Christmas in Kenya: Combine an African Safari with a Family Beach Holiday

Trade the winter chill for African sunshine, extraordinary wildlife and beautiful Indian Ocean beaches. Discover how to spend Christmas with your family enjoying the best of Kenya.

Christmas is a special time of the year. For many families across the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands and other parts of Europe, it is an opportunity to slow down, spend time together and enjoy a well-deserved holiday.

But what if this year you did something a little different?

Imagine spending your mornings watching elephants roam across the African savannah, staying in beautiful safari lodges, exploring the famous Maasai Mara and finishing your journey on the white sandy beaches of the Indian Ocean.

Instead of the usual European winter routine, you could be enjoying sunshine, warm tropical evenings and unforgettable experiences with your family.

Welcome to Christmas in Kenya.

Kenya offers an appealing combination of wildlife, diverse landscapes, welcoming coastal towns and beautiful beach resorts. For families who want more than just a beach holiday, combining a safari with a coastal escape is a wonderful way to experience the country.

At Kipruto Safaris, we have been receiving enquiries from families interested in combining an African safari with a Christmas or New Year beach holiday. It is an experience we are particularly pleased to help arrange.

Whether you are travelling as a small family, a larger family group or with friends, we can help you create a personalised holiday around your preferred dates, accommodation and budget.

1. Why choose Kenya for your Christmas holiday?

One of the wonderful things about Kenya is the variety of experiences you can enjoy within one holiday.

You can explore wildlife reserves, discover the landscapes of the Great Rift Valley and finish your journey beside the Indian Ocean.

For families travelling from Europe, this combination offers a welcome change from the colder winter months.

December and January are popular travel months in Kenya, although weather conditions vary between destinations. The coast is generally warm and humid, while many national parks offer rewarding wildlife experiences.

A few things make Kenya particularly appealing for a festive holiday:

• Wildlife experiences: Introduce children to elephants, giraffes, zebras, rhinos and big cats in their natural habitats.
• Beautiful beaches: Relax along the Indian Ocean after several days of safari.
• Family accommodation: Choose from comfortable safari lodges, tented camps and beachfront resorts.
• Private travel: Enjoy the flexibility of a privately arranged safari with your own driver-guide.
• Different experiences: Combine wildlife, nature, culture, coastal excursions and relaxation in one journey.

Perhaps the greatest attraction is being able to enjoy both adventure and relaxation without having to visit several countries.

2. A Christmas safari followed by a beach holiday

If you are planning an eight-day Kenyan holiday, we particularly like the idea of beginning with a wildlife safari and finishing with several nights at the coast.

This allows you to enjoy the more active part of your holiday first, before slowing down and spending quality time together beside the ocean.

For a first-time visitor, we recommend a route covering:

Nairobi – Lake Nakuru – Maasai Mara – Lake Naivasha – Mombasa

It combines some of Kenya’s best-known wildlife destinations with a relaxing coastal stay.

You can also arrange your travel dates so that Christmas Day falls during your beach stay.

For example, your family could spend the first part of the holiday exploring Kenya’s national parks, then arrive at the coast in time for Christmas celebrations.

3. Sample 8-day Kenya Family Safari and Mombasa Beach Holiday

Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Ideal family example: 4 adults and 2 children aged 4 – 12
Tour type: Private family safari
Destinations: Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara, Lake Naivasha and Mombasa
Transport: Private 4×4 safari vehicle and domestic flights
Accommodation: Comfortable safari lodges and beachfront resort

Day 1: Nairobi – Lake Nakuru National Park

Your Kenyan holiday begins in Nairobi, where our representative will welcome you and introduce you to your driver-guide.

After a short briefing, you will depart for Lake Nakuru National Park, travelling through the beautiful landscapes of the Great Rift Valley.

On arrival, enjoy lunch before heading out for your first afternoon game drive.

Lake Nakuru is particularly well known for its black and white rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffes and rich birdlife. You may also encounter lions, buffaloes, zebras and other wildlife.

Accommodation: Sarova Woodlands, Nakuru
Meals: Lunch and dinner

Day 2: Lake Nakuru – Maasai Mara National Reserve

After breakfast, depart for the famous Maasai Mara National Reserve.

The journey takes you through scenic countryside before reaching the open savannahs for which the Mara is so well known.

After arriving at your camp and enjoying lunch, settle in before an afternoon game drive.

The Maasai Mara is one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife destinations, offering opportunities to see lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, cheetahs and many other animals.

For children, this is often one of the most exciting parts of the entire holiday.

Accommodation: Sarova Mara Game Camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3: Full-day exploration of the Maasai Mara

Today is dedicated to exploring the Maasai Mara.

Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives with your experienced local driver-guide, who will help you discover the reserve’s wildlife and landscapes.

You may encounter lions resting in the grass, elephants moving across the plains or giraffes feeding among the acacia trees.

There is also an opportunity to enjoy a full-day game drive with a picnic lunch, depending on your preference and the day’s arrangements.

Spend another relaxing evening at the safari camp, enjoying the atmosphere of the African wilderness.

Accommodation: Sarova Mara Game Camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4: Maasai Mara – Lake Naivasha

After breakfast, depart the Maasai Mara and travel towards Lake Naivasha.

This beautiful freshwater lake is known for its birdlife, hippos and attractive lakeside surroundings.

After checking into your accommodation and enjoying lunch, you can experience a boat ride on the lake, offering opportunities to see hippos and a variety of bird species.

For families looking for something different, a walking safari at Crescent Island can also be considered, subject to availability and conditions.

Accommodation: Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5: Lake Naivasha – Mombasa

After breakfast, transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your domestic flight to Mombasa.

On arrival at Moi International Airport, our representative will welcome you and arrange your transfer to the beach resort.

The safari part of your holiday is now behind you, and it is time to enjoy the Indian Ocean.

Spend the afternoon relaxing, enjoying the hotel facilities or taking a walk along the beach.

Accommodation: Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa
Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Days 6–7: Enjoy Mombasa’s beautiful beaches

These days are dedicated to relaxation.

After the early mornings and exciting wildlife experiences of your safari, enjoy a slower pace beside the Indian Ocean.

You can spend time at the beach, swim, relax around the resort’s swimming pools or simply enjoy the warm coastal atmosphere.

For families who enjoy exploring, there are optional activities that can be arranged according to interest and availability.

These may include:

• Snorkelling and selected marine excursions.
• A visit to historic Mombasa.
• A boat excursion along the coast.
• Beach activities and family time at the resort.

You can also simply enjoy a few days without a busy schedule.

For families travelling over Christmas, we can arrange the dates so that the coastal stay coincides with Christmas Day, subject to accommodation availability.

Accommodation: Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa
Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Day 8: Mombasa – Nairobi – Departure

Enjoy your final breakfast at the beach resort.

Depending on your international flight schedule, you will be transferred to Moi International Airport for your domestic flight to Nairobi.

On arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, connect with your onward international flight or arrange a hotel stay if you are departing later.

Your eight-day Kenyan adventure comes to an end, hopefully with plenty of wonderful family memories.

Meals: Breakfast

4. Where will your family stay?

Accommodation is an important part of a family holiday, particularly when combining a safari with time at the coast.

For our sample eight-day itinerary, we have selected properties offering comfortable accommodation and convenient access to the destinations included.

Sarova Woodlands – Lake Nakuru

A comfortable hotel in Nakuru, offering a convenient base for exploring Lake Nakuru National Park.

Sarova Mara Game Camp – Maasai Mara

A safari camp located within the Maasai Mara ecosystem, providing a wonderful setting for wildlife experiences and relaxation after game drives.

Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort – Lake Naivasha

Set along the southern shores of Lake Naivasha, this resort offers attractive grounds, comfortable rooms and a relaxed lakeside atmosphere.

Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa – Mombasa

Located along Mombasa’s Indian Ocean coastline, Sarova Whitesands provides a beachfront setting, swimming pools, restaurants and tropical surroundings.

It is a lovely place to slow down after several days of safari.

Accommodation is subject to availability. Alternative properties can be suggested depending on your travel dates, room requirements and budget.

5. How much does an eight-day family safari and beach holiday cost?

One of the first questions families naturally ask is how much a combined safari and beach holiday in Kenya will cost.

The answer depends on the number of adults and children, accommodation arrangements, travel dates, transport requirements and preferred level of comfort.

To make the planning process easier, here is an example of the type of family we can accommodate.

An example family of six

4 adults + 2 children aged 4 – 12

Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Destinations: Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara, Lake Naivasha and Mombasa
Transport: Private safari arrangements
Accommodation: Safari lodges and beachfront resort

This family configuration provides a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a private Kenyan safari together, followed by time relaxing beside the Indian Ocean.

Our suggested accommodation includes:

• Sarova Woodlands in Lake Nakuru.
• Sarova Mara Game Camp in the Maasai Mara.
• Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort.
• Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa in Mombasa.

What determines the family package price?

We prepare family quotations individually because the cost depends on several important details:

Pricing consideration	What we establish
Number of adults	Adult accommodation and safari rates
Children’s ages	Applicable child accommodation and park fees
Room arrangements	Family rooms, double rooms or connecting rooms
Safari transport	Private vehicle and group configuration
Travel dates	Christmas and New Year supplements
Domestic flights	Applicable fares and baggage requirements

For our six-person example, we will confirm the applicable rate for the four-year-old, the 12-year-old’s child rate, suitable family room arrangements and the transport cost for the smaller private group.

This ensures that you receive a quotation that genuinely reflects your family rather than a scaled-down price from an unrelated larger group booking.

Our approach is simple: We want you to know exactly what your holiday costs and what is included before making a booking.

Get in touch with Kipruto Safaris for a personalised eight-day family safari and beach quotation.

6. What can be included in your family holiday?

Depending on the final package and confirmed arrangements, your private safari and beach holiday can include:

• Private 4×4 safari transport.
• Services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide.
• Guided game drives.
• National park fees.
• Safari lodge and beach resort accommodation.
• Full-board meals during the safari.
• Half-board meals at the beach resort.
• Domestic flights.
• Airport transfers.
• Boat ride at Lake Naivasha.
• Bottled drinking water during safari.
• Local safari support throughout your journey.

International flights, travel insurance, personal expenses, tips and optional excursions are normally excluded unless specifically included in your quotation.

7. Is Kenya suitable for Christmas holidays with children?

Absolutely. A Kenya safari and beach holiday can be a wonderful family experience, particularly when the itinerary is designed around the children’s ages and interests.

For younger travellers, seeing elephants, giraffes and zebras in their natural environment can become a lasting memory.

The Maasai Mara offers an exciting introduction to wildlife and nature, while Lake Naivasha provides a different experience with its birdlife and boat excursions.

After several days of safari, the coast provides the opportunity to relax, enjoy the swimming pool and spend quality time together.

We recommend considering the following when travelling with children:

• Choose accommodation with suitable family rooms or connecting rooms.
• Consider children’s ages when selecting safari activities.
• Keep driving days comfortable and allow time to rest.
• Discuss child pricing and park entry arrangements before booking.
• Select a beach resort with facilities that suit the family.

At Kipruto Safaris, we can customise the journey to suit your family’s needs rather than simply providing a standard itinerary.

8. When should you book a Christmas safari in Kenya?

Christmas and New Year are popular travel periods in Kenya, especially for families combining a safari with time on the coast.

The festive period can be busy, and some safari lodges and beach resorts have limited room availability.

It is therefore sensible to begin planning early, particularly if you require several rooms, a private safari vehicle or specific accommodation.

Christmas bookings can also involve special supplements, festive meals or minimum-stay requirements at selected hotels and lodges.

For this reason, we recommend confirming the following before making your international flight arrangements:

• Preferred arrival and departure dates.
• Number of adults and children.
• Children’s ages.
• Preferred safari destinations.
• Accommodation category.
• Whether you would like Christmas Day or New Year’s Eve at the beach.

Early planning gives us more flexibility when matching your preferred itinerary to available properties.

9. Why plan your family holiday with Kipruto Safaris?

At Kipruto Safaris, we understand that a family holiday is about more than visiting destinations.

It is about creating shared experiences, spending quality time together and making memories that stay with you long after returning home.

We are a privately owned Kenyan safari company specialising in personalised private safaris across Kenya and Tanzania.

Founded by Winston Kipruto, our company is built around local knowledge, personal service and carefully planned travel experiences.

We arrange:

• Private Kenya and Tanzania safaris.
• Mid-range and luxury accommodation.
• Private 4×4 Land Cruiser safari transport.
• Experienced local driver-guides.
• Family and small-group safaris.
• Christmas and New Year safari packages.
• Mombasa, Diani and other beach extensions.
• Airport transfers and domestic travel arrangements.

Whether you are planning a small family holiday or bringing together a larger family group, we would be delighted to help.

Our philosophy is simple: Experience Africa Through Local Eyes.

Frequently asked questions about Christmas safaris in Kenya

Is December a good time for a Kenya safari?

Yes. December offers opportunities to explore Kenya’s national parks and reserves. Weather varies by region, and occasional showers are possible.

Can we spend Christmas Day at the beach?

Yes. We can arrange the itinerary so that your stay at the coast coincides with Christmas Day, subject to your travel dates and accommodation availability.

Can we combine the Maasai Mara with Mombasa?

Yes. The Maasai Mara can be combined with Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha and a beach stay in Mombasa. Domestic flights can help reduce long-distance transfers.

How many days do we need for a Kenya safari and beach holiday?

Seven to ten days is a good starting point for combining several safari destinations with time on the coast.

Is the safari private?

Yes. We specialise in private safari arrangements. The vehicle configuration will be confirmed according to your group size and luggage requirements.

Are children allowed on safari?

Yes. Families with children can enjoy Kenya’s national parks, subject to individual accommodation, activity and park regulations. We recommend confirming children’s ages when requesting a quotation.

Can we choose different hotels?

Yes. We can suggest alternative accommodation options depending on your budget, room requirements and preferred level of comfort.

How do we get a quotation?

Simply visit our Plan My Safari page and share your preferred travel dates, number of adults and children, children’s ages and your approximate budget. We will prepare a personalised proposal.

Make this Christmas one your family will always remember

You do not have to choose between an exciting safari and a relaxing beach holiday.

In Kenya, you can enjoy both.

Imagine spending your mornings watching wildlife in the Maasai Mara, enjoying a boat ride on Lake Naivasha, discovering the landscapes of Lake Nakuru and finishing your journey with several days beside the Indian Ocean.

For families looking for something different this Christmas, Kenya offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy adventure, sunshine and quality time together.

At Kipruto Safaris, we would love to help you plan it.

Planning a Christmas or New Year holiday in Kenya?

Tell us how many people are travelling, your preferred dates and whether you would like more time on safari or at the beach.

We will help create a family holiday around your preferences and budget.

Alternatively, contact our team directly through WhatsApp or email.

Experience Africa Through Local Eyes.

About Kipruto Safaris

Kipruto Safaris is a privately owned Kenyan safari company specialising in personalised private safaris across Kenya and Tanzania. Founded by Winston Kipruto, the company creates memorable wildlife, cultural and beach experiences for international travellers.

Website: https://kiprutosafaris.com/