As the clock ticks down on 2024, ditch the usual holiday clichés and embrace something extraordinary.
December—the month of merry chaos, festive feasting, and that strange in-between feeling of reflecting on the year gone by while making (probably doomed) resolutions for the next. As the year winds down and 2025 peeks around the corner, it’s time to hit the “pause” button on holiday madness and swap crowded malls for wide-open savannahs, frantic gift-wrapping for tranquil sunsets, and those holiday calories for a little adventure. And there’s no better place to do it than the Serengeti, Tanzania—a playground for nature’s most incredible spectacles.
If you don’t want to settle for snow or sand you can trade in your “seasonal” blues for wild greens. December marks the Serengeti’s green season, a time when the rains refresh the land, the wildlife thrives, and the tourist crowds dwindle. It’s raw, rugged, and utterly rejuvenating. So, pack your sense of wonder (and some good hiking boots), because we’re about to lay down the perfect Serengeti itinerary to make December 2024 one for the books.
Day 1: Touchdown and First Impressions
Land at Kilimanjaro International Airport and catch a connecting flight to Seronera Airstrip in the heart of the Serengeti. Watch the endless golden plains unfold beneath you—yes, this is your playground now.
After settling into your safari lodge or luxury tented camp (pro tip: go for the latter if you want to really embrace the “wild” vibe), enjoy a leisurely lunch overlooking the plains. Keep your binoculars handy—wildlife has no concept of personal space here.
In the evening, start your adventure with a sunset game drive. Spot elephants ambling through the grasslands, lions lounging like they own the place (because they do), and giraffes doing… well, giraffe things. Wrap up the day with a delicious Tanzanian dinner under the stars, complete with the distant sounds of the wild.
Day 2: Chasing the Great Migration
Rise and shine—it’s safari time! December is when the Great Migration begins its dramatic journey southward. Picture thousands of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles moving across the Serengeti like a living, breathing river. It’s the kind of thing that makes you rethink your place in the universe.
Take a packed lunch and enjoy a picnic in the wild. Yes, you might have to share your view with a curious zebra or two. Continue your game drive and check off more of the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo). Bonus points if you spot the lesser-known but equally fascinating creatures like dik-diks and bat-eared foxes.
Unwind at your campfire with a glass of wine and stories of the day’s adventures. Serengeti nights are cool and magical, with stars that seem to glow just for you.
Day 3: Sky High in a Hot Air Balloon
Set your alarm early for one of the Serengeti’s most iconic experiences—a hot air balloon ride. Float above the plains as the sun paints the horizon in fiery hues of orange and pink. Below, herds of wildebeest scatter like tiny marbles, and predators prowl silently. It’s a National Geographic moment you’ll relive forever.
Touch down and toast your aerial escapade with a champagne breakfast in the bush. It’s as fancy as it sounds and exactly what you deserve. Spend the rest of the day indulging in a slower-paced adventure. Visit a nearby Maasai village to learn about their fascinating culture and traditions. Let their vibrant red shukas and rhythmic songs add even more color to your trip.
Back at camp, spoil yourself with a traditional Tanzanian feast. Try ugali (a maize-based dish) paired with nyama choma (grilled meat). Pair it with Tanzanian beer or a local cocktail for a night to remember.
Day 4: Walking Safari and Unwinding
It’s time to swap your safari jeep for a walking safari. Guided by a local expert, explore the Serengeti on foot. It’s an entirely different perspective—every rustle of grass or distant roar takes on a new thrill. Don’t worry, your guide’s got you covered, and no, you’re not on the menu. Return to camp for a leisurely lunch. Take a dip in the pool if your lodge has one, or simply lounge with a book while zebras graze in the distance.
For your last full day, soak in the tranquility. Treat yourself to a bush massage or a nap in your hammock, serenaded by the chirping of exotic birds.
Close out your Serengeti adventure with a farewell dinner. Toast to the sunsets, the sightings, and the sheer joy of living this untamed chapter of 2024.
