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
- Journeys: Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park National Geographic Journeys
- 10 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Addo Package
- Nature’s Wonders: 9 Days of Safari and Coastal Bliss in South Africa
- 10 day Cape & Garden Route Combo - optional accommodation
- Vibrant South Africa: Nature, Wild Life and Adventure
- 3 day Garden Route + Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
- Journeys: Explore Kruger National Park National Geographic Journeys
- 8 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Addo Package
- The Garden Route - 8 days
- 5 DAY - KRUGER SAFARI OVERLAND TOUR / ACCOMMODATED
Journeys: Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park National Geographic Journeys
14 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The sites, the safaris (worth every early morning start), would not have been the same without Johannes' passion, knowledge, and diplomacy.”
Katrina, traveled in July
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 up to 99 year olds Operator National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures From $6,919
25% Off- NZ$5,189You save $1,730
10 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Addo Package
18 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour showed me the maximum of places in the given time period. I was able to jump into a waterfall at my birthday.”
Katja, traveled in February
Christmas magic unfolds along South Africa's Garden Route from Cape Town's festive V&A Waterfront to Addo's elephant herds. Seasonal activities at Cango Caves, celebrations at Cape Agulhas Backpackers, and New Year's festivities in Cape Town create lasting memories. Special holiday dinners and markets included during December departures.
Duration 10 days Destinations Cape Town, Gansbaai, Hermanus, L'Agulhas, Wilderness National Park, Sedgefield, Tsitsikamma National Park, Jeffreys Bay, Addo Elephant National Park, KnysnaSee all destinations Age Range 12 to 99 year olds Operator Cape Xtreme From
25% Off- NZ$2,158
Duration 9 days Destinations Johannesburg, Pilanesberg National Park, Mossel Bay, Cape Town Age Range 2 to 90 year olds Operator Wanderful Holidays LLC From $5,269
10% Off- NZ$4,742You save $527
10 day Cape & Garden Route Combo - optional accommodation
25 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“She was fun, informative, flexible, and wonderful!! She didn't let the rain slow us down and showed us so many wonderful sights.”
Tina, traveled in July
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 10 to 99 year olds Operator Hotspots2c From
10% Off- NZ$2,108
Celebrate the season with festive game drives in Pilanesberg National Park and holiday wine tastings in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Experience Christmas markets at V&A Waterfront, seasonal boat trips to Seal Island, and New Year views from Table Mountain's cable car.
Duration 8 days Destinations Johannesburg, Pilanesberg National Park, Cape Town Age Range 2 to 90 year olds Operator Wanderful Holidays LLC From $4,281
10% Off- NZ$3,853You save $428
3 day Garden Route + Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
81 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This was a very nice tour!”
milan, traveled in December
South African adventures await with festive game drives at Botlierskop Private Game Reserve and holiday stays at Hlangana Lodge. Natural wonders from Cango Caves to Wilderness National Park come alive during the magical Christmas period.
Duration 3 days Destinations Cape Town, Oudtshoorn, Wilderness National Park, Sedgefield Age Range 10 to 99 year olds Operator Hotspots2c From
10% Off- NZ$568
Journeys: Explore Kruger National Park National Geographic Journeys
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Very well organised tour.”
Donna, traveled in April
Dawn and dusk safaris in Kruger National Park mark the holiday season. Traditional braai dinners at Karongwe Private Reserve and seasonal celebrations await in luxury lodges surrounded by African wilderness.
Duration 7 days Destinations Johannesburg, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Kruger National Park, Karongwe Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures From $5,119
25% Off- NZ$3,839You save $1,280
8 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Addo Package
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Very good level of organization, decent accommodation and wonderful guides! Liked accommodation on the beach and in the house in Sedgiefild-very soulful!”
Polina, traveled in December
Festive season magic fills Cape Point Nature Reserve and Constantia Valley vineyards. Christmas celebrations feature wine tastings and seasonal markets in Cape Town, followed by summer safari drives at Addo Elephant Park during peak wildlife viewing season.
Duration 8 days Destinations Cape Town, Wilderness National Park, Sedgefield, Tsitsikamma National Park, Jeffreys Bay, Addo Elephant National Park, Knysna, Oudtshoorn Age Range 12 to 99 year olds Operator Cape Xtreme From
25% Off- NZ$1,812
The Garden Route - 8 days
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“My trip was absolutely incredible. Every stop was worthwhile and every accommodation blew me away they were so nice.”
Shannon, traveled in September
Duration 8 days Destinations Cape Town, Hermanus, Knysna, Tsitsikamma National Park, Addo Elephant National Park, Port Elizabeth Age Range 14 to 95 year olds Operator Encounters Travel From
25% Off- NZ$2,150
5 DAY - KRUGER SAFARI OVERLAND TOUR / ACCOMMODATED
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Accommodations were perfect locations. Would definitely travel with Drifters again.”
Susan, traveled in February
South African wilderness provides the backdrop for December holidays with festive bush experiences. Christmas safaris at exclusive lodges, nocturnal wildlife tracking on New Year's Eve, and special holiday meals create unforgettable moments in natural settings.
Duration 5 days Destinations Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, Hazyview Age Range up to 78 year olds Operator Drifters Adventure Tours From
25% Off- NZ$1,715
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!)
- 10 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Addo Package
The great service offered by Sylvester, especially his experience around the game drive. He knew where to take us for the best views, and took ~4.5 hours to go through Addo Elephant National Park. he was also very knowledgeable on the local history, culture, and wildlife.
- 10 day Cape & Garden Route Combo - optional accommodation
Isaac Matlekeng is SIMPLY THE BEST..he does not see anything too big or see it as a problem. His sights is on satisfaction. Now that is what I call extreme customer satisfaction. Isaac is not only professional, but his quiet, humble demeanor is added advantages. HE IS A KEEPER HOTSPOTS...
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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