December car hire in Kenya: book before the rush

Key dates for December 2026

• Saturday 12 December: Jamhuri Day, a public holiday.
• Friday 25 December: Christmas Day.
• Saturday 26 December: Boxing Day.
• Friday 1 January 2027: New Year's Day.

The busiest week at JKIA and on the roads out of Nairobi is usually the one before Christmas, and again at New Year when everyone heads back.

Why book now

Every car's daily rate is published on our prices page, so you can plan the budget now. We have a set number of each car, and once they are booked for the holidays they are gone. Booking online takes a few minutes and is confirmed straight away. No credit card is required for checkout. You pay a refundable 30% reservation deposit within 2 hours of booking (card payment link or M-Pesa), and the balance when you see the car, by M-Pesa, bank transfer, credit card or cash.

The right car for a family December

• Seven seats with style: the Mazda CX-8, and the Toyota Noah for a practical family van.
• The long drive upcountry: the Toyota Prado or the Land Cruiser V8, with four-wheel drive for the rain.
• Grandparents and a lot of luggage: the Toyota Alphard, always with a chauffeur.
• A wedding or ruracio convoy: the Mercedes-Benz S 350 for the couple, and the Toyota Coaster for guests.
• Errands around town: an economical Toyota Axio.

The minimum hire is 3 days, and many families home for the holidays take a car for two to four weeks.

Weddings, ruracios and family events

December weekends fill up with weddings, ruracios (bride price ceremonies) and family gatherings. For the day itself, many families book a convoy: a flagship car for the couple, a van or seven-seater for parents and elders, and a bus for guests, all with our chauffeurs so nobody has to find parking or drive home late. Tell us the date, the number of guests and the venues, and we will suggest the cars. Book early: the best cars for the big day are the first to go.

A car for the whole stay

Coming home for two or three weeks? One car for the whole stay usually works out simpler than hiring and returning several times. We deliver it to JKIA when you land and collect it at departures when you fly home, and if your plans change you can ask to extend on the website before your return time.

Going "shags" (upcountry)

Most of our cars stay on paved roads and can go anywhere in Kenya with our approval. Tell us your route when you book and we confirm it. On long trips, would you rather rest? Add a chauffeur for KES 5,000 ($39 USD / £29 GBP / €34 EUR) a day outside Nairobi, plus your driver's food and overnight accommodation away from Nairobi. Our guide to road trips from Nairobi covers the main routes.

Arriving at JKIA in December

Mid-December is one of the busiest times at JKIA. Allow extra time at immigration and baggage, and let your family know it may take a while. Your driver tracks your flight and meets you in arrivals with a sign bearing your name. See how JKIA car hire works and our airport promise.

Coming home from abroad?

Around 70% of our clients are Kenyans living abroad. Read car hire for the diaspora for booking for family, paying from abroad and your licence, and tick off our December homecoming checklist before you fly.

How it works at Urban Escape

• Delivered anywhere in Nairobi and JKIA: JKIA arrivals, your hotel or your home. Delivery and collection cost KES 1,000 ($8 USD / £6 GBP / €7 EUR) each way anywhere in Nairobi.
• Flight tracking: add your flight number and your driver works to the real landing time. The evening before you land, we send your driver's name and number on WhatsApp.
• A video walk-round: we film the car with you at handover and again at return, and you leave with a written return receipt.
• 2019 or newer cars: every car is a 2019 model or newer, serviced and cleaned before each hire. In most cases you will know the exact car assigned to you in advance: your booking page shows it, with its licence plate and photos.
• A replacement car if the car has a manufacturer (mechanical) issue.
• 24/7 support: one call or WhatsApp message reaches a person, day or night.

The rules that matter

• Drivers must be 25 or over and have held a full licence for at least 2 years. We can sometimes waive the 2-year rule; ask before you book.
• The minimum hire is 3 days.
• Mileage is unlimited on every car.
• Paved roads only. Game drives only in our Land Cruiser Safari.
• No border crossing: our cars stay in Kenya.

These are the headline rules. The rental agreement you sign for each booking is the one that counts, so check it before you drive. Our rental terms in plain words explain every clause.

Paying today

No credit card is required for checkout. You pay a refundable 30% reservation deposit within 2 hours of booking (card payment link or M-Pesa), and the balance when you see the car, by M-Pesa, bank transfer, credit card or cash. Cancellation is free until the car is handed over. Paying from abroad? Our guide to paying for car hire from abroad explains each option.