Swap Reindeer for Rhino this Christmas
This Christmas, trade snow for sand and enjoy Africa’s sunshine. Kenya and South Africa provide diverse options for an extraordinary holiday, catering to all group sizes. With a selection of gorgeous private homes, lodges, and camps perfect for family celebrations, set against a backdrop of exceptional wildlife and breathtaking landscapes.
La Cle is situated in South Africa’s sprawling winelands is perfect for a festive retreat in the sun
Kenya
We’ve put together a few holiday suggestions for Christmas and New Year in Kenya while still maintaining the Christmas spirit. Laragai House is the perfect family escape, sleeping up to 16 guests. Spend Christmas morning relaxing by the pool admiring the views of Borana Conservancy, or go for a morning wildlife drive. Lunch will be beautifully presented by the staff who can prepare turkey and sprouts, or something more local if you are feeling adventurous. You can make the day extra special by adding a scenic helicopter flight or some trout fishing on Mount Kenya.
Laragai House is nestled in the expansive 32,000-acre private conservancy
The perfect combination with a safari is a few days relaxing on the coast. If you feel like escaping to barefoot luxury for New Year’s Eve, a visit to the tranquil Cabanas Lamu is perfect. However, it’s more than just the ultimate place to chill – anyone looking for a fun-filled stay will love it. The Cabanas is home to an expert kitesurfing school which offers a thrilling experience for all the family, as well as dhow sailing, snorkelling, kayaking and water skiing or exploring nearby Lamu town.
Experience kitesurfing amidst the sprawling sandbars of Lamu Island
South Africa
South Africa has so much to offer for all the family, and lovely weather in December and January. Cape Town is an ideal place for an alternative Christmas Day: hike up Table Mountain, stroll around the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, or visit the penguin colony at Boulders Beach. One&Only Cape Town is perfectly located for easy access to the city’s best attractions. You could even stay in the nearby winelands; we love the private villas at La Clé des Montagnes, which has a superb wine selection and fun activities like mountain biking and hiking on the doorstep.
Stroll through the vineyards of Franschhoek
Continue the Christmas celebration with some time on safari at the renowned Kwandwe Private Game Reserve – just a short flight away. This is home to black and white rhino, elephant, buffalo, lions and much more. Kwandwe Ecca Lodge is a fantastic place to stay and tailors each day to your wishes. A few hours’ drive away is Samara Karoo Lodge, which is surrounded by stunning scenery and filled with a huge variety of wildlife. Spend New Year’s Eve here on their sleep-out deck and swap fireworks for the sparkling star-lit night sky.
A Lioness peeks through the gorse at Kwandwe Private Game Reserve
Let us take away the stresses of festive planning. Book with us for expert guidance, seamless logistics, and access to the best lodges, camps, and villas.
What next?
Get inspired and sign up to our free Insiders Guide to Africa. We would be delighted to help with planning your perfect safari holiday, whenever you want to travel. Our team of experts has travelled widely throughout Africa and the Indian Ocean and can offer expert advice. Do get in touch – chatting to people by phone or email is what we do best. We listen, we explain, we answer all sorts of questions even those you didn’t know to ask, and finally we make suggestions. If this is your first time to Africa or your twenty first, we have a team standing by to help make the planning easy and the journey the best ever. Please get in touch whatever stage you’re at.
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