Christmas & New Year Tours & Safaris in Kenya
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10 best Christmas & New Year Kenya tour packages
Compiled by
NadineKenya travel expert at TourRadar
- 7 Days Thrilling Kenya Safari Expedition
- Kenya's Wilderness: A 7-Day Safari Adventure
- 7 Days Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru & Amboseli Safari
- 6 Days Kenya Budget Tours (with Free Night at Nairobi Hotel)
- 7 Days Taylor -Made Kenya Luxury Safari
- 6 Days Kenya Budget Small Group Safari 2025
- Super Kenyan Safari 8D/7N (Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Sweetwaters & Samburu)
- Poa Sana Safari 5D/4N (Masai Mara, Sweetwaters & Lake Nakuru)
- Safari Dream Adventure 6D/5N (Masai Mara, Amboseli & Tsavo)
- Lakes & Masai Mara Interactive Safari 5D/4N (Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru & Lake Naivasha)
The festive season comes alive in Kenya's wilderness with Christmas game drives in Maasai Mara and New Year's wildlife viewing in Samburu. Holiday meals in scenic lodges, optional balloon safaris, and close encounters with the Big Five across four premier reserves await.
Duration 7 days Destinations Nairobi, Samburu Game Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park, Maasai Mara National Reserve Age Range 2 to 90 year olds Operator Wonderful Holidays UK From
- NZ$6,520
Ring in Christmas watching flamingos at Lake Nakuru and New Year's with Amboseli's elephants. Special holiday game drives in Maasai Mara, festive dinners at lodge camps, and dawn balloon safaris create unforgettable seasonal celebrations.
Duration 7 days Destinations Nairobi, Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli National Park Age Range 2 to 90 year olds Operator Wonderful Holidays UK From
- NZ$7,195
7 Days Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru & Amboseli Safari
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Masai Mara's drive included scenic stops at the Great Rift Valley Viewpoint. Bencia Africa Adventures has exceeded our expectations.”
Adam, traveled in January
Wildlife spectacles define December in Kenya. Elephants gather in Amboseli against Mt. Kilimanjaro's backdrop, while Miti Mingi Eco Camp serves festive meals. Lake Nakuru's flamingos add pink hues to the holiday season.
Duration 7 days Destinations Nairobi, Lake Naivasha, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Lake Nakuru, Amboseli National Park Age Range up to 95 year olds Operator Bencia Africa Adventure and Safaris From
- NZ$1,753
6 Days Kenya Budget Tours (with Free Night at Nairobi Hotel)
34 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The professionalism, expertise, and passion displayed by the staff, coupled with the breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife, made it an experience beyond compare.”
John, traveled in May
Ring in Christmas and New Year with Kenya's wildlife at Enchoro Wildlife Camp and Nyati Safari Camp. Enjoy special holiday game drives tracking Big Five in Masai Mara and watching Amboseli's elephant herds beneath Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Duration 6 days Destinations Nairobi, Lake Naivasha, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park, Amboseli National Park Age Range 3 to 75 year olds Operator Bonvoyage Kenya Safaris From
- NZ$919
7 Days Taylor -Made Kenya Luxury Safari
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“This is one of the best tours ever. I just loved the experience.”
Stella, traveled in June
Celebrate Christmas among Kenya's wildlife. Festive meals at Sopa Lodges complement game drives featuring Samburu's unique species, Lake Nakuru's rhinos, and Masai Mara's big cats. Special holiday activities and cultural visits available.
Duration 7 days Destinations Nairobi, Samburu National Park, Nyahururu, Lake Nakuru National Park, Maasai Mara National Reserve Age Range 3 to 99 year olds Operator Exciting Africa Holidays From
- NZ$6,204+$1,517 local payments
6 Days Kenya Budget Small Group Safari 2025
12 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“it was amazing! I could not believe the awesome food they served.....we got to see many of the wild animals.”
AlexMarongah, traveled in January
Celebrate Christmas and New Year across Kenya's wilderness. December offers 31 departure dates with optimal wildlife viewing in Masai Mara and Amboseli. Enjoy festive meals at camps and special holiday game drives.
Duration 6 days Destinations Nairobi, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Lake Nakuru, Amboseli National Park Age Range 5 to 80 year olds Operated in English, French, Spanish Operator Exciting Africa Holidays From
- NZ$2,082+$1,011 local payments
Samburu and Lake Nakuru host festive game drives and holiday dinners at luxury lodges. Masai Mara provides New Year's Eve sunset views over Serengeti plains, with optional traditional Maasai celebrations.
Duration 8 days Destinations Nairobi, Samburu National Park, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara National Reserve Age Range 10 to 99 year olds Operator Bamba Travel From
- NZ$4,351
Black rhinos at Ol Pejeta make for an unforgettable Christmas, while flamingos at Lake Nakuru ring in the New Year. Mara Sopa Lodge offers festive sundowners and holiday meals, with seasonal game drives revealing unique wildlife.
Duration 5 days Destinations Nairobi, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara National Reserve Age Range 10 to 99 year olds Operator Bamba Travel From
- NZ$4,287
The African wilderness provides an extraordinary holiday backdrop. New Year's sunrise over Kilimanjaro dazzles from Amboseli Sopa Lodge, while Big Five tracking in Masai Mara and festive dinners at premium lodges create lasting memories.
Duration 6 days Destinations Nairobi, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Park, Tsavo West National Park Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Bamba Travel From
- NZ$3,633
Mara Sopa Lodge hosts magical Christmas celebrations under starlit skies. Big Five tracking and traditional Masai celebrations fill your days, while perfect December weather enhances wildlife viewing across Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara.
Duration 5 days Destinations Nairobi, Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Naivasha, Maasai Mara National Reserve Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Bamba Travel From
- NZ$3,124
What people love about Christmas & New Year Tours in Kenya
- 7 Days Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru & Amboseli Safari
The ideal location to relax was Lake Naivasha Country Club. It was a peaceful getaway with its placid lake, pelican flocks, and available boat rides. George, our guide, made sure everything went smoothly for us. Our safari with Bencia Africa Adventure came to a suitable conclusion.
- 6 Days Kenya Lodge Safari to Nakuru - Naivasha and Masai Mara
It was a great experience. I would definitely plan it again
- 6 Days Kenya Budget Tours (with Free Night at Nairobi Hotel)
We had an awesome time on Kenya safari this year with Bonvoyage Safaris. The timely park drives was so amazing! Our English - French guide David was very professional. We saw all the Masai Mara Big five Animals and Amboseli elephants in a comfortable safari vehicle with sun roof. Keep up! We will visit again soon for wildebeest migrations in July.
What our customers ask about Christmas & New Year Tours & Safaris in Kenya
How far in advance should I book a Kenya Christmas & New Year safari?
For Kenya's peak holiday season booking 6-9 months ahead is essential. Popular accommodations such as Mara Sopa Lodge and Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge typically reach capacity 8-12 months before the festive period. According to a TourRadar travel expert: "Most of our Christmas & New Year safaris are fully booked by March or April especially for popular lodges in Masai Mara and Amboseli." Early planners benefit from better rates and wider accommodation choices.
What is the weather like in Kenya during Christmas and New Year?
The December-January period provides reliable safari conditions with temperatures ranging from 20-28°C (68-82°F). Game drives in Masai Mara start in cool morning air while Amboseli National Park offers clear views toward Mount Kilimanjaro. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The weather during our Christmas safari was perfect - cool mornings at Lake Nakuru and warm sunny afternoons in Masai Mara made wildlife viewing incredible." The short dry season creates excellent wildlife viewing as animals concentrate near water sources.
How do prices compare during the Christmas & New Year period versus other times?
Expect to pay 30-40% more for holiday season safaris compared to standard rates. Premium properties like Serena Beach Hotel and Spa implement seasonal pricing. A typical 7-day safari priced at 2000 USD in regular season reaches 2800-3200 USD during festivities. One TourRadar traveler noted: "Though more expensive our Christmas safari at Masai Mara Sopa Lodge was worth every penny for the exceptional service and festive atmosphere."
What special activities are included in Kenya Christmas & New Year safari tours?
The holiday season brings festive game drives in Masai Mara National Reserve traditional Christmas meals at properties like Mara Sopa Lodge and New Year's celebrations under starlit skies. A TourRadar traveler shared: "We had a wonderful time during the festive season with great accommodation and festive meals at Sentrim Mara tented lodge." Many itineraries feature Maasai village visits with holiday celebrations while select lodges arrange Christmas bush breakfasts facing Mount Kilimanjaro.
What special holiday meals and celebrations are offered during Christmas & New Year safaris?
Safari properties create distinctive holiday experiences through traditional Christmas dinners bush breakfasts and New Year's Eve gatherings. Mara Serena Safari Lodge presents extensive Christmas feasts combining local flavors with holiday classics while Amboseli Sopa Lodge hosts outdoor New Year's barbecues. As one TourRadar traveler recalled: "Our Christmas dinner at Lake Nakuru Lodge included both traditional holiday dishes and Kenyan specialties followed by Maasai dancing performances."
What are the best national parks to visit during Christmas & New Year in Kenya?
Key destinations include Masai Mara for its wildlife abundance and upscale lodges Amboseli National Park for elephant viewing and Kilimanjaro backdrops and Lake Nakuru for flamingos and rhinos. A TourRadar traveler suggests: "Our Christmas tour combining Masai Mara and Amboseli with stays at Sentrim lodges offered the perfect mix of wildlife and scenic beauty." Lake Naivasha and Tsavo West round out the premier holiday safari options.