Planning a safari over the holiday season — whether for Christmas or New Year — calls for thoughtful logistics. You want the right balance of wildlife viewing, travel time, accommodation comfort, and local culture without feeling rushed. A 7 to 10‑day safari lets you explore multiple ecosystems and signature parks, making the most of December’s unique seasonal backdrop: lush landscapes, active wildlife, and fewer crowds in many regions.
Below you’ll find a curated set of sample itineraries that work especially well for December travel, including recommended stops, highlights, and the kind of experiences you can expect at each stage of the journey. These examples are inspired by popular safari routes in East and Southern Africa and can be adapted based on whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or as a couple.
Planning Your December Safari: What to Know
Before we dive into itinerary examples, here are a few logistics to keep in mind for December travel:
- Seasonality: December typically falls in the green or shoulder season in many safari regions. Rains bring verdant landscapes and newborn wildlife but also mean animals disperse more widely compared with the dry season.
- Holiday demand: This is a popular travel window, so key lodges and camps fill early. Book at least 6–9 months in advance for the best dates and accommodations.
- Travel rhythm: Most safaris include early morning and late afternoon game drives, leaving hot midday hours for rest, meals, or optional cultural experiences.
7‑Day Classic Safari Itinerary (Kenya or Tanzania)
Best for: Travelers who want a compact but varied safari with minimal transit days.
Day 1 — Arrival & Transfer to Reserve
Arrive in Nairobi (Kenya) or Arusha (Tanzania) and transfer to your first reserve (e.g., Masai Mara or Tarangire).
Day 2‑3 — Core Game Drives
Explore the reserve’s wildlife on morning and afternoon drives. Look for elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, and plenty of plains game.
Day 4 — New Park / Region
Move to a second area like the Serengeti or Lake Nakuru. Game drives en route offer new wildlife encounters.
Day 5‑6 — Wildlife Immersion
Continue game viewing, bush walks, or cultural visits with local guides.
Day 7 — Departure
Return to the airport for your outbound flight.
8‑Day East Africa Safari Loop (Kenya + Tanzania)
Best for: Those wanting a richer mix of landscapes and wildlife, with cross‑border adventure.
Day 1 — Nairobi to Masai Mara
Begin in the Masai Mara, known for predators and sweeping grasslands.
Day 2‑3 — Mara Game Drives
Enjoy full days of game viewing with Big Five sightings.
Day 4 — Travel to Tanzania: Serengeti
Cross into Tanzania and head to the iconic Serengeti.
Day 5‑6 — Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater
Explore the Serengeti and descend into the Ngorongoro Crater.
Day 7 — Lake Manyara or Tarangire
Finish with a diverse ecosystem full of elephants or flamingos.
Day 8 — Return to Arusha & Departure
Transfer to Arusha for your international flight.
10‑Day Comprehensive Safari (Kenya + Tanzania)
Best for: Travelers who want depth, multiple biomes, and steady pace.
Days 1–2 — Masai Mara Base
Start in the Mara with two full days of immersive game drives.
Day 3 — Lake Nakuru or Naivasha
Head to the Rift Valley lakes with rhinos and birdlife.
Day 4–5 — Amboseli National Park
Travel to Amboseli with views of Mount Kilimanjaro and elephant herds.
Days 6–7 — Tanzania: Serengeti Circuit
Explore Serengeti plains and seasonal wildlife action.
Day 8 — Ngorongoro Crater Adventure
Descend into the crater for a day of concentrated wildlife viewing.
Day 9 — Cultural Experience or Walk
Enjoy a village visit or bush walk to reflect on your safari.
Day 10 — Departure from Arusha or Nairobi
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Holiday Safari
Blend Rest with Adventure
Build in time to relax between game drives. Festive meals and cultural moments enrich the journey.
Make Logistics Easy
Fly‑in safaris save time and maximize game viewing on tighter schedules.
Family & Group Considerations
Choose family‑friendly lodges and ensure flexible activities for different age groups.
Adjust for Seasonality
Rain showers bring lush beauty, but flexible planning helps navigate weather changes.
Conclusion
A 7 to 10‑day safari in December is the perfect way to celebrate the holidays in the wild. From Kenya’s iconic parks to Tanzania’s sweeping plains, these curated itineraries help you balance festive spirit with unforgettable nature. Ready to start planning? Dive into more WhySafari guides to shape your ideal African adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes — it’s a perfect window to explore 1–2 parks with quality wildlife time.
Light aircraft flights are fastest, while road transfers offer more local immersion.
Yes, ending in Zanzibar or Diani Beach after a week of safari is popular.
Lodges range from luxury tents to comfortable eco-camps, based on budget and region.
Showers are brief and often occur in the afternoon — wildlife viewing remains excellent.
Many lodges include these or offer them as optional extras.
For multi-region trips, yes — they save hours and enhance the experience.
