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
- Cape Town & Garden Route Voluntour 14D/13N
- 10 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Addo Package
- 7 day Garden Route, Cape Point and Winelands Combo
- Nature’s Wonders: 9 Days of Safari and Coastal Bliss in South Africa
- Vibrant South Africa: Nature, Wild Life and Adventure
- 8 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Addo Package
- Journeys: Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park National Geographic Journeys
- The Garden Route - 8 days
- 10 day Cape & Garden Route Combo - optional accommodation
- 9 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Addo Package
Meaningful holidays combine voluntourism and celebrations in South Africa. Christmas week brings township volunteering in Cape Town, followed by safaris at Addo Elephant Park and New Year's along the Garden Route's coastal gems.
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 From
- NZ$2,370
10 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Addo Package
18 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The 10 day package covered everything I wanted to see and do while in Cape Town and on the Garden Route.”
OliviaCampbell, traveled in December
Christmas magic unfolds along South Africa's Garden Route from Cape Town's festive V&A Waterfront to Addo's elephant herds. Seasonal activities at Cango Caves, celebrations at Cape Agulhas Backpackers, and New Year's festivities in Cape Town create lasting memories. Special holiday dinners and markets included during December departures.
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 From
- NZ$2,186
7 day Garden Route, Cape Point and Winelands Combo
33 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Phenomenal experience from start to finish with a scintillating insight to your wonderful country which has so much to offer in every aspect.”
scott, traveled in November
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, Wilderness National Park, Sedgefield, Knysna, Tsitsikamma National Park, Jeffreys Bay, Addo Elephant National Park, Oudtshoorn, Stellenbosch Age Range 10 to 99 year olds Operator Hotspots2c From $1,757
4% Off- NZ$1,687You save $70
Duration 9 days Destinations Johannesburg, Pilanesberg National Park, Mossel Bay, Cape Town Age Range 2 to 90 year olds Operator Wanderful Holidays LLC From $5,338
5% Off- NZ$5,071You save $266
Celebrate the season with festive game drives in Pilanesberg National Park and holiday wine tastings in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Experience Christmas markets at V&A Waterfront, seasonal boat trips to Seal Island, and New Year views from Table Mountain's cable car.
Duration 8 days Destinations Johannesburg, Pilanesberg National Park, Cape Town Age Range 2 to 90 year olds Operator Wanderful Holidays LLC From $4,336
5% Off- NZ$4,120You save $216
8 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Addo Package
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great tour with a great guide.”
Victor, traveled in July
Festive season magic fills Cape Point Nature Reserve and Constantia Valley vineyards. Christmas celebrations feature wine tastings and seasonal markets in Cape Town, followed by summer safari drives at Addo Elephant Park during peak wildlife viewing season.
Duration 8 days Destinations Cape Town, Wilderness National Park, Sedgefield, Tsitsikamma National Park, Jeffreys Bay, Addo Elephant National Park, Knysna, Oudtshoorn Age Range 12 to 99 year olds Operator Cape Xtreme From
5% Off- NZ$1,836
Journeys: Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park National Geographic Journeys
14 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Lodging choices were fantastic. Private reserve experience outstanding.”
Daniel, traveled in January
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 up to 99 year olds Operator National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures From $6,559
25% Off- NZ$4,919You save $1,639
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 From
25% Off- NZ$2,105
10 day Cape & Garden Route Combo - optional accommodation
25 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Just the best tour ever.”
C, traveled in September
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 10 to 99 year olds Operator Hotspots2c From $2,135
4% Off- NZ$2,050You save $85
9 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Addo Package
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The trip was absolutely great, we had the occasion to see a lot.”
Serena, traveled in August
South Africa's summer highlights shine along Chapman's Peak Drive, with whale watching in Hermanus (seasonal), and festive wine tastings in Constantia Valley. Holiday enchantment continues at Cango Caves and Cape Point Nature Reserve.
Duration 9 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 From
4% Off- NZ$2,103
What people love about Christmas & New Year Tours in South Africa
- 10 Days Cape Town, Garden Route & Addo Package
The great service offered by Sylvester, especially his experience around the game drive. He knew where to take us for the best views, and took ~4.5 hours to go through Addo Elephant National Park. he was also very knowledgeable on the local history, culture, and wildlife.
- 7 day Garden Route, Cape Point and Winelands Combo
The 5 day Garden Route and 2 day Wine and Whale coast parts of the tour were led by different guides: Isaac and Andrew. Both guides were fantastic, friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. The route and included sights were fantastic and it was well worth my time and money. The absolute highlight for me was the optional extra Shark Cage Dive - WOW!!!!
- 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!)
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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