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
- Nature’s Wonders: 9 Days of Safari and Coastal Bliss in South Africa
- Vibrant South Africa: Nature, Wild Life and Adventure
- South African Escape
- Journeys: Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park National Geographic Journeys
- The Garden Route - 8 days
- 7 day Garden Route, Cape Point and Winelands Combo
- Journeys: Explore Kruger National Park National Geographic Journeys
- 10 day Cape & Garden Route Combo - optional accommodation
- Luxury South Africa Journey: Cape Town, Rovos Rail & Fly In Karongwe Safari
- Independent South African Sojourn
Duration 9 days Destinations Johannesburg, Pilanesberg National Park, Mossel Bay, Cape Town Age Range 2 to 90 year olds Operator Wanderful Holidays LLC January departure dates
See All Departure Dates2 Jan, 2026 10 spaces left 6 Jan, 2026 10 spaces left From $5,338
5% Off- NZ$5,071You save $266
Duration 8 days Destinations Johannesburg, Pilanesberg National Park, Cape Town Age Range 2 to 90 year olds Operator Wanderful Holidays LLC January departure dates
See All Departure Dates2 Jan, 2026 10 spaces left 6 Jan, 2026 10 spaces left From $4,336
5% Off- NZ$4,120You save $216
South African Escape
33 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“An incredible experience that will stay with me my whole life.”
Michael, 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 January departure dates
18 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left From $3,935
34% Off- NZ$2,597You save $1,337
Journeys: Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park National Geographic Journeys
14 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The safari guides were outstanding. The itinerary included the important points of interest.”
Lorna, traveled in April
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 January departure dates
See All Departure Dates7 Jan, 2026 10 spaces left 14 Jan, 2026 10 spaces left 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 January departure dates
See All Departure Dates2 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left 9 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left From
25% Off- NZ$2,150
7 day Garden Route, Cape Point and Winelands Combo
33 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Everything hhas been perfect and I am more than happy to have done this amazing tour!”
Fabio, traveled in June
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 January departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Jan, 2026 7 spaces left 2 Jan, 2026 7 spaces left From $1,757
4% Off- NZ$1,687You save $70
Journeys: Explore Kruger National Park National Geographic Journeys
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The experience was enhanced not only by the beautiful lodgings, delicious cuisine, expert drivers and trackers.”
Catherine, traveled in May
Duration 7 days Destinations Johannesburg, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Kruger National Park, Karongwe Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures January departure dates
See All Departure Dates3 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left 10 Jan, 2026 10+ spaces left From $4,819
25% Off- NZ$3,614You save $1,204
10 day Cape & Garden Route Combo - optional accommodation
25 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Tour that allows you to visit the most impressive parts of South Africa.”
Serena, traveled in August
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 January departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Jan, 2026 7 spaces left 2 Jan, 2026 7 spaces left From $2,135
4% Off- NZ$2,050You save $85
Duration 9 days Destinations Cape Town, Table Mountain, Simon's Town, Paarl, Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, Matjiesfontein, Kimberley, Pretoria, KarongweSee all destinations Age Range 11 to 90 year olds Operator T.S TOURS January departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 Jan, 2026 10 spaces left 6 Jan, 2026 10 spaces left From
4% Off- NZ$14,685
Independent South African Sojourn
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Our accommodations were fabulous. The staff at each property were professional and courteous.”
Kathy, traveled in March
Duration 9 days Destinations Cape Town, Kruger National Park, Johannesburg Age Range up to 80 year olds Operator Globus January departure dates
See All Departure Dates6 Jan, 2026 7 spaces left 7 Jan, 2026 7 spaces left From
4% Off- NZ$6,349+$851 upfront costs
What people love about South Africa Tours in January
- South African Escape
Overall a good trip, but a bit too rushed. The night at Cape St Francis was unnecessary. We, and others in the group, would have preferred a second night at Tsitsikama. We acknowledge that you cant please everyone in a group with every item on the tour. From our perspective however it was an excellent tour and good value for money
- Journeys: Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park National Geographic Journeys
This was a trip of a lifetime that exceeded our expectations! The animal Interactions were even more exciting than anticipated. The accommodations and food were excellent and our CEO, Gavin was tremendous. The itinerary was seemless, we had fun together as a group. Gavin was knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and kind. He had good connections with people at each stop and everything was very well planned and scheduled. As for going above and beyond, I bought a painting from a local artist and at another stop where there was a gift store, Gavin got me some bubble wrap so I could get my painting home safely. It was a wonderful adventure!
- 7 day Garden Route, Cape Point and Winelands Combo
We had a wonderful time. Our driver was amazing!
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.