Christmas & New Year Tours in South Africa
South Africa during the festive period offers true magic. Picture exploring Constitution Hill and the scenic Mpumalanga Route with its incredible viewpoints, riding the Graskop Gorge Lift down into rainforest canopy views, joining game drives spotting wildlife plus an African drumming class, cruising Knysna Lagoon and hiking the Featherbed Nature Reserve, touring Cape Town and ascending Table Mountain by cable car. South Africa during Christmas means summer sunshine and incredible diversity.
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Everything went smoothly on this trip. All the landmarks and activities met expectations. My favourite part was seeing all the animals at Botlierskop Game Reserve BEFORE visiting the Addo Safari, so I didn't have to feel like I was "missing out" given the density of animals at Addo was lower. The overnight stay at Addo Wildlife Ranch was my favourite accommodation of the whole trip! One area of improvement could be the safari ride at Addo. It would have been better to tour the area in an open-air truck/jeep instead of our usual transport van. But I understand logistical and cost constraints.
7 day Garden Route, Cape Point and Winelands PackageA great tour with lots of variety. A lot of travelling, but if you want to see lots in a short period of time this can’t be avoided. Our guide was kind, highly considerate and knowledgeable. Accomodation was really good and comfortable.
CAPE TOWN & BEYOND Chauffeur Drive Tour: 6 DaysLoved every moment of this tour ! Kruger was absolutely amazing !! Loved where we stayed ! Food was really good
4-Day Kruger National Park Big 5 Safari & Panorama Route Tour
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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
- 7 day Garden Route, Cape Point and Winelands Package
- CAPE TOWN & BEYOND Chauffeur Drive Tour: 6 Days
- Cape Town - Garden Route - Addo Chauffeur Drive Tour: 6 Days
- 9 day Cape Coastal & Garden Route Package
- Winelands & Garden Route for Wine Lovers - Chauffeur Drive Tour 5 Days
- 11 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Kruger Explorer
- South Africa Cape Town 5-Days Attraction Tours: Whale Watching & Cape Peninsula & Wine Tasting & Aquila safari & Paraglading Tour
- Become a Safari Guide in Kruger
- 10 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Addo Expedition
Christmas lunch happens at Rickety Bridge in Franschhoek's vineyards, followed by wine tasting at Boschendal Wine Estate. African drumming classes at your Kruger lodge and a Cape Malay cooking class in Bo-Kaap add local flavor, with dinner at Gold Restaurant rounding out the festivities.
Duration 14 days Destinations Johannesburg, Mpumalanga, Graskop, Bourke's Luck Potholes, Kruger National Park, Port Elizabeth, Garden Route, Tsitsikamma National Park, Knysna, OudtshoornSee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Wendy Wu Tours From $8,099
7% Off- US$7,558
7 day Garden Route, Cape Point and Winelands Package
“It was another great experience via tourradar”
Evelyn, traveled in September
Holiday magic fills South Africa's Garden Route. Cango Caves welcome visitors, while wildlife tracking at Addo Elephant Park and festive meals at Jeffrey's Bay's seaside restaurants delight guests. Premium accommodation at properties like Protea Hotel Victoria Junction ensures comfort.
Duration 7 days Destinations Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Oudtshoorn, Addo Elephant National Park, Jeffreys Bay, Tsitsikamma National Park, Knysna, Sedgefield, Wilderness, Mossel BaySee all destinations Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Hotspots2c - Africa Select Journeys From
7% Off- US$1,210
CAPE TOWN & BEYOND Chauffeur Drive Tour: 6 Days
“A great tour with lots of variety. Accomodation was really good and comfortable.”
Kathleen, traveled in August
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, Stellenbosch, Calitzdorp, Oudtshoorn, Knysna, Tsitsikamma National Park, Plettenberg Bay, Mossel Bay, L'Agulhas, HermanusSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Explore South Africa From
7% Off- US$1,266
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
7% Off- US$1,190
Duration 9 days Destinations Cape Town, Table Mountain, Hout Bay, Simon's Town, Oudtshoorn, Addo Elephant National Park, Jeffreys Bay, Tsitsikamma National Park, Knysna, SedgefieldSee all destinations Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Hotspots2c - Africa Select Journeys From
7% Off- US$1,376
Winelands & Garden Route for Wine Lovers - Chauffeur Drive Tour 5 Days
“Enjoyable trip. Great personal service.”
David, traveled in January
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
7% Off- US$938
11 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Kruger Explorer
“The best was staying in Marc's treehouses where you will see the best of nature.”
Susan, traveled in December
South Africa's iconic locations host Christmas and New Year festivities. Bush BBQs delight at Marula Tree Boma, while holiday game drives in Kruger Park and seasonal activities in Cape Town's Bo-Kaap create unforgettable memories.
Duration 11 days Destinations Cape Town, Chapman's Peak, Simon's Town, Atlantis, Table Mountain, Sedgefield, Tsitsikamma National Park, Stormsrivier, Oudtshoorn, JohannesburgSee all destinations Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Cape Xtreme From
7% Off- US$2,625
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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