Safari PlanningWhile most of Britain shivers through another grey December, the savannas of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda are warm, green and teeming with wildlife. A Christmas safari swaps cold turkey for sundowner gin and tonics, fairy lights for actual stars, and the morning commute for a sunrise game drive alongside elephants. It is, by a comfortable margin, one of the best ways to spend the holiday season.
December falls within the short rains in East Africa — brief afternoon showers that cool the air and keep the landscape lush without disrupting game drives. Calving season is approaching on the Serengeti plains, migratory birds have arrived, and the bush is at its most photogenic. For European travellers with two weeks off over Christmas and New Year, the timing could not be better.
The Masai Mara in December is green, quiet compared to the July migration rush, and full of resident wildlife — lion prides, elephants, giraffe, and big cat hunts. Combine it with Amboseli National Park for Kilimanjaro views and Lake Nakuru for flamingos. Many lodges host Christmas Day celebrations with bush brunches and Maasai dance performances.
By late December, the wildebeest herds are gathering on the southern Serengeti short-grass plains ahead of the calving season. The Ngorongoro Crater is reliably spectacular year-round, and a Zanzibar beach extension for New Year is an easy add — a short flight from the Serengeti to white-sand beaches and Stone Town’s atmosphere.
December is one of the best months for gorilla trekking in Bwindi. The short dry spell between the two rainy seasons means drier trails, clearer skies, and gorilla families that tend to stay at lower altitudes — making treks shorter and more comfortable. Permits sell out months in advance for the Christmas period, so early booking is essential.
Temperatures in December range from 20 to 30°C across most safari destinations. Nairobi and the Kenyan highlands are cooler at around 15 to 24°C. Rainfall comes in short, sharp showers — typically in the afternoon — rather than all-day downpours. Game drives happen in the morning and late afternoon regardless, and the showers actually improve photography by softening the light and washing dust from the air.
Uganda’s December weather varies by altitude. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest can be cool and misty at 1,500 metres, so bring warm layers for gorilla trekking. Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls national parks are warm and relatively dry.
December is peak season across East Africa, which means two things: higher lodge rates and limited availability. Expect to pay 20 to 30 per cent more than shoulder-season prices. A 7-day Christmas safari in Kenya or Tanzania typically costs between £3,000 and £5,000 per person from a local operator like Nature Nest Safaris, including all game drives, accommodation, meals, and park fees.
Flights from London to Nairobi or Kilimanjaro in December run £500 to £900 return — book by September for the best fares. Gorilla trekking permits for December often sell out by July, so if gorillas are on your list, do not wait.
Arrive Nairobi, transfer to Amboseli for two nights with Kilimanjaro sunrise views. Drive to the Masai Mara for three nights of Big Five game drives, a Christmas Day bush brunch, and an optional balloon safari. Return to Nairobi for your flight home or extend into the New Year. From £3,200 per person.
Fly into Kilimanjaro, drive to Tarangire for two nights among baobabs and elephant herds. Continue to Ngorongoro Crater for a day on the crater floor, then three nights in the Serengeti with a Christmas morning game drive. Fly to Zanzibar on 27 December for three nights of beach, snorkelling, and a Stone Town New Year. From £4,500 per person.
Arrive Entebbe, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park for two nights of tree-climbing lions and Kazinga Channel boat cruise. Continue to Bwindi for gorilla trekking on Christmas Eve. Christmas Day at a crater lake lodge with a special festive dinner. Boxing Day trek to a second gorilla family, then Lake Bunyonyi for two nights of relaxation before returning to Entebbe. From £3,800 per person.
The single most important tip is to book early. December is the busiest month for East African tourism alongside July and August. Popular lodges and gorilla permits sell out months ahead. September is already late for December bookings — act now if you have not already.
Travel insurance is non-negotiable. Cover trip cancellation, medical evacuation (essential for remote safari areas), and adventure activities if you plan to add rafting, trekking, or balloon rides. Most UK insurers offer safari-specific policies.
Pack for two climates — warm days and cool evenings. Layers work best. A waterproof jacket handles the short rain showers, and a headlamp is useful for early morning starts. Leave the Christmas jumper at home.
Nature Nest Safaris designs custom Christmas and New Year safari itineraries across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. We handle permits, lodges, transfers, and festive touches — you just bring the holiday spirit. Contact us at book@naturenestsafaris.com or call +256 777 131 912 for a free quote. Availability for December 2026 is filling fast.
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