Where to go in Africa in December; Visit These 5 Places

If winter in the Northern Hemisphere isn’t quite your cup of tea, then you must be wondering where to go in Africa in December. Africa in December is beautiful as summer is in full swing, the dreamy weather corresponds with the festive season and many places are at their blissful best.

As the Northern Hemisphere sinks into the cold days of winter, the Mother Continent stretches its arms out wide to welcome you. The Great wildlife migration is taking place now in Africa’s plains and migrant birds are also arriving to fill the air. Beach holidays are also fantastic during this period. If you’re wondering where to go in Africa in December, here are our best picks.

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Where to go in Africa in December

With 54 countries making up the second-largest continent in Africa, picking the best destination to visit during winter in Europe is challenging at times. However, the following five places are the perfect African destinations to visit during winter.

1. South Africa

With some of the finest game drives and the opportunity to combine bush and beach holidays, South Africa tops our list of African countries to visit during winter in Europe. Here, the weather is beautifully warm and the chances of rain are very low, making it a perfect destination to escape the Northern Hemisphere’s cold.

South Africa in December. Photo/ News24.

Cape Town remains one of the best places to visit in South Africa in December. The Mother City offers picturesque mountains, gorgeous beaches and bottle-green wine valleys all within easy reach. Other places to visit in South Africa during winter include Kwa-Zulu Natal (KZN) and the Garden Route, which is arguably the most beautiful stretch of coastline in Africa.

2. Botswana

Botswana is one of the names that pops up when talking about where to go in Africa in December. Early December time sees the rains arrive in the Makgadikgadi Pan area and the dry pan is transformed into a teeming mass of wildlife.

Botswana is an ideal destination to visit in December. Photo/ Discover Africa Safaris.

The outlying fringes of the pan then become lush with green grass hence enticing large herds of wildebeest, antelopes and zebras. There is also a large number of predators such as lions, leopards, wild dogs, hyenas and cheetahs who prey on the herbivores.

3. Kenya

Incredible natural beauty and unforgettable cultural encounters make Kenya an ideal destination if you’re wondering where to go in Africa in December. The East African country is a popular tourist destination that will impress you with its wilderness and charm.

From amazing river valleys to magnificent mountains and exotic beaches to diverse wildlife, Kenya in December turns into a fantasy place. Combining your time watching wildlife in the plains and visiting Kenya’s pristine beaches is the perfect way to spend your December holiday.

4. Tanzania

If you love the thrill of adventure, escape the winter period in Europe by taking a trip to Tanzania. December is Tanzania’s end of the dry season and the lack of precipitation makes for perfect safari conditions as the animals congregate around water sources.

From the famous Serengeti to Tarangire National Park and Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania is home to some of the world’s most iconic national parks. Spend a few days exploring Zanzibar islands before booking your flight back to Europe.

Where to go in Africa in December. Photo/ Sunheron.

5. Namibia

Namibia is a classic, year-round destination with less extreme weather patterns. In December, the northern part of the country should be your area of choice. Head straight up to Serra Cafema and boat along the Kunene River to get a surreal experience in the heart of the dry, wind-blown landscape.

Take time to explore the desert-adapted elephants in the hills around Hoanib Valley Camp before ending your trip with the ultimate flying safari along the beautiful Skeleton Coast. No list of where to go in Africa in December would be complete without Namibia.

Is December a Good Time to Go to Africa?

The weather in Africa in December is mostly hot and sunny while the occasional cooling rains in the interior make things green. This is the time when great wildlife migrations are taking place as fresh grasses begin to cover the continent’s rolling plains from the Serengeti to the Kalahari Desert.