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
- South Africa: Tryst with the Wild Life & the Iconic Cape Town
- Addo - Garden Route - Cape Town Chauffeur Drive Tour: 6 Days
- South African Escape
- 3 day Garden Route + Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
- 10 day Cape & Garden Route Combo - optional accommodation
- Sanbona Wildlife Safari & Garden Route 5Days/4Nights
- Cape Town & Kruger - 9 days
- Garden Route Splendour
- 11 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Kruger Explorer
- Cape Town and Garden Route Adventure Tour
South Africa: Tryst with the Wild Life & the Iconic Cape Town
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Communication was good. All went smoothly.”
Lori, traveled in October
Duration 9 days Destinations Johannesburg, Hazyview, Kruger National Park, Cape Town Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Wanderful Holidays LLC January departure dates
See All Departure Dates15 Jan, 2026 10 spaces left 17 Jan, 2026 10 spaces left From $6,366
10% Off- NZ$5,729You save $637
Addo - Garden Route - Cape Town Chauffeur Drive Tour: 6 Days
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Well-organized. Accommodating to wishes of participants.”
John, traveled in September
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 January departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Jan, 2026 6 spaces left 2 Jan, 2026 6 spaces left From
10% Off- NZ$1,928
South African Escape
36 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was an amazing experience of animals, wine, and adventures. It wasn't a relaxing holiday as lots of early starts, but it was worth every hour of lost sleep!”
Jodie, traveled in April
Duration 14 days Destinations Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Hermanus, Swellendam, Mossel Bay, Knysna, Tsitsikamma National Park, Oudtshoorn, Johannesburg, Kruger National ParkSee all destinations Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Expat Explore Travel January departure dates
18 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left From $3,535
15% Off- NZ$3,005You save $530
3 day Garden Route + Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
83 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great Adventure Tour ... much fun. Lot of driving thru the Scenery...”
Stefan, traveled in October
Duration 3 days Destinations Cape Town, Oudtshoorn, Wilderness National Park, Sedgefield Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Hotspots2c January departure dates
See All Departure Dates2 Jan, 2026 7 spaces left 9 Jan, 2026 7 spaces left From
15% Off- NZ$669
10 day Cape & Garden Route Combo - optional accommodation
25 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“She was fun, informative, flexible, and wonderful!! She didn't let the rain slow us down and showed us so many wonderful sights.”
Tina, traveled in July
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 January departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Jan, 2026 7 spaces left 2 Jan, 2026 7 spaces left From
15% Off- NZ$2,349
Duration 5 days Destinations Cape Town, Oudtshoorn, Betty's Bay, Hermanus Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Across Africa Tours & Travel January departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left 2 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left From
15% Off- NZ$7,050
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 January departure dates
See All Departure Dates4 Jan, 2026 4 spaces left 5 Jan, 2026 4 spaces left From
15% Off- NZ$4,325
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 Ages 8+ Operator Cullinan Guided Journeys January departure dates
See All Departure Dates5 Jan, 2026 4 spaces left 19 Jan, 2026 4 spaces left From
15% Off- NZ$2,446
11 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Kruger Explorer
16 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“From booking to accommodations, to transportation, to meals, and adventure, it was a phenomenal trip!”
Katherine, traveled in September
Duration 11 days Destinations Cape Town, Simon's Town, Sedgefield, Knysna, Tsitsikamma National Park, Oudtshoorn, Johannesburg, Kruger National Park Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Cape Xtreme January departure dates
See All Departure Dates6 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left 13 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left From
15% Off- NZ$4,369
Duration 6 days Destinations Cape Town, Table Mountain, Wilderness National Park, Knysna, Addo Elephant National Park, Oudtshoorn, Plettenberg Bay Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Amatungulu Tour January departure dates
See All Departure Dates11 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left 12 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left From $3,520
15% Off- NZ$2,992You save $528
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
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
- CAPE SCENIC SAFARI - Chauffeur Drive Tour: 5 Days
We saw so much of South Africa in just six days. Paul was polite, well-mannered and always on time, and dropped us off distances which we could have easily walked on some occasions; showing that he always had our safety in mind. We stayed in a range of accommodations, all of which were clean and spacious with decent breakfast provided, and some of which were spectacular. Would certainly reccomend.
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.























