Image: Gemini AI
It is that time again where we get to just slow down, look back, and enjoy the rewards of all the effort you’ve poured in from the beginning of the year till these final moments. The month of December always comes with celebrations, fashion, food, and pure vibes and chill. In Nigeria, there is a name for it – Detty December.
It is no ordinary festive season; it is an unforgettable experience filled with yummy food, festivals, partying, soulful African music, and sunshine.
As the weather gets chilly in the West, those in the diaspora start planning their journey to African countries where the weather is more favorable, warm, and inviting. For most tourists and the Nigerian diaspora, the fun experience and memories that will be created make it hard to resist hopping on a plane for a December to remember. At the end of the day, you will agree that the trip is worth every penny.
Whether you’re a Black traveler from the diaspora or an African who just wants to hop on the Detty December vibe, you can start dusting off your passport without the headache of visa applications. Still not sure where to get your December truly detty? These five visa-free African countries might just be the inspiration you need.
Seychelles
You do not need a visa to visit Seychelles, an island paradise in the Indian Ocean. However, visitors must have a valid passport or other travel documents recognized by the government of Seychelles in order to gain entry. This is quite beneficial, especially for African travelers, who often encounter numerous obstacles when applying for visas to visit other countries.
With temperatures ranging from 25-30°C in December, this is a great time for those who want to escape the cold weather to visit. Imagine spending Christmas morning on world-class luxury, beautiful beaches with warm, turquoise waters. It is the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.
The delicious Creole cuisine at local restaurants, cultural festivals, and Afro-Caribbean fusion vibes will have you forgetting about all your unread emails. You are sure to feel the warmth of the season everywhere you go.
Rwanda
For those seeking a quiet destination to celebrate Christmas, Rwanda is a dream come true. The country is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and gorgeous green scenery, perfect for capturing those Instagram-worthy photos.
Celebrated as one of Africa’s safest and cleanest cities, the weather in December is drier across Rwanda, making this a popular time to visit. During this period, the city lights up with decorations and carols. Walking or driving around Kigali, its capital, will have you wishing your streets back at home could look this neat.
You can catch some Detty December fun as you shop at local markets, attend church services, enjoy local dishes, explore the rolling green hills outside Kigali, visit Volcanoes National Park to catch a glimpse of the famous mountain gorillas, or go hiking in Nyungwe Forest.
The best part? Africans can enter Rwanda visa-free or get visas on arrival. No embassy stress, no endless forms to fill out, just land at Kigali International Airport with your passport.
Ghana
Are you in for a festive atmosphere with concerts, parties, and cultural events? Ghana is the place to be for Detty December. During the Christmas season, Accra, its capital, radiates with so much energy as music fills the air.
Afrochella, now called AfroFuture Festival, is one of the highlights of Detty December. This cultural festival showcases the best of African art, music, and food, offering a truly immersive cultural experience.
Other activities that can make your experience a memorable one include shopping at the vendor market and enjoying live performances by top Afrobeat artists. With temperatures around 24 – 32°C, you can also spend time at the beach.
Citizens of the majority of African countries, as well as some Caribbean territories, can travel to Ghana without a visa or with a visa on arrival.
Photo – Instagram/afrofuture
Cape Verde
For travelers looking to take a break from the hustle and bustle of life for chilled-out beaches, crystal-clear waters, golden sands, and a blend of African and Portuguese culture, Cape Verde is the perfect destination for Detty December.
With warm temperatures (22-27°C) and eight hours of sunshine a day, you are sure to get the perfect dose of sun, sand, and sea.
Cape Verde is a primarily Catholic country, so both Christmas and New Year are celebrated. During this period, the island comes alive with live music performances, firework shows, street parties, and other festivities that will make you forget every stress and worry. Truly, isn’t that what the holiday season is for?
Wondering what other activities to do? You can explore the historic Cidade Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You can also unwind on the shores of the sea, where the water is so clear it looks like glass. Here, you can go from snorkeling and swimming to capturing the picture-perfect selfie.
Nigerian passport holders and citizens of the UK, the US, Canada, and several African and South American countries can visit Cape Verde without a visa. However, you will need to pay a small airport security fee.
Nigeria
Can it even be Detty December without Naija? This is where the phrase was born. From Lagos to Abuja, it is a world of endless parties and sleepless nights from the beginning of December till the end. After working hard all year, you can come here to unwind and blow off steam. It’s an all-round feel-good experience, with everyone caught up in a happy vibe.
The entertainment scene is buzzing with endless activities, from street parties and fashion shows to music festivals and performances headlined by some of the biggest Afrobeats stars, like Davido, Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, and others. There’s also the famous Calabar carnival.
Photo: Instagram/missafricaproduction
And the food? Your Detty December is incomplete without consuming yummy party jollof, amala, and ewedu, and other local dishes, enough food to fuel you through the New Year. Forget fancy dinners and enjoy some street foods like suya, asun, small chops, and the like.
If Detty December had a capital city, it would be Lagos, one of the hottest and most-visited destinations on the continent during this period. In Lagos alone, the 2024 Detty December festivities generated an estimated N107.6bn (US$71.6 million) in state revenue.
For many Black travelers from the U.S., UK, and other countries, traveling to Nigeria in December isn’t just about partying; it’s also a time to reconnect with loved ones. Nothing beats the joy of spending time with aunties, uncles, cousins, and friends you haven’t seen all year.
