December is a fantastic month for safaris in East Africaโit marks the start of the festive season, wildlife is abundant, landscapes are lush after the short rains (Nov), and birdwatching is at its peak with migratory species arriving.
โ Masai Mara National Reserve
Resident wildlife is still excellent.
Lush plains and fewer tourists than peak migration months.
Big cats (lions, leopards, and cheetahs) are easily seen.
โ Amboseli National Park
Epic views of snow-capped Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Huge herds of elephants in a green, refreshed landscape.
โ Laikipia Conservancies
Great for exclusive luxury safaris and rhino tracking.
Excellent for families during Christmas holidays.
Tanzania
โ Serengeti (Southern Plains)
Start of the Great Wildebeest Calving Season (late Dec โ March).
Herds begin returning from the north; predators follow.
Dramatic skies and incredible wildlife photography opportunities.
โ Ngorongoro Crater
Year-round wildlife hotspot.
Rain brings lush greenery and ideal conditions for animals inside the crater.
โ Lake Manyara & Tarangire
Birding is fantastic, and elephants and tree-climbing lions are active.
Green season rates availableโfewer crowds.
โ Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Excellent time for gorilla trekking.
The forest is green and misty but very scenic.
โ Queen Elizabeth National Park
Game drives, boat safaris on the Kazinga Channel, and tree-climbing lions in Ishasha.
โ Murchison Falls NP
Drier in the north of Uganda, offering solid wildlife viewing with great weather.
Holiday Specials: Many lodges offer Christmas & New Year packages.
Migratory birds are present across the regionโa paradise for bird lovers.