Where in South Africa to go on holiday this December

Going on holiday in December presents three distinct holiday rhythms: sunlit coastlines, rain‑refreshed bushveld and cool mountain retreats. Each region holds its own tempo and attractions, and choosing between them depends on whether you favour long beach days, game drives at dawn or slow mornings in high country.

The East Coast is the classic choice for ocean lovers: KwaZulu‑Natal’s Dolphin Coast and the broader South Coast offer warm Indian Ocean water and family‑friendly beaches. Ballito and Amanzimtoti provide easy swimming and sheltered bays that suit families and snorkellers.

The Garden Route coastline, including Plettenberg Bay and the Wilderness area, pairs beaches with river estuaries and coastal forest, making it possible to swap a morning surf for an afternoon walk in fynbos.

The Cape Town coast remains a year‑round draw; the Cape Peninsula and False Bay present a mix of sheltered coves and dramatic headlands if you prefer cooler ocean breezes. South Africa in December is a season of long daylight hours and warm water, ideal for coastal escapes.

The bush offers a very different kind of freedom. Pilanesberg National Park is an accessible reserve roughly two hours’ drive from Johannesburg and popular for short safari breaks, with guided drives focused on the Big Five and family‑friendly daytime activities.

Kruger and adjacent private reserves become verdant after summer rains, and early‑morning and late‑afternoon game drives reveal active wildlife patterns.

The bush in December enjoys lush vegetation, a bush which draws grazing species and, in turn, the predators that follow, making game viewing especially rewarding. Bush safaris range from self‑drive options to full-board eco‑lodges, depending on the pace you want.

The mountains are the final option for those seeking cooler air. The Drakensberg presents sweeping escarpments, forested valleys and waterfalls that offer refuge from low‑veld heat. The Cederberg and Langeberg ranges in the Western Cape provide high‑country trails, rock formations and starry nights, all within a few hours’ drive of Cape Town.

Mountain retreats tend to be quieter in December compared with resorts on the coast, offering a restorative contrast and scenic day walks.

When choosing an area, consider travel time and crowds. Coastal resorts fill early as schools close, so book accommodation well in advance. Bush lodges also reach capacity during peak festive dates, particularly those within a half‑day drive from Gauteng.

Mountain stays can be a good counterpoint; expect cooler nights and the occasional summer thunderstorm.

For flexible travel, combine two regions: coastal mornings and mountain evenings or a short bush stop en route to the coast.

Practical pointers include choosing self‑catering when travelling with family, pre‑booking park or reserve entries where required and planning for summer weather patterns such as late‑afternoon showers in inland areas.

Travel times between major zones are practical: Johannesburg to Pilanesberg is about 2 hours by road, and Cape Town to the Cederberg is about 3 hours, making multi‑region trips feasible within a week.

Coastal getaways offer the easiest access to water activities, while the bush and mountains deliver quieter, slower moments away from the beachfront bustle.