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
- Kenya Wildlife Safari
- 7 Days Taylor -Made Kenya Luxury Safari
- 6 Days Kenya Budget Small Group Safari 2025
- 3 Days Samburu Cultural and Wildlife Safari
- Mzungu Safari 5D/4N (Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru & Aberdare)
- Big Game Safari 8D/7N (Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Aberdare & Amboseli)
- Poa Sana Safari 5D/4N (Masai Mara, Sweetwaters & Lake Nakuru)
- 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
- US$3,741
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
- US$4,129
Kenya Wildlife Safari
55 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was our first time using Intrepid or going on Safari and we would definitely recommend Intrepid to everyone.”
Paul, traveled in January
Safari through Kenya's wilderness with festive tours costing around $2,100. View New Year's fireworks over Masai Mara, savor special holiday meals prepared by local chefs, and join Maasai warriors in traditional celebrations at Tepesua Village. Spot the Big Five during magical dawn game drives.
Duration 8 days Destinations Nairobi, Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Naivasha, Maasai Mara National Reserve Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From $1,770
30% Off- US$1,239You save $531
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
30% Off- US$3,680+$900 local payments
6 Days Kenya Budget Small Group Safari 2025
12 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was a great value, as we got to experience so much in a relatively short amount of time.”
Sara, 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
30% Off- US$1,235+$600 local payments
3 Days Samburu Cultural and Wildlife Safari
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Samburu National Reserve was a hidden gem! The lodges were luxurious, and every detail was well-planned.”
Curtis, traveled in November
Samburu National Reserve welcomes holiday visitors with 15 December departures. Guests at Samburu Sopa Lodge cross the equator at Nanyuki town, enjoying festive meals while spotting rare reticulated giraffes and Gravy zebras.
Duration 3 days Destinations Nairobi, Laikipia, Samburu Game Reserve Age Range up to 95 year olds Operator Bencia Africa Adventure and Safaris From
30% Off- US$814
Mzungu Safari 5D/4N (Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru & Aberdare)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“We could see big 5 and also other animals that we defeniately cannot see in Japan.”
Karen, traveled in April
Kenya's iconic parks come alive during the festive season. The Great Migration unfolds at Masai Mara, while holiday meals at Lenchada Camp fuel adventures tracking black rhinos in Aberdare during peak wildlife viewing season.
Duration 5 days Destinations Nairobi, Aberdare National Park, Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara National Reserve Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Bamba Travel From
30% Off- US$2,543
Big Game Safari 8D/7N (Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Aberdare & Amboseli)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“We paid $9,000 to visit Africa (hike mount Kenya and go on a safari). We love animals and couldn't believe he would do that.”
Samantha, traveled in June
Wildlife viewing reaches its peak as elephants gather beneath Kilimanjaro at Amboseli Sopa Lodge for Christmas. Masai Mara's sunrise game drives welcome the New Year. Premium lodges, including The Ark treehouse hotel, offer festive dinners.
Duration 8 days Destinations Nairobi, Amboseli National Park, Mount Kenya National Park, Aberdare National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, Maasai Mara National Reserve Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Bamba Travel From
30% Off- US$2,903
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
30% Off- US$2,543
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
30% Off- US$1,853
What people love about Christmas & New Year Tours in Kenya
It was well organized and our tour guide John was really knowledgeable about everything! Would do another trip with them again!
Kenya Wildlife Safari
Staying at Serena Mountain Lodge was a highlight of our safari. The forest sounds at night and the illuminated waterhole provided unforgettable wildlife moments. Bencia Africa Adventure ensured everything was smooth and enjoyable.
5 Days Climbing Mount Kenya Expedition Sirimon -Chongoria
- 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.
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.