Yes, December is a good month for a Tanzania safari, especially if you pair it with Zanzibar. The migration herds start arriving on the southern Serengeti and Ndutu plains from late December. From Zanzibar, fly-in day safaris start at US$460, and 3-day Serengeti and Ngorongoro trips start at US$2,068. Book early for Christmas and New Year.
Last updated: 13 November 2026. Prices checked against the live trip pages on lekobeadventures.com.
For travellers from the USA, the UK and Europe, December is when long holidays are easiest to take. So it is no surprise that “Tanzania safari in December” and “Christmas safari Tanzania” are among the most common planning searches we see. This guide covers what you can realistically expect in December: where the wildlife is, what the weather means for your trip, which safaris work from Zanzibar, and what they cost. Every price below comes from a live Lekobe trip page.
Is December a good time for a safari in Tanzania?
December is a strong month for a safari, though not a perfect one. Each trade-off below matters more or less depending on which park you visit.
The upside: the migration heads south
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority says the best time to visit the Ndutu plains runs from the end of December, when the Great Migration herds begin to arrive from the north, until April. Ndutu sits in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area next to the southern Serengeti, and the NCAA describes it as a calving ground for wildebeest. Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) lists January to February as the calving season in the Serengeti. A late-December safari therefore catches the start of the big southern gathering. If your top priority is seeing newborn calves, January and February are the safer bet.
The trade-off: short rains
October to December is Tanzania’s Vuli or short-rains season. The Tanzania Meteorological Authority publishes a seasonal outlook for it every year. How much rain falls varies from year to year, so check the current outlook before you travel. Rain is also why the plains turn green and the grazing herds move south.
The other trade-off: festive-season demand
Christmas and New Year fall in the school holidays across North America, the UK and most of Europe. Safari flights, popular lodges and beach hotels on Zanzibar book up first for those two weeks. Early December and the days just after New Year are usually easier to secure.
Where to go on safari in December
Your choice of park in December depends on how many days you have and whether you are starting from Zanzibar.
Serengeti and Ngorongoro (northern circuit)
This is the classic choice if you want to follow the migration. In December, aim for the southern and central Serengeti rather than the far north. Our 3-Day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Fly-in from Zanzibar includes a morning game drive in the southern Serengeti on day two. Most northern-circuit trips end with a descent into the Ngorongoro Crater, which has resident wildlife all year. For the month-by-month pattern, see our Great Migration month by month guide.
Mikumi and Nyerere (southern parks)
If you are on Zanzibar for a beach holiday and only want to give up one day, the southern parks are the practical option. Mikumi National Park and Nyerere both have day trips by light aircraft, so you are back at your hotel the same evening. TANAPA describes the green season in Mikumi as a time of dramatic skies and great birding. Our one day safari from Zanzibar guide compares the two parks in detail.
December safari prices from Zanzibar (2026)
The table shows starting prices from our live trip pages. These are “from” prices. Your final quote depends on group size, travel dates and the accommodation you choose, and festive dates can affect flight and lodge availability.
| Trip | Parks | Duration | From (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Day Fly-in Shared Safari to Nyerere | Nyerere | 1 day | US$460 |
| 1-Day Private Safari to Mikumi | Mikumi | 1 day | US$550 |
| 2-Day Safari from Zanzibar to Serengeti and Ngorongoro | Serengeti, Ngorongoro | 2 days | US$1,628 |
| 4-Day Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro from Zanzibar | Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro | 4 days | US$2,025 |
| 3-Day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Fly-in from Zanzibar | Serengeti, Ngorongoro | 3 days | US$2,068 |
| 7-Day Zanzibar Beach with Mikumi Safari | Zanzibar, Mikumi | 7 days | US$1,815 |
On the multi-day trips, the price includes non-resident park fees, a professional driver-guide, accommodation, meals as listed in the itinerary, flights during the tour, and round-trip airport transfers. International flights, drinks, travel insurance, visa fees and tips are not included. Our tipping guideline is US$10 per person per day. For a breakdown by trip length, read how much a safari from Zanzibar costs.
What a December safari from Zanzibar looks like
Every Zanzibar departure starts early, whatever the season. These timings come straight from the trip itineraries.
One-day fly-in safari
- Mikumi (private): 5:00 am hotel pick-up, 7:00 am flight, game drives with a picnic lunch at 1:00 pm, a 4:00 pm return flight and back on Zanzibar around 4:30 pm.
- Nyerere (shared): 5:00 am pick-up, morning game drive, picnic lunch at 1:00 pm, a 4:00 pm departure from the airstrip and back on Zanzibar around 6:00 pm.
Three-day Serengeti and Ngorongoro fly-in
- Day 1: 5:00 am pick-up and an 8:00 am flight to the Serengeti, then game drives and a picnic lunch in the bush. You stay at Moyo Tented Camp.
- Day 2: A sunrise game drive in the southern Serengeti, then the drive to the Ngorongoro highlands. You stay at Ang’ata Ngorongoro Camp.
- Day 3: An early descent into the crater, then a transfer to Arusha Airport for the evening flight back to Zanzibar.
Four-day trip with Tarangire
The 4-Day Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro trip starts with a 5:00 am pick-up and an 8:00 am flight to Arusha. You then spend a day in Tarangire, two days in the Serengeti, and finish in the crater, which you descend at 6:30 am on day four before flying back to Zanzibar. It is private, can start any day, and suits travellers who want more time in the parks.
Christmas and New Year: bush and beach
Most December visitors combine a safari with time on the beach. There are two easy ways to plan it.
Beach first, safari in the middle
The 7-Day Zanzibar Beach with Mikumi Safari (from US$1,815) has a Mikumi fly-in day on day two. The rest of the week covers Safari Blue snorkelling, Jozani Forest and a Stone Town, Prison Island and spice farm day, with hotels in Stone Town, Paje and Nungwi. It is a good fit if the beach is the main event and you want just a taste of safari.
Safari first, then relax on Zanzibar
If you want the Serengeti, book a 2- to 4-day northern trip from Zanzibar first, then spend the rest of your stay on the beach. The 5-Day Zanzibar Beach Holiday (from US$1,210) works as the beach half. For full itineraries, see our 7, 10 and 12-day safari and Zanzibar guide and the Zanzibar Island page.
December planning tips
- Book early for the festive weeks. If you want 20 December to 3 January, ask for a quote as soon as your international flights are confirmed.
- Pack for showers. Bring a light waterproof jacket and quick-dry layers.
- Choose the right Serengeti area. In December, the south and centre are better placed for the herds than the far north. Ask us to adjust lodges if needed.
- Leave buffer time. Light-aircraft schedules can change in bad weather, so avoid booking an international flight home on the same day as a safari return.
- Check entry rules. Read our Tanzania travel requirements guide before you book.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Great Migration in December?
In December the herds move south towards the short-grass plains. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority says the herds begin arriving on the Ndutu plains from the end of December and stay until about April. For the best chance of seeing them, choose a trip that covers the southern or central Serengeti and Ndutu.
Does it rain on safari in December?
It can. October to December is Tanzania’s short-rains (Vuli) season, and the Tanzania Meteorological Authority issues an outlook for it each year. Amounts vary by year and region, so check the latest outlook before you go. Pack a light rain jacket and leave some flexibility in your plans.
How much does a Christmas safari from Zanzibar cost?
On our live trip pages, one-day fly-in safaris from Zanzibar start at US$460 (shared, Nyerere) and US$550 (private, Mikumi). A 2-day Serengeti and Ngorongoro trip starts at US$1,628, and a 3-day fly-in starts at US$2,068. Final quotes depend on group size, festive dates and the lodges you choose.
Can I do a safari from Zanzibar on Christmas Day?
Our Zanzibar safaris can start on any day, subject to flight and lodge availability. Christmas and New Year are the busiest dates, so send your preferred dates early. We can then confirm seats on the light aircraft and rooms at the lodges before you lock in the rest of your holiday.
Is December or January better for a Tanzania safari?
Both work well. TANAPA lists January to February as the Serengeti calving season, so January is the stronger choice if newborn wildebeest are your priority. December suits travellers tied to school or festive holidays, and late December already places you near the herds arriving on the southern plains.
Plan your December safari with Lekobe
Tell us your dates, group size and how many days you can spare from the beach, and we will send you a December quote with current flight and lodge availability. Message us on WhatsApp (+255 676 68 1293), email info@lekobeadventures.com, or use the enquiry form on any trip page. Festive-season seats go fast, so the earlier you ask, the more options you will have.
