Expect 24-26°C days in Nairobi and the Mara and a 31°C coast. December in Kenya means two things: excellent game viewing and peak holiday demand. The short rains end, the bush dries out, and wildlife concentrates in ways that make for consistently good sightings - while Christmas and New Year bring Kenya’s highest lodge prices and fastest fill rates. This itinerary routes a classic 10-day Kenya Christmas trip: two nights in Nairobi, four nights of safari, then four nights on the coast.
For a broader overview of December conditions, see our visiting Kenya in December guide.
Why This Route Works for December
Nairobi first: Jetlag is easier to manage in a city. Two nights in Nairobi gives you time to orient, visit the Giraffe Centre and David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (both easily booked in advance via Nairobi day tours), and sort any final logistics before heading to the bush.
Masai Mara for the safari: December in the Mara is post-migration but still excellent. Big cats are active, elephant herds are present, and the dramatic Mara scenery is particularly good in the lower vegetation of the dry season. The migration has moved south into Tanzania by October, but the resident wildlife is substantial year-round.
Diani for the beach: Diani’s peak season is December–January. The weather is dry and sunny, the sea is warm (approximately 27–29°C), and the December festive atmosphere across the resort strip is genuinely good. Booking accommodation 5–6 months in advance is standard for quality properties.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Days 1–2: Nairobi
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). Book a private airport transfer to your hotel in advance - Christmas period traffic in Nairobi can be heavy.
Day 1: Rest and orientation. Westlands and the Karen/Langata suburbs have the most useful concentration of pre-departure services (pharmacies, outdoor kit, currency exchange). Dinner at one of Nairobi’s established restaurants.
Day 2 (morning): Nairobi National Park half-day tour - Kenya’s only national park within a capital city, where lions, rhinos, and giraffes move against the Nairobi skyline backdrop. Book an activity for the morning. Afternoon: Giraffe Centre in Karen, then David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephant nursery (visits at 11am daily, booking required).
Day 2 (evening): Fly to Masai Mara. Safarilink and AirKenya operate scheduled flights from Wilson Airport to Keekorok, Ol Kiombo, and Olare Orok Conservancy airstrips (approximately 45 minutes, from approximately USD 130–220 one-way as of 2026). Arrange the transfer with your camp in advance.
For recommended Nairobi hotels, see our Nairobi where to stay guide.
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Days 3–6: Masai Mara
Four nights in the Masai Mara or a private conservancy bordering it. December is dry season in the Mara: roads are in good condition, skies are typically clear, and sightings are consistent. Morning and afternoon game drives are the standard structure (most camps offer 6am and 4pm departures). The Mara’s resident lion prides, cheetah, and elephant herds are the December highlights.
Recommended areas for December:
The private conservancies (Olare Motorogi, Naboisho, Ol Kinyei) allow off-road driving and night game drives - neither permitted in the main reserve. December is a good month to pay the conservancy premium if the budget allows. Camps like Ol Seki Hemingways Mara, Mahali Pa Tembo, and Kicheche Mara Camp operate here. From approximately USD 400–800 per person per night full-board as of 2026.
Mara Triangle (main reserve, western zone) suits travellers wanting good wildlife without conservancy prices. Camps include Mara Serena Safari Lodge and Sarova Mara Game Camp. From approximately USD 250–500 per person per night as of 2026.
For a full breakdown of camps by zone and budget, see our Masai Mara where to stay guide.
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A hot air balloon flight over the Masai Mara is the signature December add-on. Book directly with your camp or via Masai Mara tours - Christmas week slots fill early.
Day 7: Transfer to Nairobi and Fly to Coast
Most Mara-to-coast connections require a Nairobi Wilson transit. Morning game drive, then fly Mara–Wilson and connect to Ukunda (UKA) for Diani Beach or Manda Island (LAU) for Lamu. Total transfer time Mara–coast is approximately 4–5 hours door to door. Some camps can organise this as a through-booking via Wilson. Budget USD 200–400 per person for the Wilson connections as of 2026.
Days 7–10: Diani Beach
Four nights on the coast. For Christmas week, most resorts serve a special Christmas Day dinner; New Year’s Eve events are arranged at the main beach bars and resorts. Book the Christmas dinner with your hotel at check-in - these are often included in full-board rates.
December beach options from south of Mombasa:
Mid-range: Diani Reef Beach Resort & Spa (central Diani) covers all the basics with good beach access. Baobab Beach Resort & Spa is the main family choice with the best kids’ infrastructure.
Boutique: The Sands at Nomad consistently produces the best food and service on the strip. Book Christmas week by June at the latest.
Luxury/privacy: Almanara and Kinondo Kwetu (Galu Beach) suit couples wanting privacy over resort-scale facilities.
For the full Diani accommodation breakdown, see our Diani Beach where to stay guide.
Activities from Diani:
- Snorkelling and diving on the Diani reef (boat trips from all major hotels)
- Diani Beach day activities
- Wasini Island and Kisite Marine Park snorkelling - the best single day trip from Diani, by boat south to the marine park
Day 10: Depart
Fly Ukunda (UKA) → Nairobi Wilson → Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO) for international connections. Allow a minimum 2-hour connection at Wilson if transiting through Wilson Airport.
Budget Guide for December
December adds a significant premium to standard Kenya rates:
| Component | Budget estimate (per person) |
|---|---|
| Flights (international return) | USD 600–1,500 |
| Nairobi 2 nights mid-range | USD 100–250 |
| Masai Mara 4 nights mid-range full-board | USD 900–1,600 |
| Mara–Coast bush flights | USD 200–400 |
| Diani Beach 4 nights mid-range | USD 400–900 |
| Activities (balloon, tours) | USD 150–400 |
| Total | ~USD 2,500–5,000 per person |
Luxury conservancy camps and boutique lodges push the Masai Mara component to USD 3,000–5,000 for 4 nights. Full-budget (camping/backpacker stays throughout) can get under USD 1,500 per person but requires considerable flexibility in December.
Booking Sequence for Christmas Travel
- Book safari camp first (most constrained inventory) - June at the latest for Christmas week
- Book flights once camp dates are locked in
- Book beach hotel - quality coastal properties like Sands at Nomad and Peponi (Lamu) fill before August for Christmas
- Book Wilson airport transfers and internal bush flights - operators like Safarilink allow booking 3–4 months out
For the full December picture including weather, prices, and what to expect at each park, see our visiting Kenya in December guide.
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