In short
- The Christmas and New Year weeks are peak season in Kenya. The best camps fill early, so ask for availability now.
- Christmas 2026 is about 8 weeks away. Short notice trips depend on camp availability.
- Late December is warm, and the short rains usually ease by then. Weather can still vary.
- We plan private journeys for families, couples and groups, with festive touches at the camps.
Winter break is the longest holiday many American families get. It is also a wonderful time to be in Kenya.
The days are warm, the light is golden and the camps put on a festive welcome. The only catch is that everyone else wants to go too.
We are a Kenyan owned luxury safari company in Karen, Nairobi.
When is peak season in Kenya?
The weeks around Christmas and New Year are among the busiest of the year. Camps fill early, and rates are at their highest.
Christmas 2026 falls on a Friday. Most school breaks run from around 19 December to the first days of January, so that is when camps are fullest.
Can you still book for Christmas this year?
Often you can, but it depends on camps and dates. Tell us your dates, your group size and the type of stay you want. We check availability and come back with options.
If your first choice is full, we suggest nearby camps with the same standard. We can also shift your dates by a few days.
What is the weather like in December?
December is usually warm and bright, with a chance of showers. The short rains can linger into early December, then often ease.
The land is still green from the November rains. That helps with photography and with young animals.
We cannot promise the weather, so we plan with flexibility.
What will you see?
- Lions, leopards, cheetah and elephants in the Maasai Mara.
- Giraffe, zebra and large herds of plains game.
- Amboseli, with elephants and views of Mount Kilimanjaro on clear days.
- Plenty of birdlife, including migrant species.
For the wildebeest calving season, many travelers choose the southern Serengeti in Tanzania from about January to March.
Festive touches on safari
Many camps decorate for the holidays. We can arrange extras for your group.
- A private Christmas dinner under the stars.
- A bush breakfast on Christmas morning.
- A New Year toast around the campfire.
Four journeys we would suggest
| Journey | Days | Why it suits the holidays |
|---|---|---|
| 8 Day Ultra Luxury Maasai Mara Safari | 8 | Two exceptional camps in one week |
| 9 Day Luxury Kenya Safari | 9 | Kenya's great parks and conservancies |
| 9 Day Ultra Luxury Maasai Mara and Serengeti Safari | 9 | Two countries and two private reserves |
| 12 Day Ultra Luxury Kenya and Tanzania Safari | 12 | A full journey for families with time |
Travelling with children and grandchildren
Many holiday guests bring all ages. We plan a private vehicle and a flexible pace, so everyone enjoys the day.
Tell us the ages of the children. Some camps have minimum ages for certain activities.
How do you get from the USA to Nairobi?
New York has a nonstop on Kenya Airways, and other cities connect once. Holiday flights fill early, so check them soon.
Read our guide to safari from the USA for routes and time differences by city.
What do you need before you travel?
You need a valid passport and a Kenya electronic travel authorization. Apply early and check the official government portal, as fees and timing change.
Written by Abner Ongeri of Ongeri Expeditions, a Kenyan owned luxury safari company in Karen, Nairobi. We visit every camp we sell, and we plan these journeys every week. Last checked 29 October 2026.