How are you planning to celebrate the next Christmas? Will you be somewhere in the city staring at city countdown clocks, or will you celebrate it overseas? Whatever you may be doing to celebrate, we bet you’re having fun. Serengeti, a world-famous wildlife sanctuary, is a fantastic place for a Christmas celebration. Forget its diverse wildlife, this park is home to exquisite lodges and camps, which turn your safari into a memorable experience. And you can even notice it, vast, wildlife-rich plains welcome hundreds of newborns yearly.

Celebrating Christmas in Serengeti is an adventure in itself. In this article, you’ll discover how Serengeti can create an everlasting impression if you choose to spend your Christmas and New Year celebrations inside it.

What to do in Serengeti on your Christmas adventure?

Game drive.

Set off for a 4WD safari to seek out the Big Five or big cats. Own pictures of Serengeti’s mysterious creatures in your memories and/or in your camera. Led by expert field guides, a drive turns into an unforgettable journey, especially in the Seronera, which harbors many animals year-round.

Balloon flight

Treat yourself with an enchanting flight on a stunning, colorful balloon. Watch the landscape and wildlife from above. Enjoy the flight and conclude it with a delicious breakfast served with a glass of champagne.

Bush dining.

Enjoy a well-prepared candlelit, festive dinner in the middle of the jungle. Have your dishes prepared to suit your taste, dine under the golden horizon, and head for a stargazing experience.

Guided walking safari

Leave your accommodation for an adventurous walk in the African bush. Enjoy a closer look at insects, small mammals, and reptiles. Return to the camp with medicinal plants for treating various diseases and infections.

Watch the wildebeest migration.

By December, this wonderful trek of animals is in the south of the Serengeti, where the animals find nutritious grass favorable for the calves. Witness up to 8,000 calves being born in a day. Watch predators like lions, leopards, and hyenas rush to pick the weak, wobbly baby wildebeest. There’s much action here.

Birdwatching.

December brings many migratory birds to Tanzania. This adds a unique flavor to Serengeti’s 500 species as it’s the breeding season. Expect to see even the rarest birds in the Serengeti. Just one thing to remember: bring your good, digital camera.

Photography tour

As the park turns into a lush, green setting, photographs appear so gorgeous. Plus, it’s during the Christmas holiday, you’ll enjoy iconic photos of animals and the lovely scene.

Where to stay in Serengeti for a Christmas adventure?

Serengeti is home to a myriad of accommodations for almost every budget, from luxurious lodges to budget homestays. It’s up to you to choose where you should spend your Christmas. Here are a few lodges and camps we recommend for your Christmas adventure.

One Nature Nyaruswiga

Here, you experience the true definition of a luxury safari. Even small activities matter. Imagine you sit on a private deck with a telescope next to you for stargazing. Not only that, playing tennis is another level of comfort a safari lodge can offer. And there’s more than that.

The Four Seasons

This large property brings comfort and adventure to your celebration. Whether you’re a family or solo traveler, you’ll find luxury and comfort at this lodge. Private drives in search of the Big Five are available, and a balloon flight at additional cost.

Singita Sabora Tented Lodge

Set off for a perfect luxury in the private Grumeti Reserve in the west of the Serengeti. Enjoy your stay in one of its nine tents, which mix modern luxuries with the 1920s explorer camps’ style. Here, you can drive off the trail or enjoy a sunset drive in the bush.

Serengeti Under Canvas

By December, this mobile, yet luxurious camp shifts to the Serengeti South. Your Christmas will be adventurous. You’ll enjoy a front-row seat to witness the wildebeest migration.

Mwiba Lodge

Nestled in the Mwiba Wildlife Reserve, a private concession in the south of the Serengeti, this lodge is perfect for Christmas. With just 10 suites, Mwiba Lodge promises privacy and exclusivity. Yet, you’ll enjoy off-road driving, night safari, and bush walks.

Tips for a Christmas adventure in Serengeti National Park

Booking early is king. December is a peak month for visitors in the Serengeti. As a result, many lodges and camps sell out early. We highly recommend you start planning at least six months to avoid competition and inflated prices as the holiday approaches.

Pack light. Since it’s winter in Europe, you might pack heavy layers to avoid the snow. Please don’t do that. It’s sunny, dry, and hot in Tanzania in December. While layers are perfect for morning and late evening drives, light packing is king.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is December the best time to visit the Serengeti?

Yes, it is. While Europe experiences a snowy winter in December, in Africa, there’s a ‘short summer.’ The weather is dry and warm (27 ˚C/80˚F) with clear skies, which makes the park accessible by road and perfect for festive adventures. We certainly recommend a Christmas adventure in the Serengeti.

How do they celebrate Christmas in Tanzania?

In Tanzania, like other parts of the world, people celebrate Christmas with their families. It gets so busy on the road, especially in December, as many people travel from town to rural areas for Christmas and New Year’s celebrations. They usually start the ceremony with a church gathering at midnight and conclude it with a feast.

What do they eat in Tanzania for Christmas?

Tanzanians prefer pilau (spiced rice), chicken (especially cock), nyama choma (grilled meat), beans, and many other stews and vegetables. Christmas brings together families and relatives for food. And it’s considered a blessing to host many guests for Christmas. So, get ready to attend an invitation.