Everybody wants the same few weeks. Schools close, offices wind down, and half of Nairobi decides on a beach at the same moment. That's why December holidays from Nairobi get expensive and fill up well before the date arrives. The good news is that a bit of planning in October or November does most of the work. Here's where people go, how the options compare, and when to book.
When the holiday season really starts
Dates change from year to year, so don't plan around last year's calendar. Check when your children's schools close and reopen, and when your own office shuts. Then look hard at the days around Christmas and New Year, because those are the dearest. A trip that starts a few days earlier, or ends a few days later, can cost noticeably less. How much depends on the place and the date.
Where people go from Nairobi in December
Kenya coast
The default choice, and it's easy to see why. Diani has a long beach and plenty of resorts. Watamu and Kilifi are quieter. Lamu is for people who don't mind a longer journey. December is hot and humid, so pick somewhere with a pool or a sea breeze, not just a room. The nicer places go first. Our guide to a 4 or 5 day Kenya coast holiday covers meal plans, transfers and room types.
Masai Mara
December isn't the month for the big river crossings, which usually come earlier in the year. What you get is good game viewing, so plan around the animals, not the crossings. Camps can fill over Christmas week. Flying in saves a long drive, which matters if you only have a few days. Our safari destinations page has more.
Zanzibar
A short flight from Nairobi, white beaches, and Stone Town for a day of wandering. It's popular in December, so flights and rooms go early. Check entry requirements and your passport validity before you pay for anything.
Dubai
Winter is the mild season there, which is why December works for a city break. Malls, desert trips, theme parks. Plenty of Nairobi families do it. Hotel prices climb around New Year. Visas are the bit people leave too late, so sort that out before you buy tickets. Our visa assistance page explains what we can help with.
December options side by side
A quick comparison before you commit.
| Place | Best for | Getting there | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya coast | Beach time with family | Flight, train or road | Heat, humidity and a Christmas week price jump |
| Masai Mara | Wildlife | Fly in or drive | No big crossings in December, and camps fill early |
| Zanzibar | Beach plus Stone Town | Flight from Nairobi | Entry rules, passport validity and early sell-outs |
| Dubai | City break and mild weather | Flight from Nairobi | Visa timing and New Year hotel prices |
Planning December holidays from Nairobi? Tell us your dates
Send us where you want to go, your dates and how many people are travelling. We reply to WhatsApp enquiries within 30 minutes, Monday to Saturday, and can check flights and fares for you.
When to book
Earlier than you think. For the week around Christmas and New Year, flights and rooms start disappearing in the autumn, and the prices only go one way. Once your dates are fixed, book flights and rooms close together. A cheap room is no use if the flights are full. If plans might shift, ask for a fare you can change, and read the cancellation terms before you pay a deposit, not after. And if your dates can move even by a day or two, say so to whoever is booking. It's the cheapest saving there is. Our flight booking agents in Nairobi can compare fares and fare rules for your dates.
Travelling with children or a big family
Count heads before you search. A family of five doesn't fit a standard double, and family rooms are limited, which is another reason to book early. Check for cots, a children's pool and whether the beach is safe for swimming. If grandparents are coming, ask how far the room is from the beach and how many steps there are. For a bigger group, book flights together so you sit together. Our group flight booking Kenya page covers that.
What to ask before you pay
- What's in the price exactly? Meals, transfers, activities, taxes.
- Are the flights included, and on which days?
- What happens if my dates change?
- When is the balance due, and is the deposit refundable?
- Do I need a visa, and who sorts it out?
Slow or fuzzy answers in December usually mean the same thing in January. Ask again.
Getting help with your trip
We're an IATA certified agency in Nairobi, and we've been at it for more than 30 years. Flights are the part we can sort out right away: we compare routes and fares for your dates and go through the ticket conditions before you pay. We also help with visas and airport transfers, so mention it if you need either.
IATA certified | Amadeus-powered | 30+ years' experience | WhatsApp replies within 30 minutes, Monday to Saturday
Questions people ask about December travel
When do schools close?
It changes every year. Look at the Ministry of Education calendar or ask your school. Don't plan around last year's dates.
How early should I book flights?
As soon as your dates are fixed. For Christmas week, October or November isn't too early. Waiting for a better price often backfires at this time of year.
Is December a good month for the Mara?
For game viewing, yes. For river crossings, no, those are usually earlier. Ask early, because camps fill for Christmas.
Coast or Zanzibar?
Depends what you want. The coast is easier if you'd rather take the train or drive, and Zanzibar needs a flight. Compare the same room type and meal plan before you decide which one is cheaper, because prices vary a lot.
Can Spice Travel help?
With flights, yes. Message us on WhatsApp with where you're going, your dates and how many of you are travelling. We reply within 30 minutes, Monday to Saturday.
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Speak to us about your December holidays from Nairobi
Call +254 740 633 759 during office hours (Monday to Friday 8:30 to 5:30, Saturday 8:30 to 1:00), or send us your plans through the contact form.