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Places to visit in South Africa in December offer something to every traveller from great scenery to vast wildlife, historical sites and cultures. Stunning beaches with the famous Table Mountain that is synonymous with Cape Town, or driving for miles across beautiful coastlines and picturesque forests along the garden route. Experience safaris at the Kruger National Park, and for the ones who like the beach, Durban’s the place to visit while Franschhoek makes for an enjoyable visit away from the city of Cape Town for wine lovers.
10 Places To Visit In South Africa In December
Here are the top 10 Places to Visit in South Africa in December offering adventure, leisure, and sightseeing in equal measures.
1. Cape Town
Photo: Dietmar Rabich / Wikimedia Commons
Cape Town is an all-encompassing city that is a coastal city characterised by breathtaking views of its geographical features, historical significance, and ethnocultural richness. Situated encircled by the Table Mountains, pristine beaches and a busy seaport, Cape Town has much on offer be it a hiker, a wine lover, or a tourist interested in ancient suburbs or museums. The art and food scene is enticing, the hotels and other spaces are interactive, and the public and a social calendar are active with events like the Cape Town Jazz Festival.
Location: Western Cape, South Africa
Major Attractions: Table Mountain, Robben Island, V&A Waterfront
2. Garden Route
Photo: Diriye Amey / Wikimedia Commons
The Garden Route is a great scenic drive found within southern Africa and the famous attraction is its green terrain, lagoons, and sandy ocean shores. The endless possibilities in this beautiful region include activities like trekking, shore watching and visits to beach towns. The Garden Route, appreciated due to its picturesque scenery and the variety of habitats, invites nature and men and women. Mother tongue and experiential activities seasoning the gastronomy of the visitors, augment the joyful remembering of each local town through the in-between hidden sea shores.
Location: Western and Eastern Cape, South Africa
Major Attractions: Knysna Heads, Tsitsikamma National Park, Plettenberg Bay
3. Franschhoek
Photo: TapticInfo / Wikimedia Commons
Franschhoek is a charming village in the heart of the Cape Winelands and is also famous for its picturesque chairs almost over every building and World acclaimed wineries, and superb restaurants. Sightseers can take part in wine tasting, appreciate beautiful vistas of the vineyards and go for walks in an interesting town that is full of shops and art studios. In addition to this, the town of Franschhoek boasts an annual Bastille Day Festival that marks celebrations for the French history of the region.
Location: Western Cape, South Africa
Major Attractions: Wine estates, Huguenot Monument, Franschhoek Wine Tram
4. Soweto
Photo: Michael Schofield / Unsplash
Located within the borders of Johannesburg, Soweto is a historical township that embodies many of the cultural complexities of South Africa’s past. They say that Soweto has accrued fame due to its history connected to the anti-apartheid struggle. While in Soweto, tourists can go to historical places, and local markets, and enjoy the local resident suburbs. Such tours take the visitors into the peoples’ homes and families. In addition, a rhythmic and artistic atmosphere is contagious. There are dining and entertainment opportunities as well.
Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Major Attractions: Mandela House, Hector Pieterson Museum, Vilakazi Street
5. Kruger National Park
Photo: Dietmar Rabich / Wikimedia Commons
Diverse ecosystems are incorporated in the Great Kruger National Park, one of the most sizable game reserves in Africa, acclaimed for its safaris. Surrounded and containing the Big Five as well as many other wildlife, guided or self-drive safaris are organized for tourists wishing to partake in wild game viewing. Within the reserve, there are several degrees of lodgings, from affordable to high-end cabins, where guests can also help with preservation activities. From night drives to bush walks, the Kruger National Park is suitable for all ages.
Location: Limpopo and Mpumalanga, South Africa
Major Attractions: Big Five wildlife, safari lodges, scenic landscapes
6. Durban
Photo: Mister-E / Wikimedia Commons
Durban is an energetic city on the east coast of South Africa which boasts magnificent shores, cultural diversity and a lively food scene. With places like uShaka Marine World and its breathtakingly long beachfront, visitors to Durban can be assured of both comfort and adrenaline-fueled activities, if they so choose. Not only that, but it is also a cultural city exhibiting a variety of cuisine and activities such as the Durban July horse race. Located in Durban city, beach lovers, culinary enthusiasts, and surfers will enjoy a unique mix of the beach and urban setting.
Location: KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Major Attractions: uShaka Marine World, Golden Mile, Botanic Gardens
7. Blyde River Canyon
Photo: Dietmar Rabich / Wikimedia Commons
Located in the northeastern part of the Republic of South Africa, the Blyde River Canyon is one of the greatest wonders of nature with a glorious green landscape deemed the third largest in the world. Its rich vegetation and wide horizons make it a great base for scenic drives, walking and taking pictures. The Three Rondavels and a number of other viewpoints are among the most notable features.
Location: Mpumalanga, South Africa
Major Attractions: Three Rondavels, God’s Window, scenic viewpoints
8. Boulder Beach
Photo: Sumit Surai / Wikimedia Commons
Boulders Beach is located close to Simon’s Town in the Western Cape of South Africa. It is famed for its clear blue waters, numerous granite boulders and most importantly a colony of African penguins. As a section of the Table Mountain National Park, it is one of the rare places on earth where people can view these endangered birds in their habitat. The sheltered bays off the beach offer tranquil waters for swimming and snorkeling. With boardwalks bordering the Beach, which provide access to view the penguins, Boulder Beach integrates enjoyable nature and the protection of wildlife.
Location: Simon’s Town, Cape Peninsula, South Africa
Major Attractions: African penguin colony, granite boulders, crystal-clear coves
9. Johannesburg
Photo: Evan Bench / Wikimedia Commons
As the leading city and economic centre of South Africa, Johannesburg is an interesting city full of historical events, cultural sites, and contemporary features. Termed conveniently, Joburg or Jozi, the city also gives the tourists an idea about the history of the country with attractions such as Apartheid Museum, Constitution Hill and Hector Pieterson Memorial. Johannesburg is a place of culture and entertainment as well where there are many galleries and a lot of theatres and areas such as Maboneng that are full of street art, modern restaurants, and local shops.
Location: Gauteng Province, South Africa
Major Attractions: Apartheid Museum, Constitution Hill, Maboneng Precinct
10. Knysna
Photo: Nikolaos Anastasopoulos / Unsplash
Knysna is a picturesque coastal town located on the Garden Route with a well-known lagoon, forested areas and abundant marine life. Given activities such as boat rides, oyster sampling, and nature trails, Knysna mixes leisure and adventure very well with picturesque sceneries. Of these, the Knysna Oyster Festival is probably the most famous one, attracting gourmets from different parts of the world.
Location: Western Cape, South Africa
Major Attractions: Knysna Lagoon, Featherbed Nature Reserve, Knysna Heads
Places to visit in South Africa in December offer top attractions in the City of Gold for a memorable experience. From enjoying the sun-kissed beaches of Cape Town in Franschhoek Wine Valley to the safari tours in the Kruger National Park landscape of South Africa, every traveller has something in store. Plan a trip with TripXL and allow South Africa to give you extraordinary memories!
Cover Photo: Dylan Posselt / Unsplash
