Do you wish to spend a Merry Christmas holiday with your loved ones in Kenya? From wildlife viewing breaks and beach escapes to cultural experiences, here are some of the best options to make your festive season memorable in Kenya.
Here is a detailed list of the best destinations for your family’s Christmas holidays in Kenya, including ideal places to stay and fun things to do.
Why Choose Kenya for Your Family Christmas Holiday?
Kenya can be recommended as an outstanding Christmas destination for families who want more than the ordinary. Here’s why Kenya should top your family’s holiday wishlist for 2024:
Perfect Weather
Kenya experiences pleasant weather. Since the average temperatures fall between 20°C and 28°C (68°F and 82°F), you will feel quite comfortable wearing casual clothes for sun and outdoor activities during your stay.
Unique Christmas Experience
Experience Christmas like never before:
- Watch sunset game drives instead of gathering around a fireplace
- Swap Christmas trees for acacia trees dotting the savanna
- Replace snow angels with footprints in pristine beach sand
- Enjoy Christmas dinner under the African stars
Family-Friendly Infrastructure
Kenya’s tourism industry has evolved to cater specifically to families:
- Most lodges and resorts offer family rooms or interconnecting options
- Child-friendly menus and dining times
- Professional guides trained in engaging with children
- Safe, controlled environments for family activities
Cultural Richness
Expose your children to:
- Diverse tribal cultures and traditions
- Local Christmas celebrations
- Traditional music and dance
- Authentic African crafts and art
Best Family Safari Destinations for Christmas
- Masai Mara National Reserve: The Ultimate Wildlife Experience
The Masai Mara is a game reserve, the best classroom in nature, and one big natural playground. Wildlife viewing is best during Christmas since the cold weather makes the skies clear and moderate temperatures.
Why Choose Masai Mara for Christmas?
- Less crowded than peak season (July-October)
- Resident wildlife remains abundant
- Green season begins, bringing beautiful landscapes
- Better rates at many lodges
- Perfect weather for outdoor activities
Best Family-Friendly Accommodations:
Mara Intrepids Camp
- Features:
- Dedicated Adventurers’ Club for children
- Family tents with separate bedrooms
- Swimming pool with child safety features
- Special kids’ menus
- Educational wildlife programs
Sarova Mara Game Camp
- Highlights:
- Spacious family tents
- Fenced compound for added safety
- Multiple swimming pools
- Games room
- Special Christmas activities and decorations
Talek Bush Camp
- Perfect for:
- Intimate family experience
- Closer connection with nature
- Personalized attention
- Flexible meal times
- Casual, relaxed atmosphere
Family Activities in Masai Mara:
Wildlife Experiences
- Early morning game drives (perfect for spotting predators)
- Afternoon wildlife watching
- Bird watching sessions
- Animal tracking lessons for kids
- Photography workshops for families
Cultural Immersion
- Guided Maasai village visits
- Traditional craft-making sessions
- Story-telling around the campfire
- Dance performances
- Cooking classes featuring local cuisine
- Amboseli National Park: Elephants and views of Mount Kilimanjaro
Famous as the best location in Africa to experience free-walking elephants, Amboseli provides an incredible view of wildlife next to the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Park Highlights
- Home to over 1,600 elephants
- Unobstructed views of Kilimanjaro
- Five different habitats within one park
- Rich birdlife with over 400 species
- Excellent photographic opportunities
Recommended Family Lodges
Kibo Safari Camp
- Location: Overlooking Mount Kilimanjaro
- Family Amenities:
- Spacious family tents (up to 4 people)
- Children’s pool with safety features
- Game room with board games and activities
- Special kids’ menu
- Family dining area
- Unique Features:
- Traditional Maasai entertainment
- Guided nature walks
- Photography deck
- Solar-powered facilities
- Cultural visits to local Maasai villages
Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge
- Location: Central location within the park
- Family Benefits:
- Interconnecting rooms available
- Dedicated children’s dining times
- Maasai storytelling sessions
- Swimming pool with lifeguard
- Family game drives
- Special Features:
- Traditional architecture
- Waterhole viewing
- Professional photography guidance
- Christmas special activities
- Educational programs for children
Ol Tukai Lodge
- Location: Prime elephant viewing area
- Family Facilities:
- Family cottages with private verandas
- Children’s pool
- Playground area
- Educational center
- Special family rates
- Highlights:
- Award-winning eco-lodge
- Unobstructed views of Kilimanjaro
- Resident naturalist
- Night wildlife presentations
- Christmas celebration events
Coastal Paradise for Family Christmas
3. Diani Beach: Perfect Beach Holiday Setting
The white sand and the blue sea of Diani Beach provide the perfect tropical setting for Christmas. This 17km long beach lies in the territorial waters of Africa and is consistently highly ranked for the boom and facilities put in place for families.
Why Choose Diani for Christmas?
- Perfect beach weather (28-32°C/82-90°F)
- Calm waters ideal for family swimming
- Wide range of water sports
- Excellent marine life viewing
- Mix of activities and relaxation
Top Family Resorts:
Swahili Beach Resort
- Unique Features:
- Seven-tiered infinity pools cascading to the ocean
- Family suites with ocean views
- Kids’ club with daily activities
- Traditional Swahili architecture
- Multiple dining options including child-friendly menus
Baobab Beach Resort
- Highlights:
- Three separate properties within one resort
- Multiple swimming pools with kids’ areas
- Animation team organizing daily activities
- Special Christmas gala dinner
- Teen club with supervised activities
- Sports facilities including tennis courts
Diani Reef Beach Resort
- Price Range: $280-500 per night
- Family Amenities:
- Maya Kids Club (4-12 years)
- Family rooms with interconnecting options
- Children’s pool with water slides
- Gaming room for teenagers
- Special holiday entertainment program
Family Activities in Diani:
Water Adventures
- Snorkeling in coral gardens
- Glass-bottom boat trips
- Swimming with dolphins
- Supervised beach games
- Kayaking and paddle boarding
4. Watamu: Marine Paradise for Families
Watamu can be considered a more tranquil coastal destination that is perfect for families who want to balance marine activities with a relaxing vibe. This protected marine park area offers some of Kenya’s best snorkeling and diving.
Location Benefits
- Protected marine park waters
- Less crowded than Diani
- Rich marine biodiversity
- Traditional coastal culture
- Close to historical sites
Family-Friendly Accommodations:
Turtle Bay Beach Club
- Features:
- Beachfront location
- All-inclusive package ideal for families
- Kids’ club with daily program
- Three swimming pools
- Special Christmas activities
- Full board with themed dining nights
Ocean Sports Resort
- Highlights:
- Relaxed, casual atmosphere
- Water sports center on-site
- Famous pizzeria restaurant
- Garden rooms ideal for families
- Beach front location
- Regular entertainment programs
Hemingways Watamu
- Luxury Features:
- Recently renovated luxury resort
- Spacious family apartments
- World-class restaurant
- Deep sea fishing excursions
- Scenic ocean-view pools
Activities to Enjoy:
Marine Experiences
- Turtle watching and conservation
- Snorkeling trips to coral gardens
- Glass-bottom boat excursions
- Marine park boat trips
- Dolphin watching
Cultural Activities
- Gede Ruins visits
- Local village tours
- Traditional cooking classes
- Craft workshops
- Local market visits
Mountain and Lake Region Adventures
5. Mount Kenya Region (Nanyuki)
Mount Kenya region is considerably more relaxed with its cooler climate and diverse ecosystem, making it a better place to celebrate the Christmas season and have a different ecosystem. Situated at the base of the second largest mountain in Africa, this region is ideal for travelers who do not wish to spend their vacation on a beach or a wildlife safari.
Climate and Location Benefits
- Cool, fresh mountain air
- Temperatures between 15-25°C (59-77°F)
- Clear mountain views
- Diverse wildlife
- Adventure sports opportunities
Where to Stay:
Sweetwaters Serena Camp
- Unique Features:
- Located in Ol Pejeta Conservancy
- View of Mount Kenya
- Waterhole viewing
- Chimpanzee sanctuary visits
- Luxury tented accommodation
- Special Christmas packages
Olepangi Farm
- Highlights:
- Working farm experience
- Horse riding facilities
- Home-cooked farm-to-table meals
- Family cottages
- Christmas decoration workshops
- Mountain biking trails
Mount Kenya Safari Club
- Luxury Amenities:
- Historic luxury hotel
- Crossing of the equator experience
- Animal orphanage
- Golf course
- Heated swimming pool
- Special Christmas events and decorations
Family Activities:
Wildlife Experiences
- Game drives in Ol Pejeta
- Rhino sanctuary visits
- Horse riding safaris
- Bird watching
- Chimpanzee sanctuary visits
Adventure Activities
- Mountain biking
- Guided nature walks
- Horse riding lessons
- Farm activities
- Forest exploration
Christmas Planning Tips for Mountain Region
What to Pack
- Warm clothing for evenings
- Light layers for daytime
- Good walking shoes
- Rain gear
- Sun protection
Special Considerations
- Altitude adjustment period
- Weather variability
- Activity age restrictions
- Transport arrangements
- Christmas event schedules
Conclusion
When choosing the perfect holiday destination for Christmas, Kenya provides a vast list of opportunities for families, ranging from exciting safaris to leisurely beach vacations. Be it the majestically endowed Masai Mara, the home of elephants in Amboseli, or the beach resorts in Diani or Watamu, Christmas becomes a memory to savor for your family.
Again, it is always advisable to book early, especially during the festive season, as many local and international tourists flock. Therefore, let it be noted that the planning and selection of an appropriate facility will make your family Christmas holiday in Kenya as memorable as possible.
Looking to plan your family Christmas holiday in Kenya? Contact us for personalized itineraries and expert advice on making your festive season truly special.
