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 African Escape
- Nature’s Wonders: 9 Days of Safari and Coastal Bliss in South Africa
- Cape Town & Garden Route Voluntour 14D/13N
- Addo Elephants - Garden Route - Winelands (6 Days)
- Geluxe: South Africa: Kruger Wildlife Tracking & Vineyards
- Vibrant South Africa: Nature, Wild Life and Adventure
- Solo-ish South Africa
- Cape Town & Beyond - 6 Days
- Cape Scenic Safari - 5 Days
- 10 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Addo Package
South African Escape
33 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The accomadation was reallly nice just long trips in the bus and the 1 night stays were tiring.”
Jenny, traveled in October
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 December departure dates
7 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left From $2,560
34% Off- US$1,690You save $870
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 $3,199
4% Off- US$3,071You save $127
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
4% Off- US$1,420
Addo Elephants - Garden Route - Winelands (6 Days)
5 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 1 to 90 year olds Operator Explore South Africa December departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Dec, 2025 6 spaces left 2 Dec, 2025 6 spaces left From
4% Off- US$1,190
Duration 11 days Destinations Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, Franschhoek, Cape Town Age Range 18 to 90 year olds Operator G Adventures December departure dates
See All Departure Dates21 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left 28 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left From $6,599
25% Off- US$4,949You save $1,649
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 $2,599
4% Off- US$2,495You save $103
Duration 10 days Destinations Cape Town, Kruger National Park, Johannesburg Age Range 18 to 90 year olds Operator G Adventures December departure dates
25 Dec, 2025 10+ spaces left From $3,399
25% Off- US$2,549You save $849
Cape Town & Beyond - 6 Days
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The route is amazing and so variegated, with time to spontaneously take pictures or fit stops to our wishes.”
Julia, traveled in May
Duration 6 days Destinations Cape Town, Calitzdorp, Oudtshoorn, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Mossel Bay, L'Agulhas, Stellenbosch Age Range 1 to 90 year olds Operator Explore South Africa December departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Dec, 2025 6 spaces left 2 Dec, 2025 6 spaces left From
25% Off- US$1,065
Cape Scenic Safari - 5 Days
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Our scenic Safari trip was wonderful. He's very knowledgeable about the area and made the trip really memorable.”
Anita, traveled in January
Duration 5 days Destinations Cape Town, Calitzdorp, Oudtshoorn, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Mossel Bay, L'Agulhas, Stellenbosch Age Range 1 to 90 year olds Operator Explore South Africa December departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Dec, 2025 6 spaces left 2 Dec, 2025 6 spaces left From
25% Off- US$1,073
10 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Addo Package
18 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour with him was perfect. I was solo in South Africa everything was good planning was really amazing.”
Katarzyna, traveled in September
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
25% Off- US$1,310
What people love about South Africa Tours in December
- South African Escape
This tour was amazing. Every day jam packed full of once in a lifetime experiences. Our Tour Guide Willem was excellent, going above and beyond to look after all the travelers on our tour and on hand to assist 24/7. This was a 5* tour experience and I would highly recommend this South Africa Escape 14 Day Tour and Expat Explore
- 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.
- Kruger in Depth
It was awesome! Safari was exceptional, tour guide knowledgeable, tour group outstanding.
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."