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Green Season Wildlife Adventures
Where to Go on Safari in December? Tanzania 2026-2027
December Safaris - Vibrant Wilderness
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Award-Winning Safaris
Why Safari in Tanzania in December?
December in Tanzania kicks off the short rainy season, transforming the savannah into a lush, green paradise with fewer crowds and vibrant wildlife activity. Known as the "green season," this period offers mild temperatures (70-85°F), occasional short showers, and incredible opportunities to see newborn animals, migratory birds, and active predators. Our December 2026 & 2027 safari packages are designed for adventurers—solo travelers, couples, or groups—seeking authentic wildlife encounters and cultural experiences in Tanzania’s top parks: Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara.
With fewer tourists, you’ll enjoy intimate game drives and authentic stays in comfortable camps or lodges. December is also ideal for combining safaris with cultural visits to Maasai villages or a beach escape to Zanzibar’s warm, sunny shores. Our itineraries maximize wildlife viewing and cultural immersion, ensuring an unforgettable adventure tailored to the green season.
Highlights of December Safaris
Experience Tanzania’s wild beauty with activities tailored for December:
- Track the Great Migration’s calving season in Southern Serengeti
- Spot vibrant migratory birds and flamingos in Lake Manyara
- Observe Tarangire’s elephant herds in lush, green landscapes
- Explore Ngorongoro Crater’s wildlife with fewer crowds
- Engage in authentic Maasai village visits
- Optional Zanzibar beach extension for relaxation
Where to Go on Safari in December?
December marks the beginning of Tanzania’s lush green season, transforming its national parks into vibrant wildlife havens. If you're planning a safari in December 2026 or 2027, here are the top destinations that deliver unforgettable safari experiences:
Southern Serengeti & Ndutu Area
Head to the Southern Serengeti and Ndutu area to witness the awe-inspiring calving season of the Great Migration. Thousands of wildebeest and zebras give birth across the fertile plains, drawing predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas in search of opportunity. With dramatic wildlife interactions and fewer tourists, this region offers exceptional photographic moments and a front-row seat to nature’s most raw spectacles.
Ngorongoro Crater
Explore the world-renowned Ngorongoro Crater, where the green season enhances the already stunning landscapes. In December, the lush environment supports a high concentration of wildlife, including the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. With fewer vehicles on the crater floor, you’ll enjoy a more peaceful and immersive game-viewing experience.
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire comes alive in December, thanks to the abundant water and dense vegetation. Large elephant herds, giraffes, and antelopes gather across the baobab-studded terrain. The park's tranquil trails and vibrant birdlife—over 550 species—make it a haven for birdwatchers and photographers alike.
Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara offers a rich and diverse safari in a compact setting. In December, migratory birds arrive in great numbers, and flamingos blanket the lake’s surface in pink. The park's varied habitats—ranging from forests to grasslands—support tree-climbing lions, hippos, and elephants, providing an action-packed experience in a single day.
Why Choose These Parks in December? The short rains transform the landscape into a lush paradise, intensifying wildlife activity while keeping tourist crowds low. Each of these parks delivers a unique mix of classic safari sightings, breathtaking scenery, and authentic cultural experiences—all easily accessible from Arusha or Kilimanjaro airports.
Best Tanzania Safari Routes for December 2026 & 2027
Our December 2026 & 2027 safari routes are crafted for authentic wildlife and cultural experiences, perfect for the green season. Travel in comfortable 4x4 vehicles with expert guides, stay in well-equipped camps or lodges, and explore Tanzania’s top parks at budget-friendly rates. These itineraries cover the Southern Serengeti’s calving season, Ngorongoro’s wildlife haven, Tarangire’s elephants, and Lake Manyara’s birds, with an optional Zanzibar extension.
3 Days Tanzania Safari in December to Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater – From $1,200 per person
This 3-day safari is perfect for a quick yet thrilling December adventure, focusing on the Southern Serengeti’s calving season and Ngorongoro Crater’s wildlife density. Ideal for solo travelers, couples, or groups, it offers action-packed game drives in a 4x4 vehicle and comfortable stays in tented camps or lodges. Expect to see newborn wildebeest, predators, and the Big Five.
Destinations: Southern Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater
Highlights: Great Migration calving, Big Five, scenic landscapes
Itinerary:
- Day 1: Arrive in Arusha, fly to Southern Serengeti, afternoon game drive. Overnight at tented camp.
- Day 2: Full-day game drive in Southern Serengeti, focusing on calving season. Overnight at camp.
- Day 3: Morning transfer to Ngorongoro Crater, full-day safari, return to Arusha.
Accommodation: Comfortable tented camps or lodges
Best Time: December (green season, calving season, fewer crowds)
4 Days Tanzania Safari in December to Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and Ngorongoro Crater – From $1,500 per person
This 4-day safari offers a compact yet diverse December adventure, exploring Tarangire’s elephant herds, Lake Manyara’s birdlife, and Ngorongoro Crater’s Big Five. Perfect for adventurers seeking a balanced experience, it includes game drives in a 4x4 vehicle, a Maasai village visit, and stays in comfortable tented camps or lodges.
Destinations: Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Ngorongoro Crater
Highlights: Elephant herds, migratory birds, Big Five, cultural visits
Itinerary:
- Day 1: Arrive in Arusha, transfer to Tarangire for afternoon game drive. Overnight at camp.
- Day 2: Morning game drive in Tarangire, transfer to Lake Manyara for afternoon exploration. Overnight at lodge.
- Day 3: Full-day Ngorongoro Crater safari with picnic lunch. Overnight at lodge.
- Day 4: Morning Maasai village visit, transfer back to Arusha.
Accommodation: Comfortable tented camps or lodges
Best Time: December (green season, lush landscapes, fewer crowds)
5 Days Tanzania Safari in December to Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater – From $1,800 per person
This 5-day safari offers a deeper dive into Tanzania’s wildlife during December’s green season. Explore Tarangire’s elephant herds, Southern Serengeti’s calving season, and Ngorongoro Crater’s Big Five. Travel in a 4x4 vehicle with a knowledgeable guide, stay in comfortable camps or lodges, and enjoy a Maasai village visit for cultural immersion.
Destinations: Tarangire National Park, Southern Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater
Highlights: Elephant herds, Great Migration calving, Big Five, cultural visits
Itinerary:
- Day 1: Arrive in Arusha, transfer to Tarangire for afternoon game drive. Overnight at camp.
- Day 2: Morning game drive in Tarangire, transfer to Southern Serengeti. Overnight at camp.
- Day 3: Full-day game drive in Southern Serengeti, focusing on calving season. Overnight at camp.
- Day 4: Transfer to Ngorongoro Crater, full-day safari. Overnight at lodge.
- Day 5: Morning Maasai village visit, transfer back to Arusha.
Accommodation: Comfortable tented camps or lodges
Best Time: December (green season, lush landscapes, fewer crowds)
6 Days Tanzania Safari in December to Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire – From $2,200 per person
This 6-day safari delivers an immersive December experience, covering Southern Serengeti’s calving season, Ngorongoro Crater’s wildlife haven, and Tarangire’s elephant-rich landscapes. With game drives in a 4x4 vehicle, stays in comfortable camps or lodges, and a Maasai village visit, it’s ideal for those wanting a comprehensive yet affordable adventure.
Destinations: Southern Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park
Highlights: Great Migration calving, Big Five, elephant herds, cultural visits
Itinerary:
- Day 1: Arrive in Arusha, overnight at lodge.
- Day 2: Fly to Southern Serengeti, afternoon game drive. Overnight at camp.
- Day 3: Full-day game drive in Southern Serengeti, focusing on calving season. Overnight at camp.
- Day 4: Morning game drive, transfer to Ngorongoro Crater. Overnight at lodge.
- Day 5: Full-day Ngorongoro Crater safari, transfer to Tarangire. Overnight at camp.
- Day 6: Morning game drive in Tarangire, Maasai village visit, return to Arusha.
Accommodation: Comfortable tented camps or lodges
Best Time: December (green season, calving season, fewer crowds)
7 Days Tanzania Safari in December to Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara with Zanzibar – From $2,500 per person
This 7-day safari combines Tanzania’s top wildlife parks with a relaxing Zanzibar beach escape, perfect for December’s green season. Explore Southern Serengeti’s calving season, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire’s elephants, and Lake Manyara’s birds, then unwind on Zanzibar’s sunny beaches. Travel in a 4x4 vehicle, stay in comfortable camps or lodges, and enjoy cultural visits and beach activities like snorkeling.
Destinations: Southern Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Zanzibar
Highlights: Great Migration calving, Big Five, birdwatching, beach relaxation, cultural visits
Itinerary:
- Day 1: Arrive in Arusha, transfer to Tarangire for afternoon game drive. Overnight at camp.
- Day 2: Morning game drive in Tarangire, transfer to Lake Manyara. Overnight at lodge.
- Day 3: Transfer to Southern Serengeti, afternoon game drive. Overnight at camp.
- Day 4: Full-day game drive in Southern Serengeti, focusing on calving season. Overnight at camp.
- Day 5: Transfer to Ngorongoro Crater, full-day safari. Overnight at lodge.
- Day 6: Morning Maasai village visit, fly to Zanzibar, beach relaxation. Overnight at resort.
- Day 7: Morning snorkeling or leisure, transfer to Zanzibar airport.
Accommodation: Comfortable tented camps, lodges, and beach resorts
Best Time: December (green season, calving season, sunny Zanzibar beaches)
📋 What Is Included in Our December Safari Packages?
- Comfortable 4x4 vehicles with open roofs for game viewing
- Knowledgeable guides with wildlife and cultural expertise
- All park entry fees and government taxes
- Comfortable tented camps or lodges with meals included
- Bottled water, soft drinks, and snacks on game drives
- Airport transfers and domestic flights to Zanzibar (if applicable)
- Optional activities like Maasai village visits and snorkeling in Zanzibar
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Embark on a December Safari Adventure
Book your December 2026 & 2027 safari with Rede Tours and Safaris for an authentic journey through Tanzania’s wilderness. Track the Great Migration’s calving season, spot the Big Five, and immerse in Maasai culture. Extend your adventure with a Zanzibar beach escape for the ultimate green season experience.
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