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
- Cape Town & Garden Route Voluntour 14D/13N
- 10 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Addo Package
- Nature’s Wonders: 9 Days of Safari and Coastal Bliss in South Africa
- Vibrant South Africa: Nature, Wild Life and Adventure
- 8 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Addo Package
- 7 day Garden Route, Cape Point and Winelands Combo
- The Garden Route - 8 days
- Garden Route Splendour
- Journeys: Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park National Geographic Journeys
- 5 DAY - KRUGER SAFARI OVERLAND TOUR / ACCOMMODATED
Duration 14 days Destinations Cape Town, Table Mountain, George, Robben Island, Franschhoek, Hermanus, Betty's Bay, Sedgefield, Wilderness National Park, AlbertiniaSee all destinations Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Bamba Travel December departure dates
See All Departure Dates6 Dec, 2025 10 spaces left 13 Dec, 2025 10 spaces left From
- NZ$2,394
10 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Addo Package
18 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The accommodations along the way were exceptional, the Itinerary was flexible and fantastic.”
Mandie, traveled in October
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 December departure dates
See All Departure Dates7 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left 14 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left From
- NZ$2,208
Duration 9 days Destinations Johannesburg, Pilanesberg National Park, Mossel Bay, Cape Town Age Range 2 to 90 year olds Operator Wanderful Holidays LLC December departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Dec, 2025 10 spaces left 5 Dec, 2025 10 spaces left From
- NZ$5,393
Duration 8 days Destinations Johannesburg, Pilanesberg National Park, Cape Town Age Range 2 to 90 year olds Operator Wanderful Holidays LLC December departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Dec, 2025 10 spaces left 5 Dec, 2025 10 spaces left From
- NZ$4,382
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
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 December departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left 8 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left From
- NZ$1,854
7 day Garden Route, Cape Point and Winelands Combo
33 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Everything hhas been perfect and I am more than happy to have done this amazing tour!”
Fabio, traveled in June
Duration 7 days Destinations Cape Town, Wilderness National Park, Sedgefield, Knysna, Tsitsikamma National Park, Jeffreys Bay, Addo Elephant National Park, Oudtshoorn, Stellenbosch Age Range 10 to 99 year olds Operator Hotspots2c December departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Dec, 2025 7 spaces left 2 Dec, 2025 7 spaces left From
- NZ$1,775
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 December departure dates
See All Departure Dates5 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left 12 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left From
- NZ$2,105
Garden Route Splendour
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Interesting stops along the way. Monkeyland was awesome.”
Rob, traveled in February
Duration 6 days Destinations Cape Town, L'Agulhas, Swellendam, Oudtshoorn, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Tsitsikamma National Park, Stormsrivier, Port Elizabeth Age Range 8 to 90 year olds Operator Cullinan Guided Journeys December departure dates
1 Dec, 2025 4 spaces left From
- NZ$1,996
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
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 December departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Dec, 2025 10 spaces left 3 Dec, 2025 10 spaces left From $6,559
25% Off- NZ$4,919You save $1,639
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
Duration 5 days Destinations Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, Hazyview Age Range up to 78 year olds Operator Drifters Adventure Tours December departure dates
See All Departure Dates7 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left 14 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left From
25% Off- NZ$1,720
What people love about South Africa Tours in December
- 10 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Addo Package
The guide really made the trip. Wendy was fantastic for the 6 day tour portion. Very accommodating and really made the trip. One great example is that my shark dive was cancelled and Wendy went above and beyond to reschedule and potentially see if I could switch vendors to get a better chance at seeing sharks. It was fantastic. After that 6 day tour was over, the full day Ultimate Cape Point tour with a different guide was great except we were unable to go to Muizenberg (not sure why, maybe we were off schedule or because we wanted to do the wine tasting). Overall I’d highly recommend this package and company.
- 8 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Addo Package
Great tour with a great guide.
Excellent tour arrangement. Have some add-ons to upgrade to hostel. You would definitely find the accommodation fantastic and over your expectation. The trip is not so rush and very flexible. Family is good to go. Good time to meet with diverse ppl in a team. Would opt for a next tour with hot spot!
7 day Garden Route, Cape Point and Winelands Combo
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."