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
- South Africa: Tryst with the Wild Life & the Iconic Cape Town
- Addo - Garden Route - Cape Town Chauffeur Drive Tour: 6 Days
- Journeys: Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park National Geographic Journeys
- 4 day Garden Route Luxury Selection Small Group Tour from Cape Town
- 10 day Cape & Garden Route Combo - optional accommodation
- 5 Day Garden Route Adventure Including Addo
- Journeys: Explore Kruger National Park National Geographic Journeys
- Beauty of Cape Town, Adventure of Garden Route And Thrilling Addo
- Cape Town & Kruger - 9 days
- Garden Route Splendour
South Africa: Tryst with the Wild Life & the Iconic Cape Town
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The team executed the extensive tour itinerary really well, with prompt and attentive service.”
Anindya, traveled in July
Duration 9 days Destinations Johannesburg, Hazyview, Kruger National Park, Cape Town Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Wanderful Holidays LLC December departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Dec, 2025 10 spaces left 5 Dec, 2025 10 spaces left From
- NZ$4,539
Addo - Garden Route - Cape Town Chauffeur Drive Tour: 6 Days
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Everything on the itinerary was met, and even when an unexpected issue arose, Paul dealt with it in a very professional manner.”
John, traveled in August
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 December departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Dec, 2025 6 spaces left 2 Dec, 2025 6 spaces left From
- NZ$1,904
Journeys: Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park National Geographic Journeys
15 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The animal interactions were even more exciting than anticipated. The accommodations and food were excellent.”
Kim, traveled in July
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 4 spaces left 6 Dec, 2025 5 spaces left From $7,019
25% Off- NZ$5,264You save $1,755
4 day Garden Route Luxury 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, Oudtshoorn, Wilderness National Park, Knysna, L'Agulhas, Hermanus 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 $2,520
3% Off- NZ$2,444You save $76
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
3% Off- NZ$2,319
5 Day Garden Route Adventure Including Addo
6 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
3% Off- NZ$1,279
Journeys: Explore Kruger National Park National Geographic Journeys
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Fantastic group of people on the tour with great accommodation and activities.”
Julian, traveled in September
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 6 spaces left 9 Dec, 2025 9 spaces left From $5,159
25% Off- NZ$3,869You save $1,290
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
25% Off- NZ$5,275
Cape Town & Kruger - 9 days
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great adventure experience.”
Denyse, traveled in July
Duration 9 days Destinations Cape Town, Table Mountain, Stellenbosch, Paarl, Kruger National Park, Hoedspruit Age Range Ages 15+ Operator On The Go Tours December departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Dec, 2025 4 spaces left 2 Dec, 2025 4 spaces left From
25% Off- NZ$4,225
Garden Route Splendour
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The roads, history, and places along the tour were very well-educated.”
Lars, traveled in February
Duration 6 days Destinations Cape Town, L'Agulhas, Swellendam, Oudtshoorn, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Tsitsikamma National Park, Stormsrivier, Port Elizabeth Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Cullinan Guided Journeys December departure dates
1 Dec, 2025 4 spaces left From
25% Off- NZ$2,297
What people love about South Africa Tours in December
- 10 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Addo Package
Loved every minute of it
- 10 day Cape & Garden Route Combo - optional accommodation
The entire tour was absolutely fantastic! I had three different guides - Modi for the Garden Route section, Andrew for the Winelands tour and Uriel for the Cape Point tour. All of the guides were extremely knowledge, polite and hardworking! They shared many insights with us about their lives in South Africa and helped us to understand their history and culture in greater details! I really enjoyed the tour, the days were busy but not too jam packed, the accommodation was always good quality and very clean and the activities were well suited to all the different age groups on tour! I would recommend this tour to anyone who is looking to discover the best that South Africa has to offer!!
- 3 day Garden Route + Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
The tour was great. Very well organised. Everything went like clockwork. The tour guide Yureo was great. He had a wealth of knowledge about South Africa and the garden route which he was very happy to share. Highly professional. Thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience.
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."