South Africa Tours in January 2026
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10 best South Africa trips in January 2026
Compiled by

NadineSouth Africa travel expert at TourRadar
- Nature’s Wonders: 9 Days of Safari and Coastal Bliss in South Africa
- Vibrant South Africa: Nature, Wild Life and Adventure
- Journeys: Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park National Geographic Journeys
- Journeys: Explore Kruger National Park National Geographic Journeys
- 2 day Wow Cape Escape
- 10 day Cape & Garden Route Combo - optional accommodation
- 3 day Garden Route + Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
- Cape Town and the Garden Route - Premium Adventure
- The Garden Route - 8 days
- South African Escape
Duration 9 days Destinations Johannesburg, Pilanesberg National Park, Mossel Bay, Cape Town Age Range 2 to 90 year olds Operator Wanderful Holidays LLC January departure dates
See All Departure Dates2 Jan, 2026 10 spaces left 6 Jan, 2026 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 January departure dates
See All Departure Dates2 Jan, 2026 10 spaces left 6 Jan, 2026 10 spaces left From $4,319
10% Off- NZ$3,887You save $432
Journeys: Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park National Geographic Journeys
14 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 up to 99 year olds Operator National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures January departure dates
See All Departure Dates7 Jan, 2026 10 spaces left 14 Jan, 2026 2 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 up to 99 year olds Operator National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures January departure dates
See All Departure Dates3 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left 10 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left From $5,119
25% Off- NZ$3,839You save $1,280
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 January departure dates
See All Departure Dates3 Jan, 2026 5 spaces left 10 Jan, 2026 5 spaces left From
25% Off- NZ$450
10 day Cape & Garden Route Combo - optional accommodation
25 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The few days we had in Cape Town and wine tour were all fantastic. The Garden Route 5 days was beautiful.”
Maureen, 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 10 to 99 year olds Operator Hotspots2c January departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Jan, 2026 7 spaces left 2 Jan, 2026 7 spaces left From
25% Off- NZ$2,127
3 day Garden Route + Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
81 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Amazing tour! Very adventurous and with lots of good experience.”
Marcelo, traveled in October
Duration 3 days Destinations Cape Town, Oudtshoorn, Wilderness National Park, Sedgefield Age Range 10 to 99 year olds Operator Hotspots2c January departure dates
See All Departure Dates2 Jan, 2026 7 spaces left 9 Jan, 2026 7 spaces left From
25% Off- NZ$573
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 January departure dates
See All Departure Dates2 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left 9 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left From
9% Off- NZ$2,150
South African Escape
34 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I was very impressed by the tour, its content and its organisation. South Africa is a beautiful country with wonderful people.”
Raymond, traveled in November
Duration 14 days Destinations Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Hermanus, Swellendam, Mossel Bay, Knysna, Tsitsikamma National Park, Oudtshoorn, Johannesburg, Kruger National ParkSee all destinations Age Range 10 to 75 year olds Operator Expat Explore Travel January departure dates
18 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left From $4,215
14% Off- NZ$3,605You save $610
What people love about South Africa Tours in January
- 10 day Cape & Garden Route Combo - optional accommodation
Great tour, amazing country
- 3 day Garden Route + Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
The trip was fantastic. The elephant walk was amazing and our guide was awesome. Only complaint is that if I knew that there was an option to stay at the safari location over night I would have opted for that.
- South African Escape
This tour was amazing. The days were long, with early mornings and sometimes not arriving to the hotel until close to dinner time. But, we saw so much. We were lucky and saw the Big 5 all in one morning in Kruger, as well as so many other animals. Seeing the Penguins at Boulders Beach was a highlight as well. I would have liked some more time in certain places, such as Hermanus and Cape St. Francis. Since it was winter, the sun set early, so we didn't have a lot of daylight when we arrived at these places. Kelly was an amazing tour guide and Connie and Simon were both excellent drivers. This is my second Expat tour and I will continue to use them in the future!
What our customers ask about South Africa Tours in January 2026
What is the weather like in South Africa during January?
South Africa experiences its peak summer season in January with consistent warm temperatures across regions. Cape Town sees temperatures of 25-30°C (77-86°F) with clear skies while Kruger National Park reaches 32-35°C (90-95°F). A TourRadar traveler noted: "The weather was perfect for wildlife viewing though afternoons got quite hot at Karongwe Private Reserve. Early morning game drives were most comfortable." Expect occasional afternoon thunderstorms especially in northern areas but generally reliable sunny conditions for outdoor activities.
What are the best day trips from Cape Town in January?
The summer conditions in January create ideal opportunities for exploring Cape Town's surroundings. Day trips to Cape Point Nature Reserve combine coastal drives with hiking trails and scenic lookouts. Visitors can see African penguins at Boulders Beach or spend time wine tasting in Stellenbosch vineyards. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "We loved our January day trip along Chapman's Peak Drive to Cape Point - the weather was perfect for hiking and the views were incredible. Staying at the Taj Hotel in Cape Town made it easy to arrange these excursions."
Which wine regions are best to visit in South Africa during January?
January marks the start of harvest season in South Africa's wine regions making it an active time to visit. The Cape Winelands including Stellenbosch Franschhoek and Paarl welcome visitors for cellar tours and tastings. Accommodations range from the historic Stellenbosch Hotel to boutique properties throughout Franschhoek. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The January timing was perfect for seeing the vineyards at their most lush and participating in harvest activities at Haute Cabrière wine estate."
Are accommodations more expensive in South Africa during January?
January rates reflect peak season pricing across South Africa especially in tourist centers like Cape Town and the Garden Route. Luxury properties such as the Protea Hotel Victoria Junction in Cape Town charge between $200-300 USD nightly while mid-range options like Mountain View Lodge in Montagu cost $100-150 USD. Budget travelers can find beds at hostels such as Never@Home Cape Town starting at $30-50 USD per night.
How crowded are tourist attractions in South Africa during January?
Tourist numbers peak in January particularly at major sites in Cape Town and along the Garden Route. Expect higher visitor counts at Table Mountain V&A Waterfront and popular national parks. A TourRadar traveler advised: "Book accommodations like The President Hotel in Cape Town well in advance for January visits. While busy our guide at Karongwe Private Reserve ensured we had exclusive wildlife viewing experiences away from crowds."
Is January a good time for whale watching in South Africa?
While January falls outside the main whale watching period of June to November when Southern Right Whales visit South African waters other marine life remains active. Dolphins are commonly spotted along the coast especially near Plettenberg Bay and Hermanus. Guests at The Point Boutique Hotel in Mossel Bay often see dolphins during their morning walks along the beach.