An African safari in December allows you to experience, the Southern African green season, when the bush comes alive with fresh grass growth, flowers and newborn animals, and being summer it makes for ideal safari & beach holidays. But wait, there’s more…
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest safari in December
While summer storms light up Southern African skies, Uganda enters a three-month dry period that creates ideal gorilla-trekking conditions. Paths are less slippery, while the absence of rain means better visibility – you won’t be peering through the mist to see gorilla. Similar conditions also occur from June to August each year, with the forest being impenetrable in name only. Go full primate, by trekking for chimpanzees in one of Uganda’s other forest reserves. Continue exploring…
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For enhanced value, consider visiting Bwindi around March. © Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge -
Chimps usually cross the road together, as you'll note when chimp trekking in Uganda. © Shutterstock
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The female gorilla you’ll see when gorilla trekking usually only have one surviving offspring every six to eight years. © Sanctuary Retreats
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Chimp trekking in Uganda is a wonderful experience. © Volcanoes Safaris
Maputaland safari in December
Safari and beach holidays are one of the best ways to enjoy a safari in December, and including Maputaland in your itinerary gives you access to private game reserves situated just inland from the coast. A morning safari can segue into a beach brunch before scuba in the afternoon. Tick off lion and lionfish in the same day – or even the Big Five before you dive. Continue exploring…
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Phinda Rock Lodge is a luxury South African safari lodge with an amazing sense of seclusion and romance. © &Beyond
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White Pearl Mozambique’s beach is breathtakingly beautiful. © White Pearl Resorts
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You’ll get close to rhino when you go rhino tracking in Phinda Private Game Reserve. © &Beyond
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White Pearl Mozambique is set along a pristine beach. © White Pearl Resorts
Serengeti safari in December
To enjoy the Great Wildebeest Migration in relative isolation, you could do far worse than be in the central Serengeti during December. With the peak season over, there’ll be far fewer human travellers – just the impressive spectacle of the herds bound for the southern Serengeti calving grounds. Resident lion prides lie in wait, which can result in dramatic hunting scenes. Continue exploring…
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You won’t fail to be impressed by the Great Wildebeest Migration when staying at Sanctuary Kichakani Serengeti Camp. © Sanctuary Retreats
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Dine in the bush, shaded by your safari vehicle, near Serengeti Pioneer Camp. © Elewana Collection
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Serengeti Mobile Camp moves with the Great Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania. © Legendary Expeditions
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Marvel as your hot-air balloon shadow runs across the Serengeti. © Serengeti Balloon Safaris
Central Kalahari safari in December
The normally arid Central Kalahari flushes green as summer rains prompt the growth of new shoots. This attracts large herds of springbok and oryx, which in turn provide an annual bonanza for resident cheetah (this is one of the best destinations in Southern Africa to see these speedy cats), while the valleys and pans echo to the roar of black-maned Kalahari lion. Continue exploring…
Quirimbas Archipelago to end your safari in December
A hop, skip and a jump into the ocean from East and Southern Africa, including the Quirimbas in your safari-and-beach holiday is blissfully easy. December sees the warm, clear, sea conditions continue – visibility when diving or snorkelling is excellent. Untouched marine ecosystems make each ocean excursion the equal of any game drive. Continue exploring…
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Quilalea Private Island offers a great snorkelling experience. © Azura Boutique Retreats
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At Quilalea Private Island you can dive off a dhow into the warm sea. © Azura Boutique Retreats
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The mangrove canals near Ibo Island Lodge invite exploration. © Ibo Island Lodge
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Visit remote sandbars when island hopping in the Quirimbas. © Ibo Island Lodge
