Is December a good time to visit Serengeti
Is December a good time to visit Serengeti? Serengeti National Park in December is a premier tourism destination for travelers seeking holiday excursions. Serengeti National Park is situated in the northern region of Tanzania. Tourists frequent this national park for wildlife observation at various periods throughout the year, including December.
December occurs during the wet season when Serengeti National Park experiences minimal precipitation. The grass in the plains of this national park is greener during the rainy season, providing excellent photography opportunities.
In December, the wildebeest migration transpires in the Serengeti region at the month’s onset, subsequently progressing to the southern region and Ndutu section of the national park by the month’s conclusion.
Wildlife species are more readily observable in December, particularly in the southern region of Serengeti National Park, as this area experiences less rainfall than the northern, central, and western sections during this month.
Wildlife species observable in December at Serengeti National Park include wildebeests, zebras, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs, among others.
In December, tourists can observe several bird species, including Fischer’s lovebird, grey-breasted spurfowl, kori bustards, rufous-tailed weaver, and secretary birds, among others. Migratory birds are also prevalent during this season at the national park.
The quantity of tourists entering Serengeti National Park in December is limited. Tourists planning to visit Serengeti National Park often take into account the wildlife species they desire to observe while selecting the timing of their visit.
Tourists may also visit Serengeti National Park during other seasons of the year, including;
From July to October, Serengeti National Park undergoes its dry season. Wildlife observation is optimal from July to October. The wildebeest migration can be observed throughout these months in several regions of the national park.
Serengeti National Park sees significant rainfall in March, April, and December. This results in muddy roadways, complicating navigation across the various game viewing trails in the national park. The grass in the national park grows taller during the rainy season, hindering visibility of wildlife species.
In February, guests can witness the calving season, during which wildebeest give birth to their offspring. During the calving season, predators like lions are observed in the grazing areas of wildebeests, targeting the defenseless young.
Tourists can partake in the following activities during their visits to Serengeti National Park:
Game drives in Serengeti National Park entail traversing the wilderness of the park via automobile at various times throughout the day. Tourists may choose to participate in game drives, including morning, evening, and full-day excursions. During morning game drives, guests can observe a diverse array of wildlife species, since they exhibit heightened activity during this period. Full-day game drives entail an entire day of exploration on the vast savannah plains of this national park, seeking out various wildlife species in their native habitat.
Nature walks
Nature walks entail traversing the expansive plains of Serengeti National Park on foot to discover several sights, including diverse wildlife species. This encounter connects tourists more intimately with nature and their environment. Tourists are accompanied by armed rangers for security during nature hikes in the national park.
Hot air balloon safaris
Hot air balloon safaris entail traversing Serengeti National Park and its features by ascending in a balloon, providing an aerial perspective of the park’s stunning terrain. Notable attractions observable in the open savannah plains of this national park during hot air balloon safaris include the Seronera River, kopjes—granite rock outcrops that distinguish themselves from the surrounding landscape—herds of wildebeests, giraffes, elephants, zebras, waterbucks, hartebeests, elands, lions, and buffalo, among others.
Community visits
Community visits entail engagements between tourists and the local Maasai populace. Through these exchanges, travelers engage with the distinctive culture and nomadic lifestyle of the Maasai people. Tourists can engage with various facets of Maasai culture by visiting manyattas, observing cultural dance performances, listening to Maasai narratives, and viewing local arts and crafts, including intricately designed beaded jewelry such as necklaces, bangles, and bracelets in diverse colors and patterns.
Directions to Serengeti National Park
Tourists may access Serengeti National Park in December through various means, including:
Tourists may drive from Arusha to Serengeti National Park. During December, tourists are encouraged to utilize 4×4 vehicles due to the adverse road conditions prevalent at this time of year.
Air: Tourists visiting Serengeti National Park can access many airstrips, including Seronera, Kogatende, Serengeti Kusini, Lobo, Fort Ikoma, and Kirawira, by both domestic and charter flights.