Best destinations to visit in December in Africa
Best destinations to visit in December in Africa
December brings real contrast across Africa, with parts of the continent deep in wet season green while others hit their busiest, driest month of the year.
East Africa's short rains typically ease by mid December, with the Serengeti and Ndutu area building toward calving season as the month goes on. Southern safari regions stay in their wet season, with warm, humid days and striking afternoon storms, though many camps remain open and lower priced than during peak dry season. Cape Town and the wider Cape region hit their busiest month of the year, with warm, dry weather drawing large numbers of both local and international visitors. North Africa turns cool and mild, comfortable for exploring cities without the summer heat. Warm layers still help with early mornings in parts of the south.
The destinations on our list for Africa reflect that same range, from quieter wet season safaris to the Cape's busiest summer stretch.
Lists by region
City in Egypt
Cairo
Where ancient history meets bustling life
With more than 20 million people in its wider area, this is one of Africa's largest cities. December days reach about 19 degrees Celsius, much cooler than summer. The Giza pyramids are about 4,500 years old. Evenings in Khan el Khalili bazaar bring lanterns, tea and kebab smoke.
City in Morocco
Marrakech
A vibrant maze of colors and spices
Berber rulers founded this city in the 11th century and its red walls still circle the old medina. December days reach about 19 degrees Celsius with cool nights. Snow shines on the Atlas Mountains in the distance. Jemaa el Fnaa square fills each evening with food stalls and drummers.
City in South Africa
Cape Town
Mountains, Beaches and a Vibrant Culture
December is early summer here with long bright days and highs near 26 degrees Celsius. Table Mountain rises above the city and a cable car climbs to the top. African penguins waddle on the sand at Boulders Beach. Wine estates in Constantia offer tastings in the shade.
City in Egypt
Luxor
Ancient wonders on the Nile
On the east bank of the Nile, this city covers the ruins of ancient Thebes. Karnak Temple has columns taller than a house. December is the cool season with days near 24 degrees Celsius. Hot air balloons float over the Valley of the Kings at sunrise.
Country
Mauritius
Tropical Bliss in the Indian Ocean
Volcanic peaks rise behind sandy beaches and a ring of coral reef on this Indian Ocean island. December is hot with highs near 30 degrees Celsius and warm sea. Short showers pass quickly. Hikers climb Le Morne Brabant for lagoon views and visit Chamarel to see dunes in seven colours.
Country
Botswana
Safari paradise with diverse landscapes
San hunters lived around the Okavango region for thousands of years before herders arrived. Today the Okavango Delta spreads across the Kalahari as a maze of channels and islands. December is green season with afternoon storms and newborn impala. Quiet camps offer mokoro canoe trips past hippos.
Nature Reserve in Kenya
Maasai Mara
Endless savannahs echo with wildlife rhythms
About 1,500 square kilometres of open grassland make up this famous Kenyan wildlife reserve. Most migrating herds have moved south by December. Residents remain, including lions, cheetahs and elephants. Short rains turn the plains green and camps are quieter than in August. Hot air balloons drift over the plains at sunrise.
City in Ghana
Accra
Vibrant Culture and Coastal Charm
On the Gulf of Guinea coast, Ghana's capital has beaches, busy markets and a long history of trade. December is dry and sunny with highs near 31 degrees Celsius. Many Ghanaians abroad fly home for concerts and beach parties, so the city is full of music.
Nature Reserve in Tanzania
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Nature's Untamed Sanctuary
December brings the short rains that turn the crater floor and nearby plains green. The crater is a collapsed volcano about 600 metres deep. Black rhinos, lions and flamingos live inside it. Wildebeest herds also begin moving onto the southern plains near Ndutu in the conservation area.
Island in Tanzania
Zanzibar
Turquoise Waters and Spice Perfume
Arab and Swahili traders made this island a trading hub for spices, ivory and cloth. Stone Town is a World Heritage Site with carved doors and narrow alleys. December is hot with highs near 31 degrees Celsius. Boats cross to Prison Island where giant tortoises live.
National Park in Tanzania
Serengeti National Park
The Ultimate Safari Adventure
Maasai people call these grasslands Siringet, which means endless plain. Each December huge herds of wildebeest and zebra gather on the southern plains. Calves arrive in February so lions and hyenas follow the herds. Drivers can watch the action from open vehicles and camps near the grass.
Country
Seychelles
Tropical paradise with pristine beaches
Compared with the Maldives, these granite islands have more hills, forest and rock. December is warm and humid with highs near 30 degrees Celsius. Praslin has the rare coco de mer palm in the Vallee de Mai. Anse Source d'Argent is famous for smooth boulders and clear water.
Town in South Africa
Knysna
A Coastal Gem on the Garden Route
Locals gather on the lagoon each holiday season for boat rides and long lunches. This Garden Route town sits behind two sandstone cliffs called the Knysna Heads. December days reach about 25 degrees Celsius. Oyster bars line the waterfront and forest trails start only a short drive away.
Historic Site in Ethiopia
Lalibela
Stone churches echoing centuries of faith
Unlike ruins built from stone blocks, these churches were carved down into solid red rock. Ethiopia's King Lalibela ordered them in the 12th century. The Church of St George has a cross shape. December is dry and sunny at 2,500 metres, so the stone paths are easy to walk.
Beach in Kenya
Diani Beach
Tropical Paradise with a Gentle Side
Seventeen kilometres of soft white sand and palm trees line this Kenyan coast south of Mombasa. December is hot and dry with plenty of sun. Kite surfers use the steady December winds. Colobus monkeys leap through the trees. Boats head offshore to Kisite Marine Park where dolphins often swim alongside.
Country
Mozambique
Pristine beaches meet vibrant culture
This country has about 2,500 kilometres of Indian Ocean coast, one of the longest shorelines in Africa. December is hot and humid with sea temperatures near 28 degrees Celsius. Divers visit Tofo for whale sharks and manta rays. Dhow boats sail to the sandy islands of Bazaruto.
National Park in Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Gorilla Encounters in Ancient Forest
Thick, misty rainforest covers steep ridges in this corner of southwest Uganda. The park has about half of the world's mountain gorillas. December starts a drier stretch, so forest trails are less muddy. Trackers lead small groups to a gorilla family for one hour of watching.
National Park in Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park
Majestic volcanoes rise over misty valleys
Five volcanoes of the Virunga chain rise in the northwest corner of Rwanda. Mountain gorillas live on their forested slopes. December is a short dry spell, so trails are firmer. Golden monkeys also live in the bamboo forest. Hikers can climb Mount Bisoke to see a crater lake at the top.
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