Tanzania in December: Short Rains, Festive Safaris and Herds Heading South

The late-year rains turn dry grass to green and trigger the herds' return to the south. Showers are usually short, often afternoon storms, and many days are bright. Demand is strongest around Christmas and New Year, so it is a month of early booking.

This page is about December as a holiday month: how to enjoy it as a family, how it differs from the weeks that follow, and what to arrange early.

This guide is part of our Uganda month-by-month and seasonal guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

The Weather and the Landscape

Expect warm days, occasional heavy showers and fresh green scenery. Rain often falls in the afternoon or at night, leaving mornings clear for drives. Humidity is higher on the coast, and the highlands remain cool. Birdlife is abundant with migrants present, flowers appear and young animals begin to feature. Roads in some areas can become muddy after storms, especially off the main tracks. For the year-round picture, see the Tanzania best time guide.

Where the Herds Are

As the short rains arrive, wildebeest and zebra travel south from the north towards the nutrient-rich short-grass plains, passing through the central Serengeti. By late December, large numbers may be spread across the south and around Ndutu, though timing varies, and some herds linger in the centre. This makes the Seronera area and the southern plains good bases. Seasonal camps open for the season around this time. See Serengeti migration calendar and central Serengeti where to stay.

A Family Christmas Safari

December suits families with school-age children because of the holidays, but a safari needs pacing. Choose shorter drives, plan pool time, and ask for a family-friendly guide who can share stories and spot small creatures. Some camps hold festive meals, and others keep things simple, so ask what the Christmas arrangements are. Children may need minimum ages for some activities. Read Tanzania family safari itineraries and East Africa safari for first-timers.

Tarangire, Manyara and Ngorongoro

These northern parks are lush in December. Elephants move through the green country in Tarangire, Lake Manyara offers forest and lake scenery, and the Ngorongoro Crater remains productive. Showers are possible, and some tracks may be slippery. They are good for a gentle start or end to a trip and give variety beside the plains. See Tarangire guide, Lake Manyara guide and Ngorongoro Crater guide.

Zanzibar and Kilimanjaro

Zanzibar is hot and humid, with a warm sea, and the best hotels fill around Christmas. Allow time for afternoon storms and choose a mix of beach, Stone Town and spice or forest visits. Kilimanjaro can be climbed in December, but weather can be mixed with cloud and showers on the lower slopes, and the final days of the year bring more climbers. Prepare for cold and wet. See Tanzania safari and Zanzibar guide and Kilimanjaro itineraries.

Holidays and Logistics

Independence Day on 9 December and the Christmas period can affect schedules, including closures in towns and busy flights. Fly in early and avoid travelling on the busiest days if possible. Keep documents, permits and park payments sorted well before departure. Tip guides and staff, and read Tanzania money, cards and tipping for practical guidance. For neighbouring months, see Tanzania in January.

Packing and Booking

Bring light layers, a waterproof jacket, closed shoes, sun protection and insect repellent. Book flights, camps and guides several months ahead for the Christmas and New Year weeks. See the packing list and malaria prevention.

Planning a Uganda safari? Send us your dates and we will build the route, permits and transport around what you want to see.

Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
• How to book a Uganda safari
• Plan your safari with our team