Christmas & New Year Tours in South Africa
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10 best Christmas & New Year South Africa tour packages
Compiled by
NadineSouth Africa travel expert at TourRadar
- Christmas in South Africa
- CAPE TOWN & BEYOND Chauffeur Drive Tour: 6 Days
- Journeys: Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park National Geographic Journeys
- 10 day Cape & Garden Route Combo - optional accommodation
- 3 day Garden Route + Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
- Addo - Garden Route - Cape Town Chauffeur Drive Tour: 6 Days
- CAPE SCENIC SAFARI - Chauffeur Drive Tour: 5 Days
- Winelands & Garden Route for Wine Lovers - Chauffeur Drive Tour 5 Days
- Cape Town - Garden Route - Addo Chauffeur Drive Tour: 6 Days
- Cape to Kruger: Wine, Wonders & Wildlife Fly-In Safari – 10 Days
Duration 16 days Destinations Johannesburg, Mpumalanga, Kruger National Park, Port Elizabeth, Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Cape Town Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Wendy Wu Tours From $6,969
13% Off- US$6,060You save $909
CAPE TOWN & BEYOND Chauffeur Drive Tour: 6 Days
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Flexible. Some excellent tour inclusions.”
Catherine, traveled in March
Game drives bring holiday cheer at Buffelsdrift Lodge, paired with festive meals at Knysna Waterfront. Summer whale watching in Hermanus and special year-end wine tastings at Die Krans estate in Calitzdorp complete the experience.
Duration 6 days Destinations Cape Town, Calitzdorp, Oudtshoorn, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Mossel Bay, L'Agulhas, Stellenbosch Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Explore South Africa From
13% Off- US$1,150
Journeys: Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park National Geographic Journeys
15 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was one of the best ever trips I did before.”
Roni, traveled in February
Festive game drives light up Kruger Park alongside holiday celebrations at Karongwe Reserve. Christmas comes alive at Cape Town's V&A Waterfront, while New Year's brings wildlife tracking through 9,000 hectares of private reserve with expert rangers.
Duration 10 days Destinations Cape Town, Johannesburg, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Kruger National Park, Karongwe Age Range Ages 12+ Operator National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures From $4,099
25% Off- US$3,074You save $1,025
10 day Cape & Garden Route Combo - optional accommodation
25 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Very well organized tour. Wonderful accommodations.”
Alessia, traveled in August
Holiday spirit fills the V&A Waterfront, while summer wine tastings enchant in Stellenbosch. New Year's celebrations sparkle in coastal towns like Knysna or Jeffreys Bay.
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 From
25% Off- US$1,328
3 day Garden Route + Safari Highlights Tour from Cape Town
83 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Excellent!! Do it!!”
Dmn, traveled in October
South African adventures await with festive game drives at Botlierskop Private Game Reserve and holiday stays at Hlangana Lodge. Natural wonders from Cango Caves to Wilderness National Park come alive during the magical Christmas period.
Duration 3 days Destinations Cape Town, Oudtshoorn, Wilderness National Park, Sedgefield Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Hotspots2c From
25% Off- US$378
Addo - Garden Route - Cape Town Chauffeur Drive Tour: 6 Days
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The garden route was the most beautiful. He explained a lot and gave us an unforgettable time.”
Anke, traveled in May
Summer safaris await at Addo, paired with festive meals in Knysna and holiday wine tastings in Stellenbosch. The optional New Year's extension features Cape Town's vibrant celebrations and seasonal penguin colony visits at Boulders Beach.
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 From
25% Off- US$1,090
CAPE SCENIC SAFARI - Chauffeur Drive Tour: 5 Days
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“very nice trip.”
Padma, traveled in November
South African holidays shine with festive game drives at Buffelsdrift Lodge, special dinners at Knysna Waterfront, and wine tastings at Die Krans Estate. Christmas magic unfolds at Cango Caves, leading to coastal New Year celebrations.
Duration 5 days Destinations Cape Town, Calitzdorp, Oudtshoorn, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Mossel Bay, L'Agulhas, Stellenbosch Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Explore South Africa From
25% Off- US$1,050
Winelands & Garden Route for Wine Lovers - Chauffeur Drive Tour 5 Days
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour only scratches the surface of the Winelands and Garden Route, and you could do it many times and see different things each time.”
Peter, traveled in November
Holiday wine tastings in Stellenbosch pair with coastal celebrations in Knysna and festive feasts featuring local specialties. Whale watching in Plettenberg Bay and nights at luxury lodges create perfect summer memories.
Duration 5 days Destinations Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Calitzdorp, Oudtshoorn, Witfontein Nature Reserve, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Tsitsikamma National Park, George Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Explore South Africa From
25% Off- US$850
Wine tastings spread holiday cheer at Stellenbosch estates, while Christmas activities brighten Knysna Waterfront. New Year's game drives at Addo Elephant Park and holiday feasts at luxury lodges round out the season.
Duration 6 days Destinations Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Oudtshoorn, Knysna, Addo Elephant National Park, Port Elizabeth Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Explore South Africa From
25% Off- US$1,063
Festive dinners at Kapama River Lodge set the tone for holiday safari drives in Karongwe Reserve and New Year celebrations in Cape Town. The journey includes Table Mountain, Knysna Heads, and seasonal activities at V&A Waterfront.
Duration 10 days Destinations Cape Town, Table Mountain, Hout Bay, Simon's Town, Paarl, Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, Montagu, Barrydale, CalitzdorpSee all destinations Age Range Ages 6+ Operated in English, German Operator T.S TOURS From
25% Off- US$4,400
What people love about Christmas & New Year Tours in South Africa
- Journeys: Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park National Geographic Journeys
Part 1: Capetown. Great hotel, loved the tour to Kirstenbosch and Cape Point. Our CEO Dee assisted us with scheduling the free day by arranging a half-day tour to Stellenbosch. Part 2: Johannesburg. Nice guesthouse, good food. Loved the Panoramic Route, Kruger safari and everything about the Karongwe stay (lodges, safaris and food!)
- CAPE TOWN & BEYOND Chauffeur Drive Tour: 6 Days
We enjoyed our tour with Paul Coetzee. He is very knowledgeable. The tour is well planned, itinerary is really great. I will highly recommend him.
- 10 day Cape & Garden Route Combo - optional accommodation
Isaac Matlekeng is SIMPLY THE BEST..he does not see anything too big or see it as a problem. His sights is on satisfaction. Now that is what I call extreme customer satisfaction. Isaac is not only professional, but his quiet, humble demeanor is added advantages. HE IS A KEEPER HOTSPOTS...
What our customers ask about Christmas & New Year Tours in South Africa
What weather can I expect during a Christmas & New Year tour in South Africa?
December and January bring summer conditions to South Africa with temperatures in Cape Town reaching 25-30°C (77-86°F). The Garden Route maintains comfortable temperatures in the mid-20s°C. Past travelers through TourRadar note consistently good weather at spots like the 4-star Le Franschhoek Hotel making outdoor activities easy to plan. Inland areas such as Stellenbosch and Franschhoek tend to run warmer while coastal towns like Knysna get natural cooling from the ocean.
What special Christmas & New Year activities are included in South African tours?
The festive season brings unique experiences like traditional South African "braai" BBQ dinners at Buffelsdrift Game Lodge seasonal game drives to spot the Big 5 in Addo Elephant National Park and New Year's events at Cape Town's V&A Waterfront. One guest's experience highlights the personal touches: "Happy Christmas! The guide even put together little Christmas gift bags for each of us and made every small detail just right so that the week was so special."
Which accommodations are recommended for Christmas & New Year stays in South Africa?
Top-rated options include Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa in wine country Buffelsdrift Game Lodge in Oudtshoorn for wildlife viewing and Cape Grace Hotel at Cape Town's waterfront. According to a recent visitor "The Buffelsdrift Lodge was magical during Christmas time with their special decorations and festive atmosphere." Properties across price points from 4-star guesthouses to private game lodges offer holiday meals and New Year's celebrations.
What wildlife can I expect to see during Christmas & New Year safari tours?
Summer brings prime wildlife viewing at reserves like Aquila and Botlierskop with animals most active during cooler morning and evening hours. A guest at Buffelsdrift Game Lodge reported "We saw elephants lions giraffes and hippos during our Christmas morning game drive." The Garden Route adds chances to see marine life including whales dolphins and penguins near Plettenberg Bay and Boulders Beach.
How far in advance should I book a Christmas & New Year tour in South Africa?
The holiday season requires booking 6-8 months ahead especially for popular spots along the Garden Route and in Cape Town. Booking data shows most travelers secure their trips 198-658 days before travel. Premier lodgings like Le Franschhoek Hotel and Buffelsdrift Game Lodge often reach capacity a full year before the festive season.
How much should I budget for a Christmas & New Year tour in South Africa?
Daily costs range from USD 150-400 varying by accommodation and activities. Premium safari experiences such as Ivory Tree Game Lodge in Pilanesberg can exceed USD 500 per night during peak season. As one traveler noted "while accommodation rates were higher during festive season at places like The Table Bay Hotel the experience of celebrating New Year's in Cape Town was worth it."
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