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
- Journeys: Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park National Geographic Journeys
- Nature’s Wonders: 9 Days of Safari and Coastal Bliss in South Africa
- Vibrant South Africa: Nature, Wild Life and Adventure
- 10 day Cape & Garden Route Combo - optional accommodation
- 2 day Wow Cape Escape
- Premium Cape Town and the Garden Route
- 10 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Addo Package
- 3 day Garden Route + Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
- Journeys: Explore Kruger National Park National Geographic Journeys
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$2,360
Journeys: Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park National Geographic Journeys
14 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 up to 99 year olds 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
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 $5,316
10% Off- NZ$4,784You save $532
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 $4,319
10% Off- NZ$3,887You save $432
10 day Cape & Garden Route Combo - optional accommodation
25 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“A very nice trip in a short time. I would have liked a day just beach.”
Susanne, traveled in February
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 December departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Dec, 2025 7 spaces left 2 Dec, 2025 7 spaces left From
10% Off- NZ$2,127
2 day Wow Cape Escape
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We saw whales and drank good wines!”
Silja, traveled in October
Duration 2 days Destinations Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Betty's Bay, Hermanus Age Range 10 to 99 year olds Operator Hotspots2c December departure dates
See All Departure Dates6 Dec, 2025 5 spaces left 13 Dec, 2025 5 spaces left From
10% Off- NZ$450
Duration 9 days Destinations Cape Town, Franschhoek, Knysna Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Premium December departure dates
12 Dec, 2025 10 spaces left From
10% Off- NZ$7,620
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
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
10% Off- NZ$2,177
3 day Garden Route + Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
81 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Got to see beautiful scenery. Would recommend.”
Claire, traveled in April
Duration 3 days Destinations Cape Town, Oudtshoorn, Wilderness National Park, Sedgefield 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
10% Off- NZ$573
Journeys: Explore Kruger National Park National Geographic Journeys
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Very well organised tour.”
Donna, traveled in April
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 December departure dates
See All Departure Dates4 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left 6 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left From $5,119
25% Off- NZ$3,839You save $1,280
What people love about South Africa Tours in December
- 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!!
- 10 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Addo Package
Machiel, was an amazing guide! I can not praise his skill and ability enough. His thoughful consideration of timings, and sites to see, along with his knowledge of South African history, flora and fauna add immensely to the tour. The 6 days spent touring with him from Cape Town to Addo via the Garden Route were amazing! The accommodations along the way were exceptional, the Itinerary was flexible and fantastic with pleanty of options to ensure all the people on the tour had something of interest to do. There was some confusion with meals on a couple of occasions but it did not get in the way of the over all experience. The only flaw of any note in my 10 day Tourradar / CapeXtreme adventure was the less than perfect accomodations at the Carnival Court Backpackers, on Long St. Before and after the 6 day tour. There was nothing wrong with it in particular, if you are a party goer or accustomed to frat house shinannigans or somewhere in your 20's to early 30's. I asked if this accomodation would be appropriate for a single woman in her 40's travelling alone, and I was assured that it was suitable. Had I known I was staying in party central I may have changed my accomodations. As it is, I made due with the chaotic, boisterous, noisey, location and enjoyed my stay regardles. The issue is that somehow, someone along the line failed to be trutheful or reasonable in their assesment of where the average 40+ year old woman might consider reasonable. I can handle any situation... another woman in my situation may not have taken it so well.
I made a trip with Hotspots in december 2016 through the Garden Route. It was an terrific trip, not only because of the places and landscapes, but the van was very comfortable and our guide (Liezel De Klerk) was really amazing.
3 day Garden Route + Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
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."