When December rolls around in South Africa, everyone starts putting on sunblock and shades to prepare for the busy hot summer. That said, there are a bunch of unique and fun summer activities you can experience while visiting the country during this time.

Here’s a list of fun activities you must experience under the welcome heat of the South African sun!

1. Try a safari

December in South Africa sees very hot and arid weather conditions, causing heightened animal activity and migration. This ultimately results in exceptional safari opportunities to enjoy across the country!

Kruger National Park stands out as a prime choice for fun safaris, offering encounters with a wide variety of wildlife. Both predators and prey frequently gather near water holes, offering great opportunities for observation and photography.

Pro tip: If you plan to go on a safari independently, Kruger National Park allows visitors to use their own vehicles, provided that you stay on the designated dirt roads.

2. Visit Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden

Address: Rhodes Dr, Newlands, Cape Town, 7735, South Africa

Contact details: 27 21 799 8783

Operating Hours: 

• Monday to Wednesday and Friday to Sunday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
• Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

December in South Africa heralds the summer season, which is one of the best times to watch the flowers bloom, particularly at Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden. In this garden, you can witness an array of colourful blossoms in shades of orange, pink, and red. 

Situated in proximity to Table Mountain, this enchanting botanical garden features an abundance of fynbos, a unique type of flora indigenous to the region. Additionally, the garden offers picturesque views adorned with vibrant flowers. 

Pro tip: One highlight you definitely shouldn’t miss in this charming garden is the beautiful and intriguing canopy bridge that runs through the trees.

3. Hike at Table Mountain 

Address: Table Mountain, South Africa

Table Mountain stands out as a prime choice for those seeking an enjoyable and fulfilling hike in December. During this month, many hikers embark on the journey up the mountain to enjoy the refreshing winds and breezes unique to this time of the year!

The mountain attracts both daring locals and travellers, making it a popular hiking destination, as it boasts numerous long and scenic trails. Once you reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of Cape Town and its surroundings.

Pro tip: One of the top trails we recommend exploring at Table Mountain is Plattekloof Gorge. The hike takes about 2 strenuous hours, but at the summit, you’ll be rewarded with a fantastic craft beer selection.

4. Relax at the beach

One of the unexpected pleasures of December in South Africa is enjoying a beach day with family and friends. The dry weather of the month makes exploring beaches and strolling along the coastline more enjoyable, as the sun gives you a golden tan.

One recommended beach destination in Cape Town is Bikini Beach, where temperatures range from 14 to 26°C in December. Additionally, you can anticipate a more refreshing ocean breeze due to the hotter temperature.

Pro tip: One of the highlights of Bikini Beach is the number of beautiful bookstores that line the area, offering a stunning location for reading books.

5. Visit penguins at Boulder Beach

Address: Simon’s Town, Cape Town, 7995, South Africa

Contact details: +27 21 786 2329

Operating Hours:

• Monday to Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Another fun thing to do during December is to visit and observe the penguins roaming around Boulder Beach. These cute penguins can be observed all year round, but the month’s hot weather heralds larger groups of penguins to the beach than usual. 

These cute penguins are African penguins, recognized by a black stripe and spots on their bodies. You can enjoy taking pictures of them or observing them as they search for resources along the waters and the beachfront.

Pro tip: One of the best things about Boulder Beach, aside from its penguins, is the clean and swim-friendly waters where you can take a refreshing dip.

6. Enjoy wine-tasting 

In December, we love satisfying our taste buds with an enjoyable wine-tasting adventure. South Africa is brimming with numerous bars, breweries, and vineyards that offer exceptional wine-tasting experiences, especially in December with big discounts.

For your wine and beer-tasting adventure, we recommend Houtbosch Wine & Craft Beer. This charming establishment offers a variety of freshly brewed craft beers and wines, along with some excellent food options to enjoy.

Pro tip: Oyster and wine enthusiasts should definitely visit Oysters R Us. This establishment serves a variety of oyster dishes with diverse toppings that pair wonderfully with their extensive selection of wines.

7. Go whale-watching 

For animal enthusiasts, a must-do activity is embarking on a whale-watching adventure along the coasts of South Africa with friends. From June to December, whales can be found along the south coast, stretching from Cape Town to Mossel Bay.

During this time, whales are often accompanied by calves, as December is when they give birth and nurture their offspring. A great place to go whale-watching is Wilderness Beach, which is home to a substantial and diverse whale population!

Pro tip: Algoa Bay stands out as one of our highly recommended locations for whale watching in South Africa, as it is situated along the country’s coastline, offering beautiful views of the sunset.

8. Enjoy the Ballito Rage Festival

Address: D173 Esenembi Rd, Dolphin Coast, 4399, South Africa

Contact details: +27 66 492 8558

Price:

• R900

For music enthusiasts seeking a lively December activity, we recommend immersing yourself in the music scene at The Ballito Rage Festival. Known as one of South Africa’s biggest and most favoured youth festivals, it’s a popular event for graduating students.

The festival typically includes a diverse lineup of music concerts, beach parties, club events, and various other entertainment activities. Festival goers can anticipate captivating performances by both local and international artists, DJs, and bands.

Pro tip: One of the best ways to get cheaper tickets for the Ballito Rage Festival is to search for them on the Facebook Marketplace, where you can find tickets priced between 700 and 800 Rand.

9. Visit a crocodile farm

While you’re in Ballito, another fun thing to do is to visit a crocodile farm and learn about the endemic crocodiles of South Africa. A visit to a crocodile farm is educational and fun, letting you learn about different crocodile species in the country and their habits.

There are many crocodile farms in the area offering expert-led tours to teach you about crocodile biology, conservation, and why they matter. That said, you can also enjoy thrilling activities like feeding crocodiles, which will leave you in awe.

Pro tip: If you’re looking to taste delicious crocodile meat, we recommend visiting Thaba Kwena Crocodile Farm, where you can buy and enjoy some of the freshest croc meat in the country.

10. Explore Franschhoek 

Address: Franschhoek, South Africa

Franschhoek is a delightful destination perfect for those who want to experience South Africa without the crowds. Nestled in a narrow valley surrounded by mountains, it sees fewer tourists in December, making it an ideal place to explore.

The entire area is adorned with picturesque vineyards and expansive mountain ranges, making it one of the most visually stunning regions dedicated to winemaking. In light of this, Franschhoek is acknowledged as one of the most beautiful wine regions.

Pro tip: One place we recommend visiting for nature lovers in Franschhoek is the Franschhoek Pass, where you can capture some Instagram-worthy pictures of winding roads and lush green scenery.

11. Enjoy the Franschhoek Cap and Champagne festival 

Address: 13 Lambrechts Rd, Franschhoek, 7690, South Africa

Contact details: +27 66 224 6360

Price:

• R350 – R450

Speaking of Franschhoek, the annual Franschhoek Cap and Champagne Festival takes place here every December. This event is usually held at Huguenot Gardens and it’s a significant and highly popular affair.

Here, you can enjoy sipping on fine spirits from over 20 local producers, as the festival showcases some of the country’s best Cap Classiques. Also, the place has a lively atmosphere with live music featuring some of South Africa’s best music artists.

Pro tip: We suggest wearing your best dresses or dressing in your most lavish clothes, as the event provides people with a chance to win the best-dressed title.

12. Celebrate Reconciliation Day 

If you’re looking for something meaningful to do in South Africa, consider joining the vibrant celebrations of Reconciliation Day. This holiday occurs every 16th of December and is dedicated to celebrating unity after the apartheid era.

Numerous cities and communities arrange public events, gatherings, and ceremonies to commemorate Reconciliation Day. These events feature cultural performances, music, and speeches that honour unity among the diverse communities.

Pro tip: We suggest wearing clothes that reflect the colours of the South African flag to fully embrace the experience of Reconciliation Day.

13. Stop by the Iziko Museums 

Address: Cape Town, South Africa

Contact details: +27 (0)21 481 3800

For history enthusiasts, we recommend a visit to The Iziko Museums of South Africa, a collective group of 11 national museums in Cape Town. These museums display a plethora of memorabilia related to social, scientific, and political history.

The main museum, Iziko South African Museum, houses over one-and-a-half million specimens of scientific importance. Here, you can enjoy exploring diverse exhibits featuring fossils, ancient insects, and historical tools.

Pro tip: If you’re visiting the Iziko South African Museum with children, we suggest stopping by the planetarium, where you can find tons of awesome space artefacts and space-themed displays.

14. Watch sea turtles hatch 

South Africa is home to a variety of animals that you can observe, but if you’re seeking a rare animal-related experience, you should witness sea turtles laying eggs. Sea turtles only lay eggs from November to February, and December is the best time to see them.

You can find numerous turtle nesting tours that educate you about turtles and take you to beaches and turtle nests around Africa to watch turtles hatch and nest. It’s a fantastic way to witness the elusive leatherback turtle, which is rarely seen on land!

Pro tip: We recommend bringing a red light with you when embarking on a turtle-hatching tour or adventure. Since turtle hatching occurs at night, using a red light is preferable as it is less likely to harm the turtles’ eyes and will not disturb them.

15. Watch a movie at an outdoor cinema

Address: Capetown, South Africa

Contact details: +27 71 471 8728

Price:

• Standard: R140 
• Comfy: R155 
• VIP: R230
• Pensioner Special: R130

One of the most enjoyable activities for movie buffs is to enjoy some of the year’s best blockbuster movies at an outdoor cinema. The Galileo Open Air Cinema organises a lively outdoor cinema every December at venues in Cape Town and the Winelands.

What makes these open-air cinemas great is their lineup of movies, showcasing classic films, recent blockbusters, and family movies for everyone to enjoy. Also, it provides an opportunity to watch a movie while appreciating the nighttime beauty of the country.

Pro tip: Every December the outdoor cinema also hosts some special Christmas shows like the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day specials that you can enjoy with your family.

16. Enjoy a concert at Kirstenbosch

Address: Rhodes Dr, Newlands, Cape Town, 7735, South Africa

Contact details: +27 (0)12 843 5000

Price:

• R250 – R350

The Summer Sunset Concerts at Kirstenbosch bring together enjoyable music and fun picnics. Located in the beautiful Kirstenbosch Gardens, these concerts showcase various musical performances of different genres to suit various tastes.

Attendees can bring their own picnics and soak up the pleasant atmosphere of music in the botanical garden. The best thing is, that you get to listen to fantastic local and international artists while taking in the view of the lush garden.

Pro tip: One thing we highly suggest bringing along with you on your visit to the garden concert and picnic is a cooler. Since the event takes place under the blistering heat of the sun, having a cooler means you can pack some cold and refreshing drinks.

17. Feel the music at Afropunk Fest Joburg 

Address: Johannesburg, South Africa 

Price:

• R400 – R900

Afropunk Fest Joburg is a lively celebration that’s all about music, art, fashion, and activism. The festival features a diverse lineup of music, from R&B to punk rock and hip-hop, the festival showcases great sounds from local and international artists.

The festival revolves around art, with attendees expressing their unique identities through bold fashion choices, artistic hairstyles, and vibrant accessories. You can enjoy dancing your heart out to music while surrounded by graffiti and visual art everywhere.

Pro tip: One thing we recommend doing is exploring the food stalls and vendors around the area. Afropunk Fest always has a diverse range of food vendors, each offering local cuisine and international food fare worth trying.

18. Have a drink at Joburg Cocktail Festival

Address: 58 Wierda Road East, Sandton, Johannesburg

Price:

• R200 – R600

If wine isn’t your thing and you enjoy contemporary drinks, we recommend attending The Joburg Cocktail Festival for a fun experience. This festival is a celebration of everything related to cocktails and offers a wide array of classic and inventive drinks.

At this event, anticipate satisfying your palate through a variety of cocktail samples. What makes this festival fantastic is the opportunity to explore distinctive and familiar spirits crafted by some of the most innovative cocktail makers in the city.

Pro tip: Make sure to bring a bottle of water with you before indulging in cocktails. Given that you’ll be sampling various drinks, it’s crucial to have water on hand to cleanse your palate, prevent intoxication, and ensure you stay hydrated throughout the event.

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