At a Glance
- Explore Kenya’s Masai Mara, Tanzania’s Serengeti, and Botswana’s Delta for unforgettable safari luxury.
- Experience barefoot indulgence in Seychelles, Mauritius, and Zanzibar’s turquoise island retreats.
- Savor Cape Town’s vineyards and Marrakech’s vibrant souks for culture-rich December escapes.
Africa is calling this December, a season of warmth, wonder, and world-class luxury. From Kenya’s golden savannas to Mauritius’ turquoise lagoons, the continent’s top destinations are redefining travel in style.
Whether you crave a private safari sunrise, a barefoot beach walk, or a retreat among vineyards, Africa offers the ultimate luxury travel experience.
Luxury in Africa isn’t only about where you stay, it’s about what you feel. Float silently over the Masai Mara in a hot-air balloon as dawn breaks.
Hike through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda to meet mountain gorillas face to face. Or savor a glass of Chardonnay in the Cape Winelands as the sun dips behind the mountains.
This December, Africa invites you to trade snow for sunshine, and city lights for starlit skies. Whether it’s the pulse of Marrakech, the calm of Seychelles, or the untamed beauty of Kruger, the continent offers a holiday season unlike any other, warm, wild, and wonderfully unforgettable.
Shore Africa profiles 10 adventurous attractions this December, bringing lush landscapes, clear skies, and some of the best wildlife viewing of the year.
1. Masai Mara, Kenya
The Masai Mara remains one of Africa’s most magical safari destinations. Even after the Great Migration, its open plains come alive with lions, elephants, and cheetahs framed by golden light. Stay at Angama Mara or Mahali Mzuri, where luxury tents overlook endless savannahs and each evening ends with champagne and starlit skies.
2. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Across the border, the Serengeti offers that sense of endless Africa — wide horizons, ancient rhythms, and the Big Five at every turn. At Four Seasons Safari Lodge, luxury and wilderness meet effortlessly, with infinity pools overlooking elephant watering holes — a front-row seat to nature’s quiet drama.
3. Kruger National Park, South Africa
In South Africa, Kruger stands as a timeless classic. December’s green season brings new life to the bush — newborn animals and vivid vegetation. Stay at Singita Lebombo or Londolozi Private Granite Suites, where expert guides, fine dining, and intimate encounters with wildlife redefine the safari experience.
4. Okavango Delta, Botswana
For something more serene, the Okavango Delta offers a softer side of safari. At Xigera Safari Lodge, surrounded by glimmering lagoons and papyrus reeds, luxury feels close to nature. A sunset mokoro (canoe) ride through the Delta is pure peace — the kind of moment that stays with you long after you’ve left.
6. Seychelles
The Seychelles remains the ultimate barefoot luxury destination. Think ivory beaches, emerald forests, and crystal waters. Stay at North Island or Six Senses Zil Pasyon, where private villas, coral dives, and secluded island picnics make every day feel like a dream.
7. Mauritius
Mauritius sparkles with a mix of French flair, Creole culture, and natural charm. Stay at One&Only Le Saint Géran or LUX Grand Baie*, where white-sand beaches meet fine dining and world-class wellness. For postcard perfection, head to Le Morne Peninsula, a UNESCO site where turquoise lagoons and calm winds invite both adventure and romance.
8. Zanzibar, Tanzania
In Zanzibar, the past and present meet beautifully. Explore Stone Town’s spice-scented alleys before retreating to The Residence Zanzibar or Zuri Zanzibar. December is ideal for diving among coral gardens or simply relaxing with a coconut cocktail as the sun melts into the sea.
9. Cape Town, South Africa
With Table Mountain on one side and the Atlantic on the other, Cape Town offers a setting like no other. Stay at The Silo Hotel for contemporary art and skyline views or Ellerman House for coastal calm. A short drive away, the Cape Winelands await, December afternoons filled with sunshine, fine wine, and leisurely tastings among the vines.
10. Marrakech, Morocco
In North Africa, Marrakech remains an intoxicating blend of color, sound, and scent. Wander through the medina’s bustling souks, then retreat to Royal Mansour or La Mamounia, where Moroccan craftsmanship and garden serenity meet in perfect harmony. As evening falls, the city glows with rooftop dinners, music, and mint tea beneath lantern-lit skies.
11. Nairobi, Kenya
Vibrant and ever-evolving, Nairobi has become one of Africa’s most exciting urban escapes. At Hemingways Nairobi, colonial charm meets modern luxury. Beyond the city’s heart, the Giraffe Centre and Nairobi National Park offer a rare blend — wild encounters just minutes from fine dining and nightlife.
