1 Day Tanzania Safari in December

December marks the short rainy season, so you can expect brief, refreshing showers usually in the late afternoon. The landscape is incredibly green and lush, providing a stunning backdrop for your wildlife photos. Temperatures are generally warm and pleasant, making it a comfortable time for an outdoor adventure.

The Ngorongoro Crater is home to resident wildlife that stays in the caldera all year round. You have a very high chance of spotting lions, elephants, and even the rare black rhino during your drive. Since water is plentiful, animals are spread out, but the concentration remains impressive for a single day of viewing.

This is actually one of the best times for bird enthusiasts because migratory species from Europe and North Africa are present. You can see thousands of flamingos at Lake Magadi along with various raptors and colorful smaller birds. Your guide will be happy to slow down the pace so you can identify as many species as possible.

December is a peak travel month due to the holidays, so the park can be quite busy with other vehicles. We recommend starting your journey as early as 6:00 AM to get ahead of the crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience. Despite the popularity, the sheer size of the crater allows for plenty of space to find your own private sightings.

We use heavy duty 4x4 Land Cruisers equipped with high quality tires to handle the potentially slippery tracks. The car features a pop-up roof for 360 degree views and a fridge stocked with cold beverages. We also provide ponchos and blankets just in case you encounter a sudden rain shower during your game drive.

While we usually provide a standard picnic lunch, we can arrange a special hot meal at a nearby lodge for an additional fee. This is a popular choice for those celebrating Christmas or New Year's during their trip. Just let us know your preferences during the booking process so we can coordinate with the local lodges.

You should bring a light waterproof jacket to stay dry during the short rains and a sweater for the cool morning air at the rim. Sun protection like a hat and sunscreen is still necessary because the sun can be quite strong between showers. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for when you step out at the designated picnic areas.

Yes, you can add a brief cultural visit to a Maasai village located on the crater rim. This provides a fascinating look at how the local community celebrates the end of the year and their traditional customs. It usually takes about an hour and can be easily integrated into your daily schedule.

We offer convenient pickups from hotels in Arusha, Karatu, or even the nearby airstrips if you are flying in. Starting from Karatu is often preferred during the busy holiday season as it places you much closer to the park entrance. Our driver will meet you at your preferred location at the scheduled time to ensure a smooth start.

You will typically spend about six hours on the crater floor, which is the maximum time allowed for a single entry. This gives you ample opportunity to explore the diverse habitats like the forest, the plains, and the lake. Your guide will manage the time carefully to ensure you see all the major highlights before the park closes.