Kenya safari in December

Monthly Safari Guide

Kenya Safari in
December

Short Rains Ending 17-30°C 70mm rain 7678 tours
December straddles the end of the short rains and the festive holiday season, creating an interesting dynamic in Kenya's safari calendar. The landscape is green and beautiful while rainfall diminishes through the month. Christmas and New Year safaris are hugely popular, pushing prices up and filling camps quickly despite the shoulder-season weather. The Masai Mara offers intimate game viewing without migration crowds, while Amboseli delivers classic elephant-and-Kilimanjaro scenes. Book festive dates well in advance.

Season overview

Short Rains Ending in Kenya

December falls within Kenya's short rains ending, characterised by daytime highs of 30°C and overnight lows of 17°C. Average rainfall is 70mm, making this a moderately wet period.

This transitional period offers a mix of conditions as Kenya shifts between seasons. You may experience both dry and wet days, but game viewing is typically good and crowds are manageable. Pricing often offers good value compared to peak months.

Wildlife & nature

Wildlife Highlights in December

  • Wildebeest calving begins in the southern Mara region
  • Festive season brings celebratory safari atmosphere
  • Young elephants playful in Amboseli swamps
  • Large herds of zebra and gazelle on green plains

Where to go

Best Parks in Kenya for December

Masai Mara

Top pick this month

Amboseli

Recommended for December

Samburu

Recommended for December

Tsavo

Recommended for December

Planning

Crowds & Pricing in December

Crowd Level

High

Price Level

High Season

Average price per person

Budget

$1650

from $70 · 1160 tours

Mid-range

$2050

from $50 · 2992 tours

Luxury

$4311

from $150 · 736 tours

Ultra-Luxury

$15061

from $2595 · 46 tours

December commands high-season pricing in Kenya due to excellent conditions and strong demand. Booking 3-6 months ahead is recommended for the best selection of camps and lodges.

Preparation

What to Pack for December

Light rain jacket
Festive safari outfit
Binoculars
Sunscreen
Comfortable layered clothing

With temperatures between 17 and 30 degrees Celsius, layering is essential. Early morning game drives can be cold, while midday is warm. Neutral colours (khaki, olive, brown) are best for safari. Avoid bright whites and dark blues which attract tsetse flies in some areas.

Book your adventure

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Frequently asked questions

Kenya Safari in December FAQ

Is December a good time for a safari in Kenya?

December falls in Kenya's short rains ending, with temperatures of 17-30 degrees Celsius and 70mm average rainfall. Crowd levels are high, and pricing is at high season rates. Wildebeest calving begins in the southern Mara region. Overall, December is a solid choice for a Kenya safari.

How much does a Kenya safari cost in December?

Kenya safari costs in December vary by comfort level. Budget safaris average $1650/person from $70. Mid-range options average $2050/person. Luxury safaris average $4311/person. Ultra-luxury experiences average $15061/person. Prices are moderate in December. Compare 7678 tours on SafariPicked.

What wildlife can I see in Kenya in December?

December wildlife highlights in Kenya include: Wildebeest calving begins in the southern Mara region. Festive season brings celebratory safari atmosphere. Young elephants playful in Amboseli swamps. Large herds of zebra and gazelle on green plains. The best parks to visit this month are Masai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu, Tsavo.

What should I pack for a Kenya safari in December?

Essential packing for a December Kenya safari: Light rain jacket, Festive safari outfit, Binoculars, Sunscreen, Comfortable layered clothing. Temperatures range from 17 to 30 degrees Celsius with 70mm rainfall, so layering is key for variable temperatures.

Which parks are best to visit in Kenya in December?

The top parks in Kenya for December are Masai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu, Tsavo. During the short rains ending, these parks offer the best game viewing conditions. Masai Mara is particularly recommended this month. Browse all Kenya park guides and tour options on SafariPicked.