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
- 10 day Cape & Garden Route Combo - optional accommodation
- 2 day Wow Cape Escape
- 4 day Garden Route's Best Selection Micro Group Tour from Cape Town
- Garden Route Experience 3D/2N
- Garden Route to Cape Town: Coast, Wildlife & Wine in 10 Days
- Premium Cape Town and the Garden Route
- 3 day Garden Route + Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
- 5 Day Garden Route Adventure Including Addo
- 10 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Addo Package
Journeys: Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park National Geographic Journeys
15 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This tour was one of the greatest travel experiences I've ever had. I feel was able to see, learn and experience South Africa in a way I could have never done on my own.”
Alison, traveled in November
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 7 spaces left 3 Dec, 2025 10 spaces left From $6,919
25% Off- NZ$5,189You save $1,730
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
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
25% Off- NZ$2,165
2 day Wow Cape Escape
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This tour was great; in 2 days you get a good taste of things outside Cape Town without too much driving.”
Jim, traveled in April
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
25% Off- NZ$458
4 day Garden Route's Best Selection Micro Group Tour from Cape Town
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Perfect logistics, very responsive admin team, great guides and drivers, cry knowledgeable.”
Felicia, traveled in October
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
25% Off- NZ$2,352
Duration 3 days Destinations Cape Town, Oudtshoorn, Sedgefield Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Bamba Travel December departure dates
See All Departure Dates5 Dec, 2025 10 spaces left 12 Dec, 2025 10 spaces left From
25% Off- NZ$729
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
25% Off- NZ$5,414
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 $7,530
25% Off- NZ$5,648You save $1,882
3 day Garden Route + Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
83 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great tour, lot to see and do.”
Jenni, traveled in October
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
25% Off- NZ$584
5 Day Garden Route Adventure Including Addo
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“By the end of the tour, we all felt like family and had a difficult time saying goodbye to each other.”
Gladys, traveled in December
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 December departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left 8 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left From
25% Off- NZ$1,231
10 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Addo Package
18 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The 10 day package covered everything I wanted to see and do while in Cape Town and on the Garden Route.”
OliviaCampbell, traveled in December
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 Ages 12+ Operator Cape Xtreme December departure dates
See All Departure Dates7 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left 14 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left From
25% Off- NZ$2,216
What people love about South Africa Tours in December
- 10 day Cape & Garden Route Combo - optional accommodation
Great tour, amazing country
- 3 day Garden Route + Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
Hi, was a good trip. The Tourguide Dylan was a good Driver, and a very frindly Person with a lot of use for the Group Greeds Roman
- 5 day Best of South Africa Highlights: Garden Route with Addo National Park
My husband and I took this tour because a friend recommended it and we were so happy we did. It covered so many beautiful places along the Garden Route. We opted for the 4 star B&B stay though we were debating the 3 star v 4 star. The company recommended 4 star because of a night at Buffelsdrift. Well, we didn't know what any of this meant but we took their advice and were so happy! Our accommodations each night were incredible, to say the least. We slept so well and felt like each day was its own mini-vacation in a new part of the country at a new, adorable B&B. And Buffelsdrift was out of this world awesome. It was the best night of our entire 2.5 week trip to South Africa. The tent we stayed in was gorgeous - nicer than the tents we stayed in at our 5 day safari a week later! We saw tons of animals come right to our front door! But, back to Gerhard. He made our trip perfect. He went out of his way to make us comfortable and happy all day, every day. He made reservations for us, drove us to special places/restaurants, and stopped whenever we wanted to see something along the way. Though we paid for the extra safari drive at Addo, our drive through afterward with Gerhard in the van was EVEN BETTER! I know it doesn't make sense that seeing animals from a van could be better than seeing animals from a safari truck but it was better because Gerhard made it so much fun. We went what felt like everywhere in the park with him and saw so many animals. He helped us take pictures and get close to so many great animals. Overall, we'd highly recommend this tour to anyone traveling - as long as you understand it's ideally designed for a younger crowd of backpackers (at least our van was) but we found the value was incredible, the sites were selected perfectly, the accommodations couldn't have been better, and Gerhard made it extra special. Thank you Gerhard!!
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."