Christmas Safari Holidays
Why not think outside the box this Christmas? Ditch the snowy streets and grey skies for a new adventure, and embark on a Christmas safari in Africa! Christmas at a safari park is an experience you'll never forget - what could be a better Christmas morning than gazing out at the Serengeti?
Christmas safari deals in Kenya & Tanzania
Top christmas safari destinations
Africa is known as the top safari destination, and Christmas safaris are no exception! Enjoy the warm weather of an African summer in December while you spend quality time with your family, reconnect with nature, or just take some time for yourself this holiday season. Here are a few of our favourite Christmas safari destinations.
From the Okavango Delta to the Kalahari Desert, Botswana is a dynamic and fascinating place to embark on a safari. Here, the Big Five roam freely, and you'll have a great shot at seeing your favourites as they wander in search of food and water. You'll find newborn antelope everywhere, which means your chances of seeing predators such as big cats skyrockets.
See moreWhile the short rains in Tanzania may continue through December, by Christmastime conditions should be lush and relatively dry, if not quite humid. Keep in mind that Tanzania is a very popular destination for Christmas safaris, so expect to pay peak season prices and grapple with crowds on game drives.
See moreSouth Africa is a very popular destination for Christmas safaris! Families love the proximity to cosmopolitan Cape Town and pristine national parks such as Kruger, while couples, groups, and solo travellers often take advantage of the luxury camps available in this gorgeous country.
See moreThe weather in Kenya clears up just in time for a perfect Christmas or New Year holiday! Conditions should be dry and there will be plenty of opportunities to spot the Big Five. Looking for a beach holiday as well as a safari? Temperatures will be high in coastal areas, but the sea breeze keeps things comfortable. Keep in mind, however, that some lodges in the north of Kenya will be closed during December.
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Top national parks for a christmas safari
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Serengeti
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Kruger
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Amboseli
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Masai Mara
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Arusha
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Victoria falls
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How would you like to travel?
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Solo
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Couple
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Family
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Vacation packages for every budget
Christmas is known for being a wonderful time to make memories with friends and family - but it's also known as a time when prices for getaways skyrocket. While most lodges will be charging peak season rates around the holiday season, rest assured that there are still safari experiences available for every budget and price point.
A luxury Christmas safari means the best of everything: gourmet food, five-star accommodations (with some of the most incredible views you'll ever see!), and private game drives for you, your family, or your significant other. While these safaris are at the very top of the price range, travellers rarely regret the opportunities they provide.
See all toursOf course, there's no extra charge to enjoy the amazing natural beauty that comes with an African safari! Budget options, including camping and no-frills lodges, mean that a Christmas safari is possible for almost every traveller. Make sure to always check with your operator to see what is and is not included in the price of your safari to avoid surprise charges.
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How to make the most of christmas in Africa
Try local Christmas dishes
One of the best parts of travel is getting to experience the local flavours of the country you're visiting, right? Well, that goes double for Christmastime. Feast on curried goat stew, Jollof rice, and delicious rum cake for dessert.
Try to learn local carols
While you'll hear many familiar Christmas carols during a Christmas safari in Africa, there are plenty of local songs you can learn to further your enjoyment. Ask your local guides if they'd be willing to teach you a new carol, and leave Africa with a new tradition for next Christmas.
Give back to the community
Many safaris offer an element of giving back or volunteering with local communities, and travellers are encouraged to take part. Consider bringing small gifts for local communities, such as school supplies, toys, or sporting equipment.
What you need to know
When should I book my tour?
Travellers looking to book a Christmas safari would do well to book far in advance, as prices will only increase closer to departure time. However, you might snatch a last minute deal for Christmas & New Year's Eve.
Will there be a Christmas tree?
Lodges usually put up a Christmas tree in their main building. However, don't expect a familiar evergreen tree! The tree at a Christmas safari will be a local, native tree decorated in the unique style of the lodge staff.
Will there be a traditional Christmas feast?
There will usually be a special meal on Christmas day. Travellers will find a combination of familiar traditional Christmas dinners such as turkey and mashed potatoes, as well as traditional local dishes.
I'm travelling with children, will there be a Santa Claus?
Santa Claus will make an appearance in certain safaris, but travellers with children anticipating a visit should double-check with their tour operator beforehand.
Should I really spend christmas in a safari park?
Christmas in a safari park will always be an amazing adventure and the right thing for travellers who are looking to step outside of their comfort zone and create new memories and traditions.
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