AFRICAN SAFARIS IN DECEMBER

As summer starts to hot up in Africa, December welcomes migrant birds, predators aplenty and lush greenery in many parks.  The climate during the month of December is mostly hot, with some occasional rains and this is a good time for game viewing as well as beach safaris in the Indian Ocean.

Christmas holiday travel makes December a busy time with tourists, but definitely worth it if you want to witness the thriving plants, trees, and flowers at the beginning of the wet summer season.

It’s prime time for keen birdwatchers and of course, we can’t forget that the Great Migration in Tanzania is one of Africa’s biggest attractions all year round. If you’re considering booking your safari trip in December, here are some of the best safaris in this popular month:

Mozambique

Both Northern and Southern Mozambique are excellent at this time of year. Gorongosa’s emerald season is in full swing in December, where dry landscapes become beautifully green and vibrant, and birds return after the winter season. For birding fans, December really is a great time to travel. Whilst game viewing isn’t at its best in this month, the beaches of the Benguerra and Bazaruto islands are still fantastic.

The amount of sunshine is good all year round and even during the wet months, the thundershowers rarely last long so divine beach weather will be returned after a short downpour.

Tanzania

December is an excellent time to visit Tanzania, mainly because of the Serengeti. After the short rains begin, herds of wildebeest will arrive on the grass plains of the park, south and east of Seronera and north of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

An outstanding time for game spotting and a truly unique experience to witness the Great Migration. In addition to wildebeest, there will be zebras in their thousands and thousands, as well as half a million gazelles passing through. You may also be able to catch the early calving season in December too.

Together with the famous Serengeti Park, the Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara National Park, Selous Game Reserve and Ruaha National Park are also good during the month of December. Humidity can be high during this time, with temperatures easily topping 30°C. Short rains can also be expected.

Seychelles

The Seychelles is home to some of the most spectacular and exclusive private islands in the world, and December is one of the best months to visit. The archipelago consists of 115 islands and the landscape varies from thriving tropical forests to soft, white sandy beaches. Mostly free from seasonal seaweed (which deposits on the beaches from May to September and detracts from their beauty) and with wonderfully mild temperatures, December is a fantastic time to have a relax on the beaches of the Seychelles.

There are a number of national parks including Praslin National Park, Baie Ternay Marine National Park, Morne Seychelles National Park and Ste Anne Marine National Park. One of the many highlights is the breeding season for turtles throughout the islands, peaking between October and January – and with more turtles appearing around November and December.

If this has inspired you to book a December break, then don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.