Winter Safari Holiday: Discover the Magic of Africa During December & January

The Northern Hemisphere’s winter season is the ideal time to experience Africa’s vast landscapes, abundant wildlife, and warm summer weather. Whether you plan on enjoying a luxury safari experience for Christmas, or to celebrate the New Year, a southern Africa safari holiday during the Northern Hemisphere’s winter season offers an unmatched experience.

As a leading luxury safari operator in Africa we excel at creating bespoke, once-in-a-lifetime safari experiences. We can recommend the best places to visit for a winter safari holiday in Africa and create a custom itinerary just for you. Start planning your winter safari getaway today. Browse our sample safari itinerary, which combines thrilling game drives, luxurious lodges, and cultural experiences, making it an unforgettable way to spend your winter holiday.

December and January mark the start of the summer season in many parts of Africa. The pleasant weather creates ideal conditions for wildlife viewing and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly vacation or a romantic getaway, a luxury safari experience in Africa offers something for everyone.

Top Benefits of a Winter Safari:

There are multiple benefits of a winter safari holiday in Africa, including: 

• Mild Weather: While much of the world is experiencing winter, African destinations like South Africa, Kenya, and Tanzania enjoy warm summer days and cool nights—perfect for game drives and bush dinners.
• Wildlife Concentrations: In South Africa’s Kruger National Park and Tanzania’s Serengeti, animals gather near water sources, making wildlife sightings even more frequent and exciting.
• Perfect for Family Bonding: The holidays provide the ideal opportunity for families to reconnect in nature. Many lodges offer special family programs, educational safari walks, and cultural activities to keep kids entertained.
• Luxury Meets Adventure: Enjoy world-class accommodations and service, with a backdrop of stunning African landscapes. From private pools to gourmet dining, you’ll relax in style between safari adventures.

Recommended Destinations and Itineraries for a Winter Safari

1. South Africa: Kruger National Park & Sabi Sands

• Duration: 7 to 10 Days
• Highlights:
  • Big Five game drives
  • Luxurious lodges
  • Private safaris
  • Bush dining experiences

• Ideal For: Families, first-time safari-goers, luxury travelers

Itinerary Highlights:

Start your safari at a private lodge in the Sabi Sands Reserve, where expert guides will lead thrilling game drives to spot lions, elephants, and leopards. Spend evenings relaxing in luxury, enjoying gourmet meals under the African stars. Round off your trip with a few nights in Cape Town, exploring the city’s vibrant culture and stunning landscapes.

2. Kenya: Masai Mara & Amboseli National Park

1. • Duration: 10 to 14 Days
   • Highlights:
     •  Great Migration
     •  Maasai cultural experiences
     •  Elephant encounters in Amboseli
   • Ideal For: Wildlife enthusiasts, adventure seekers, families

1. Itinerary Highlights:
   
2. Begin your adventure in Amboseli National Park, famous for its breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro and large herds of elephants. Then, journey to the Masai Mara, one of the world’s best game reserves, to witness incredible wildlife and immerse yourself in Maasai culture. Optional activities include hot air balloon safaris and guided bush walks.

3. Tanzania: Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro Crater

• Duration: 10 to 12 Days
• Highlights:
  • Witness the Great Migration
  • Explore the Ngorongoro Crater
  • Luxury tented camps
• Ideal For: Couples, families, wildlife photographers

Itinerary Highlights:

Sample 10-Day Winter Safari Itinerary

Days 1-3: Arrival & Kruger National Park

• Arrive in Johannesburg and take a short flight to Kruger National Park.
• Settle into your luxury lodge in Sabi Sands Private Reserve.
• Enjoy afternoon and early morning game drives, spotting the Big Five.
• Unwind by the pool or enjoy a bush dinner under the stars.

Days 4-6: Sabi Sands Private Reserve

• Experience personalized, private safaris with expert rangers.
• Learn about conservation efforts and wildlife tracking.
• Relax with a spa treatment or sundowners overlooking the savannah.

Days 7-9: Cape Town Exploration

• Fly to Cape Town for a blend of city and nature.
• Visit Table Mountain, Cape Point, and the vibrant V&A Waterfront.
• Spend time on the beaches of Clifton or Camps Bay.
• Optional: Wine-tasting tour in Stellenbosch or Franschhoek.

Day 10: Departure

• Enjoy a final breakfast with a view before transferring to the airport for your flight home.

What to Expect:

• Duration: 7 to 14 Days
• Best Time to Visit: December – January
• Accommodations: Luxury lodges, tented camps, and private villas
• Inclusions: All game drives, domestic flights, full-board accommodation, and cultural experiences
• Activities: Game drives, hot air balloon rides, guided walks, cultural village tours, beach extensions (optional)

If you want to enjoy a luxury winter safari holiday in Africa, we can help. As a leading luxury African safari company, we excel at creating once-in-a-lifetime safari adventures from our homebase in Cape Town, South Africa. We boast in-depth knowledge on the best destinations in Africa and have access to the finest accommodation, ensuring a luxurious experience. Contact us today to tailor your itinerary to suit your family’s needs and discover the magic of Africa during the holiday season.

Winter safari holiday in Africa: FAQs

What will the weather be like in Africa during the winter season? 

The weather in Africa during the Northern Hemisphere’s winter season (December to March) varies greatly depending on the region. Generally speaking, the average temperature in Southern Africa (Botswana, South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe) is around 25-35C. In East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda) you can expect temperatures to range between 20-30°C. If you want to enjoy a luxury safari experience in Africa, we can help. Contact our safari experts today. 

What wildlife can I expect to see on a luxury winter safari in Africa? 

You can expect to see a superb selection of wildlife while on a luxury winter safari in Africa, including some of the most majestic animals on earth. A benefit of a winter safari is that wildlife viewing is at its optimal in southern and eastern Africa as the animals gather around water sources. While the animals you see will vary depending on which parks and game reserves you visit, as a general rule of thumb you can expect to see: 

• The Big 5, including lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and African buffalo
• Zebras
• Giraffes
• Cheetahs
• African wild dogs
• Wildebeest
• Hippos
• Crocodiles 

Can I visit Cape Town on a winter safari holiday? 

Yes, Cape Town is a fantastic destination to visit during a winter safari holiday and is often combined with a trip to one of South Africa’s private game reserves along the Garden Route for superb game viewing opportunities. During the Northern Hemisphere’s winter months, Cape Town experiences summer, basking the city in sun-drenched days, making it the perfect time to explore all the delights of the city, including spectacular white sand beaches, Table Mountain, scenic drives along the Cape Peninsula, the Cape Winelands, and excellent shopping. Additionally, December to February offers prime conditions for shark diving adventures. If you want to enjoy a winter safari holiday in South Africa, contact our team today. We have access to the best luxury hotels and safari lodges and will create a bespoke itinerary based on our precise requirements. 

Can I see the Great Migration during a winter safari holiday? 

Yes, you can see the Great Migration during a winter safari holiday experience in Africa. The winter months are the best time to witness the wildebeest calving season, which typically takes place from late January to early March on the plains of the southern Serengeti in Tanzania in areas like Ndutu and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. During this time, around 8,000 wildebeest calves are born each day, resulting in over 500,000 new calves in just a few weeks. If you would like to enjoy the wonders of a Great Migration safari, contact us today. 

Is it possible to book a last-minute safari in winter? 

Yes, while it’s always best to book in advance, it is possible to book a last-minute safari experience during the winter months. Contact us today and we will be happy to assist you. 

Do I need to worry about malaria on a winter safari in Africa? 

No, you do not necessarily need to worry about malaria on a winter safari in Africa. There are many parks in Southern and Eastern Africa that are malaria-free. However, it’s always a good idea to use mosquito repellent and wear lightweight clothing that covers your arms and legs. Contact us today, and let us craft a bespoke itinerary that minimizes your exposure to malaria-carrying mosquitoes.