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Christmas in South Africa

  • Duration
    15 days
  • Tour Type
    Group Tour
  • Tour Style
    Go Beyond
  • Price From
    £6,590pp
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Enjoy Christmas at the height of summer with a once-in-a-lifetime journey through South Africa’s highlights! Witness the incredible wildlife of the Kruger – where you’ll spend a magical Christmas Eve and Day, traverse the scenic Garden Route with its picturesque coastline and charming towns, to finally immerse yourself in the cosmopolitan allure of Cape Town. This unforgettable adventure showcases the best of South Africa’s diverse landscapes and experiences with a festive twist.
  • Fully Inclusive
    Touring with Guides and entrance fees
  • Included Meals
    Breakfasts: 12 , Lunches: 11 , Dinners: 10
  • Flights
    International flights and current taxes
  • Accommodation
    12 nights in 4 star accommodation
  • Group Tour
    Max Group Size: 18
  • Physical Rating 1Learn More
    X A reasonable level of fitness is required and you should expect to be on your feet for much of the day. You’ll be getting on and off coaches, trains or boats and walking around the sights, often including steps, plus occasional longer walks. Download the detailed tour dossier for details of your chosen tour. Learn More
    Walking, some steps and time on your feet
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Tour Highlights

Our Christmas in South Africa tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine.

Tour Experiences

Tour Itinerary

  • Days 1-2
    Fly to Johannesburg
    Days 1-2: Fly to Johannesburg

    Upon your arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel where you have the rest of the day at leisure.

    • Dinner
  • Day 3
    Mpumalanga
    Day 3: Mpumalanga

    Following breakfast, explore the Apartheid Museum before embarking on a journey to the Mpumalanga Panorama Route region. This enchanting and scenic area, embraced by the majestic Drakensberg Mountains, waterfalls, and canyons, unfolds in lush greenery during the summer season. Serving as a splendid gateway to the renowned Kruger National Park, the region awaits your check-in, leaving the remainder of the day for you to relax at your leisure.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 4
    Panorama Route
    Day 4: Panorama Route

    Celebrate Christmas Eve today! Take a ride in the Graskop Gorge Lift, offering stunning views of the forest canopy. Continue your journey to God's Window and Bourke's Luck Potholes, a natural marvel featuring swirling pools and unique rock formations. After Three Rondavels, check in at the private game in time to partake in a dusk safari for the chance to encounter local wildlife. Cap off the day with a delightful Christmas Eve dinner at the lodge, immersing yourself in the festive spirit.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 5
    Greater Kruger National Park
    Day 5: Greater Kruger National Park

    Wishing you a Merry Christmas! This year, your festive celebration takes a unique turn as you spend Christmas Day on thrilling game drives, the primary means of exploring the park, providing a close encounter with the animals. Christmas dinner promises to be a joyous event, served under the stars in the boma. Engage in an African drumming class where you'll not only master traditional beats but also delve into the rich cultural history, discovering how stories, songs, and traditions have been passed down through the universal language of rhythm and dance.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 6
    Greater Kruger National Park
    Day 6: Greater Kruger National Park

    Boxing Day offers further opportunities for spotting 'The Big 5', as your expert ranger and tracker lead the way. Adept at spotting wildlife and sharing insights about the animals and their habitats, they ensure memorable and informative game drives, while contributing to the park's overall conservation efforts.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 7
    Fly to Gqeberha
    Day 7: Fly to Gqeberha

    Transfer back to Johannesburg and fly to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). On arrival, transfer to your hotel in time for dinner.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 8
    Garden Route
    Day 8: Garden Route

    Set out this morning on your journey to Knysna, with a captivating stop at Oudebosch Protea Farm, where you'll discover fascinating insights into the country's national flower. Continue to Tsitsikamma National Park, a protected expanse celebrated for its breath-taking coastal and forest scenery. As you travel further south, you'll reach the charming town of Knysna, renowned for its scenic lagoon, the iconic Knysna Heads, and a lively waterfront that adds vibrancy to its picturesque surroundings.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 9
    Discover Knysna
    Day 9: Discover Knysna

    The standout experience today is The Featherbed Eco Experience, an enchanting journey that commences with a picturesque boat cruise across the Knysna Lagoon. Following this, a guided tractor ride elevates you to the summit of the western head, where you'll be treated to awe-inspiring views of the lagoon, ocean, and mountains. A leisurely nature walk through the coastal forest unveils the unique flora and fauna of the area, culminating in a delightful lunch amid this beautiful setting.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 10
    Knysna to Cape Town
    Day 10: Knysna to Cape Town

    Today the journey from Knysna to Cape Town promises a delightful fusion of distinctive experiences and stunning landscapes. From Oudtshoorn, your exploration begins with the captivating Cango Caves, an underground marvel adorned with impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations. Subsequently, venture to an ostrich farm for a tractor tour and indulge in a delectable lunch showcasing ostrich delicacies, before continuing to Cape Town.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
  • Day 11
    Cape Town
    Day 11: Cape Town

    The final day of the year takes you around the highlights of Cape Town! Cruise past landmarks such as the Castle of Good Hope, Company Gardens, and Houses of Parliament before a unique lunch experience has you ascending Table Mountain (weather permitting) via the cableway. Usher in the New Year at a restaurant on the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, surrounded by great company, delectable food, and lively entertainment. As the clock strikes midnight, raise a toast with your travel companions and relish a spectacle of lights and pyrotechnics. What a remarkable place to welcome the new year!

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 12
    Cape Peninsula
    Day 12: Cape Peninsula

    Kick off the New Year with a sea island cruise to witness playful seals in their natural habitat. If the weather permits, embark on a breath-taking drive along Chapman's Peak, revealing sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean. Explore the rugged beauty of Cape Point, the meeting point of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, visiting the historic Cape Point Lighthouse before concluding the day with a visit to Boulders Beach, renowned for its resident African penguin colony, offering a close-up observation of these charming creatures.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
  • Day 13
    The Winelands
    Day 13: The Winelands

    Today you will explore the renowned Winelands, commencing in Stellenbosch. Begin with a tour of the town before heading to Franschhoek. At Boschendal Wine Estate, take in the scenic vineyards and delve into its rich history. Indulge in tasting exquisite wines and relish a delightful lunch at Haute Cabriere, where magnificent views of the valley enhance the experience. Explore the art of winemaking and sample their finest vintages. Conclude the day with an unforgettable dinner at Gold Restaurant, where you'll enjoy an immersive and authentic African experience.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 14
    Depart Cape Town
    Day 14: Depart Cape Town

    This morning is at leisure in Cape Town, with time to shop or explore, before transferring to the airport in the afternoon. Board your overnight flight back to the UK, arriving home the following day.

    • Breakfast

We draw from a wide range of hotels on our holidays, each one is chosen to suit the tour you are travelling on meaning your accommodation can range from a smart business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. Here are some examples of the type of hotel you can expect to find on this tour.

  • Night 1
    DaVinci Hotel and Suites
    Corner 5th & Maude Street, Sandton
    DaVinci Hotel and Suites
    This Sandton hotel is located at Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton City with its shopping mall and restaurants right on the doorstep. It offers spacious, air-conditioned rooms and a full English breakfast.
    • Wi-Fi
    • Swiming Pool
    • Restaurant
    • Non-smoking
    • Bar
  • Night 1
    Angels View Graskop
    Graskop Airfield
    Angels View Graskop
    A Beautiful hotel that is ideally located along the Drakensberg escarpment, with the Panorama route in close proximity.
    • Wi-Fi
    • Swiming Pool
    • Restaurant
  • Nights 3
    Shiduli Private Game Lodge
    Karongwe Game Reserve Road 36
    Shiduli Private Game Lodge
    Nestled along the borders of the Karongwe Game Reserve, Shiduli Private Game Lodge epitomizes a harmonious blend of sophistication and charm, while radiating an unparalleled sense of warmth and welcoming hospitality.
    • Wi-Fi
    • Swiming Pool
    • Restaurant
    • Non-smoking
    • Bar
  • Night 1
    The Paxton
    Carnarvon Place, cnr Beach Road Humerail
    The Paxton
    This hotel is located close to the city centre and harbour, offering magnificent views of Algoa Bay and beautiful beaches.
    • Wi-Fi
    • Swiming Pool
    • Restaurant
    • Elevator
    • Bar
  • Nights 2
    Protea by Marriott Hotel Knysna Quays
    Waterfront Drive, Knysna Central
    Protea by Marriott Hotel Knysna Quays
    This property has a spectacular view of the coastal town of Knysna, and is a popular choice along the Garden Route. With scenic surroundings and set on the Knysna Quays waterfront, this hotels offers a wonderful stay.
    • Wi-Fi
    • Swiming Pool
    • Restaurant
    • Non-smoking
    • Elevator
    • Bar
  • Nights 4
    The Portswood
    Portswood Square, Portswood Road, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
    The Portswood
    Ideally located right at the entrance, within easy walking distance to the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. The lobby and restaurant have been built around a 300 year old well and offers guests a very comfortable stay.
    • Wi-Fi
    • Swiming Pool
    • Restaurant
    • Non-smoking
    • Bar
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Cape Town
  • 21°c
  • 15mm
  • Johannesburg
  • 20°c
  • 125mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Cape Town
  • 21°c
  • 17mm
  • Johannesburg
  • 20°c
  • 90mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Cape Town
  • 20°c
  • 20mm
  • Johannesburg
  • 19°c
  • 91mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Cape Town
  • 17°c
  • 41mm
  • Johannesburg
  • 16°c
  • 54mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Cape Town
  • 15°c
  • 69mm
  • Johannesburg
  • 13°c
  • 13mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Cape Town
  • 13°c
  • 93mm
  • Johannesburg
  • 10°c
  • 9mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Cape Town
  • 12°c
  • 82mm
  • Johannesburg
  • 10°c
  • 4mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Cape Town
  • 13°c
  • 77mm
  • Johannesburg
  • 13°c
  • 6mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Cape Town
  • 14°c
  • 40mm
  • Johannesburg
  • 16°c
  • 27mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Cape Town
  • 16°c
  • 30mm
  • Johannesburg
  • 18°c
  • 72mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Cape Town
  • 18°c
  • 14mm
  • Johannesburg
  • 18°c
  • 117mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Cape Town
  • 20°c
  • 17mm
  • Johannesburg
  • 20°c
  • 105mm
+ -
Christmas in South Africa map

Places Visited: Johannesburg (1N) - Panorama Route (1N) - Greater Kruger National Park (3N) - Gqeberha (1N) - Knysna (2N) - Cape Town (4N)

Download Detailed Itinerary

Tour Dates & Prices

All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price. If the dates we have available for this tour don't suit your needs, or you are not sure travelling as part of a group is for you, maybe a Private Tour would be more ideal. If your tour departs in less than 30 days, please call our travel experts to book.

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Depart UK
Return Date
Price
Offer
Booking Options

Departures for Solo travellers only are available for this tour on selected dates.
In addition to being for solos only these departures feature smaller group sizes, free airport lounge access and complimentary cocktails on arrival.

Depart UK
Return Date
Price
Offer
Booking Options

There are no dedicated Solo departures for this year. You can enjoy any of our tours with no Single Supplement on our Happy to Share option or explore the solo departures in other years.

Group Tour includes

Additional Price Information

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