The December Family Kenya Safari & Beach Holiday is a pre-designed package for UK families. This itinerary combines wildlife viewing in Kenya's savannah reserves with a coastal stay on the Indian Ocean. The tour is structured for the UK school holiday period with a convenient Nairobi start and end point.
A base price of USD 3540.00 per person covers the specified ground transport, accommodation, park entry fees, and meals. This price foundation excludes international flights from the UK, Kenya eTA fees, travel insurance, and personal expenses.
December Family Kenya Safari & Beach Holiday Package Key Facts
| Feature |
Description |
Notes for UK Families |
| Duration |
10 Days / 9 Nights |
Fits within the UK school Christmas holiday period. |
| Route |
Nairobi – Nairobi |
Simplifies flight booking from LHR/LGW. |
| Focus |
Safari & Beach |
A balanced mix of activity and relaxation. |
| Difficulty |
Easy |
Internal flights reduce long drives. |
Wildlife Families Should Expect on This Safari
The safari section of this holiday concentrates on Kenya’s major wildlife reserves, including the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Travel in December occurs after the 'short rains,' which results in green, dust-free conditions ideal for photography. The weather conditions at this time of year are favourable for wildlife spotting.
Key Animal Sightings
Game drives provide opportunities to see large mammals such as elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, and buffalo. December is also a peak month for birdwatching, as resident populations are supplemented by migratory species from Europe and northern Africa.
Family-Centred Game Drives
Our driver-guides conduct all game drives in 4x4 safari vehicles equipped with pop-up roofs for safe viewing. The guides adjust the duration and focus of each drive to maintain the engagement of younger children. The primary goal is to provide quality sightings and explain animal behaviour in an accessible way.
What Is the Beach Destination Like?
Following the safari, this itinerary includes a coastal stay at a destination such as Diani Beach. Diani is known for its white sand beaches and is protected by a coral reef, which creates calm water conditions suitable for families with children. The warm Indian Ocean water is safe for swimming and other water activities.
The beach portion of the holiday is unstructured, allowing families to set their own pace. Available activities include relaxing at the resort, swimming, or water-based excursions. Common options are glass-bottom boat tours and snorkelling within the shallow lagoons. This segment provides a period of rest after the safari's structured, early-morning schedule.
How Accommodation Caters for Families
All accommodation throughout this 10-day holiday is selected specifically for its suitability for families with children. Properties are chosen based on safety, comfort, and the availability of family-specific room configurations.
Safari Lodges and Tented Camps
On safari, families stay in lodges or tented camps that provide family rooms or interconnected tents. This rooming setup ensures children are close to their parents. Many safari properties also have swimming pools for recreation between game drives.
Coastal Beach Resorts
The beach resorts are chosen for their direct beach access and family-focused facilities. The selection of these experienced properties supports the itinerary's 'easy' difficulty rating by providing a secure and comfortable environment.
How Travel Logistics are Managed for Families
The holiday package operates on a Nairobi-to-Nairobi route to simplify UK flight planning. The itinerary moves from the safari parks to the coast, using an internal flight for the long-distance transfer. This logistical design minimises road travel time.
Using an internal flight instead of a full-day road journey is a key element for family comfort, especially for younger children. The flight significantly shortens the transfer time between the safari and beach locations. All ground transfers between airports, airstrips, and lodges are included and conducted in private vehicles.
What to Expect from a December Trip to Kenya
Weather and Environment
Travel to Kenya in December coincides with the end of the 'short rains' season. This timing results in green environments with less dust than during the main dry season. Any rainfall typically occurs in short afternoon showers, with clear conditions for the remainder of the day.
Visitor Numbers and Atmosphere
December is a peak travel month in Kenya due to the festive holidays. Travellers should anticipate higher visitor numbers in popular areas like the Maasai Mara. Many lodges offer a festive atmosphere during this period.
Booking and Supplements
Early booking is recommended to secure accommodation for December travel. A festive season supplement may apply for stays over Christmas and New-tide. Any applicable supplements are confirmed during the booking process.
Travel Requirements for UK Families
Flights from London
Direct, overnight flights to Nairobi (NBO) are available from London Heathrow (LHR) and Gatwick (LGW). An overnight flight helps to minimise disruption to children's sleep patterns and reduces the effects of jet lag upon arrival.
Kenya eTA and Health Precautions
All UK citizens, including infants and children, are required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) online before travelling to Kenya. UK travellers should consult a GP or travel clinic at least eight weeks prior to departure to discuss required vaccinations and malaria prevention.
Recommended Packing List
A practical packing list should include items suitable for both the safari and beach environments. The following items are recommended for this family holiday.
- Lightweight, neutral-coloured clothing for safari drives.
- A warm fleece or jacket for cool mornings and evenings.
- Comfortable walking shoes and beach-appropriate sandals.
- Swimwear, sun hats, and high-SPF sun cream.
- Binoculars for each family member.
- Insect repellent and a personal first-aid kit.
- UK-style (Type G) plug adaptors and a portable power bank.
Why This Itinerary is Rated 'Easy' for Families
This itinerary carries an 'easy' difficulty rating because its components are structured to reduce travel fatigue for families. The package includes a balance of activities and scheduled downtime. The use of internal flights for long-distance transfers is the main factor contributing to this rating.
The pace of the itinerary is managed through several key features. Game drive durations can be adjusted to suit children's energy levels. The Nairobi-to-Nairobi routing simplifies international flight booking for UK travellers, as arrival and departure are from the same airport. The 10-day duration allows for a varied experience without a rushed schedule.
How to Customise This Family Holiday
This 10-day itinerary serves as a framework that can be modified to meet specific family requirements. Common adjustments include extending the beach stay, upgrading accommodation, or adding activities in private conservancies. Activities such as guided walks or night drives are subject to age restrictions.
Our specialists can alter this itinerary based on your family's interests, budget, and the ages of your children. All customisations are quoted transparently, detailing any change to the base price.
How to Book This December Family Holiday
December is a peak travel season, and demand for flights and family-friendly lodges is high. We recommend booking 9 to 12 months in advance to secure availability. This timeframe also provides sufficient time to organise Kenyan eTAs and any necessary health consultations in the UK.
Enquiries for this December Family Safari & Beach Holiday can be made using the form on the booking page. Our team will respond to confirm availability and provide details on the deposit and payment schedule. [Request a quote for your family safari]