Breakfast at Giraffe Manor / Courtesy of The Safari Collection
The new year is a lovely time to be in Kenya. The grass is green but the rains have mostly stopped. The weather is warm enough for swimming but not overly hot. One caveat is that because of the holidays, camps charge peak season rates between Dec 20th and January 4th.
The first section is a list of the different safari areas along with my favorite properties. Rates listed are per night for two people. If there is a “+” next to the price they haven’t released their new rates yet, and it will likely be a little higher. I’ve checked availability on these, but it isn’t guaranteed.
At the bottom, I’ve put together some itinerary options with the dates you provided, and we can plug in some of the destinations you like best. I even included one for Victoria Falls. Late December isn’t an ideal time to visit because the rainy season has just begun, but the falls are still low in flow. Early June is a better time if you want to include it.
I usually book Kenya or Tanzania separately to save on travel time. They can be done together, though there are more options in the summer when the migration is back in the north.
Nairobi
I’ve built the itinerary around Giraffe Manor, which is only available on January 5th unless you book another Safari Collection camp. If you book one of those, it is also available on December 28th. If you don’t stay overnight at Giraffe Manor, you can always visit the adjacent Giraffe Centre to feed the giraffes and/or get a day room at the retreat at Giraffe Manor.
These are the day rooms you can have for the afternoon for late flights. Giraffes only have access to the pool, but you can also visit the Giraffe Centre nearby.
This is a nice mid-range hotel in Nairobi if you don’t overnight at the Manor.
Samburu, Kenya
Sarara
The Samburu area is in the arid north of the country. There isn’t as much wildlife, but you will still get good sightings. The landscapes are also dramatic, and the people are authentic. It’s not as touristy here, and I much prefer the cultural visits over the Maasai Mara. In the Mara, we were forced to jump with some warriors for a picture, even though I didn’t want to, and then we were directed to the gift shop. In Samburu, we just drove to a village and casually talked to some people who were herding goats. There is also a community-run elephant sanctuary you can visit.
This family-run camp is in the best location to visit the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary. It’s also one of the more remote camps, so you won’t see other tourists.
This is the luxury Samburu option and one of my favorite camps if you want a private pool etc.
Laikipia Plateau, Kenya
View of Mt. Kenya from Lewa House
Laikipia is the high-elevation hills around Mount Kenya. Because of its elevation, it has the best weather in the country, with moderate temperatures year-round. The Lewa Conservancy has really good wildlife, including lots of rhinos, which aren’t found elsewhere in Kenya. It’s also a great area for a mix of activities, including walking and horseback riding.
This is a tented camp option that is on the edge of the reserve, so you get a better price.
Maasai Mara, Kenya
Mara Nyika Camp / Courtesy of Great Plains Conservation
This is the most famous safari destination in the world, and it has some of the highest wildlife densities in Kenya. There are vast open plains with large herds of animals. Because of its popularity and new $200/day park fees, it’s the most expensive destination in Kenya. Most camps here are in the traditional canvas tented style unless you go very high-end.
This is a more standard tented camp, but it is the only one in the Mara that is wholly Maasai-owned instead of operated in partnership with a safari company.
This is a great luxury option in a good location that is a cottage style.
Tsavo and Amboseli, Kenya
Elephant at Ol Donyo Lodge / Courtesy of Great Plains Conservation
The southeastern part of Kenya has the highest density of elephants in the country – including some of the old bull “super tuskers.” There aren’t as many safari options here, but ol Donyo was the first image that came to mind when you said luxury lodge with elephants around a water hole. They have a fantastic hide that can get you just a few yards from elephants drinking.
This is one of Kenya’s nicer luxury safari lodges, and it has an epic watering hole. Kilimanjaro can be seen on the horizon – Quintessential safari luxury.
This is the most modern style lodge in the area if you like that style.
Serengeti, Tanzania
Songa Migrational Camp / Courtesy of Legendary Expeditions
The Serengeti National Park lies across the border from the Maasai Mara and is quite a bit larger. It’s the furthest from Nairobi on this list, but it will be your best chance of seeing the Great Migration if you are interested. In December, the herds should be calving in the south, and I would focus on the nearby camps.
Walking safari at Chem Chem Lodge / Courtesy of Chem Chem Safaris
Chem Chem is a private reserve I would love to use on a Tanzania itinerary instead of Ngorongoro Crater, which has gotten overcrowded. Chem Chem is located between Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Park. It is a conservation success story and has great wildlife and cultural opportunities. There are a couple of interesting properties I like in Ngorongro like Gibb’s Farm for food and hiking.
This property is a fun break from safaris if you are interested in staying at a Tanzanian farm and eating well for a couple of days.
Arusha & Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Tanzania itineraries often start at Kilimanjaro airport and sometimes require a layover in Arusha. There are many charming hotels for an overnight stay or longer.
There are many nice places to stay in Arusha, but Legendary is one of the best. You can sometimes get specials when paired with Mwiba, Chem Chem, and Songa.
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls near Toka Leya / Dana Allen / Courtesy of Wilderness Safaris
Zambia is one of my favorite places, but As I mentioned, the new year isn’t an ideal time to visit the falls. The first week of June would be better if you want to do this.
This is a nice hotel on the Zimbabwe side away from the bustle of the falls.
Lamu, Kenya
If you opt for a more extended trip in Kenya, you could add a beach destination instead of a third safari option. Lamu Old Town is a historic UNESCO World Heritage site with nice resorts nearby.