Is Christmas a Good Time to Visit Kenya? Safari Tips, Weather and Wildlife Guide.
Is Christmas a good time to go to Kenya? Christmas is not a holiday for many travellers, but rather it is the best time to get away, explore new cultures and spend time with loved ones. Kenya is a country that, under the influence of wildlife, beaches, and warm hospitality, usually features in holiday travel wish lists. However, is Christmas the right time to visit Kenya? ‘Yes’ is the correct answer to this question, but there are several important considerations.
Warm and pleasant weather
December is in the short dry season of Kenya, which generally lasts between mid-December and February. This renders Christmas one of the most pleasant weather seasons of the year. The skies are clear, the days are warm, and the humidity is moderate, depending on the locality.
Nairobi and central highlands: hot to warm with a temperature of 18-26°C.
Coast (Mombasa, Diani, Watamu, and Malindi): hot and muggy with a breeze, 25-32°C.
Rift Valley and lakes: It is mostly warm and sunny.
Savannah reserves: arid and dusty, and a hunting place.
Dry climates also make travelling easy, and minimal rain may ruin safaris and beach arrangements. This renders December particularly favourable with families and first-time visitors.
Excellent wildlife viewing
Christmas is immediately after Kenya’s short rains. At this time, the plants are still green, and water is still in pools, as are animals around the water sources they can rely on. The visibility is usually excellent.
Popular wildlife places include the following:
Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo East and West, Samburu, Lake Nakuru
Have superb opportunities of viewing elephants, lions, giraffes, buffalo, cheetahs and much plains game. Migratory species also boost the birdlife as they come in from Europe and Asia.
Although the renowned Great Wildebeest Migration is better in earlier months (July-October), Christmas remains a promising and fulfilling safari destination.
Beautiful Christmas on the shore.
The Indian Ocean coastline of Kenya is the most vibrant around the festive period. Diani, Nyali, Watamu, Kilifi, and Malindi are the towns that receive both local and international tourists.
Travellers enjoy white sandy beaches, warm turquoise water, snorkelling and diving in the coral reefs. dhow tours and sunset tours, boat trips, beach parties and Christmas parties.
Hotels, restaurants and beach resorts hold themed parties where music is played, there are buffets and Swahili food, and occasionally there are fireworks. The tropical climate is another attraction to people who are fleeing cold winters.
Festive and cultural environment.
Kenya is a predominantly Christian nation, and Christmas is celebrated. Churches are full of worship, families have dinners, and cities adorn streets and shops.
Visitors can experience the following:
- Church choirs and Christmas carols.
- Markets and craft fairs
- The Kenyan foods include pilau, chapati, nyama choma (grilled meat), and mandazi, which are traditional Kenyan dishes.
Most malls and restaurants in Nairobi and other large towns have longer hours. The holiday season is welcoming, communal and lively and gives visitors the feeling of home.
Family-friendly destination
It may be the Christmas holidays, and Kenya is quite family-oriented. National parks have guided tours on game drives, educational lectures and child-friendly lodges complete with swimming pools and activities.
Another service offered by beach resorts is the provision of kids’ clubs, babysitting and shallow pools. Most of the properties catering to younger travellers would have special Christmas programs that will ensure the younger tourists are entertained as the adults unwind.
Consideration
As much as it is a great time to visit during Christmas, there are viable considerations that are worth knowing.
High season prices
The whole month of December, and in particular the period between the middle of the month and the first week of January, is the peak season of tourism in Kenya. The level of demand is great as domestic and international vacationers are holidaying.
Expect:
- Higher hotel and lodge rates
- Safari packages at the premium price.
- Flights becoming costly and at times full.
It is highly advisable to book some months in advance. Procrastination can restrict options or make travellers spend a lot of money on alternatives.
Crowds in popular destinations
The Maasai Mara and Amboseli are popular parks that may be congested during Christmas. It is also the place where beach resorts become booked in a short time. The quiet getaways that one would want to visit include the lesser-known parts of the world, like the Meru National Park, Shaba, the conservancies in Amboseli National Park, or even the less frequented beaches near Msambweni and north of Malindi.
Travel logistics
The public buses, trains, and flights can also be crowded easily since most Kenyans travel up-country to see relatives. Holiday traffic may also occur on roads alongside major cities. Premeditating transportation, in particular, flights and the SGR train between Nairobi and Mombasa also contribute to avoiding delays.
Consideration of safety and health.
Travellers should take normal precautions, which generally make Kenya safe in terms of tourism.
Basic tips include:
- Hail a cab or reliable transport
- Use registered cabs or registered transport using reputed services.
- Do not carry valuables with you.
- Store passports securely
- Observing hotel and park rules.
- Wear sunscreen and drink water.
In part, coastal and lowland areas might be at risk of malaria, which is why it is better to visit a travel clinic before travelling. Travel insurance is also highly encouraged.
The reason why Christmas is special in Kenya.
The combination of nature, culture, and warmth is what makes Kenya the best place to spend Christmas. Kenya does not provide merely a shopping or nightlife destination, in contrast to places that are based on meaningful experiences.
Sunrise safaris, peaceful beach mornings, cultural encounters, and outdoor activities like hiking, camel rides or boat rides.
It is less fast; the scenery is dramatic, and the hospitality is heartfelt.
Conclusion
It is a great time to go to Kenya, especially at Christmas, because the country is known to be a good destination in terms of sunshine, wildlife, beaches and cultural celebrations. The weather is pleasant, wildlife sightseeing is good, and the spirit of festivity adds a better touch to the affair.
