Back to grid

Best destinations to visit in December in Africa

Back to grid
Cape Town
Mountains, Beaches and a Vibrant Culture
7.6
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.
Highlights:
  • 🍽️ Explore the V&A Waterfront and dine by the sea
  • 🚡 Ride the cable car for breathtaking city views
  • 🥾 Hike to the top of Table Mountain
Marrakech
A vibrant maze of colors and spices
8.0
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.
Highlights:
  • 🧖‍♀️ Relax in a traditional hammam and experience Moroccan spa culture
  • 🏛️ Wander through the serene courtyards of Bahia Palace
  • 🕌 Lose yourself in the vibrant souks of Jemaa el-Fnaa
Cairo
Where ancient history meets bustling life
7.8
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.
Highlights:
  • 🌆 Climb Cairo Tower for panoramic city views
  • 🏺 Visit the Egyptian Museum to see ancient treasures
  • 🗿 Explore the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
Luxor
Ancient wonders on the Nile
7.6
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.
Highlights:
  • 🌙 Marvel at the majestic Luxor Temple by night
  • 🏛️ Visit the vast and impressive Karnak Temple complex
  • 🏺 Explore the ancient tombs of the Valley of the Kings
Mauritius
Tropical Bliss in the Indian Ocean
8.6
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.
Highlights:
  • 🐠 Snorkel among coral reefs in Blue Bay Marine Park
  • 🥾 Hike to the summit of Le Morne Brabant
  • 🏝️ Relax on the turquoise shores of Trou-aux-Biches Beach
Serengeti National Park
The Ultimate Safari Adventure
7.9
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.
Highlights:
  • 🎈 Enjoy a sunrise hot air balloon safari over plains
  • 🚙 Take a thrilling game drive to spot the Big Five
  • 🦓 Witness the incredible Great Wildebeest Migration spectacle
Knysna
A Coastal Gem on the Garden Route
6.8
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.
Highlights:
  • 🦪 Taste fresh oysters at a waterfront restaurant
  • 🌿 Explore Featherbed Nature Reserve’s trails and viewpoints
  • ⛵ Sail across the Knysna Lagoon to the Heads
Zanzibar
Turquoise Waters and Spice Perfume
7.4
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.
Highlights:
  • 🐒 Visit Jozani Forest to see rare red colobus monkeys
  • 🤿 Snorkel in the clear waters of Mnemba Atoll and spot vibrant marine life
  • 🏰 Explore Stone Town's narrow streets and historic sites
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.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Relax on the pristine white sands and swim in turquoise waters
  • ⛵ Take a traditional dhow boat trip to Wasini Island
  • 🤿 Snorkel over vibrant coral reefs at Kisite Marine Park
Accra
Vibrant Culture and Coastal Charm
6.1
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.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Relax and swim at Bojo Beach
  • 🛍️ Shop vibrant stalls at Makola Market
  • 🕊️ Visit the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Mausoleum
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Nature's Untamed Sanctuary
7.1
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.
Highlights:
  • 🛖 Visit a Maasai village and learn their traditions
  • 🐘 Spot the Big Five in one morning safari
  • 🦁 Descend into Ngorongoro Crater for a game drive
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Gorilla Encounters in Ancient Forest
8.3
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.
Highlights:
  • 🐦 Birdwatch over 350 species including rare Albertine endemics
  • 🥾 Join guided nature walks on scenic forest hiking trails
  • 🦍 Trek with endangered mountain gorillas in their habitat
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.
Highlights:
  • ⛪ Attend a local church service in traditional attire
  • 🚶‍♂️ Explore the ancient monastery complex on foot
  • 🏰 Visit Lalibela's rock-hewn churches at sunrise
Volcanoes National Park
Majestic volcanoes rise over misty valleys
8.5
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.
Highlights:
  • 🏞️ Stroll through scenic Lake Kivu shoreline
  • 🐒 Spot golden monkeys in Nyungwe forest canopy
  • 🦍 Hike Volcanoes National Park's gorilla trail
Maasai Mara
Endless savannahs echo with wildlife rhythms
8.6
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.
Highlights:
  • 🏕️ Camp under starlit sky, hear lions roar
  • 🎈 Ride a hot air balloon over Serengeti plains
  • 🐘 Witness the Great Migration across Mara River
Botswana
Safari paradise with diverse landscapes
7.7
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.
Highlights:
  • 🌅 Watch elephants gather at waterholes during sunset
  • 🦁 Spot wildlife on a safari in Chobe National Park
  • 🛶 Glide through the Okavango Delta on a traditional mokoro canoe
Mozambique
Pristine beaches meet vibrant culture
5.7
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.
Highlights:
  • ⛵ Sail on a traditional dhow along Mozambique Island
  • 🏖️ Relax on the pristine white sands of Tofo Beach
  • 🐠 Dive among vibrant coral reefs in the Bazaruto Archipelago
Seychelles
Tropical paradise with pristine beaches
7.7
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.
Highlights:
  • 🥾 Hike the scenic Copolia Trail on Mahe Island
  • 🐢 Encounter giant tortoises on Curieuse Island
  • 🏖️ Visit Anse Source d'Argent, famed pink sand beach
Feedback