We’re in September, and that means it’s time to start mapping out your end-of-year holiday. If a game drive is on your bucket list, you’re in good company. There’s something special about being in the wild during December: crisp mornings filled with birdsong, wide-open skies, and, if luck is on your side, a sighting of the Big Five.

The challenge is that December is also peak travel season. Many of the famous parks fill up quickly with safari vehicles. If you’re looking for quieter, less crowded destinations where your family can enjoy nature without the rush, we’ve done the homework for you.

Here are five national parks in Tanzania and Kenya that stay relatively calm even during the holidays. They offer the full safari experience, wildlife, scenery, and adventure, without the crowds.

Tanzania

Nyerere (Selous) National Park

Nyerere, formerly known as Selous, is one of Africa’s largest wildlife reserves. Unlike the Serengeti, it sees far fewer visitors, which makes it a great option if you want space and tranquility. Families can enjoy boat safaris along the Rufiji River, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and flocks of birds. Game drives cover huge areas where elephants, lions, and wild dogs roam free.

Ruaha National Park

Ruaha is Tanzania’s hidden gem. It’s remote, vast, and is home to one of the largest elephant populations in East Africa. The park also offers excellent predator sightings, including prides of lions and cheetahs. For families, the real perk is that you won’t feel rushed or surrounded by other vehicles, making it a more personal and relaxing experience.

Mahale Mountains National Park

Mahale is unlike any other park. Nestled on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, it’s best known for chimpanzee trekking rather than traditional game drives. For families with older children, this is an unforgettable adventure: hiking through lush forests, watching chimps in their natural habitat, and cooling off with a swim in the clear waters of the lake.

Kenya

Samburu & Buffalo Springs Reserves

Located in northern Kenya, Samburu and Buffalo Springs are quiet alternatives to the Mara. They’re rich in wildlife but offer a different variety of species you won’t always see elsewhere, like the reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, and Somali ostrich. The landscapes are rugged and beautiful, with fewer visitors, which means your family gets more uninterrupted time in nature.

Hell’s Gate National Park

Hell’s Gate is one of Kenya’s most family-friendly parks. It’s small, close to Nairobi, and unique because you can explore it on foot or by bicycle, something most other parks don’t allow. Dramatic cliffs, gorges, and geothermal features make it fun for both adults and kids. And since it’s less about the Big Five and more about adventure, it rarely feels overcrowded.

Visiting these lesser-known parks doesn’t mean you are missing out. On the contrary, it often means richer experiences: more time watching animals without pressure to move on, more peaceful moments in nature, and more chances for your family to connect without the bustle of peak-season crowds.

If you’d like help planning your December safari, whether it’s exploring Tanzania’s vast wilderness or discovering Kenya’s hidden treasures, visit our website or get in touch with us. We’ll help you create a holiday that balances adventure, relaxation, and family time.