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The Award-Winning Tour Specialist
South Africa Christmas Holidays

South Africa Christmas Holidays

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While South Africa may share many classic traditions with home, it is all enjoyed at the height of summer! With a magical atmosphere throughout December thanks to all the trimmings – trees (usually artificial fir trees, but sometimes mango and palm trees!), markets, carol singing, lights and decorations – the gorgeous weather means the locals (and you) get to enjoy it all alongside South Africa’s great outdoors.

On Christmas Day, family and friends gather for dinner, which is usually eaten outside straight from the braai (barbeque). This might consist of a variety of braai meats or something like suckling pig served with rice, raisins, and vegetables. For dessert, it could be Christmas pudding, but many opt for the locally traditional (and delicious) malva pudding instead. There are also crackers to pull at the table – wearing the paper hat is not optional, just like in the UK! Going to the beach is also an annual tradition for many and doing outdoor activities is an essential part of the Christmas period – and why not when the sun is out, and your surroundings are so spectacular? 

Our Christmas Holidays

Christmas in South Africa

Special Festive Experiences on Christmas in South Africa

Special Festive Experiences on Christmas in South Africa

From Johannesburg, where the festive spirit is strong, follow the spectacular Panorama Route past deep gorges, lush forest and waterfalls, and ride the glass fronted elevator into the Graskop Gorge. You’ll also work your way along the Garden Route, visit Tsitsikamma National Park and charming Knysna, arriving in spectacular Cape Town
 
Christmas itself will be spent in the wilds of the Greater Kruger, with a three-night stay in a safari lodge. Arriving on Christmas Eve there’s time for a dusk safari before a delightful dinner then, on Christmas Day after a day out in the wilds spotting awesome animals, you’ll dine out under the stars with a traditional boma dinner followed by a rhythmic drumming class. On Boxing Day you’ll be out on safari again, ticking the Big 5 off your list. New Years is spent in Cape Town, exploring the city, the Cape Winelands and Cape Peninsula, with a visit to the penguins of Boulders Bay. Bring in the New Year in style at a restaurant on the vibrant Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.