early December or early January, you'll get the same game at 30-40% lower pricing than the holiday window.