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Kenya Safaris in December

Festive, green and warm

December is warm and green in Kenya as the short rains ease. Game viewing is good across the Mara, Amboseli and Tsavo; the festive period is popular and pricier.

Short rains end — festive seasonGreen, drying out14–28°CHigh season
Plan a December Safari
See December Itineraries

Is December a good time to visit Kenya?

Festive, green and warm in Kenya. December is warm and green in Kenya as the short rains ease. Game viewing is good across the Mara, Amboseli and Tsavo; the festive period is popular and pricier. December is a rewarding, festive safari month. The short rains usually taper off by mid-month, leaving green, photogenic landscapes and warm weather (around 14–28°C). The migration herds gather on the southern Serengeti plains as the calving season approaches. Game viewing is good and birding stays strong. The festive holiday period (roughly 20 Dec–early Jan) is busy and commands premium rates, while early December is quieter and better value.

Best forGreen landscapesFestive travelGood game viewing
Transitional
Green, drying out
14–28°C
RainfallLight
Crowds
High season
Visitor numbers this month
How busy3/4
Pricing
Higher rates
Relative cost to travel
Cost level4/5
Safari rating
4.0/5
Overall game-viewing quality

Great Migration in December

Herds gather on the southern Serengeti plains as calving season approaches.

Why December

Why go on safari in December

Lush, green plains

The short rains leave the landscape vivid and green — beautiful scenery with good game viewing.

Herds gather to calve

Wildebeest mass on the southern Serengeti plains as the calving season draws near.

A festive safari

Warm weather and special holiday camp experiences make December a magical time to travel.

December safaris in depth

December is a month of two halves. Early December often still sees the tail of the short rains and is quieter and better value, while conditions dry out as the month goes on. By mid-to-late December the landscape is lush and green, the weather is warm, and game viewing is good across the region — a lovely time to combine wildlife with a festive getaway.

The migration herds move back onto the southern Serengeti's short-grass plains, gathering in anticipation of the calving season that begins in the new year. The festive holiday window from around 20 December is popular and commands premium rates, with the best camps booking out early, so plan ahead if you want to travel over Christmas and New Year.

Where to Go

Where to go in Kenya in December

December is warm and green in Kenya as the short rains ease. Game viewing is good across the Mara, Amboseli and Tsavo; the festive period is popular and pricier.

Masai Mara

Kenya · December

Masai Mara is a standout choice for a December safari in Kenya.

Green landscapesFestive travelGood game viewing

Amboseli

Kenya · December

Amboseli is a standout choice for a December safari in Kenya.

Green landscapesFestive travelGood game viewing

Tsavo

Kenya · December

Tsavo is a standout choice for a December safari in Kenya.

Green landscapesFestive travelGood game viewing

Ready-Made Itineraries

Kenya safari itineraries for December

3 hand-picked itineraries suited to December — every trip is fully customisable to your dates and budget.

Mid range 7-Day Kenya Safari: Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara
Safari
Nairobi City
From$1,972/person
mid range

Mid range 7-Day Kenya Safari: Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara

  • Evening game drive in Amboseli National Park with Kilimanjaro views when skies are clear
  • Full private day in Amboseli National Park, known for large African Elephant herds
  • Complimentary boat ride on Lake naivasha plus a Crescent Island nature walk
7D / 6NDuration
1–100Group
Full BoardMeals
January – February
Includes Transfers Guide Meals Park Fees
Free cancellation · Local experts · Customisable
View Details Enquire Now
Luxury 7 Days lakes and plains safari: Amboseli, Naivasha, Nakuru & Mara
Safari
Nairobi City
From$3,510/person
luxury

Luxury 7 Days lakes and plains safari: Amboseli, Naivasha, Nakuru & Mara

  • Evening game drive in Amboseli National Park with Kilimanjaro views when skies are clear
  • Full private day in Amboseli National Park, known for large African Elephant herds
  • Complimentary boat ride on Lake naivasha plus a Crescent Island nature walk
7D / 6NDuration
1–100Group
Full BoardMeals
January – February
Includes Transfers Guide Meals Park Fees
Free cancellation · Local experts · Customisable
View Details Enquire Now
Ultra luxury 7-Day Kenya Safari: Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara
Safari
Nairobi City
From$4,509/person
ultra luxury

Ultra luxury 7-Day Kenya Safari: Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara

  • Evening game drive in Amboseli National Park with Kilimanjaro views when skies are clear
  • Full private day in Amboseli National Park, known for large African Elephant herds
  • Complimentary boat ride on Lake naivasha plus a Crescent Island nature walk
7D / 6NDuration
1–100Group
Full BoardMeals
January – February
Includes Transfers Guide Meals Park Fees
Free cancellation · Local experts · Customisable
View Details Enquire Now
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Safari Calendar

Compare every month

Each month offers something different. Tap any month to explore the best safaris and conditions for that time of year.

Plan With Experts

Why plan your Kenya safari with Imara Africa Safaris

We design Kenya safaris month by month, not from a template. As a Nairobi-based, KATO bonded and TRA-licensed operator, we know which of Kenya's parks and camps are at their best in December — and how to balance wildlife, weather, crowds and value.

From your first enquiry to your final game drive, every Kenya itinerary is tailored to your dates and interests, honestly priced and backed by round-the-clock support.

On-the-ground knowledge of Kenya's seasons
Camps positioned for the month's best wildlife
Honest advice on crowds, weather and value
Fully tailor-made itineraries
KATO bonded & TRA licensed
24/7 support before and during your trip
KATO Bonded Member TRA Licensed Operator 4.9/5 Traveller Rated

Curated and reviewed by the Imara Africa Safaris planning desk and senior guiding team, Nairobi, Kenya.

Meet our safari experts·Why travel with Imara·Read traveller reviews

Plan your December Kenya safari

Tell us your dates and we'll craft the perfect Kenya safari for December — matched to the season, honestly priced and tailored to you.

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December Safari FAQ

December safari questions, answered

Everything travellers ask us about safaris in December.

Festive, green and warm. December is warm and green in Kenya as the short rains ease. Game viewing is good across the Mara, Amboseli and Tsavo; the festive period is popular and pricier.

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Related Pages

All Kenya SafarisKenya GuideAll Safari PackagesPlan Your SafariDestinationsCost CalculatorBest time: Masai Mara National ReserveBest time: Nakuru CityBest time: Tsavo East National ParkBest time: Amboseli National ParkBest time: Lake naivashaBest time: Lake Nakuru National Park

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