5 Days Tanzania Luxury Safari In December: Festive Green Season Safari

5-Day Tanzania Luxury Safari In December – Explore Lake Manyara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater during December’s green season with luxury accommodations and private game drives

5 Days Enjoy Tanzania’s Wildlife Amid Lush Landscapes and Festive Spirit

December marks early wet season, offering lush scenery and vibrant wildlife activity. This 5-day luxury safari through Lake Manyara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater provides private game drives, luxury lodges, and immersive wildlife encounters while enjoying Tanzania’s festive atmosphere.

Tour Highlights:

  • Day 1 : Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park
  • Day 2 : Lake Manyara to Serengeti (Half-Day Game Drive)
  • Day 3 : Central Serengeti (Full-Day Safari)
  • Day 4 : Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater
  • Day 5 : Ngorongoro Crater Tour – Back to Arusha
  • Arrival Day: Arrival – Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha

    Arrival – Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha

    Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and meet your guide. Drive 1 hour to Arusha for luxury lodge check-in. Evening briefing covers December’s green season wildlife patterns and festive safari itinerary.

    Destination: Kilimanjaro Airport

    Accommodation: Arusha Serena Hotel

      semi luxury 4 star lodge

    Arusha Serena Hotel Images
    Arusha Serena Hotel Images
    Arusha Serena Hotel Images
    Arusha Serena Hotel Images
    Arusha Serena Hotel Images
    Arusha Serena Hotel Images
    Arusha Serena Hotel Images
    Arusha Serena Hotel Images
    Arusha Serena Hotel

    Meals & Drinks: Lunch, Dinner

    Day 1: Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park

    Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park

    Drive 2-3 hours to Lake Manyara. Morning game drive observes elephants, giraffes, and tree-climbing lions. Afternoon birdwatching highlights the lush green season environment. Lunch at lodge or picnic area. Evening luxury lodge stay.

    Destination: Lake Manyara

    Accommodation: Mawe Mawe Manyara Lodge

      semi luxury 4 star lodge

    Semi luxury 4 star lodge

    Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Day 2: Lake Manyara to Serengeti (Half-Day Game Drive)

    Lake Manyara to Serengeti (Half-Day Game Drive)

    Travel 4-5 hours via Ngorongoro Conservation Area to Serengeti. Half-day game drive spotlights predators and plains game amidst fresh green landscapes. Evening luxury camp or lodge with panoramic views and gourmet dinner.

    Destination: Central Serengeti

    Accommodation: Serengeti Sopa Lodge

      semi luxury 4 star lodge

    Mid rage 3 star lodge
    Semi luxury 4 star lodge

    Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Day 3: Central Serengeti (Full-Day Safari)

    Central Serengeti (Full-Day Safari)

    Full-day exploration of central Serengeti. Morning predator tracking, midday bush lunch, and afternoon plains game observation. Lush green vegetation enhances wildlife photography opportunities. Evening return to lodge.

    Destination: Central Serengeti

    Accommodation: Serengeti Sopa Lodge

      semi luxury 4 star lodge

    Mid rage 3 star lodge
    Semi luxury 4 star lodge

    Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Day 4: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater

    Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater

    Drive 4-5 hours with scenic stops. Evening arrival at luxury lodge overlooking crater. Sunset cocktails and festive-themed dinner under the starry sky.

    Destination: Ngorongoro Crater

    Accommodation: Rhino Lodge

      semi luxury 4 star lodge

    Rhino Lodge Images
    Rhino Lodge Images
    Rhino Lodge Images
    Rhino Lodge Images
    Rhino Lodge Images
    Rhino Lodge Images
    Rhino Lodge Images
    Rhino Lodge Images
    Rhino Lodge Images
    Rhino Lodge Images

    Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater Tour – Back to Arusha

    Ngorongoro Crater Tour – Back to Arusha

    Early morning crater descent for full-day game drive. Observe rhinos, lions, elephants, and flamingos. Picnic lunch in crater. Afternoon 4–5 hour drive back to Arusha, concluding the December luxury safari

    Destination: Ngorongoro Crater

    Accommodation: Arusha Serena Hotel

      semi luxury 4 star lodge

    Arusha Serena Hotel Images
    Arusha Serena Hotel Images
    Arusha Serena Hotel Images
    Arusha Serena Hotel Images
    Arusha Serena Hotel Images
    Arusha Serena Hotel Images
    Arusha Serena Hotel Images
    Arusha Serena Hotel Images
    Arusha Serena Hotel

    Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    TOUR PRICE/COST

    We offer two pricing options:

  •   Private Tour (Sharing Price)
  • The cost is shared within your private group. More people means a lower price per person.

  •   Group Joining Tour
  • Join others on a fixed-date tour at a set per-person rate—ideal for solo travelers or small groups.

    PRICE INCLUSIONS & PRICE EXCLUSIONS

    Inclusions
  •  Rescue fee
  •  Meals (as specified in the day-by-day description)
  •  All accommodation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional upgrade)
  •  All transportation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)
  •  All Taxes/VAT
  • Exclusions
  •  International flights to/from the start/end of the tour
  •  Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  •  Tips: tipping guideline
  •  Personal items
  •  Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
  • The Booking Form

    RELATED FAQS ABOUT 5 Days Tanzania Luxury Safari In December: Festive Green Season Safari

    1. Is December a good time for a luxury safari?

    December is one of the most popular months. The "Short Rains" usually consist of brief, refreshing evening showers, leaving the days clear, the air dust-free, and the scenery brilliantly green.

    2. Where is the Great Migration located in December?

    The herds move from the North back to the Southern Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (Ndutu plains). This is where the nutrient-rich grass triggers the beginning of the birthing season.

    3. Is it very crowded during the Christmas and New Year period?

    Yes, it is the "Festive Peak." However, we utilize Private Wilderness Concessions and "Off-the-Beaten-Path" luxury camps to ensure your 5-day experience remains intimate and exclusive.

    4. Do luxury lodges have special festive programs?

    Absolutely. Our selected "Ultra-Luxe" properties host Gala Bush Dinners, traditional choir performances, and private starlit celebrations for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

    5. Can we see the "Big Five" easily in the green grass?

    While the grass is taller, December is excellent for predator sightings. Lions and cheetahs frequent the shorter-grass plains of Ndutu to hunt the vulnerable migratory calves.

    7. Is "Off-Roading" allowed in the Southern Serengeti?

    In the Ndutu region, off-road driving is legally permitted under specific regulations. This allows our private guides to get you closer to the migration and hunting predators

    8. Should we book a "Fly-In" safari for December?

    Yes. The Southern plains can become slippery after rain. Flying directly into Ndutu Airstrip saves time and ensures a seamless transition to your luxury camp.

    9. Are there many migratory birds in December?

    December is a "Birder’s Paradise." Thousands of Palearctic migrants arrive from Europe and Asia, adding vibrant colors and unique songs to the African bush.

    10. How far in advance should we book for December?

    Because of the festive holidays, the best luxury villas are often booked 12 to 14 months in advance. Early booking is essential to secure "Front-Row" migration views.

    REVIEWS FOR 5 Days Enjoy Tanzania’s Wildlife Amid Lush Landscapes and Festive Spirit

    Write a Review

    Perfect Wildlife Adventure

    5/5

    Spending Christmas in the Serengeti was a dream. The luxury camp's festive dinner under the stars was the best meal of my life. The green scenery was stunning. 5-star.

    By: Barnaby J. Sinclair-Holly
    From: Flag GB

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    Fantastic Trip

    5/5

    A very sophisticated escape from the northern winter. The 'Short Rains' made the air so crisp and the wildlife sightings were constant. The level of service was gold-standard

    By: Dr. Linnea Sjöberg-Snö
    From: Flag NO

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    Once in a Lifetime Safari

    5/5

    Top-tier hospitality. We saw the first calves of the season being born! The luxury 4x4 was incredibly comfortable and the festive atmosphere at the lodge was perfect. 10/10

    By: Sterling P. Vance-Noel
    From: Flag US

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    Fantastic Trip

    5/5

    Magnificent! The emerald plains of Ndutu are breathtaking in December. The luxury tented lodge was so elegant and the New Year's Eve bush party was unforgettable

    By: Chiara Morena-Natale
    From: Flag IT

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    Fantastic Trip

    5/5

    A very professional and joyful expedition. The logistics of the holiday season were handled with French-like precision. The service and food were world-class

    By: Jacques Beaumont-Cadeau
    From: Flag FR

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    Amazing Tanzania Experience

    5/5

    Exceeded every expectation. The 'Green Season' colors made for amazing photos. Our private guide was a master of the Southern circuit. A perfect 5-day holiday retreat.

    By: Haruto Takahashi-Fuyu
    From: Flag JP

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    Fantastic Trip

    5/5

    The perfect 'Festive-and-Fine' combo. Watching the migration return to the south was a highlight. The luxury lodges were absolute gems and very welcoming. Superb

    By: Dr. Elena Rodriguez-Paz
    From: Flag ES

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    Fantastic Trip

    5/5

    Brilliant! No better way to end the year. The logistics of the Ndutu fly-in were handled with precision. The service was gold-standard and the sightings were non-stop. 5-star.

    By: Alistair McAllister-Joy
    From: Flag AU

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    Once in a Lifetime Safari

    5/5

    Exceptional experience. The 'Migration-Return' focus was exactly what we wanted for our December break. Our private guide was superb and the food was divine. First-class

    By: Saskia Van der Holt-Vrede
    From: Flag NL

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    Fantastic Trip

    5/5

    Tanzania in December is a celebration of life. This luxury package is the best way to see the new migration cycle begin in total comfort. The service was 5-star

    By: Pieter Du Toit-Fees
    From: Flag ZA

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