Journeys & Road Trips

Match your Southern African destination to your preferences

A helpful guide to choosing between South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia for a holiday in Southern Africa.

South Africa offers many reasons to choose it as a holiday destination. Photo: Mariana Balt.

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With South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia all offering memorable December experiences, many travellers struggle to choose which country to visit.

A few simple considerations can guide your choice and help match your holiday to your personal preferences.

Start by thinking about what you enjoy most. Travellers who want dramatic scenery and heritage landmarks usually lean toward Zimbabwe. Victoria Falls alone offers powerful appeal, and the country’s blend of culture and natural beauty makes December visits rewarding.

South Africa offers a wide range of reasons to choose it as a destination. The country’s varied landscapes make it easy to enjoy very different experiences. Travellers can move from the beaches of KwaZulu-Natal to the mountain passes of the Drakensberg or the semi-desert quiet of the Karoo in a single trip.

South Africa’s national parks provide well-managed wildlife encounters, with places like the Kruger, Addo and Kgalagadi offering reliable sightings and good road networks that suit both self-drive and guided travel.

Many destinations across the country deliver strong cultural experiences, from township food tours to heritage routes that explain local history in a meaningful way.

Local travel also reduces expenses linked to visas, currency exchange and fuel for long distances. It supports South African businesses that rely on domestic tourism, including small guesthouses, family-run farms and community-based attractions.

A holiday in South Africa is also easy to plan. The convenience of shorter travel times, familiar systems and accessible medical services gives many people peace of mind. For families and solo travellers, these practical advantages often make local holidays the most comfortable choice.

If wildlife and wilderness lie at the heart of your trip, Botswana stands out. Even though December sits in the green season, the parks remain active and birdlife peaks. Road trippers who appreciate quiet surroundings and slower travel enjoy Botswana’s sense of space.

Travellers who crave open roads, coastlines and vast desert panoramas find Namibia irresistible. The long roads are smooth and scenic, making it ideal for travellers who enjoy driving. The coastal belt provides comfortable temperatures during December, which makes it perfect for beach walks, markets and outdoor activities.

Namibia's coastal belt provides comfortable temperatures during December, which makes it perfect for beach walks, markets and outdoor activities. Photo: Mariana Balt.

Budget also plays a role.

Zimbabwe often offers good value for money, especially around Victoria Falls, where a wide range of lodging options exists. Botswana tends to be more expensive due to its strong conservation model, although green season rates help. Namibia sits in the middle, with plenty of affordable self-catering and guesthouse options.

Zimbabwe often offers good value for money, especially around Victoria Falls. Photo: Mariana Balt.

Travel style influences the final choice. Solo travellers often prefer South Africa or Namibia for safety and ease of movement. Families enjoy Zimbabwe’s variety. Couples seeking quiet nature escapes often choose Botswana.

With thoughtful consideration and realistic expectations, each country becomes an unforgettable December destination for travellers who enjoy exploring Southern Africa.