Kenya in December offers the best of both worlds—lush greenery after the short rains and plenty of sunshine for safaris, coastlines, and cultural experiences. It’s one of the most popular months to visit thanks to warm weather, wildlife sightings, and the festive season. Expect sunny days, cool evenings, and diverse environments from Nairobi to the Maasai Mara and the Indian Ocean coast.
Your packing list needs to be versatile: think light layers, earth tones for safaris, breathable fabrics for coastal areas, and modest clothing for towns and villages. Be sun-smart and safari-prepared, and you’re set for an epic Kenyan adventure.
📝Note: This article is all about what to pack for Kenya in December. Here you can find a huge and comprehensive list. Feel free to adapt to your needs, and share your tips in the comments!
Weather & Travel Context 🌦️
- Nairobi: 13°C to 25°C (55°F to 77°F)
- Maasai Mara: 12°C to 27°C (54°F to 81°F)
- Mombasa/Diani Beach: 24°C to 32°C (75°F to 90°F)
- Warm, dry weather with lush landscapes post-rain ☀️🌿
What to Pack for Kenya in December
Packing smart will help you make the most of your trip. Here’s everything you need to bring for a comfortable and stylish adventure.
Carry-On Suitcase / Travel Bag Duffle / Portable Steamer / Packing cubes / Luggage scale / Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones / Speaker / Portable Charger / Universal Travel adapter / Compact Hair Dryer / Eye Mask / Waterproof Toiletry Bag Hanging / Zipper Pouch / Water BOTTLE / Liquid I.V. Hydration Vegan
🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools
If you want more options to have everything organized and well packed, take a look at these suggestions.
1. Rolling Backpack / 2. Luggage (large) / 3. Luggage (small) / 4. Toiletry Bag / 5. Beach Bag / 6. Backpack / 7. Packing Cubes
- Soft-sided duffel – preferred on small safari planes 🧳
- Daypack – game drives, hikes, city tours 🎒
- Packing cubes – separate safari, beach, and city gear 📦
- Waterproof pouch – for electronics or valuables 💦
- Shoe bag – dusty boots or sandals 👟
- Travel toiletry kit – heat-ready and spill-proof 🧴
- Travel wallet – passport, cash, vaccination card 💼
- Laundry bag – dirt roads = dirty clothes fast 🧺
- Neck pillow – ideal for long drives or flights 🛌
- Eye mask – lodges and tents may have early sun 😴
👗 Clothes
- Lightweight neutral tops (4–6) – safari-friendly colors 👕
- Long-sleeved shirts – sun and insect protection 👚
- Safari pants or zip-offs – durable and breathable 👖
- Maxi skirt or loose dress – for coastal or town days 👗
- Light jacket or fleece – chilly safari mornings 🧥
- Rain jacket – occasional coastal showers ☔
- Shorts (2–3) – beach or resort wear 🩳
- Swimsuit (2) – coast and hotel pools 👙
- Cover-up – stylish and sun-safe 🧣
- Sleepwear – lightweight and breathable 🛌
- Undergarments & sports bras (5–7) 👙
- Wool or cotton socks – for boots and sneakers 🧦
💆 Skincare
- High SPF sunscreen – year-round sun exposure 🌞
- Bug spray with DEET – for mosquitoes & tsetse flies 🦟
- After-bite gel or aloe – skin soother 🌿
- Lip balm with SPF – dry air + sun 💋
- Moisturizer – restore skin after game drives 💧
💄 Makeup
- Tinted moisturizer or BB cream – light base 💄
- Waterproof mascara – sweat & humidity safe 👁️
- Bronzer – natural sun-kissed look ✨
- Lip tint – subtle and easy 💋
- Compact powder – control shine 🌞
💇 Hair Care
- Comb or brush – tangles from wind & heat 💇
- Hair ties & clips – safari-safe buns 🌀
- Leave-in conditioner – dust & sun recovery 💁
- Dry shampoo – for off-grid days 🌬️
- Anti-frizz serum – wind & heat control ✨
👟 Shoes & Accessories
- Sturdy sneakers or boots – safari & hikes 🥾
- Sandals – beach and resort wear 👡
- Flip-flops – shower or pool 🩴
- Sunhat – wide-brimmed for sun protection 👒
- Sunglasses – polarized are best 🕶️
- Scarf or buff – dust barrier on game drives 🧣
- Crossbody bag – secure for markets 👜
📑 Documents & Essentials
- Passport + visa if required 🛂
- Yellow fever certificate (if needed) 💉
- Travel insurance documents 📄
- Flight and hotel confirmations 📲
- Local currency (Kenyan shillings) & credit card 💵
🚑 First Aid
- Malaria meds – ask your doctor before travel 💊
- Electrolytes – hydration boost after safaris 💧
- Band-aids & antiseptic – minor cuts 🩹
- Motion sickness pills – bumpy roads ahead 🚐
🧼 Health & Hygiene
- Toothbrush & paste 🪥
- Feminine hygiene products 🩸
- Wet wipes – dust and sweat cleanup 🧻
- Hand sanitizer – safari and city safe 🧴
- Deodorant – a must in warm weather 🧼
📱 Tech & Electronics
- Phone + charger 📱
- Universal adapter (Type G) 🔌
- Power bank – bush camps may have limited power 🔋
- Camera with zoom lens – safari essential 📸
- Offline maps – for remote areas 🗺️
🎧 Entertainment
- Kindle or books – for downtime 📚
- Offline music or podcasts 🎧
- Notebook or journal – jot your wildlife sightings 📝
🎁 Extras
- Binoculars – better safari experience 🔭
- Reusable water bottle – always hydrate 💧
- Travel towel – compact and fast-drying 🏞️
- Reusable shopping bag – for souvenirs 🛍️
🌍 Travel Tips
- Wear earth tones on safari – avoid bright colors 🐘
- Respect local customs and dress modestly in towns 🙏
- Cash is useful in rural areas 💵
- Stay hydrated in the sun ☀️
🛂 Visa Tips
- Apply online for e-Visa before arrival 🌐
- Print visa confirmation and have passport photos 📄
- Yellow fever proof needed if arriving from risk areas 💉
⭐ Must-Haves
- Sunscreen 🌞
- Bug spray 🦟
- Sunhat 👒
- Safari boots 🥾
- Scarf or buff 🧣
- Camera 📸
👍 Good-to-Have
- Binoculars 🔭
- Dry shampoo 🌬️
- Notebook 📝
- Travel towel 🏞️
- Reusable bag 🛍️
