Christmas Safari in East Africa 2026: Festive Holidays

In this guide

1. Why Spend Christmas on Safari?
2. Best Christmas Safari Destinations
3. Flights from London in December
4. What to Pack for a December Safari
5. Family-Friendly Christmas Safari Itinerary (10 Days)
6. Booking Tips for Christmas Safaris
7. Ready to Book Your Christmas Safari?

Why Spend Christmas on Safari?

While most of Europe shivers through grey December days, East Africa basks in warm sunshine and some of the best wildlife viewing of the year. A Christmas safari is the ultimate escape — swapping mince pies for sundowners, and carol singing for lion roars at dawn. December falls in the short rains in Kenya and Tanzania, which means lush green landscapes, fewer tourists, and lower prices compared to the July–October peak. Uganda and Rwanda are transitioning into their dry season, making gorilla trekking conditions excellent. For British and European families, the two-week school holiday window from mid-December to early January is the perfect length for a safari-and-beach combination.

Best Christmas Safari Destinations

Kenya: Masai Mara at Christmas

The Mara is spectacular year-round, but December offers a quieter experience than the migration months. Resident wildlife — lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and cheetahs — remains abundant. Many luxury camps run special Christmas Eve dinners under the stars and New Year’s bush breakfasts. Expect to pay: From £2,200 per person for a 5-night Mara safari including domestic flights from Nairobi, full board, and game drives.

Tanzania: Serengeti & Zanzibar

December is calving season in the southern Serengeti — thousands of wildebeest and zebra gather on the Ndutu plains, attracting predators in huge numbers. Combine a week of game drives with four nights on Zanzibar’s white-sand beaches for the ultimate festive getaway. Expect to pay: From £3,500 per person for 10 nights (6 safari + 4 beach), including internal flights and full board.

Uganda: Gorilla Trekking Over Christmas

December is one of the best months for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest — the trails are drier and visibility is excellent. Permits cost $800 per person (roughly £630). Pair gorilla trekking with a game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park for tree-climbing lions and Kazinga Channel boat safaris. Expect to pay: From £1,800 per person for a 5-day gorilla and wildlife safari.

Rwanda: Luxury Gorilla Trek

Rwanda’s premium gorilla permits ($1,500/£1,180 pp) come with smaller group sizes and shorter forest walks. Several luxury lodges in the Volcanoes National Park area offer special Christmas packages with champagne brunches and cultural village visits. Expect to pay: From £2,800 per person for 4 nights including permit, luxury lodge, and transfers.

Flights from London in December

December is peak season for flights to East Africa from the UK, so booking early is essential. Here is what to expect: London to Nairobi (Kenya Airways or British Airways direct): from £550 return if booked by September, rising to £900+ closer to December. London to Entebbe (via Addis Ababa or Dubai): from £480 return on Ethiopian Airlines or Emirates. London to Kilimanjaro (via Amsterdam or Doha): from £600 return on KLM or Qatar Airways. Pro tip: Book by the end of September to lock in the best fares. Flexible date searches on Google Flights or Skyscanner often reveal savings of £200+ by shifting your departure by a day or two.

What to Pack for a December Safari

December weather in East Africa is warm (25–30°C daytime) with occasional afternoon showers. Pack light layers for cool mornings on game drives, a waterproof jacket, and sun protection. Evening temperatures in highland areas like Bwindi or the Ngorongoro Crater rim can drop to 10–15°C, so bring a warm fleece. Do not forget binoculars, a camera with a zoom lens, and insect repellent with DEET for the evenings.

Family-Friendly Christmas Safari Itinerary (10 Days)

Days 1–2: Fly London to Nairobi. Overnight at a Nairobi hotel. Visit the Giraffe Centre and David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage. Days 3–5: Fly to the Masai Mara. Three days of game drives, bush walks, and a Christmas Eve dinner under the African sky. Days 6–7: Fly to Arusha, transfer to the Ngorongoro Crater. Boxing Day game drive in the world’s largest unflooded caldera. Days 8–10: Fly to Zanzibar. Beach time, snorkelling, and a spice tour. Ring in the New Year on Stone Town’s waterfront.

Booking Tips for Christmas Safaris

Christmas is high season in East Africa, so availability at popular lodges fills fast. Here is what we recommend: Book at least 3–4 months ahead (by September) for the best lodge availability and flight prices. Gorilla permits for December sell out even earlier — book 6 months ahead if possible. Consider a mid-range lodge instead of ultra-luxury to keep costs manageable during peak season. The wildlife is exactly the same whether you are in a £200/night or £800/night lodge. Travel insurance is essential — choose a policy that covers trip cancellation, medical evacuation, and adventure activities including gorilla trekking.

Ready to Book Your Christmas Safari?

Nature Nest Safaris specialises in tailor-made Christmas and New Year safari packages across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. Whether you want a romantic couples’ getaway, a family adventure, or a solo bucket-list trip, we will design the perfect itinerary. Contact us today: Email book@naturenestsafaris.com or call +256 777 131 912. Visit www.naturenestsafaris.com to explore our safari packages.