The Solo December Kenya Safari is a fully organised 6-day, 5-night private journey through Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, and the Maasai Mara. This package is structured for individuals travelling from the UK, providing a private 4x4 vehicle, a dedicated guide, and accommodation in Sopa lodges. The itinerary solves the logistical challenges of travelling alone by combining the independence of a personal trip with the security of a pre-arranged schedule.
How The Solo December Kenya Safari Package Ensures Safety for Solo Travellers
This package addresses the specific safety concerns of an independent traveller. Your dedicated safari guide and private 4x4 vehicle are central to your security. Your guide serves as your wildlife expert, navigator, and single point of contact for all logistics, removing any uncertainty when travelling alone in unfamiliar parks.
The selection of Sopa lodges in Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, and the Maasai Mara provides a secure and professional environment. As a solo guest, you have a private room with the background security of a well-staffed, reputable lodge. This setup offers a comfortable base for relaxation between game drives.
Key Benefits of this Solo Safari Package
- Complete Logistical Support: All park fees, accommodations, and meal plans are arranged in advance, removing the planning work.
- Personalised Pace: A private guide allows you to control the focus of your game drives, a flexibility unavailable in group tours.
- Guaranteed Safety: An experienced local guide and a dedicated vehicle increase personal security and provide expert management of any unforeseen situations.
- Social Balance: The safari offers solitude during game drives and optional social interaction with other guests in communal lodge areas.
What Does the Solo December Safari Package Include?
The package structure is inclusive, covering all major on-the-ground costs to assist with effective budgeting for a solo trip from the UK. This approach reduces the need for frequent payments and avoids the single supplement fee often applied to individual travellers.
| Inclusions |
Exclusions |
| Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof |
International flights from the UK |
| Services of a dedicated English-speaking guide |
Kenya eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) |
| All park and conservation fees |
Optional activities (e.g., hot air balloon) |
| 5 nights' full-board accommodation at Sopa Lodges |
Gratuities for your guide and lodge staff |
| All meals as specified (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) |
Travel and medical insurance |
| Bottled mineral water during game drives |
Beverages and personal expenses |
By packaging a private vehicle, guide, and full-board accommodation, the pricing structure provides clarity and value. You secure a completely private safari experience without the typical cost penalties associated with solo travel.
What Wildlife Can You Expect in December?
December in Kenya follows the 'short rains', resulting in green landscapes and clear air for photography. In Amboseli National Park, clearer post-rain skies provide unobstructed views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Amboseli is a prime location to see large elephant herds, giraffes, zebras, and wetland birdlife against the mountain backdrop.
Lake Naivasha offers a different habitat of freshwater and acacia woodland. The lake supports over 400 bird species, including fish eagles and cormorants. A boat safari provides close encounters with hippos and is excellent for bird watching, offering a calm contrast to the savanna parks.
The Maasai Mara National Reserve concludes the safari. The reserve has a high concentration of resident wildlife year-round. December provides a strong opportunity to see the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. Your guide is an expert in tracking the reserve's resident big cat populations, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
How the Solo Safari Itinerary is Structured
This 6-day itinerary is designed for an efficient route, minimising travel time and maximising ecological diversity. The journey begins with collection from Nairobi and travels south to Amboseli National Park. After two nights, the route proceeds north-west to Lake Naivasha, which serves as a midway point to break the journey to the Maasai Mara.
The final section of the itinerary takes you from Naivasha to the Maasai Mara. Your private 4x4 Land Cruiser is your exclusive vehicle for the entire trip. This ensures your luggage is always secure, you can stop for photographs at will, and you have ample personal space. Your driver-guide manages all navigation and park entries, allowing you to focus on the wildlife.
What are the Flight and eTA Requirements from the UK?
Direct flights to Kenya are available from the UK. Kenya Airways and British Airways operate regular non-stop services from London Heathrow (LHR) to Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). The approximate flight duration is 8 to 9 hours. December is a peak travel month, so booking flights several months in advance is advisable to secure better fares.
All British citizens must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before travelling to Kenya, as the visa-on-arrival service is no longer available. You must apply for the eTA online via the official Government of Kenya portal. The application requires a valid passport, a recent photograph, flight confirmation, and accommodation details. We recommend applying at least two weeks before your travel date. Your passport must have at least six months of validity remaining from your intended departure date from Kenya.
What are the Sopa Lodge Accommodations and Social Options?
Sopa Lodges in Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, and the Maasai Mara are selected for their quality service and suitability for solo travellers. These are established, comfortable lodges with professional staff and good amenities. Each guest receives a private room with an en-suite bathroom, offering a personal space after game drives.
The lodges also feature welcoming communal areas, including lounges, bars, and dining rooms. These spaces provide an opportunity to interact with other guests if you choose. Sharing stories from the day's game drives is a common part of the safari experience, offering a balance of privacy and social contact.
How Does the December Climate Affect a Kenya Safari?
The December weather in Kenya is generally warm. Daytime temperatures typically range from 24°C to 28°C, with cooler mornings and evenings. A light fleece or jacket is required for early morning game drives. The landscape is often green after the November rains, which also keeps dust levels down.
Occasional afternoon showers can occur but are usually short and do not disrupt safari activities. Wildlife is generally dispersed because of the widespread availability of water and vegetation, but your experienced guide will know the best locations for sightings.
How Can You Customise This Solo Safari Itinerary?
This 6-day safari itinerary can serve as a foundation for a longer holiday in Kenya. Many solo travellers from the UK add a beach extension for post-safari relaxation. A short flight from Nairobi connects to Diani or Malindi on the Kenyan coast, or to the island of Zanzibar.
You can also extend your safari by adding another destination. Options include the Samburu National Reserve in the north or Lake Nakuru National Park, known for its birdlife. A day in Nairobi can also be added to visit the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust or the Giraffe Centre. Our safari specialists can integrate these extensions to build a personalised itinerary. [Plan your custom Kenya safari]
What Should You Pack for a Solo December Safari?
Final preparations are important for a successful trip. For clothing, pack lightweight layers in neutral colours like khaki, green, or brown. Include long-sleeved shirts and trousers for sun and insect protection, a warm fleece for cool mornings, a waterproof jacket, and a sun hat. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are sufficient.
For health, consult your GP or a travel clinic 6 to 8 weeks before departure for advice on vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis. Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory. Your policy must cover medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and personal belongings for your entire trip in Kenya.