Top 10 Magical December Destinations in Kenya for Families, Couples & Solo Explorers

December in Kenya unfolds like a beautifully written travel story—warm sunlight, breezy evenings, festive laughter, and landscapes that look freshly painted by nature. Whether you want to feel the coastal sands under your feet, watch wildlife against emerald horizons, or escape to peaceful highlands, Kenya is a December dream waiting to be lived.

Are you a Kenyan looking for a December adventure? Or an international tourist, with thirty days of December on your palms, wondering what to do about them? Here are 10 unforgettable destinations that will make your holiday feel like a sweet postcard come alive.

1. Diani Beach — Where December Feels Like Paradise

Best For: Couples, families, beach lovers, water sports enthusiasts

Access: 30 minutes from Ukunda Airstrip, 1 hour from Mombasa

Imagine waking up to the whisper of coconut palms and a turquoise ocean stretching endlessly ahead. That's Diani in December—soft, warm, calm, and impossibly beautiful.

Why it's magical:

• December brings crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling and diving
• White-sand beaches that look like refined sugar
• Sunrises that paint the sky with pinks and golds

What to do:

• Dive with dolphins at Wasini
• Try kite surfing in the gentle coastal winds
• Enjoy romantic dinners by the ocean
• Visit Colobus Conservation or take a sunset dhow cruise

Diani is where couples reconnect, families unwind, and solo travelers rediscover joy. Come Travel Kenya Limited offers coastal packages that will blow your mind.

2. Maasai Mara — The Green, Gorgeous Safari Wonderland

Best For: Wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, safari lovers, families

Access: 5 hours by road from Nairobi or 1-hour charter flight to Mara airstrips

December transforms the Maasai Mara into a lush paradise—green grass, dramatic skies, and wildlife everywhere you look. It's peaceful, less crowded, and incredibly rewarding.

Why it's magical:

• Baby animals are everywhere—lion cubs tumbling in the grass, young giraffes wobbling on long legs, and newborn gazelles learning to run
• Clear views of predators thanks to the short green grass
• Birdwatchers enjoy migratory species
• Fewer crowds compared to migration season

What to do:

• Early morning game drives with golden-hour photography
• Bush breakfasts with breathtaking plains views
• Hot air balloon safaris at sunrise
• Horseback safaris for unique wildlife encounters
• Sundowner cocktails as the sky melts into orange and purple

A December safari in the Mara feels like stepping into a living wildlife documentary.

3. Lamu — The Island That Time Forgot

Best For: Couples, culture seekers, creatives, peace lovers

Access: 1-hour flight from Nairobi to Lamu Airport, then boat transfer

If you long for quiet, charm, and slow living, Lamu is a December treasure. The island feels like poetry—narrow alleys perfumed with spices, donkeys strolling gently, and dhows gliding peacefully across the ocean.

Why it's magical:

• Warm, breezy nights perfect for starlit dinners
• A serene, romantic setting with centuries-old Swahili culture
• Zero noise pollution—just pure calm
• UNESCO World Heritage Site with authentic architecture

What to do:

• Sail on a traditional dhow at sunset
• Explore Shela's pristine beach dunes
• Visit historic sites, art studios, and Swahili townhouses
• Experience the annual Lamu Cultural Festival (if timing aligns)

Lamu is ideal for couples, creatives, and anyone craving peace. Many who visited Lamu still find it hard going back home.

4. Samburu — Wildlife, Culture & Warm Northern Magic

Best For: Adventure seekers, culture enthusiasts, photographers

Access: 5-6 hours by road from Nairobi or 1-hour charter flight

Samburu welcomes December with golden light, dramatic landscapes, and delicious warmth. It's where wildlife takes on a different rhythm and culture blends beautifully with nature.

Why it's magical:

• Home to rare wildlife like Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, and Beisa oryx—species you won't see in the Mara
• Authentic interactions with the Samburu community
• Warm weather, gorgeous rock formations, and peaceful rivers

What to do:

• Game drives with views of elephants bathing in the Ewaso Nyiro River
• Nature walks guided by Samburu warriors
• Cultural visits rich with song and color
• Bird watching along riverine forests

Samburu is perfect for adventurers seeking something different.

5. Watamu — Crystal Waters & Coral Dreams

Best For: Snorkelers, families, marine life lovers, beach relaxers

Access: 1 hour from Moi International Airport, 30 minutes from Malindi Airport

Watamu sparkles in December like a jewel set on the Indian Ocean. Known for its marine life, coral gardens, and picture-perfect bays, it offers a soft, romantic, and fun-filled holiday.

Why it's magical:

• Stunning beaches and warm, clear seas
• A protected marine park filled with turtles, corals, and colorful fish
• Calm waters for kids and first-time swimmers

What to do:

• Snorkel at the world-famous Watamu Marine National Park
• Sail on a glass-bottom boat
• Explore the Arabuko Sokoke Forest and the Gedi Ruins
• Visit Local Ocean Conservation for turtle education

Watamu blends relaxation, history, and underwater adventure.

6. Naivasha — Lakeside Peace with Nature's Symphony

Best For: Families, weekend getaways, nature lovers, cyclists

Access: 1.5 hours by road from Nairobi

If you want a peaceful holiday without going too far from Nairobi, Naivasha is a lakeside secret you'll love. December brings cool breezes, blooming greenery, and wildlife grazing near the water.

Why it's magical:

• Perfect for weekend or short December escapes
• Scenic, quiet, and ideal for families
• Beautiful boat rides with views of hippos and birds

What to do:

• Visit Crescent Island for walking safaris
• Explore Hell's Gate by bike
• Spend slow mornings watching birds over Lake Naivasha
• Visit flower farms or enjoy lakeside picnics

Naivasha is simple, hearty, and healing.

7. Amboseli — Land of Giants & Kilimanjaro's Glory

Best For: Photographers, elephant lovers, luxury safari seekers

Access: 4-5 hours by road from Nairobi or charter flights from Wilson Airport

Few things beat the sight of elephants marching across Amboseli's plains with Mount Kilimanjaro sitting proudly behind them. December adds fresh greenery, clear views, and perfect photography conditions.

Why it's magical:

• Close-up elephant sightings—the park is famous for its herds
• Crisp December weather offering postcard views of Kilimanjaro
• Rare bird species and newborn wildlife

What to do:

• Game drives beneath Africa's tallest peak
• Visit observation hills and lakes
• Enjoy quiet luxury lodges with panoramic views
• Cultural visits to Maasai communities

Amboseli is a soul-lifting safari retreat.

8. Nanyuki & Mount Kenya Region — Cool, Adventurous & Scenic

Best For: Hikers, adventure seekers, cool weather lovers, conservationists

Access: 3-4 hours by road from Nairobi or 45-minute charter flight

December in Nanyuki is crisp, refreshing, and full of adventure. With views of snow-capped Mount Kenya and high-altitude clarity, it's great for people who love nature, hiking, and cool weather.

Why it's magical:

• Beautiful lodges, ranches, and conservancies
• Pleasant temperatures perfect for outdoor fun
• Wildlife conservancies with rhinos, lions, and plains game

What to do:

• Visit Ol Pejeta Conservancy (home to the last two northern white rhinos)
• Go hiking or ziplining at Ngare Ndare Forest
• Enjoy horseback safaris
• Experience the Equator crossing experience

Nanyuki is where adventure meets calm elegance.

9. Nairobi — The City of Holidays, Culture & Christmas Magic

Best For: Urban explorers, families, shopping enthusiasts, culture lovers

Access: 20 minutes from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport

Kenya's capital comes alive in December—twinkling lights, festive markets, outdoor concerts, Maasai markets, and plenty of places to explore. This is the safari capital of the world.

Why it's magical:

• A city with a national park—where else can you see lions minutes from skyscrapers?
• Vibrant nightlife and holiday events
• Endless dining, shopping, and family activities

What to do:

• Visit Nairobi National Park
• Enjoy Giraffe Centre or David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
• Shop at Christmas markets and Maasai Market
• Picnic at Karura Forest or Uhuru Gardens
• Explore museums like Karen Blixen Museum and Nairobi National Museum

Nairobi offers the perfect mix of urban energy and nature.

10. Malindi — Swahili Charm, Golden Sands & Calm Waters

Best For: Culture seekers, water sports lovers, relaxation enthusiasts

Access: 1 hour from Moi International Airport or 20 minutes from Malindi Airport

Malindi is warm, relaxed, and culturally rich—perfect for travelers who want a less crowded coastal town with a big personality.

Why it's magical:

• Golden beaches that glow in December sunlight
• A blend of Italian, Swahili, and Arab influences
• Water sports, ocean safaris, and great seafood

What to do:

• Snorkel in Malindi Marine Park
• Visit the Vasco da Gama Pillar
• Explore Marafa (Hell's Kitchen) at sunset
• Experience the vibrant Italian Quarter

Malindi is gentle, warm, and quietly enchanting.

Plan Your Perfect December Holiday in Kenya

Each of these destinations carries its own December magic—whether you're chasing sunsets, wildlife, culture, or quiet escapes. Kenya is a land of endless holiday stories, and the best chapter begins when you travel with a partner who knows the terrain well.

With Come Travel Kenya Limited, your December holiday becomes not just a trip, but a celebration—tailored, effortless, and beautifully unforgettable. Contact us today to start planning your magical December getaway.