Wildebeest Migration December

Wildebeest Migration December

Wildebeest Migration December: Southern Serengeti, Ndutu & the Return to the Calving Grounds

The Wildebeest Migration in December is the stage when the Great Migration increasingly returns toward the Southern Serengeti and Ndutu ecosystem, preparing for the next great event in the annual cycle: the wildebeest calving season. Planners often search for Great Migration December, Serengeti migration December and Tanzania migration December.

After spending the northern dry season around the Masai Mara and Northern Serengeti, the herds begin moving south during October and November. By December, substantial numbers are often spread across Central Serengeti, eastern migration corridors and increasingly the southern short-grass plains. As seasonal rains regenerate these areas, fresh grass becomes available, and pregnant wildebeest females continue moving toward the nutrient-rich grazing grounds that will support them during the final stages of pregnancy and the coming calving season.

December is therefore a fascinating pre-calving migration month. It can offer:

• huge southbound wildebeest herds,
• large zebra concentrations,
• green Serengeti landscapes,
• active lions and cheetahs,
• pregnant female wildebeest,
• early arrivals around Ndutu,
• lower emphasis on river crossings,
• excellent photography,
• and a very different Great Migration experience from July–September.

For travellers planning a Tanzania safari over the Christmas and New Year period, December can be particularly rewarding. The key is understanding that the migration may still be spread over a broad area: some herds may already be concentrated in the south, while others remain around Central or Eastern Serengeti. This means a good December safari should be flexible enough to cover the migration's southward progression rather than assuming that every wildebeest is already in Ndutu on 1 December.

December Great Migration at a Glance

Factor	December Migration
Main Country	Tanzania
Main Ecosystem	Serengeti
Migration Stage	Southward Return / Pre-Calving
Main Areas	Central, Eastern & Southern Serengeti
Increasingly Important Area	Ndutu
Masai Mara Relevance	Low for Main Migration
Mara River Crossings	No Longer a Main Feature
Calving	Not Yet Peak
Pregnant Females	Very Important
Early Calves	Possible Later, but Not Main Feature
Predator Activity	Excellent
Cheetah Viewing	Increasingly Strong in Southern Plains
Landscape	Green
Rainfall	Short Rains / Variable
Road Conditions	Variable
Crowds	Moderate, Higher Around Festive Dates
Photography	Excellent
Safari Value	Good, though festive rates may rise
Recommended Stay	4–6 nights
Photography Stay	5–8 nights
Best For	Pre-calving migration, green plains, predators, Tanzania safaris

Where Are the Wildebeest in December?

During December, the migration can be distributed across several areas. Typical locations may include:

• Central Serengeti,
• Seronera,
• Eastern Serengeti,
• southern-central Serengeti,
• Southern Serengeti,
• Ndutu,
• Ngorongoro Conservation Area plains.

The exact distribution depends heavily on:

• rainfall timing,
• grass growth,
• water availability,
• grazing pressure.

December is therefore a month when the safari route should remain flexible.

Is the Migration in Ndutu in December?

It can be. Ndutu becomes increasingly important during December as the herds move toward the southern calving grounds. However, especially in early December, significant numbers may still be farther north around:

• Central Serengeti,
• Eastern Serengeti,
• southern-central areas.

Later December generally increases the relevance of:

• Ndutu,
• Southern Serengeti,
• short-grass plains.

Why the Wildebeest Move Toward Southern Serengeti

The Southern Serengeti and Ndutu region contains short-grass plains growing on nutrient-rich volcanic soils. After seasonal rains, these grasses become particularly valuable for pregnant wildebeest females. The herds are essentially positioning themselves for:

• late pregnancy,
• calving,
• nursing,
• early calf survival.

The movement toward the south is therefore driven by the ecological needs of the herd.

December Is the Pre-Calving Phase

December should be understood as the period before peak calving. The main calving season generally develops later, but December is already building toward it. Visitors may encounter:

• heavily pregnant females,
• enormous herds,
• increasing concentrations on short-grass plains,
• predators becoming more active around the growing prey base.

Are Wildebeest Giving Birth in December?

Some births can occur, but December is not generally regarded as the main calving period. Travellers whose primary goal is to see mass calving should normally consider:

• late January,
• February,
• early March.

December is better described as pre-calving migration and southern concentration.

Early December Migration

Early December can remain highly transitional. Potential herd locations include:

• Eastern Serengeti,
• Central Serengeti,
• southern-central areas.

Some groups may already have reached the southern plains.

Recommended Strategy

Consider Central + Eastern Serengeti with flexibility toward the south.

Mid-December Migration

By mid-December, more herds may be progressing toward:

• Southern Serengeti,
• Ndutu,
• adjoining Ngorongoro plains.

Recommended Strategy

A combination of Central Serengeti + Southern Serengeti / Ndutu can work particularly well.

Late December Migration

Late December increasingly resembles the early stages of the southern migration season. Potential highlights include:

• large wildebeest herds,
• pregnant females,
• zebra,
• cheetahs,
• lions,
• green plains,
• increasing southern concentration.

Recommended Strategy

Focus on Ndutu + Southern Serengeti, with Central Serengeti included where useful.

December Migration Is Not Fixed

A rigid calendar can be misleading.

• If rains arrive early, wildebeest may reach southern plains quickly.
• If rains are delayed, herds may remain farther north.
• If rainfall is localized, migration may split into multiple concentrations.

This means December itineraries should be based on broad migration zones rather than a single predicted camp location.

Why December Can Change Quickly

The migration responds rapidly to new grass. A few days of rainfall can:

• stimulate grazing,
• attract wildebeest,
• create large local concentrations.

A previously quiet plain can become filled with animals, which makes December especially dynamic.

What Does the Migration Look Like in December?

Possible scenes include:

• huge herds moving across green plains,
• pregnant wildebeest grazing,
• zebra mixed with wildebeest,
• cheetahs scanning open grasslands,
• lions following the herds,
• dramatic skies,
• seasonal rainstorms,
• long migration columns heading south.

The experience is generally more about movement and grazing than river obstacles.

Why December Is Underrated

December receives less attention than:

• February calving,
• August Mara River crossings.

Yet it provides:

• huge herds,
• beautiful scenery,
• strong predator activity,
• green landscapes,
• dramatic weather,
• excellent family-holiday timing.

It is especially attractive for travellers who want the Great Migration without basing the entire safari around a river crossing.

December vs November Migration

November is a stronger southward movement month, while December brings more concentration toward the southern plains.

November

• Eastern and Central Serengeti highly important
• migration more widely dispersed
• short rains drive southward movement

December

• Southern Serengeti becomes more important
• Ndutu relevance increases
• pre-calving concentrations begin forming

December vs January Migration

January typically offers stronger southern concentration.

December

• southward migration still developing
• pregnant females
• some herds still transitional

January

• Southern Serengeti and Ndutu strongly established
• early calving begins
• predator activity intensifies further

December vs February Migration

December

• pre-calving
• pregnant females
• moving herds
• southern concentration developing

February

• peak calving
• newborn calves
• exceptional predator activity

For calving specifically, February is much stronger.

December vs August Migration

These months offer completely different safari experiences.

August

• Masai Mara
• Northern Serengeti
• Mara River crossings
• golden dry-season plains

December

• Southern Serengeti
• Ndutu
• green season
• pre-calving herds

Both can be exceptional.

Southern Serengeti in December

The Southern Serengeti becomes increasingly important. Its short-grass plains can support:

• huge wildebeest herds,
• zebra,
• gazelles,
• lions,
• cheetahs,
• hyenas.

The scenery becomes especially beautiful after rain.

Ndutu in December

Ndutu can become a major migration area later in the month. Potential highlights include:

• pregnant wildebeest,
• large herds,
• cheetahs,
• lions,
• hyenas,
• green plains.

However, the migration may not be fully concentrated there early in December.

Lake Ndutu Area

The wider Lake Ndutu region can provide:

• grassland,
• woodland,
• seasonal water,
• excellent predators,
• large herbivore concentrations.

This habitat diversity makes it particularly strong for photography.

Lake Masek Area

Lake Masek can also become increasingly relevant as the migration moves south. Potential wildlife includes:

• wildebeest,
• zebra,
• lions,
• cheetahs,
• hyenas,
• birds.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area Plains

The migration extends across ecosystem boundaries, and wildebeest may spread across plains associated with the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This reinforces the importance of understanding the migration as a landscape-scale ecological event.

Central Serengeti in December

Central Serengeti remains an excellent December safari destination. Even when the main migration moves south, it offers strong resident wildlife. Potential highlights include:

• lions,
• leopards,
• cheetahs,
• elephants,
• buffalo,
• giraffes,
• hyenas.

Seronera in December

Seronera is particularly strong for big cats. It can also act as a useful bridge between:

• eastern migration routes,
• southern migration areas.

This makes it valuable in early and mid-December.

Eastern Serengeti in December

Eastern Serengeti may still hold migrating herds earlier in the month. Potential highlights include:

• long wildebeest columns,
• open landscapes,
• fewer vehicles,
• excellent predator viewing.

As December progresses, more animals generally continue south.

Is Masai Mara Good for the Migration in December?

Not for the main migrating wildebeest herds. Masai Mara remains a superb wildlife destination with:

• lions,
• cheetahs,
• leopards,
• elephants,
• buffalo,
• giraffes,
• resident wildebeest.

But the main Great Migration focus is generally in Tanzania by December.

Kenya or Tanzania for December Migration?

For the migration specifically, Tanzania is the clear choice. Recommended focus:

• Serengeti,
• Ndutu,
• Ngorongoro plains.

Kenya can still be added for a broader East African safari.

December Predator Activity

Predator activity can be excellent. As wildebeest concentrations increase in the south, predators benefit from abundant prey. Potential predators include:

• lions,
• cheetahs,
• spotted hyenas,
• leopards,
• jackals.

Lions in December

Lions may be seen:

• near large wildebeest herds,
• stalking,
• feeding,
• resting,
• interacting within prides.

Central and Southern Serengeti both provide strong lion opportunities.

Cheetahs in December

Cheetah viewing can become increasingly strong in the southern plains. The open terrain supports:

• visibility,
• hunting,
• territorial behaviour,
• mothers with cubs.

December can therefore be an excellent month for cheetah enthusiasts.

Hyenas in December

Spotted hyenas can be highly active. Potential behaviours include:

• hunting,
• following herds,
• scavenging,
• competing with lions,
• clan interactions.

Leopards in December

Leopards are more likely around:

• riverine woodland,
• drainage systems,
• rocky areas,
• Central Serengeti.

A combined Central + Southern Serengeti itinerary can improve predator diversity.

Jackals in December

Jackals may be common across open plains. They often benefit from:

• predator kills,
• small prey,
• carcasses.

They can be particularly photogenic in the green season.

Pregnant Wildebeest in December

One of the defining features of December is the growing number of visibly pregnant females. These animals are moving toward the grazing grounds where they will soon give birth. This adds ecological meaning to the safari: the herd is not simply moving south, it is preparing for reproduction.

Zebra in December

Zebra remain prominent and often move with wildebeest. Mixed herds can create extraordinary scenes across green plains.

Gazelles

Thomson's and Grant's gazelles can be common, and they support large predator populations, especially cheetahs.

Elephants in December

Elephants can be found across suitable habitats. Rainfall can disperse elephants more widely because water becomes available in more areas.

Buffalo

Buffalo remain resident, and fresh grass can improve grazing conditions.

Giraffes

Giraffes remain common around:

• acacia woodland,
• mixed savanna,
• riverine areas.

They provide strong landscape photography.

Hippos

Permanent water systems support hippos, and rain can also create temporary wetlands attracting other wildlife.

December Birding

December can be excellent for birding. Seasonal conditions may bring:

• migratory species,
• increased insect activity,
• breeding behaviour,
• wetland birds.

Potential species include:

• secretary birds,
• bustards,
• ostriches,
• vultures,
• eagles,
• rollers,
• bee-eaters,
• storks,
• kingfishers.

December Weather in Serengeti

December usually falls within the short-rain period. Expect variable conditions:

• sunshine,
• warm days,
• green landscapes,
• afternoon showers,
• thunderstorms,
• cool mornings.

Does It Rain Every Day in December?

No. Rainfall is often localized and intermittent. A safari day can include:

• sunny morning,
• cloudy afternoon,
• brief rain,
• clear evening.

This variability is normal.

Does Rain Ruin a December Safari?

Usually not. Rain can improve the safari by creating:

• green scenery,
• dramatic skies,
• less dust,
• fresh grazing,
• strong animal activity.

Challenges include:

• muddy tracks,
• slower drives,
• wet conditions.

December Road Conditions

Road conditions depend on recent rainfall. Some tracks may become:

• muddy,
• slippery,
• rutted.

A proper 4×4 is essential.

December Landscapes

December can be exceptionally beautiful. Possible scenes include:

• green plains,
• wildebeest stretching toward the horizon,
• storm clouds,
• sunlight breaking through rain,
• acacia trees,
• zebra herds.

December Photography

December is excellent for:

• herd landscapes,
• predators,
• green plains,
• dramatic skies,
• rainbows,
• environmental portraits,
• young seasonal vegetation.

Why December Is Great for Photographers

Compared with the dry northern season, December provides:

• richer landscape colour,
• softer backgrounds,
• cleaner air,
• fewer dust problems after rain,
• dramatic weather.

Photography Challenges

Possible issues include:

• rain,
• humidity,
• changing light,
• mud,
• wet equipment.

Protective covers are important.

Recommended Camera Equipment

Consider:

• 24–70mm lens,
• 70–200mm,
• 100–400mm,
• longer telephoto,
• wide-angle lens,
• rain cover,
• spare batteries,
• memory cards,
• lens cloths,
• beanbag.

December Safari Crowds

Crowds vary significantly through the month.

Early December

Can be relatively quiet.

Mid-December

Demand begins increasing.

Christmas and New Year

Safari demand can become high. This affects:

• accommodation,
• flights,
• prices,
• family-room availability.

Christmas Great Migration Safari

December is particularly popular for family holidays. A Christmas migration safari can combine:

• Serengeti,
• Ngorongoro,
• Zanzibar.

However, festive-season rates may apply.

New Year Safari

Late December into early January can be especially attractive because herds are increasingly established in the south. Travellers can combine:

• pre-calving migration,
• New Year celebration,
• Zanzibar beach stay.

December Safari Prices

December prices are highly date-dependent.

Early December

Potentially good seasonal value.

Christmas / New Year

Rates often increase. Potential additional charges can include:

• festive supplements,
• minimum-stay requirements,
• peak flight costs.

Budget December Migration Safari

Budget travellers should consider:

• early December,
• road safari,
• value camps,
• Central + Southern Serengeti routing.

Avoid peak festive dates if cost is the main priority.

Mid-Range December Safari

Mid-range travel can provide excellent value outside the busiest festive dates. Look for:

• well-located tented camps,
• private 4×4,
• 4–6 migration nights,
• flexible routing.

Luxury December Safari

Luxury travellers can choose:

• seasonal Ndutu camps,
• fly-in safaris,
• premium Central/Southern Serengeti camps,
• private vehicles,
• Zanzibar extensions.

Book festive dates early.

Seasonal Camps in December

Some seasonal camps begin positioning themselves toward southern migration areas. Always confirm:

• exact opening date,
• camp location,
• migration access,
• airstrip access.

Permanent Lodges in December

Permanent Central Serengeti lodges offer useful flexibility. Advantages include:

• reliable infrastructure,
• excellent resident wildlife,
• access north, east and south.

Fly-In December Migration Safari

Fly-in options can connect:

• Arusha → Serengeti,
• Serengeti → Ndutu,
• Serengeti → Zanzibar.

Advantages include:

• less road time,
• more game viewing,
• easier festive travel.

Road-Based December Safari

A road safari can combine Arusha → Tarangire → Ngorongoro → Central Serengeti → Ndutu. This is one of the strongest December routes.

How Many Nights for December Migration?

Objective	Recommended Stay
Short Safari	3 nights
General Migration	4–5 nights
Migration Focus	5–6 nights
Photography	5–8 nights
Tanzania Circuit	7–10 days
Safari + Zanzibar	10–14 days

3-Day December Migration Safari

Day 1

Fly or drive to Central/Southern Serengeti, then enjoy an afternoon game drive.

Day 2

Full-day migration safari.

Day 3

Morning game drive and departure. This works for limited time but provides little flexibility.

5-Day December Migration Safari

Day 1

Arrive Central Serengeti.

Day 2

Full-day Central Serengeti safari.

Day 3

Move toward Southern Serengeti / Ndutu according to herd location.

Day 4

Full-day migration and predator safari.

Day 5

Morning safari and departure. This structure is particularly useful in mid-December.

6-Day Late December Migration Safari

Day 1: Arusha – Ngorongoro

Travel to crater highlands.

Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater

Full crater safari.

Day 3: Ngorongoro – Ndutu

Transfer into the southern migration ecosystem.

Days 4–5: Ndutu / Southern Serengeti

Full migration and predator safari.

Day 6: Departure

This works well for late December when the herds are increasingly south.

8-Day December Tanzania Safari

Day 1

Arusha

Day 2

Tarangire

Day 3

Ngorongoro

Day 4

Central Serengeti

Days 5–7

Southern Serengeti / Ndutu

Day 8

Fly to Arusha or Zanzibar

10-Day December Safari & Zanzibar

Day 1

Arusha

Day 2

Tarangire

Day 3

Ngorongoro

Days 4–7

Serengeti / Ndutu migration

Day 8

Fly Zanzibar

Days 9–10

Zanzibar. This provides an excellent festive safari-and-beach holiday.

December Migration + Ngorongoro

This is one of the best combinations. Ngorongoro provides:

• black rhino opportunities,
• lions,
• buffalo,
• elephants,
• crater scenery.

It also sits naturally between the northern Tanzania safari circuit and Ndutu.

December Migration + Tarangire

Tarangire adds:

• elephants,
• baobabs,
• woodland scenery,
• birdlife.

It creates a broader northern Tanzania experience.

December Migration + Lake Manyara

Lake Manyara can provide:

• Rift Valley scenery,
• woodland,
• birds,
• primates.

It can be included if the itinerary has enough days.

December Migration + Zanzibar

A very strong holiday combination, with a possible route of Serengeti / Ndutu → Zanzibar. This allows travellers to combine:

• migration,
• predators,
• green landscapes,
• beach relaxation.

December Migration + Kenya

A longer East African safari can include Kenya, although the migration component should remain focused on Tanzania. Kenya extensions may include:

• Amboseli,
• Masai Mara resident wildlife,
• Lake Nakuru.

December Migration + Gorilla Trekking

A premium itinerary can combine:

• Serengeti migration,
• Uganda or Rwanda gorilla trekking.

This works particularly well for travellers with two weeks or more.

December for Families

December is popular for family travel because of school holidays. Advantages:

• abundant wildlife,
• green scenery,
• safari + beach potential,
• educational migration experience.

Consider:

• private vehicle,
• family tent,
• enough downtime,
• early booking.

December for Honeymooners

Recommended combination:

• luxury Serengeti or Ndutu camp,
• private game drives,
• Ngorongoro,
• Zanzibar.

December for Photographers

Photographers should consider:

• 5–7 nights,
• private vehicle,
• Central + Southern Serengeti,
• rain protection,
• flexible itinerary.

December for Senior Travellers

Recommended:

• fly-in sectors,
• fewer camp changes,
• comfortable accommodation,
• private vehicle.

December for Solo Travellers

Early December can offer better value and availability than festive dates. Options include:

• shared departures,
• scheduled safari,
• private tour,
• camp-based game drives.

December for Budget Travellers

Best strategy:

• travel early in the month,
• use road transfers,
• select mid-range/value camps,
• focus on Serengeti and Ngorongoro,
• avoid unnecessary lodge changes.

December for Luxury Travellers

Luxury travellers should book early for:

• festive dates,
• seasonal Ndutu camps,
• private guides,
• domestic flights,
• Zanzibar extensions.

Hot-Air Balloon Safari in December

Balloon safaris may operate in selected Serengeti areas, but they cannot be guaranteed on a given day. Potential experience includes:

• sunrise,
• aerial views,
• migrating herds,
• predators,
• green landscapes.

Wildlife beneath the flight path is never guaranteed.

Is Ballooning Worth It in December?

It can be especially beautiful because:

• landscapes are green,
• skies can be dramatic,
• herds may be visible in large concentrations.

Use it as an addition to normal game drives.

When to Book a December Safari

Book early if travelling:

• during Christmas,
• during New Year,
• with children,
• in a large group,
• to a specific seasonal camp.

Festive dates sell quickly.

How Far in Advance Should You Book?

For Christmas and New Year, book well ahead. For early December, there may be greater flexibility, but strategic camps can still fill.

What to Pack for December

Recommended:

• lightweight neutral safari clothing,
• light fleece,
• waterproof jacket,
• comfortable shoes,
• hat,
• sunglasses,
• sunscreen,
• insect repellent,
• binoculars,
• camera,
• rain cover,
• personal medication.

December Photography Packing

Include:

• telephoto lens,
• mid-range zoom,
• wide-angle lens,
• waterproof camera cover,
• spare batteries,
• memory cards,
• cleaning cloths,
• dry bag,
• beanbag.

Common December Migration Planning Mistakes

1. Assuming Every Herd Is Already in Ndutu

Early December can still be transitional.

2. Going to Masai Mara for the Main Migration

The primary migration is generally in Tanzania.

3. Expecting Peak Calving

December is pre-calving, not peak calving.

4. Ignoring Central Serengeti

It can be extremely important earlier in the month.

5. Booking Only One Southern Camp Too Early

The herds may still be farther north.

6. Treating Rain as a Problem

Rain drives the migration and creates excellent scenery.

7. Booking Christmas Too Late

Prime camps sell quickly.

8. Ignoring Festive Supplements

Holiday pricing may differ significantly.

9. Staying Too Few Nights

Migration distribution can be broad.

10. Assuming December Is the Same as January

January generally has stronger southern concentration and more calving activity.

How to Plan the Best December Migration Safari

Step 1: Begin With Exact Dates

Early and late December require different strategies.

Step 2: Focus on Tanzania

For migration travel, Serengeti is the key destination.

Step 3: Use Central Serengeti for Early-Month Flexibility

This protects against uncertain herd distribution.

Step 4: Add Southern Serengeti / Ndutu Later in the Month

This follows the migration's southward progression.

Step 5: Stay 4–6 Nights

Longer stays provide better flexibility.

Step 6: Prepare for Short Rains

Pack appropriately.

Step 7: Book Festive Dates Early

Christmas and New Year are high-demand periods.

Recommended December Strategy by Date

Travel Dates	Recommended Migration Focus
1–10 December	Central / Eastern / Southern-Central Serengeti
11–20 December	Central + Southern Serengeti
21–31 December	Southern Serengeti + Ndutu

This is a broad seasonal framework and should not be treated as a guarantee.

December Migration Quick Decision Guide

Choose December if you want:

• Southern Serengeti
• Ndutu becoming increasingly important
• pre-calving wildebeest herds
• pregnant females
• green landscapes
• predators
• cheetahs
• Tanzania safari
• Christmas or New Year safari
• Serengeti + Zanzibar
• migration without river-crossing focus

Consider another month if your main priority is:

• Mara River crossings,
• Masai Mara migration,
• peak wildebeest calving,
• Grumeti River activity.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wildebeest Migration in December

Plan Your December Wildebeest Migration Safari

December completes one major chapter of the Great Migration and begins another. The herds that spent the northern season around the Masai Mara and Northern Serengeti have moved progressively south. Across the Serengeti, seasonal rains regenerate the grasslands, pregnant females gather around increasingly productive grazing areas, predators follow, and the ecosystem prepares for the spectacular calving season that will soon begin.

For travellers, December can offer:

• enormous wildebeest herds,
• green landscapes,
• excellent lions and cheetahs,
• fewer crowds outside festive dates,
• Tanzania's classic northern safari circuit,
• and outstanding safari-and-beach combinations.

The right December itinerary should reflect the exact travel period. Early December may favour more central and eastern locations, while late December increasingly favours Southern Serengeti and Ndutu.

Safari Trips to Kenya can design the trip around:

• your exact December dates,
• number of travellers,
• safari duration,
• budget,
• accommodation level,
• road or fly-in preference,
• family requirements,
• photography priorities,
• Christmas or New Year travel,
• Ngorongoro extension,
• Zanzibar extension.