Zanzibar, coastal Kenya and South Africa’s Garden Route offer some of the most rewarding beach vacations over the festive season. From snorkelling and dhow trips to nature reserves and private villas, these family-friendly destinations deliver sunshine, ease, and meaningful shared adventures.
If the idea of another Christmas at home feels more exhausting than festive, perhaps it’s time for something different. Think warm evenings, sea air, and time together without the noise – a barefoot escape to Africa’s most rewarding coastlines, from the spice-scented shores of Zanzibar to the tidal beaches of Kenya and the dramatic curves of South Africa’s southern shores. Late December into New Year is the perfect window for this part of the world, and these beaches all enjoy long, sunny days, minimal rainfall, and a slower, more generous pace of life. It’s an ideal time for families in search of winter sun, space to unwind, and a chance to reconnect somewhere beautiful. At Lightfoot, we use our local knowledge and trusted connections to create festive journeys that feel effortless, enriching, and just right for what your family needs at this time of year.
It’s easy to assume that heading to the beach over Christmas means big resorts and crowded flights. But in this part of the world, the experience can feel completely different. These are not mass-market destinations. You’ll find small, privately run retreats, empty stretches of beach, and a sense of privacy that’s harder to come by elsewhere during peak season.
In Zanzibar, the air is warm and touched with spice; the beaches are soft and tide-washed; and the accommodation ranges from low-key luxury to full-service private villas. Kenya’s coast offers a rich mix of culture, wildlife, and beach, while South Africa’s Garden Route has cool coastal elegance paired with world-class food and wine.
Wherever you go, we make sure the experience is tailored around your family: your pace, your priorities, and what matters most to you.
Why Consider Africa’s Coast This Festive Season
A Jet Lag-Friendly Journey
When you’re travelling with children – especially over the festive period – how you feel when you arrive matters. One of the reasons Africa’s coastlines work so well is that the time difference is minimal, no matter where you’re flying from. It means less disruption, quicker adjustment, and a calmer start to your trip.
→ From Europe, the time difference is typically just two hours – not noticeable enough to throw off your rhythm.
→ From the Middle East, the time difference is typically only one hour, making it one of the smoothest long-haul family journeys you can take.
→ From Asia, the westward flight direction works in your favour, with a manageable three to six-hour shift depending on your starting point.
→ From the US, while the time difference is greater and travel eastward can be more challenging, we help build in recovery time and plan your first few days to make the transition easier.
We design your first days intentionally gently – with plenty of daylight, sea air, and relaxed activities to help everyone ease into the new time zone: a walk on the beach, a swim, and a simple meal outdoors can do wonders for resetting your rhythm. We typically suggest sticking to one hotel per region to keep transitions minimal.
Whether you’re coming from London, Singapore, or New York, this is one of the few winter-sun escapes that won’t leave everyone feeling disoriented or overtired. And when the goal is rest, connection and simplicity, that makes all the difference.
Zanzibar works particularly well for families. The short flight from Nairobi or Dar es Salaam makes it easy to pair with safari, but it stands beautifully on its own. Make time to experience Stone Town – an atmospheric step into history with a trusted local guide – before winding down on your beach break.
For something special yet relaxed, Zanzibar White Sand Villas offers refined, unpretentious barefoot luxury. For families with older children or teenagers, Fundu Lagoon and The Manta Resort, both on Pemba Island, offer something more remote and immersive – ideal for switching off, snorkelling pristine reefs, and settling into a slower pace of life.
Bawe Island Resort, just off Stone Town, combines exclusivity and sophistication with child-friendly touches – spacious villas come with private pools, butler service, and plenty of room for families to settle in. There’s a dedicated kids’ club with a garden and pool, as well as babysitting and a wide array of activities – from watersports to tennis.
If privacy is a priority, Zanzibar has a number of exceptional private villas that open directly onto the beach, with staff who cater to family preferences and plenty of space to spread out with ease.
Zanzibar: Warm Waters and Laid-back Luxury
Kenya’s Coast: Culture, Wildlife, and the Indian Ocean
The Kenyan coast is often overlooked, which makes it all the more appealing for families seeking something different. It combines Swahili culture, marine conservation, and proper barefoot beach life.
In the south, Kinodo Kwetu is one of our top recommendations – a charming, family-run property that feels like staying with friends. Just north, Alfajiri Villas offers space, privacy, and a fully staffed setup – perfect for multi-generational groups who want to be together, but not on top of each other.
Further north, Manda Bay is a beautiful, off-the-beaten-track option on the Lamu archipelago, where children can explore, swim, and play while adults settle into the easy rhythm of coastal life.
Add in local guides who know how to bring stories to life, quiet dhow trips along the coast, and spontaneous games of beach football with village children, and the experience becomes far more than just a beach break.
For those who prefer a more structured experience, South Africa’s southern coast delivers. December and January bring summer sunshine without intense heat, and you’ve got the option to combine coast with Cape Town, the Winelands, or even a malaria-free safari.
Morukuru Beach Lodge and Lekkerwater Beach Lodge both sit within protected nature reserves, offering immersive, off-grid experiences with exceptional service and comfort. Grootbos is another standout – a private nature reserve known for its conservation work, excellent food, and elegant family-friendly villas.
For those who prefer something more central and polished, The Plettenberg and The Marine in Hermanus offer classic coastal charm with easy access to marine life, beaches, and local culture. And for a stay with a good dose of indulgence, Birkenhead House combines ocean views, impeccable service, and a laid-back but stylish atmosphere.
South Africa is a fantastic multi-generational travel destination – with plenty of direct flights, English-speaking guides, and world-class medical facilities offering additional peace of mind.
South Africa: Sophisticated Coastlines and Easy Living
Good to Know: Festive Season Travel Tips
When you travel over the festive period, getting the details right is essential – flights, transfers, weather patterns, what’s actually open over Christmas and New Year. We handle all of that for you, and more.
We’ll recommend the best room configurations for your children’s ages, suggest which areas pair well together, and plan your days to include just the right balance of activity and rest. Our local teams are on hand throughout, whether you need a doctor’s appointment, a last-minute babysitter, or restaurant recommendations that don’t appear on TripAdvisor.
→ Book Early: Many of the most special properties are small and fill up early for the holidays. We recommend planning at least 9–12 months in advance.
→ Weather: Expect warm sunshine and gentle sea breezes in Zanzibar and Kenya. In South Africa (particularly the Garden Route), daytime temperatures are comfortably warm, with cooler evenings.
→ Health: South Africa's southern coast is malaria-free and Zanzibar and Kenya are typically low-risk areas for malaria during this period, but we’ll help advise on the best precautions for your family.
→ Flights: There are good connections from Europe, the Middle East and within Africa, especially via Nairobi, Johannesburg or Addis Ababa.
For families who want more from their festive break than just another hotel stay, Africa’s coast offers something deeper: freedom, space, warmth, and a chance to reconnect. You’ll come home with more than just a tan – you’ll return with shared experiences, new perspectives, and stories your children will remember.
Contact our experts if you're thinking about doing things differently this Christmas and New Year, we’d love to help you plan it.
Photography credits: Unsplash & hotels' own
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