South Africa Tours in December 2025
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10 best South Africa trips in December 2025
Compiled by
NadineSouth Africa travel expert at TourRadar
- Journeys: Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park National Geographic Journeys
- Journeys: Explore Kruger National Park National Geographic Journeys
- Beauty of Cape Town, Adventure of Garden Route And Thrilling Addo
- 10 day Cape & Garden Route Combo - optional accommodation
- 2 day Wow Cape Escape
- Garden Route & Addo Adventure 5D/4N
- 4 day Garden Route's Best Selection Small Group Tour from Cape Town
- Garden Route to Cape Town: Coast, Wildlife & Wine in 10 Days
- 3 day Garden Route + Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
- Premium Cape Town and the Garden Route
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
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 December departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Dec, 2025 6 spaces left 6 Dec, 2025 6 spaces left From $6,919
25% Off- NZ$5,189You save $1,730
Journeys: Explore Kruger National Park National Geographic Journeys
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The experience was enhanced not only by the beautiful lodgings, delicious cuisine, expert drivers and trackers.”
Catherine, traveled in May
Duration 7 days Destinations Johannesburg, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Kruger National Park, Karongwe Age Range Ages 12+ Operator National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures December departure dates
See All Departure Dates4 Dec, 2025 8 spaces left 9 Dec, 2025 10 spaces left From $4,679
15% Off- NZ$3,977You save $702
Duration 9 days Destinations Cape Town, Oudtshoorn, Addo Elephant National Park, Jeffreys Bay, Tsitsikamma National Park, Sedgefield, Wilderness National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Wonderful Holidays UK December departure dates
See All Departure Dates4 Dec, 2025 10 spaces left 8 Dec, 2025 10 spaces left From
15% Off- NZ$5,239
10 day Cape & Garden Route Combo - optional accommodation
25 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Just the best tour ever.”
C, traveled in September
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 December departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Dec, 2025 7 spaces left 2 Dec, 2025 7 spaces left From
15% Off- NZ$2,144
2 day Wow Cape Escape
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was the most amazing road trip ever!”
Vivalda, traveled in August
Duration 2 days Destinations Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Betty's Bay, Hermanus Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Hotspots2c December departure dates
See All Departure Dates6 Dec, 2025 5 spaces left 13 Dec, 2025 5 spaces left From
15% Off- NZ$454
Duration 5 days Destinations Cape Town, Sedgefield, Jeffreys Bay, Oudtshoorn Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Bamba Travel December departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Dec, 2025 10 spaces left 8 Dec, 2025 10 spaces left From
15% Off- NZ$1,249
4 day Garden Route's Best Selection Small Group Tour from Cape Town
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This is truly a wonderful tour. I think you can get more by doing the tour from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town.”
Rajendra, traveled in August
Duration 4 days Destinations Cape Town, Hermanus, L'Agulhas, Knysna, Wilderness National Park, Oudtshoorn Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Hotspots2c December departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Dec, 2025 6 spaces left 2 Dec, 2025 6 spaces left From
15% Off- NZ$2,417
Garden Route to Cape Town: Coast, Wildlife & Wine in 10 Days
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“I would love you guys to have a good tour which comes with a good service like what we experienced!”
Tafadzwa, traveled in July
Duration 10 days Destinations Port Elizabeth, Tsitsikamma National Park, Plettenberg Bay, Knysna, George, Oudtshoorn, Mossel Bay, Hermanus, Stellenbosch, Cape TownSee all destinations Age Range Ages 6+ Operated in English, German Operator T.S TOURS December departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left 4 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left From
15% Off- NZ$5,360
3 day Garden Route + Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
83 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Wonderful 3 days full of adventure. Thank you.”
Majbritt, traveled in April
Duration 3 days Destinations Cape Town, Oudtshoorn, Wilderness National Park, Sedgefield Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Hotspots2c December departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Dec, 2025 7 spaces left 2 Dec, 2025 7 spaces left From
15% Off- NZ$633
Duration 9 days Destinations Cape Town, Franschhoek, Knysna Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Premium December departure dates
12 Dec, 2025 10 spaces left From
15% Off- NZ$7,240
What people love about South Africa Tours in December
- 10 day Cape & Garden Route Combo - optional accommodation
Not enough vegan food options for meals
I went on a 4 day trip with Handre with 15 of my fellow peers from a California University & professor. The trip of the garden route was fantastic ! Though shorter than I would have liked , by no fault of Handre, he and his partner took us to so many beautiful stops in our limited time. The driving was great as we all listened to music together and were able to freely talk about many topics. He knew much of South African history and was constantly telling us interesting facts along the way. He went beyond the call of duty when adventuring with us, through the Cango Caves as well as kayaking through a river in Wilderness. All in all, he made us have a great experience.
3 day Garden Route + Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
- 10 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Addo Package
The tour was great and well explained throughout. Khotso was awesome and very knowledgeable of the area. Eunice was also amazing answering all my questions even with all my changes!
What our customers ask about South Africa Tours in December 2025
What weather can I expect in South Africa during December?
South Africa's December brings a classic summer climate across its regions. Cape Town stays dry and warm at 25°C (77°F). Along the Garden Route, places like Knysna and Plettenberg Bay maintain comfortable temperatures between 23-26°C (73-79°F). The mild evenings are conducive to outdoor dining and activities. According to a TourRadar traveler: "December weather was perfect for exploring - warm enough for beach activities but not too hot for safari drives at Addo Elephant Park."
What are the best safari experiences in South Africa during December?
December provides prime wildlife viewing especially at Addo Elephant National Park where the Big 5 roam freely. Smaller private reserves like Buffelsdrift near Oudtshoorn offer close wildlife encounters. Accommodations range from the upscale Tremisana Lodge to the rustic Marc's Treehouse Lodge. Animals are most active at waterholes during early morning and late afternoon. A TourRadar traveler reports: "Our December safari at Addo was incredible - we saw over 600 elephants lions and countless other wildlife in their summer activity."
What are the best places to visit in Cape Town during December?
December fills Cape Town's attractions with visitors seeking sunny beach weather. Morning visits to Table Mountain avoid afternoon cloud cover. The V&A Waterfront buzzes with activity while Boulders Beach offers penguin viewing. The Bo-Kaap area comes alive with cultural events. Popular accommodation options include the Protea Hotel Victoria Junction and Garden Court located near major attractions. A TourRadar traveler notes: "Cape Town in December was magical - the weather was perfect for both beach days and sightseeing."
What special holiday events happen in South Africa during December?
December transforms South African cities into celebration hubs. The V&A Waterfront's Festival of Lights features music and illuminations. Kirstenbosch Gardens holds their traditional Carols by Candlelight. Johannesburg Zoo presents their Night Zoo festival while wine estates in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek host special tastings. A TourRadar traveler shares: "The holiday atmosphere in December was incredible - from Christmas markets to outdoor concerts there was always something festive happening."
What are the best beach destinations to visit in South Africa during December?
December draws beach enthusiasts to South Africa's coastal spots. Plettenberg Bay's beaches welcome swimmers and sunbathers. Myoli Beach in Sedgefield attracts water sports fans. Camps Bay in Cape Town and Mossel Bay offer popular stretches of sand. A TourRadar traveler reports: "The December beach weather was perfect at Wilderness and Knysna with plenty of opportunities for swimming and coastal walks."
How busy are South Africa's tourist attractions in December?
December marks peak tourist season throughout South Africa with significant crowds at Table Mountain Knysna Waterfront and major game reserves. Booking rates run 30-40% higher than other months. Popular accommodations like the Rex Hotel in Knysna and La Plume Guest House in Oudtshoorn require advance reservations.
Which wine regions are best to visit in December?
December brings ideal conditions to the Cape Winelands. The warm sunny weather enhances outdoor tastings at Stellenbosch Franschhoek and Constantia estates. Groot Constantia and Spier feature sunset tastings and holiday pairings. The Protea Hotel Stellenbosch serves as a central base for wine route exploration. A TourRadar traveler notes: "The wine estates were magical in December - beautiful gardens in bloom and wonderful outdoor tastings with mountain views."