Christmas & New Year Tours in South Africa
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10 best Christmas & New Year South Africa tour packages
Compiled by
NadineSouth Africa travel expert at TourRadar
- Christmas in South Africa
- Addo - Garden Route - Cape Town Chauffeur Drive Tour: 6 Days
- 10 day Cape & Garden Route Combo - optional accommodation
- 5 Day Garden Route Adventure Including Addo
- CAPE SCENIC SAFARI - Chauffeur Drive Tour: 5 Days
- Journeys: Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park National Geographic Journeys
- Winelands & Garden Route for Wine Lovers - Chauffeur Drive Tour 5 Days
- Cape Town - Garden Route - Addo Chauffeur Drive Tour: 6 Days
- 11 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Kruger Package
- Cape to Kruger: Wine, Wonders & Wildlife Fly-In Safari – 10 Days
Duration 16 days Destinations Johannesburg, Mpumalanga, Kruger National Park, Port Elizabeth, Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Cape Town Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Wendy Wu Tours From $12,138
13% Off- NZ$10,555You save $1,583
Addo - Garden Route - Cape Town Chauffeur Drive Tour: 6 Days
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Well-organized. Accommodating to wishes of participants.”
John, traveled in September
Summer safaris await at Addo, paired with festive meals in Knysna and holiday wine tastings in Stellenbosch. The optional New Year's extension features Cape Town's vibrant celebrations and seasonal penguin colony visits at Boulders Beach.
Duration 6 days Destinations Port Elizabeth, Addo Elephant National Park, Plettenberg Bay, Knysna, Brenton-on-Sea, Oudtshoorn, Robertson, Stellenbosch, Cape Town Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Explore South Africa From
13% Off- NZ$1,904
10 day Cape & Garden Route Combo - optional accommodation
25 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The trip exceeded expectations-the guide maudi was outstanding as was all my accommodation.”
Claire, traveled in December
Holiday spirit fills the V&A Waterfront, while summer wine tastings enchant in Stellenbosch. New Year's celebrations sparkle in coastal towns like Knysna or Jeffreys Bay.
Duration 10 days Destinations Cape Town, Hout Bay, Simon's Town, Stellenbosch, Table Mountain, Sedgefield, Knysna, Tsitsikamma National Park, Jeffreys Bay, Addo Elephant National ParkSee all destinations Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Hotspots2c From
13% Off- NZ$2,319
5 Day Garden Route Adventure Including Addo
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was excellent, he gave us the best Vibes from Africa.”
Nereida, traveled in October
South African wildlife creates holiday memories at Garden Route Game Lodge and Addo Elephant Park. Savor festive dinners featuring local ostrich braai in Oudtshoorn and luxury lodge buffets, while exploring Knysna's markets and waterfront.
Duration 5 days Destinations Cape Town, Oudtshoorn, Plettenberg Bay, Knysna, Stormsrivier, Wilderness National Park, Jeffreys Bay, Addo Elephant National Park, Albertinia, HermanusSee all destinations Age Range Ages 6+ Operator Bokbus Garden Route Adventure Tours & Safaris From
13% Off- NZ$1,279
CAPE SCENIC SAFARI - Chauffeur Drive Tour: 5 Days
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“very nice trip.”
Padma, traveled in November
South African holidays shine with festive game drives at Buffelsdrift Lodge, special dinners at Knysna Waterfront, and wine tastings at Die Krans Estate. Christmas magic unfolds at Cango Caves, leading to coastal New Year celebrations.
Duration 5 days Destinations Cape Town, Calitzdorp, Oudtshoorn, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Mossel Bay, L'Agulhas, Stellenbosch Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Explore South Africa From
13% Off- NZ$1,834
Journeys: Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park National Geographic Journeys
15 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The safari guides were outstanding. The itinerary included the important points of interest.”
Lorna, traveled in April
Festive game drives light up Kruger Park alongside holiday celebrations at Karongwe Reserve. Christmas comes alive at Cape Town's V&A Waterfront, while New Year's brings wildlife tracking through 9,000 hectares of private reserve with expert rangers.
Duration 10 days Destinations Cape Town, Johannesburg, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Kruger National Park, Karongwe Age Range Ages 12+ Operator National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures From $7,019
25% Off- NZ$5,264You save $1,755
Winelands & Garden Route for Wine Lovers - Chauffeur Drive Tour 5 Days
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Visited places/sites we would not have found on our own. Same with the guest houses.”
Adela, traveled in November
Holiday wine tastings in Stellenbosch pair with coastal celebrations in Knysna and festive feasts featuring local specialties. Whale watching in Plettenberg Bay and nights at luxury lodges create perfect summer memories.
Duration 5 days Destinations Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Calitzdorp, Oudtshoorn, Witfontein Nature Reserve, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Tsitsikamma National Park, George Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Explore South Africa From
25% Off- NZ$1,484
Wine tastings spread holiday cheer at Stellenbosch estates, while Christmas activities brighten Knysna Waterfront. New Year's game drives at Addo Elephant Park and holiday feasts at luxury lodges round out the season.
Duration 6 days Destinations Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Oudtshoorn, Knysna, Addo Elephant National Park, Port Elizabeth Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Explore South Africa From
25% Off- NZ$1,856
11 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Kruger Package
16 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We had a wonderful time on our 11 day tour of Cape Town and Safari. The tour itself is action packed, with early mornings and non stop activities.”
Eileen, traveled in April
South Africa's iconic locations host Christmas and New Year festivities. Bush BBQs delight at Marula Tree Boma, while holiday game drives in Kruger Park and seasonal activities in Cape Town's Bo-Kaap create unforgettable memories.
Duration 11 days Destinations Cape Town, Simon's Town, Sedgefield, Knysna, Tsitsikamma National Park, Oudtshoorn, Johannesburg, Kruger National Park Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Cape Xtreme From
25% Off- NZ$3,144
Festive dinners at Kapama River Lodge set the tone for holiday safari drives in Karongwe Reserve and New Year celebrations in Cape Town. The journey includes Table Mountain, Knysna Heads, and seasonal activities at V&A Waterfront.
Duration 10 days Destinations Cape Town, Table Mountain, Hout Bay, Simon's Town, Paarl, Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, Montagu, Barrydale, CalitzdorpSee all destinations Age Range Ages 6+ Operated in English, German Operator T.S TOURS From
25% Off- NZ$7,684
What people love about Christmas & New Year Tours in South Africa
- Journeys: Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park National Geographic Journeys
Part 1: Capetown. Great hotel, loved the tour to Kirstenbosch and Cape Point. Our CEO Dee assisted us with scheduling the free day by arranging a half-day tour to Stellenbosch. Part 2: Johannesburg. Nice guesthouse, good food. Loved the Panoramic Route, Kruger safari and everything about the Karongwe stay (lodges, safaris and food!)
- Private Cape Town Guided Vacation - 5 Days
Excellent hospitality,the team is so so good and their profession is top notch
- CAPE TOWN & BEYOND Chauffeur Drive Tour: 6 Days
We enjoyed our tour with Paul Coetzee. He is very knowledgeable. The tour is well planned, itinerary is really great. I will highly recommend him.
What our customers ask about Christmas & New Year Tours in South Africa
What weather can I expect during a Christmas & New Year tour in South Africa?
December and January bring summer conditions to South Africa with temperatures in Cape Town reaching 25-30°C (77-86°F). The Garden Route maintains comfortable temperatures in the mid-20s°C. Past travelers through TourRadar note consistently good weather at spots like the 4-star Le Franschhoek Hotel making outdoor activities easy to plan. Inland areas such as Stellenbosch and Franschhoek tend to run warmer while coastal towns like Knysna get natural cooling from the ocean.
What special Christmas & New Year activities are included in South African tours?
The festive season brings unique experiences like traditional South African "braai" BBQ dinners at Buffelsdrift Game Lodge seasonal game drives to spot the Big 5 in Addo Elephant National Park and New Year's events at Cape Town's V&A Waterfront. One guest's experience highlights the personal touches: "Happy Christmas! The guide even put together little Christmas gift bags for each of us and made every small detail just right so that the week was so special."
Which accommodations are recommended for Christmas & New Year stays in South Africa?
Top-rated options include Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa in wine country Buffelsdrift Game Lodge in Oudtshoorn for wildlife viewing and Cape Grace Hotel at Cape Town's waterfront. According to a recent visitor "The Buffelsdrift Lodge was magical during Christmas time with their special decorations and festive atmosphere." Properties across price points from 4-star guesthouses to private game lodges offer holiday meals and New Year's celebrations.
What wildlife can I expect to see during Christmas & New Year safari tours?
Summer brings prime wildlife viewing at reserves like Aquila and Botlierskop with animals most active during cooler morning and evening hours. A guest at Buffelsdrift Game Lodge reported "We saw elephants lions giraffes and hippos during our Christmas morning game drive." The Garden Route adds chances to see marine life including whales dolphins and penguins near Plettenberg Bay and Boulders Beach.
How far in advance should I book a Christmas & New Year tour in South Africa?
The holiday season requires booking 6-8 months ahead especially for popular spots along the Garden Route and in Cape Town. Booking data shows most travelers secure their trips 198-658 days before travel. Premier lodgings like Le Franschhoek Hotel and Buffelsdrift Game Lodge often reach capacity a full year before the festive season.
How much should I budget for a Christmas & New Year tour in South Africa?
Daily costs range from USD 150-400 varying by accommodation and activities. Premium safari experiences such as Ivory Tree Game Lodge in Pilanesberg can exceed USD 500 per night during peak season. As one traveler noted "while accommodation rates were higher during festive season at places like The Table Bay Hotel the experience of celebrating New Year's in Cape Town was worth it."
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