Where to safari in December

"December is SAFARI FRANK’s secret season with summer in full force and Africa at its very best"

By December the wet season has begun to settle in and some good rains can be experienced in many areas. Generally, southern Africa is wetter however that doesn’t mean a safari through the region is not a good option. Preparation is key but it is well worth it to take advantage of fewer travelers and lower rates.

Most of Zambia and Zimbabwe’s camps are shut during this time of year, whereas South Africa and Botswana still have enough concentrations of game animals to guarantee top-quality safaris. 

In Botswana, December is considered low season, but most lodges and suppliers are still operating which paves the way for some great specials and promotions. Game viewing is still superb which provides travelers with an excellent experience for a great value. The Kalahari Desert is temporarily transformed into a lush wonderland with grazing animals and their young in abundance and predators following.

In South Africa, Cape Town and the Garden Route are amid a picture-perfect summer which makes the area a good option for those seeking to spend Christmas in the sun. However, be aware that it is summer holidays for all South African schools, so the Cape area can be very busy from mid-December to mid-January.

The Kruger’s private reserves still offer excellent big game viewing, with Timbavati Game Reserve and Klaserie Game Reserve our favourite destinations for a South African safari.

In East Africa December is the small dry season but the land is left lush and green after the small rains. It is a fabulous time to travel in the Serengeti and the Mara as game viewing is still superb, but the absence of other travelers is the true luxury. One can literally travel in the northern Serengeti without seeing another vehicle for days in areas where it is ‘bumper to bumper’ in peak season, safari heaven as far as we are concerned!

The table below indicates the locations which we rate as the best and good in December

Where to go in December

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