December in the USA is right about when things start to get chilly. Your world is covered in an icy blanket, thick coats are an essential survival tool if you’re outdoors. And then, just when you start acclimating to the shorter days and longer nights, it’s December vacation time. If you’re looking to travel, Africa is one of the best places to visit in December.

South Africa’s sunny welcome is warm and hearty. The weather is blissful and not yet at its apex. Most regions in South Africa enjoy spring rains, which means that by December the wilderness is properly hydrated, lush, and the herds are moving in response to better grazing opportunities. Following closely behind are the predators, giving the opportunity for spectacular game drives and safari trips. It also means the rains are over, for the most part, leaving warm sunny days that are temperate and perfect for adventuring.

In the urban jungle, there is an endless list of attractions to see and activities to participate in, it’s just about finding the best places to visit in December. Known as the Mother City, Cape Town welcomes and nurtures tourists from near and far with riveting activities, diverse culture, and a plethora of new experiences seldom available in such close proximity to each other.

As winter melts away in Southern Africa and spring awakens, we’re compiling a list of the best places to visit in December.

Table Mountain – Hike or enjoy a ride up

Of all the natural wonders of South Africa, Table Mountain might just be the most iconic. The massive flat-topped granite marvel, directly overlooks Cape Town, making the city a cushy cultured urban metropolis between the mountain and the sea. Table Mountain is one of the best places to visit in December, especially if you are seeking an active vacation. The hiking is splendid and if you wish to see the view without the sweat, the cable car offers a smooth ride upwards with the option of riding or walking back down. We’ve enjoyed some fantastic outings with our guests up Table Mountain, if you’re a photographer, this is not to be missed. A clear day yields a view that is breathtaking.

Robben Island – A historical highlight

An iconic heritage site that is rich in history. Robben Island is the location where many political prisoners were held, most famously, Nelson Mandela. The island also boasts a diverse range of natural wildlife and rugged beauty. Tours to Robben Island are enthralling and deeply insightful. A truly memorable experience.

Boulders Bay – Visit the penguins

Named after the granite rocks and inlets and mounds that form the sheltered and somewhat private beach. A visit to Boulders Bay is exciting, being home to a world famous colony of African penguins. They sunbathe, swim, and go about their day-to-day activities fairly oblivious to human visitors. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy the sun and sea while you see the penguins in their natural habitat. An added bonus is the fantastic eateries close by, one of which is the Simonsberg cheese farm.

Swim with seals – One of the best places to visit in December

A dip in the ocean might be the last thing on your mind back home in December, but in Africa, it’s the perfect way to enjoy the warm summer sunshine. Add to that, swimming with seals! We book this activity through Animal Ocean but what an experience it is! Snorkel in the sea and marvel at the natural curiosity of the seals as they approach you and swim among the people. It has been said that seals are like the dogs of the ocean, they’re playful, friendly, and adorably inquisitive. We highly recommend adding this activity to your itinerary, the sea is one of the best places to visit in December if you’re in South Africa!

Cape Point Nature Reserve

A walk among the fynbos in the Cape Point Nature Reserve with its rugged cliffs and open veld. This Natural World Heritage Site is home to over 250 species of birds, which, combined with the warm weather, makes it one of the best places to visit in December if you’re a bird watcher. Also expect to see baboons, zebra, a few species of antelope, and indigenous fauna and flora. There’s nothing like a walk in nature to build up a hearty appetite before lunchtime.

Other highlights – best places to visit in December

The beaches in South Africa are very popular, especially during summer holidays. It’s a great outing, especially because Cape Town’s white-sand beaches are well-maintained.

Some of the other activities we recommend include surfing, whale watching (seasonally), shark cage diving, and curio shopping. These highlights, which we also consider to make the list of best places to visit in December, add excitement and adventure to your itinerary with Jehty Quest. We’ve taken the time over many years to source the best activities that will take your breath away!

Build your December vacation

No adventure is complete without the proper nourishment of delectable meals and beverages. During your time in Cape Town, we will take you to the most memorable little gems in the city. Forget the generic star-rated dining experience, we’ll show you the cultured and authentic spots with food brimming with flavor.

The Western Cape is renowned for its scenic vineyards, picturesque mountains, white sandy beaches and quaint drives to fruit farms. The Cape is also a major exporter of fresh fruit. The produce grown in this region is unrivaled – peaches, mangoes, litchis, plums, and nectarines add to the experience of the irresistible summer sweetness. It’s all about the experience of the South African culture. Learn more about our packages and custom build your own unique African experience here.