Why travel in December?
Year-end holidays, a craving for sunshine or a party: December is one of the most popular months for departures from Abidjan. It is also the best time for many destinations, from the southern summer in South Africa to high season in Asia. The flip side: seats go fast. Here is our selection, from festive weekends to long-haul trips.
1. Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the number one party destination
In December, it is 25 to 28°C under cloudless skies: perfect for the Burj Khalifa, year-end shopping and a desert safari. Our 8-day Dubai + Abu Dhabi trip is available from 760,000 FCFA per person, flights from Abidjan included. Entry requirements: e-Visa (57 USD), via a sponsor.
2. Ghana, the Detty December spirit
An hour's flight from Abidjan, Accra lives to the rhythm of Afrobeats concerts, festivals and beaches. Our 6-day Ghana trip is available from 300,000 FCFA per person, flights from Abidjan included. Entry requirements: visa-free (ECOWAS free movement), yellow fever certificate compulsory. Book your concerts very early!
3. Zanzibar, the lagoon in the dry season
December marks the start of the second dry season: sunshine, a turquoise lagoon and the alleyways of Stone Town. Our 7-day Zanzibar – Beaches & Stone Town break is available from 810,000 FCFA per person, flights from Abidjan included. Entry requirements: e-Visa (50 USD) or visa on arrival; yellow fever required.
4. South Africa, the southern summer
In Cape Town, December means 16 to 27°C, vineyards, Table Mountain and the Garden Route. Our 10-day Cape Town & the Garden Route tour is available from 1,090,000 FCFA per person, flights from Abidjan included. Entry requirements: e-Visa (24 USD), applied for online.
5. Thailand, the start of high season
Bangkok's temples, the mountains of the north and the Andaman islands at 25 to 32°C, with calm seas: our 10-day Thailand trip is available from 1,030,000 FCFA per person, flights from Abidjan included. Entry requirements: e-Visa (30 USD), plus a free TDAC arrival card.
6. The Maldives, paradise in the dry season
From December to April, the Maldives enjoy their dry season: crystal-clear lagoons and overwater villas. Our 8-day Maldives trip is available from 1,280,000 FCFA per person, flights from Abidjan included. Entry requirements: free visa on arrival, compulsory IMUGA declaration and a yellow fever certificate to present.
7. Cape Verde, sunshine close to home
Sunny and cooled by the trade winds, Cape Verde is the ideal beach escape, just a few hours away via Dakar. Our 6-day Cape Verde, Sal & Boa Vista break is available from 590,000 FCFA per person, flights from Abidjan included. Entry requirements: visa-free (ECOWAS), but EASE pre-registration and an airport tax of about 36 USD; yellow fever required.
8. Egypt, the pharaohs in cooler weather
In December, the heat has eased: the pyramids of Giza, the Cairo museum and a Nile cruise can be enjoyed to the full. Our 9-day Egypt trip is available from 820,000 FCFA per person, flights from Abidjan included. Entry requirements: consular visa in advance, 30 USD (33 USD from 1 January 2027), price to be confirmed when you apply.
Summary
| Destination | Entry requirements (Ivorian passport) | From* |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai + Abu Dhabi | e-Visa | 760,000 FCFA |
| Ghana | Visa-free | 300,000 FCFA |
| Zanzibar | e-Visa or visa on arrival | 810,000 FCFA |
| South Africa | e-Visa | 1,090,000 FCFA |
| Thailand | e-Visa | 1,030,000 FCFA |
| Maldives | Visa on arrival (free) | 1,280,000 FCFA |
| Cape Verde | Visa-free (EASE + tax) | 590,000 FCFA |
| Egypt | Consular visa | 820,000 FCFA |
*Price per person, flights from Abidjan included.
Good to know
December is the busiest time of the year: flights and hotels fill up from the autumn. Book early, and start your visa applications as soon as your trip is confirmed. Tempted by other ideas? Nigeria, Benin and Senegal are also visa-free and perfect in December. Entry rules change regularly: the information in this article reflects the MALYA travel requirements matrix checked on 31 October 2026. Before every departure, our advisers check the current requirements for you (visa, health, documents) and let you know about any changes.
Plan your trip with MALYA Travel
Have a trip in mind? Request your tailor-made quote in 2 minutes on our website or message us on WhatsApp on +225 07 09 54 40 62. Our advisers reply quickly, help you with your travel formalities and work with you to build a trip that suits you. MALYA Travel, the joy of travelling.