When to Go
Masai Mara in December: Green Season Wildlife, Birds and Holidays
The Masai Mara in December: green plains after the short rains, resident big cats, migrant birds, good value early in the month and busy Christmas holidays.
December in the Masai Mara is green, fresh and full of life. The short rains have revived the grass, the resident predators are active, and the birding is excellent. Early December is quiet and good value; the Christmas and New Year holidays are busy.
Weather
Showers from the short rains often continue into early December, usually in the afternoons, and the weather becomes drier as the month goes on. Days are warm.
Wildlife
The Mara’s lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, elephants, buffalo and plains game are all present. Many herbivores have young after the rains, attracting predators. Migrant birds are present in large numbers.
Crowds and prices
A quality conservancy tented camp that charges around US$1,000 per person per night in August is often much cheaper in early to mid-December. Prices rise for the Christmas and New Year period, when camps fill with families, so book early for those dates.
A December idea
December combines well with a beach break on the Kenyan coast or in Zanzibar, both of which have good weather at this time of year.
Where to stay in December
The Mara offers three main bases, each worth considering in December. Camps inside the national reserve give the quickest access to the Mara River and the open plains. The private conservancies to the north and east limit vehicles and allow night drives, walks and off-road driving, which makes sightings quieter. The Mara Triangle, west of the river, is well managed and usually has fewer vehicles than the eastern reserve. Many travellers combine a conservancy with full days in the reserve.
Pros and cons of December
- Pro: Green scenery and young animals
- Pro: Good value early in the month
- Pro: Excellent birding
- Con: Showers early in the month
- Con: Busy and expensive over Christmas and New Year
A suggested trip
Three or four nights in the Mara followed by a beach stay on the Kenyan coast or Zanzibar. Flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport take under an hour, or the drive takes five to six hours.
What to pack
Light clothes, a rain jacket, a warm layer and sun protection. Keep luggage to a soft bag of about 15 kilograms if you are flying.
Read our Kenya month-by-month guide and our 7-day Kenya itinerary.
We plan private safaris across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda, and write from time spent in these parks.
