Tanzania in December

Green and showery; herds return to the south; Christmas rates on Zanzibar.

• Northern circuit · Arusha, Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengetifine

  Short rains Nov–Dec are light; long rains Apr–May close some camps. Migration position changes month to month.

• Kilimanjaro · Moshi, Marangu, the mountainfine

  Summit nights below −10 °C all year; best climbing Jan–Mar and Jun–Oct.

• Zanzibar and the coast · Stone Town, Nungwi, Paje, Dar es Salaam, Pembafine

  Humid; the masika rains Apr–May are heavy and several resorts close.

• Southern parks · Nyerere (Selous), Ruaha, Mikumirainy

  One long wet season Nov–Apr; many camps open only June–October.

• Western lakes · Mahale, Gombe, Katavi, Lake Tanganyikarainy

  Chimp trekking is easiest in the dry season when chimps come down the slopes.

• Arusha26° / 13°, 8 rain days

Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.

• Independence Day

  9 Dec

  Public holiday.

• Christmas big impact

  25–26 Dec

  Zanzibar and lodges fully booked.

• Holiday safari season begins

  Mid-December · Arusha

  Holiday-period demand pushes up hotel and vehicle prices alongside the dry-season peak.

• Peak safari season start

  December–February · Arusha

  Southern Serengeti calving season draws safari traffic through Arusha; book lodges and vehicles early.

Crowds · Tanzania

High

Prices · Tanzania

High

High-price month: see what to book ahead.

• A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast

Build the full packing list for your trip →