Posted by What is the Best Safari in December? As the northern hemisphere flows into the cold, dark days of winter, the continent of Africa is warming up during the summer holiday season. December in Africa is a busy time of the year for a reason. The weather is mostly hot and sunny, with occasional rains bringing cool solace and greenery. This article will give an overview of the Best Safari in December.
As the wet season begins, the game becomes more difficult to see in South Africa, as the reservoirs across the country open up and livestock are divided into smaller groups. While most parts of Zambia and Zimbabwe are closed at this time of year, South Africa is still dense enough to play a top-quality safari guarantee.
If you are looking for a Christmas break for the family, then Kenya should consider that. With great safari action and a bit of a relaxed beach retreat, you have everything you need for an ideal family trip and within a short distance of the plane together.
Amazing Countries for Best Safari in December
During this time of year, great wildlife shifts as the dry, yellow plains of the Selangi Desert from Serengeti begin to turn green. Transplanted cattle attract large numbers of hunters and produce the largest number of shows on earth. The migratory birds arrive, filling the enormous sky with tropical colors and birds, while the trees and shrubs burst forth thinly.
It’s a great time of year on a beach holiday in the Indian Ocean, whether it’s the transparent, crystalline waters of Seychelles or the unused edges of Mozambique’s beaches. We recommend connecting wildlife or cultural safaris to a relaxed beach retreat.
So without further ado, here are the best African countries for Safari in December.
1. South Africa
December is one of the best months in South Africa, with the best weather in the Cape and above the Garden Route.
The best safaris in South Africa might be found at Tswalu Kalahari Private Reserve, Pafuri Walking Safaris, Kruger National Park, Samara Karoo Private Reserve, and Beyond Phinda, Phinda Private Game Reserve. Other options include Singita Lebombo, Kruger National Park, Camp Figtree, and Addo Elephant National Park.
May through October is the ideal season to travel to South Africa for a safari. However, you may visit up to December. Amid Kruger, Madikwe, Pilanesberg, and KwaZulu-Natal, these months are ideal for observing wildlife since the animals are gathered near water sources and are simpler to identify in the thinning foliage of the dry season.
Safari is not as good as it was a few months ago, but the cruiser’s private archive still offers great game viewing – one of our favorite destinations for the safari in South Africa at this time of year. South Africa is a good place for Safari in December.
2. Ethiopia
Luxury safari opportunities are spectacular in Ethiopia. Ethiopia is a mountainous country of dramatic beauty with a higher area than Kenya and Uganda, considering this is a place for the Best Safari in December.
When compared to other safari locations like Kenya, Ethiopia is not an excellent place to see the large games. The Ethiopian Wolf, Mountain Nyala, Gelada Baboons, and Walia Ibex are just a few of the extremely unique and uncommon species that may be found in the nation’s highlands.
Simien Mountains Safari is one possible option for an Ethiopian safari experience. The Simien Mountains are represented by the Gelada Monkeys. Safari in the Bale Mountains. The Sanetti Plateau, located at 4000 meters in the Bale Mountains, is the finest location to discover the Ethiopian Wolf, an indigenous canid. The Gambella National Park is only one example.
3. Kenya
Known for its extraordinary wildlife, Kenya has a large section of the coastline of the museum, the Great Rift Valley, the Central Highlands, and a host of stunning lakes.
Kenya’s brief rainfall usually ends in mid-December and the dry season begins.
The view looks dramatically green after the rain, and it can make the game more difficult to watch than the dry season even though it doesn’t give you a bye.
Kenya is a great month to travel to Kenya in December and works very well for Christmas or New Year breaks, although to get the best camps you have to book these key dates long in advance.
4. Malawi
A stunningly diverse region, luxurious lodges, several well-known national parks, and of course its extraordinary lake, Malawi is a well-kept secret.
The nine national parks and wildlife reserves in Malawi are the best places to go on safari since they span such a wide range of topography and plant life, adding to the variety of safaris available all across the country.
The nation currently has a number of reserves and national parks that provide fantastic safari experiences along with a selection of excellent lodging alternatives. When you take a safari in Liwonde National Park or Majete Wildlife Reserve, you have the highest chance of sighting lions in Malawi. The non-profit organization African Parks is in charge of managing both parks, which are both in southern Malawi.
5. Sudan (North)
Although not the most obvious holiday destination, North Sudan has a rich and fascinating past in its culture that has made it such a unique and fascinating travel destination.
Between Egypt and Eritrea in north-eastern Africa, the Republic of Sudan borders the Red Sea in the northeast. It shares borders with Ethiopia in the southeast, Libya in the northwest, Chad in the west, South Sudan in the south, and the Central African Republic in the southwest.
Traveling on safari in the northern part of Sudan is an experience that takes you over the limitless desert, down the lovely Nile, and into thousands of years of old Egyptian culture. The Musawwarat ruins, which are around 180 kilometers from Khartoum, the Sudanese capital, are a must-see attraction for tourists.
6. Sicily
As perfect as a one-off, or as a comfortable ending to an itinerary originally based in East or South Africa, it is a dreamy luxury holiday and African honeymoon, with a spectacular choice of lodges and resorts.
December is one of the hottest months in Seychelles and one of the hottest months of the year.
While the islands can be quite wet during December, care should be taken to avoid the southern islands that are in the cyclone belt with light winds.
If any of these incredible and diverse destinations interest you, make sure to remember and contact one of our destination specialists this Christmas.
7. Mauritius
December is a great month to travel to Mauritius, with temperatures reaching a peak in any one year or January, and a place for the Best Safari in December.
The benefit of December is that the humidity levels are not yet higher than in January and so it is great beach weather for sun worshipers.
As it is a summer monsoon you can usually get some scattered tropical showers and windy breezes in the evenings, but guaranteed daily – – 5 sunshine hours.
8. Tanzania
Tanzania’s light rainfall has had a considerable impact on the movement of the game to lesser-known reservoirs – with dramatic changes in the game’s parks as Katavi, Ruha, and Selos spread to these huge parks.
The result is a lot of big game-watching. But Tanzania’s Northern Circuit is great during this time of year, with Serengeti’s great immigration going full-time, considering this is a place for the Best Safari in December.
9. Botswana
Botswana is genuinely untamed. Game viewing is diverse on a Botswana safari with both water-based and land-based excursions. The Okavango Delta offers stunning rivers, an abundance of birdlife, and a relaxed atmosphere that one can only find near water. Botswana is one of the most rewarding safari locations and is also rated as the safest safari destination in all of Africa. Although it is not the cheapest, it is also not the most costly nation in Africa for a safari.
The Okavango Delta in Botswana is undoubtedly one of the most popular safari locations on earth. Visitors come here to see the largest inland marsh in the world, which is totally encircled by a desert that is covered in millions of fine diamonds.
Excluding international travel and airport transfers, guests booking a 6-night safari at two separate camps should budget between $4000 and $4,500 per person. A similar 6-night mobile camping trip should cost around $2,500 per person, however, costs might vary.
Botswana’s blue sky sums up the birthing season and will create a colorful contrast to the life of Ranthumbor’s green colorful birds, Sri Lanka’s beaches represent the ultimate holiday aftermath and Maldives is as ancient as ever.
10. Chile
For the adventurous tourist seeking a location bursting with natural beauty and a variety of methods to enjoy it, Chile is the ideal option.
Chile’s Atacama Desert offers something out of the ordinary, one of the driest places in the world! Various activities can be enjoyed while you are walking, horseback riding, cycling, exploring the Los Flamencos reserve, or strolling the region with Chile’s largest salt flats.
Chile is renowned worldwide for its mouthwatering red wines and its sinister pisco, but it also boasts a vibrant and varied beer culture! a lively, multiethnic city with a variety of attractions like museums, theaters, art galleries, great cuisine, nightlife, crowded marketplaces, and impressive architecture.
Dramatic location with views of the Pacific and the Andes on opposite sides. panoramic views of the green city from Cerro San Cristóbal, Santiago’s most famous park. Visit the Untouched Wilds of Chilean Patagonia.
11. Colombia
In Colombia, December is a good time of year to hunt hollers and TT monkeys in the Tirana National Park, where palm meat is the Caribbean Sea that provides some sparkling snorkeling and diving.
No visitor to Colombia should skip a safari since the nation is rich with amazing wildlife. For any daring tourist, there is a wildlife trip available, whether they are in Los Llanos, the Amazon, or the Napoles theme park. Some well-known safari locations include La Piscinita, Parque Arvi, Natural, and Wildlife Areas, Desierto de la Tatacoa, Natural and Wildlife Areas Kasaguadua Natural Reserve, Parque Natural Chicaque, Bosque El Descanso, Aviario Nacional de Colombia, Nature & Wildlife Areas, Parque Tematico Hacienda Napoles, 750 Nature & Wildlife Areas.
It’s difficult not to fall in love with this lovely nation because of its endearing culture, welcoming residents, exciting nightlife, and magnificent natural surroundings. So, is it safe to visit to Colombia? The gist of the answer is yes—as long as you remain alert and avoid recognized risk zones.
12. Rwanda
This nation is distinguished by its astounding biodiversity, volcanoes, and highland rainforests which are gorillas’ natural habitat. A Rwanda gorilla trekking safari pairs nicely with other East African locations like Uganda, Kenya, or Tanzania because it is rarely seen alone.
Mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and other primates may be seen up close in Rwanda thanks to the country’s popular gorilla trekking excursions. A safari in Rwanda, however, is more complex than it first appears.
Because Rwanda has more habituated mountain gorilla groups than Uganda, permits there are typically easier to get. Primate Trek, Wildlife Safari, Cultural & Historical Tour, and Lakeside Vacation are some of the options. There are many ways to spend your holiday in Rwanda, including hiking, birding, traditional game drives, nature walks, cultural activities, and relaxing by a lake.
13. Sri Lanka
Thanks to its wealth of national parks, diverse wildlife, including elephants and leopards, and sustainable commitment to conservation, Sri Lanka has emerged as one of the most popular safari destinations in the world. These national parks provide whale watching safaris: Yala National Park, Kumana National Park, Udawalawe National Park, Horton Plains National Park, Kaudulla National Park, Minneriya National Park, and Gal Oya National Park.
Sri Lanka is a haven for wildlife aficionados and has a lot to offer those interested in wildlife, both animal and bird. This tropical island is home to some of the best national parks on the Indian subcontinent and is home to an astounding variety of plants and animals.
The greatest months to go to the west and south coastlines, as well as the Cultural Triangle, are typically December through April, while the best months to explore the east coast are May through October.
14. Maldives
Take a 15-night trip that combines South Africa with the Maldives. Discover the stunning Garden Route of South Africa, pay a visit to the Franschhoek Wine Valley along the way, and then go on a safari in one of the country’s private wildlife reserves. It is recommended that you stay in a beachfront resort or water villa for 5 days to fully appreciate everything the Maldives has to offer, including engaging in activities like island hopping and scuba diving.
The months of November through April are the ideal times to visit the Maldives. The weather is hot and tropical, with average highs consistently between 29°C and 31°C and average lows seldom dropping below 24°C. The resort industry’s busiest time is from January through April since these are the driest months with the least amount of rain and humidity.
Are the Maldives pricey? The Maldives is one of ETG’s most costly vacation spots, we won’t mince words about that. It’s not difficult to see why Maldives vacations are often so expensive given the length of the dry season and the fantastic activities on offer.
15. Zambia
The breathtaking Victoria Falls, as well as a variety of national parks, landmarks, and attractions, are some of the top destinations in Zambia. Zambia provides a variety of travel choices to complete an African trip, from the stunning Kafue National Park to ancient locations like Shiwa Ngandu.
Leading the way in the walking safari was Zambia. Some claim that Zambia, an untapped hotspot for a range of safari and wildlife viewing activities, is Africa’s best-kept secret. It is a natural region of Africa that is welcoming and full of wild areas deserving of every explorer!
In addition to being rated as the safest place in Africa to travel, it has some of the continent’s most untamed and wild scenery. Without the crowds that so many other places have, this secluded environment offers the chance for safaris with a variety of animals.
A full Zambian safari experience is easily obtained through game drives and walking safaris. One of the biggest national parks in Africa, Kafue, is the perfect place to go on safari for a week. Spend two nights at Fig Tree Bush Camp, two nights at Mukambi Plains Camp, and three nights at Mukambi Safari Lodge.
Both experienced and inexperienced safari travelers like Zambia. A Zambia safari has plenty to offer every kind of traveler thanks to wonders like South Luangwa National Park, which is famed for walking safaris over its wildlife-rich plains and the legendary Victoria Falls.
15. Uganda
Due to its lush environments and diversity of animals, Uganda outperforms all other safari locations in these two categories while also remaining a fantastic location for a typical safari by boat or vehicle. Uganda is the ideal alternative for people looking for something new and exciting. The best places to safari in Uganda include a Silverback Mountain Gorilla, Sipi Falls, Murchison Falls National Park, and Tree Climbing Lions.
In Uganda, a safari typically costs $200 per person per day. A Ugandan gorilla viewing permit costs the US $ 700 per person per day. Permits for golden monkeys cost US$60 per person per hour in Uganda. The cost of a budget or low-cost safari hotel room is $100 per night.
In general, safaris in Africa are safe and secure in Uganda. We are grateful to the Uganda Peoples Defense Forces (UPDF) for preserving peace and ensuring national security. This does not imply that there are no crimes in the nation, particularly in cities and metropolitan regions.
16. Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is a treasure among safari locations in Africa, offering some of the most breathtaking unspoiled nature, wildlife encounters, and experiences that are difficult to equal anyplace else on the continent. All year long, Zimbabwe is a great safari location, but the months of June to September are the greatest. Since it falls during the dry season, it’s a great opportunity to watch the animals gathered near waterholes.
Due to criminality, use extra caution in Zimbabwe. Opportunistic crime is widespread, including stealing, car window smashing with the aim to steal, and pickpocketing. Assault, carjacking, and house invasion are examples of violent crime.
Some of the most amazing animals and natural treasures may be found in Zimbabwe. The southern African nation is well-known for both its fantastic safari opportunities and its varied scenery.
17. Namibia
The number of cheetahs in the nation is the greatest in all of Africa, and there are also many black rhinos, leopards, and indigenous species. Given Namibia’s convenient transportation, the nation is especially well-suited for self-drive vacations. The breathtaking environment creates a superb backdrop for wildlife safaris.
Tourists frequently spot lions in this area, notably between the Okondeka and Ombika waterholes. Despite their tawny camouflage, their huge size makes them easy to notice when they are in motion among the sparse surroundings of the park. Visitor reports of zebra, gemsbok, and wildebeest kills are frequent in Etosha.
Namibia is best visited from July to December when temperatures are just around 20°C and there is little risk of rain. Since it’s also the ideal time to see animals, this is the busiest travel period; make travel arrangements well in advance.
Take away
The great migration of Ngorongoro National Park and the gorillas of Rwanda is certainly a bucket list in Africa in December, as the green seasons bring in idyllic conditions for game drives and mountain tracks, considering this is a place for the Best Safari in December.
Not too far away is Tropical Belize where you can avoid the rainiest months of January as well as rain. Thoughts of travel are often discontinued, especially due to travel expenses as a family, nowadays though with the introduction of certain family safari homes (including personal chefs and guides), you can do great value for money and the ultimate family retreat to entertain everyone. For consideration are the Babla and Myra Houses, Seri Ara private beach camp and retreat.
From colorful birds to birds and jaguars (if you are lucky) to tapping into trees to exploring the tropical rainforest with various wildlife and tropical rainforest, Belize is famous for all its adventure activities.
Belize is famous for its world-class diving and in December, you can really make the most of it. Explore the various dive sites along the coast and if you’re really brave, why not make your way to the infamous Blue Hole?
December is the start of the breeding and mating season of many animals, including green turtles, marine iguanas, and sea lions in the Galapagos Islands. Water and air temperatures begin to heat up and the skies clearly make it a popular month for visitors – it’s important to plan ahead at this time of year.
For a once-in-a-lifetime family trip and one you will never forget, why not spend the final white Christmas in Antarctica? The month of December provides some of the longest daylight hours (great for photography) and begins the whale-watching season. With the festival season boasting many venues around the world, you can be sure that your end of the year will not end with an African safari adventure.
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