South Africa in December

South Africa in December

By Andre Van Kets

Co-founder, Discover Africa

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December is generally the busiest time in South Africa as the holiday season begins, with every attraction and resort booked and busy. To obtain a booking for a vacation in December, it’s wise to secure your accommodation and activities well in advance to avoid disappointment.

The weather is warm this month, leaving the door open for many activities and sightseeing in South Africa.

Popular parks to visit in South Africa include the Karoo National Park, Kruger National Park, and the Sabi Sands Game Reserve for an eventful safari. With the weather permitting an exciting game drive experience, December bodes one of the best months for a safari in South Africa.

Weather in December

Sunny and warm weather is at its peak during December. This means the streets are busier, and various watersports and outdoor activities are extremely popular. Nighttime usually takes longer to set in, and the days often feel like they start early.

Pros

• Warm weather
• Abundance of outdoor activities
• Exceptional game life

Cons

• Peak season
• Expensive rates
• More crowds

National Parks to Visit in South Africa and Why

Karoo National Park

The Karoo National Park is a wishlist destination for its large ecosystem and diverse wildlife populations. Activities here include mountain biking, game drives, birding, and hiking.

What to do:

• Birding
• Game drives
• Mountain biking

Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park is a must-see destination when visiting South Africa. For a memorable adventure, there are countless fun family activities, including backpacking, game drives, hiking, and birding.

What to do:

• Backpacking
• Game drives
• Mountain biking
• Hikes

Sabi Sands Game Reserve

December is the beginning of the hot season, and it is often the busiest time to visit South Africa, given the festive season and school closures. For this reason, parks become crowded and high season rates apply during this month. However, safari experiences are often great during this time, and higher rates may be the only downside.

What to do:

• Birding
• Photographic safaris
• Game drives
• Hot air ballooning