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Many of Africa’s iconic experiences are seasonal in nature so take the guesswork out of planning your safari with our Travel Calendar: simply search by month or experience & find out the best time to travel to Africa for your requirements.

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Africa in December

Africa’s a great place to be in December – read about the best places to visit & how to avoid the Christmas crowds.

December is a popular time to travel to Africa and for good reason. It’s mid-summer and the beaches from Cape Town to Zanzibar are warm and sunny. And although it’s the early rainy season, December is a popular time for a wildlife safari in destinations like the Kruger Park and Botswana. Put them together and you have a classic ‘beach and bush’ holiday whether for a family, honeymoon couple or group of friends.

But Africa’s top travel destinations are also busy in December – especially over the Christmas period – and it pays to play smart. You’ll need to book well ahead for your preferred Cape Town accommodation for example, and if you keep your safari to the first half of December then you can take advantage of shoulder-season rates before the premium you’ll pay for a Christmas booking.

Cape Town & Garden Route | Botswana | Kwazulu Natal | Kruger | Bazaruto Archipelago | Tanzania | Namibia

 

1. Cape Town & Garden Route, South Africa

 

View of the Twelve Apostles and the Table Mountain National Park in Cape Town

Visit the Cape in December for great weather & a festive, holiday atmosphere.


WHY GO?
Celebrate Christmas in the Cape; it's one of the world’s must-do holidays: the weather is great and there’s so much to see & do.

WEATHER?
Cape Town is settling into its long dry summer. There’s lots of sunshine and daily temperatures are kept comfortable by ocean breezes.

COMBINATIONS?
Go on a Big 5 safari to the Kruger Park/Sabi Private Reserves, or explore Botswana’s legendary Chobe National Park.

It’s December and most people are getting ready to relax and enjoy the festive season. It’s a good month to be in Cape Town and the Winelands, and the city combines easily with the Garden Route, a holiday region of beaches and mountains further along the Cape coast.

But December is a popular time at these destinations and it helps to have local advice to deliver the classic experience but without the Christmas crowds. Unless you specifically want Christmas in the Cape, for example, it is a lot less busy in the first two weeks of the month and you won’t be paying the festive-season premium for accommodation.

INSIDER TIP: “Be aware of a minimum-night stay policy at some accommodations if you are planning to spend only a night or two in some places.”

Other Great months for Cape Town & Garden Route: September through May.

2. Botswana

 

Game drive in Botswana Khwai Private Concession

December’s early rains make this a special time of year for both wildlife & bird watching.


WHY GO?
It’s the Green Season: great safari options and bird-watching is at its best across the country. Travel specials & reduced accommodation rates.

WEATHER?
Warm and occasional rain showers; birthing season; good for Savuti & Kalahari game viewing and birding is phenomenal in summer.

COMBINATIONS?
Iconic Victoria Falls lies a short road transfer from the Chobe Park while Cape Town is sunny & dry in December and just a flight away.

Don’t be put off by the phrase ‘Green Season’: sure, it’s a synonym for rainy season but it’s no false advertising: the December rains have triggered a great wave of greenery and the Botswana landscape is lush and fertile. It’s a great time for wildlife watching: big herds of elephants, buffalo and zebra are on the move while other animals – impala and springbok particularly – are in the middle of their birthing season which almost guarantees predator action.

There’s always good game viewing at the famous Chobe River and Okavango Delta but this is a great time to discover Botswana’s lesser-known destinations which are at their peak in December according to many safari veterans. The Savuti area of the Chobe Park and the Kalahari region are both particularly good – they are green, covered in herds of animals and home to the biggest predators: lions, hyenas, cheetah, leopard and wild dogs.

INSIDER TIP: “Ask us about “Pay for Two, Stay for Three Nights” specials available.”

Other Great months for Chobe: July, August, September & October.

3. Kwazulu Natal, South Africa

 

Turtle tracking in South Africa Kwazulu Natal province

Chances are you won’t be the only ones on the beach on KwaZulu Natal’s tropical coast.


WHY GO?
Popular destination with families, history enthusiasts, wildlife-lovers & scuba-divers. It's one of South Africa’s most diverse regions.

WEATHER?
Sunny, warm and pleasant sea temperatures all year round. But expect summer showers and an average maximum temperature of 27°C/80°F.

COMBINATIONS?
It’s a quick & easy flight to Cape Town & from there you can head into the Garden Route for more beaches, sunshine & stunning scenery.

One of South Africa’s big December holiday destinations, KwaZulu Natal is large and diverse enough to deliver a unique holiday while avoiding the big crowds of the provinces more popular places. It’s primarily a ‘beach and bush’ destination with a different slant on both compared to the more familiar Cape beaches and Kruger wildlife.

KwaZulu Natal is sub-tropical and its Indian Ocean is warm in December (around 25°C or 77°F) with coral reefs to explore on scuba dives while its wildlife is concentrated in smaller, highly diverse reserves, often with an emphasis on rhino conservation. It’s the country’s top birding destination, home to exciting walking safaris, great for families, and has a long and fascinating history – put it all together on one itinerary.

INSIDER TIP: “It’s hot in December: choose a safari lodge with a swimming pool!”

Other Great months for Gorilla Trekking: May through November.

4. Kruger Park & Sabi Sands, South Africa

 

Lion pride spotted on a Sabi Sand game drive

The start of the rains means the birthing season in the Kruger – great for photography.


WHY GO?
Green Season game viewing at one of Africa’s best Big 5 destinations. We recommend a safari to the Kruger’s private reserves.

WEATHER?
Warm and sunny weather with some days of cloud and rain. You will experience lush landscapes and epic bird watching.

COMBINATIONS?
Direct flights to some of Africa’s best beach destinations such as Cape Town & Vilanculos, gateway to Mozambique’s Bazaruto islands.

The Kruger Park and its adjacent Sabi Private Reserves are renowned for their Big 5 game viewing (lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard) and a December safari – especially one over Christmas – has become something of a tradition. The rains have begun in December but the bulk of it is yet to come; the landscape is green and rejuvenated, migrant birds are arriving and many animals – especially antelope – have given birth which means plenty of predators.

Given that the greenery may make animals harder to find, we’d recommend a safari to the Kruger’s private reserves. Their smaller size and expert guides make it easier to locate the big sightings, and although they are home to some of the most luxurious and exclusive safari accommodation in Africa, the Sabi Reserves also have a range of more affordable lodges and child-friendly camps.

INSIDER TIP: “Go to the Kruger during the first two weeks in December before the big holiday crowds.”

Other Great months for Kruger Park: May through November.

5. Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique

 

Island Hop Activity in Mozambique Bazaruto Archipelago

Maroon yourself on a desert island but with a private pool & room service – a perfect treat.


WHY GO?
Palm-fringed beaches, warm Indian Ocean water and coral reefs – who wouldn’t want to spend December on a Bazaruto island?

WEATHER?
You might get some rain in December but it’s warm and sunny most of the time and combines easily with most safari destinations.

COMBINATIONS?
Direct flight from Vilanculos to the Kruger Park for a great beach & bush holiday or you can connect via Johannesburg to summer-season Cape Town.

With the ocean temperature reaching almost 30°C (86°F) on some days, it’s fair to say that Mozambique’s Bazaruro Archipelago makes a perfect beach holiday destination in December.

A collection of different islands, each with their own character, Bazaruto is a place of long white-sand beaches and lazily nodding palm trees. There are coral reefs and dhow sailing cruises, spa treatments and yoga classes, horseback rides and snorkelling – something for everyone whether a family with young children or a honeymoon couple.

INSIDER TIP: “Make sure you know about the minimum-night stay policy at some Bazaruto accommodations. “

Other Great months for Bazaruto & Quirimbas: June through November.

6. Tanzania

 

Predators chasing the wildebeest migration in Tanzania Ndutu area

It’s all action in the Serengeti in December – combine it with Tanzania’s other top destinations.


WHY GO?
It’s Green Season – there’s some rain but the wildebeest migration is on the go & you’ll also enjoy reduced accommodation rates.

WEATHER?
December delivers rain in Tanzania’s safari country but it’s not yet the heavy rains of the early year. Warm & sunny temperatures.

COMBINATIONS?
The Indian Ocean island of Zanzibar is nice & hot in December plus it’s an easy beach holiday add-on to your safari itinerary.

The southern Serengeti is the most obvious destination on the itinerary of a Tanzania safari in December. It’s here that the great wildebeest herds have gathered after their trek from the Masai Mara and the birthing season is beginning. It’s prime time for the Serengeti’s many predators – especially lion and cheetah – and you’ll see all the other classic animals too such as elephant, buffalo and giraffe.

Other wildlife destinations like the Ngorongoro Crater and Ruaha National Park are looking green and lush and still offer rewarding game viewing. There’s a wide range of safari accommodation available – from very luxurious to those aimed at families with children or budget travellers – and if you have your eye on the Serengeti wildebeest migration, then we recommend a migration camp, a semi–permanent tented camp located on the path of the migration.

INSIDER TIP: “Low-season accommodation rates last until the middle of December: it’s a good time for a safari across the country but especially in the Serengeti.”

Other Great months for Tanzania: Between November & August for the Serengeti wildebeest migration; between June & October (the dry season) for Tanzania’s other reserves.

7. Namibia

 

Panoramic view of Skeleton Coast sand dunes

Travel to Namibia in December & experience its best destinations at lower rates.


WHY GO?
It’s Green Season & there’s a different face to the landscape; take advantage of shoulder-season accommodation rates at the best destinations.

WEATHER?
It’s hot at this time of year – expect temperatures ranging between 25°C and 35°C (77°F and 95°F) – and there is a chance of rain.

COMBINATIONS?
Cape Town is always popular choice & makes for a festive Christmas but also consider a safari to Botswana for dramatic wildlife viewing.

Namibia doesn’t get much rain in general but what rain it does get has an amazing effect on the landscape. Great swathes of greenery appear as cracked-mud waterholes fill up and forgotten rivers begin to trickle.

In Etosha Park, Namibia’s prime wildlife reserve, the zebra and antelope herds are in their birthing season and elephants are taking advantage of all the new greenery. December is a good time to see predators in Etosha and it’s one of the best months for birdwatchers as well. Combine the action of the savannah with the haunting loveliness of Namibia’s deserts with trips to Damaraland and the Sossusvlei dunes.

INSIDER TIP: “We’d recommend travelling during the first half of December to avoid the Christmas holiday crowds in places like Swakopmund & Etosha.”

Other Great month for Namibiawhale-watching: June through October.

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Reviews

It was a safari of a lifetime and exceeded all of our expectations!

Our mom grew up in Central and South Africa so we had visited the continent many times. My sister and I wanted to take our teens and husbands to Africa to experience the magic. We had a limited budget but big and specific expectations and by some miracle Walter was able to manage both.

Heather (USA)
An incredibly well organised tour with no hassles whatsoever.

Safari Online understood our needs and was able to present us with sensible options to choose from. It was evident that this tour operator has knowledgable and experienced agents who can arrange a seemless tour. We were provided with a professional online itinary which was comprehensive and easy to use, knew exactely what to expect, and encountered no stumble blocks along the way.

Gwen (AU)
Safari Online made our fantastic family holiday dream come true!!

Safari Online have been nothing but professional and incredible from the time we made our first enquiry to the last day of our stunning holiday. Nothing was too much trouble for Walter. We are now starting to plan our next family Safari for 2019. Guess who we will be booking with??? Safari Online we hope you are ready!!!!!

Penni (AU)
Professional, patient, efficient and responsive. Met all our travel needs and requirements spot on

Communication was excellent – I asked A LOT of questions and did a ton of research myself and Walter was extremely patient with me and very responsive. he was straight forward and extremely professional. Tour itself was excellent – an incredible experience and one never to be forgotten. Everything was spot on.

Neena
Very helpful good suggestions for holiday ideas always available for questions good organising

Excellent service and they supplied good suggestions for our holiday they also organised all internal flights and arranged check in for us so we had no worries while on holiday. We have had a most memorable holiday staying at wonderful places thanks to Sabrina and Safari Online. Would recommend Safari Online to organise your holiday.

Lorraine (UK)
Professional, quick and top of the edge service!!!

From the very first contact we’re very happy about the respond time and quality of information from safari-online.com. Based on the received first tailor-made quote, which is a weblink with all the details about the flights, photos of the lodges etc. we knew that this is “our” partner for this trip. Our expectations were excelled!!!

Lukas (Germany)
Walter has always been an excellent communicator and has supported us fully

We have been to Africa for 24 of the last 27 years so know a bit about what is involved. Walter has arranged the details for the last couple of years, and has done a superb job. He is always quick to respond and comes up with answers immediately……..no evasive tactics, always head-on!

Roger (UK)
Best trip I have ever been on. Highly recommend.

Would highly recommend. Safari online asked questions when booking and were efficient and knew exactly what we were looking for in terms of accommodation and animals were wanted to see. Gave advice on a few little extras with no pressure, which we did and am very grateful which make trip even more exciting. Would definitely recommend booking with them.

Safari Online were extremely efficient and absolutely charming to work with.

Our 28-day itinerary took us to South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana. A magnificent and unforgettable adventure. Everything ran smoothly and efficiently from the flights, transfers, rides, connections, etc. Absolutely wonderful! Can’t thank them enough!

Ann and Mario (Canada)
Karina was absolutely instrumental to our safari success.

Our experience with Safari Online was excellent. After becoming very frustrated trying to search for a safari destination on our own, we turned to Karina for help and she was a lifesaver.  We had an amazing safari adventure at the lodge–the experience of a lifetime–and are so grateful for her help. We literally couldn’t have done it without her!

Chris (USA)