Things to Do in Kenya in December

December Weather in Kenya

25°C (77°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

51 mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Peak safari season with abundant wildlife gathered around permanent water sources - December's dry conditions mean animals are most predictable and visible
Perfect weather for camping and outdoor activities with minimal rainfall (only 51mm/2.0 inches) and comfortable temperatures averaging 25°C (77°F)
Prime wildebeest calving season in Southern Serengeti from late December - witness 400,000+ births concentrated in just 2-3 weeks
Excellent visibility for photography with clear skies 70% of the time and golden light lasting until 6:30pm due to proximity to equator

Considerations

Peak tourist season means accommodation prices increase 40-60% compared to April-May, and popular lodges book out 6-8 months in advance
Dusty conditions in parks due to dry season - expect red dust on clothing and equipment, especially in Amboseli and Tsavo
Afternoon temperatures can reach 30°C (86°F) in lower altitude areas like Tsavo East, making midday game drives uncomfortable

Best Activities in December

Masai Mara Game Reserve Safari Expeditions

December offers exceptional wildlife viewing as animals concentrate around the Mara River and permanent water sources. The short grass plains provide unobstructed views of predators, and you'll avoid the chaos of the Great Migration while still seeing resident wildlife. Morning temperatures of 18°C (64°F) create perfect game drive conditions.

Booking Tip: Book 4-6 months ahead for peak December slots. Multi-day packages typically cost $400-800 per person per day including accommodation. Look for operators with 4WD vehicles and Maasai guides who know seasonal animal patterns. See current safari options in the booking section below.

Mount Kenya Climbing and Trekking

December's dry weather provides the best climbing conditions with minimal rainfall and clear summit views. The Point Lenana route (4,985m/16,355ft) has 85% success rates in December compared to 60% during rainy months. Crisp morning temperatures make for comfortable hiking.

Booking Tip: Technical climbs require 5-7 day packages costing $600-1,200. Book guides certified by Kenya Mountain Guides Association at least 8 weeks ahead. Altitude acclimatization is crucial - avoid rushed 3-day attempts. See current climbing packages in booking section below.

Diani Beach and South Coast Water Sports

December marks the start of the best kite-surfing season with consistent northeast trade winds averaging 15-20 knots. Water temperature reaches 27°C (81°F), and morning conditions are glassy-perfect for diving with 25m+ (82ft) visibility on the reef. Humidity stays manageable with ocean breezes.

Booking Tip: Kite-surfing lessons cost $60-90 per day, diving packages $80-150 per day. Book accommodations 10-12 weeks ahead as December-January is peak beach season. Choose operators with PADI certification for diving. See current water sports options in booking section below.

Amboseli National Park Elephant Photography Tours

December's clear skies provide stunning Mount Kilimanjaro backdrops for elephant photography - visibility extends 50km+ (31 miles) on clear mornings. The dry season concentrates Amboseli's 1,600 elephants around swamps, creating incredible photo opportunities with predictable animal behavior.

Booking Tip: Photography-focused tours cost $300-500 per day including specialized vehicles with roof hatches and beanbags. Book with operators who understand optimal lighting times - golden hour starts at 6:00am and 5:30pm. See current photography tours in booking section below.

Lake Nakuru Flamingo and Rhino Viewing

December water levels create ideal flamingo feeding conditions with over 1 million birds creating pink shorelines. The cooler highland climate at 1,754m (5,755ft) elevation means comfortable temperatures around 22°C (72°F) and excellent rhino spotting as vegetation is sparse.

Booking Tip: Day trips from Nairobi cost $180-250 including transport and park fees. Two-day packages with accommodation cost $300-450. Book early morning departures to avoid afternoon crowds and heat. See current Lake Nakuru tours in booking section below.

Northern Kenya Cultural Immersion Expeditions

December's dry roads make remote areas like Samburu and Turkana accessible. This is traditional harvest season for pastoralist communities, offering authentic cultural exchanges. Cooler mornings at higher elevations create comfortable conditions for village visits and cultural activities.

Booking Tip: Multi-day cultural tours cost $250-400 per day including cultural guides and community fees. Requires 4WD vehicles and experienced operators familiar with remote area logistics. Book 6-8 weeks ahead through operators with established community partnerships. See current cultural tours in booking section below.

December Events & Festivals

Late December

Wildebeest Calving Season in Southern Serengeti

Late December marks the beginning of the most spectacular wildlife event - over 400,000 wildebeest calves are born within 2-3 weeks in the short grass plains. Predator activity intensifies dramatically, creating incredible safari experiences.

Throughout December

Maasai Traditional Harvest Ceremonies

December coincides with traditional Maasai harvest celebrations in the Rift Valley. Communities perform age-old ceremonies giving thanks for successful harvests, featuring traditional dancing, singing, and cultural displays that visitors can respectfully observe.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight long-sleeve cotton shirts - protect from 30°C (86°F) afternoon sun and UV index of 8 while staying cool

Dustproof camera bag with extra memory cards - red dust penetrates everything in Amboseli and northern parks

Comfortable walking boots rated for 15km+ (9+ mile) hikes - essential for Mount Kenya treks and volcanic terrain

High-quality binoculars (8x42 minimum) - December's clear air provides exceptional long-distance wildlife viewing up to 2km (1.2 miles)

Reef-safe SPF 50+ sunscreen - Kenya's equatorial sun is intense even with 70% humidity and coastal breezes

Quick-dry pants in neutral colors - game parks require earth tones, and afternoon temperatures reach 28°C (82°F)

Lightweight rain jacket - brief afternoon showers occur 10 days in December, lasting 20-30 minutes each

Insulated water bottle (1.5L minimum) - dehydration happens quickly at altitude and in dry park conditions

Power bank (20,000mAh+) - safari vehicles don't always have charging ports for cameras and phones during long game drives

Buff or lightweight scarf - protects neck from dust and sun during open-vehicle game drives

Insider Knowledge

Book internal flights between parks at least 12 weeks ahead - December demand inflates prices 200% and small aircraft fill quickly with limited daily schedules

Arrive at park gates by 6:30am when they open - animals are most active in first 3 hours after dawn, and you'll avoid tour bus crowds that arrive after 9am

Pack malaria prophylaxis even for highland areas - December rains in surrounding regions increase mosquito populations, and some parks are at borderline elevation

Bring USD cash in small bills ($1, $5, $10) printed after 2013 - many lodges, tips, and park fees require cash, and older bills are rejected at banks

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking accommodation less than 16 weeks ahead - December is peak season and popular lodges are fully booked by August, forcing expensive last-minute alternatives

Scheduling back-to-back game drives without rest days - December heat and dust cause fatigue faster than expected, and wildlife viewing requires early 5:30am starts

Underestimating driving times between parks - December road conditions can add 2-3 hours to expected journey times, and domestic flights have weather delays