African Safari in December – Where to Go & Why

Quick snapshot

• Best for: Cape Town and Western Cape for peak summer holiday atmosphere, family-friendly trips in South Africa, and – if safari-first, check out Eastern Cape, East Africa or Uganda options
• Weather: the Cape is hot, sunny and dry; many safari regions are in summer rainfall period with short afternoon thunderstorms
• Watch-outs: festive-season pricing and limited availability (book very early); some South Africa hotspots are extremely busy just after Christmas; intense heat in Namibia/Northern Cape/Lake Kariba

Top picks for December (best destinations)

• South Africa (Cape Town,  Winelands, beaches) – peak summer, long sunny days and that classic “Christmas on the beach” feel
• South Africa (Cape plus Eastern Cape safari or Kruger) – great for families and multi-interest trips (with green-season expectations)
• Uganda – a strong choice if you want wildlife plus primates
• Kenya / Tanzania – good option as it’s a relatively dry period after the short rains. Check out Tarangire and the southern Serengeti

What’s happening in December

December is peak holiday season in the Cape with sunny weather, a festival atmosphere, with a focus on outdoor living (including the heady treat of Christmas at the beach). For those escaping the northern winter, the Cape and Garden Route  is a brilliant antidote: sunny, warm, and full of seasonal energy.

The practical catch is demand. South Africa  can be booked out months ahead for the festive period, and if you travel around Christmas, Cape Town  can feel busy with restaurants, and popular excursions heavily booked. If you want festive energy, it’s perfect. If you want calm, aim for early December or later in January.

In much of Southern and East Africa, the Christmas period also brings peak pricing at many lodges and hotels, so early planning matters even more than usual.

Weather-wise: Outside of the Mediterranean Cape, the Indian Ocean coastline and islands are more likely to have rainfall and short thunderstorms. Whilst some inland/desert regions (Namibia, Lake Kariba, Northern Cape) can be extremely hot — up to around 40°C / 104°F in the shade – which isn’t most people’s idea of a relaxing holiday.

In East Africa, drier conditions are prevailing after the short rains of October/November.

Trip ideas in December

South Africa – Cape Kaleidoscope & Kruger Offer or Cape Golf

Kenya – East Africa Spectacular Fly-in Offer or Best of Both Worlds Fly-in Safari

Tanzania – Taste of Tented Tanzania

Uganda – Best of Uganda (small group tour)