Adventure In South Africa: Things To Do In December
South Africa is a truly unique country with an abundance of natural beauty and a diverse range of attractions and historical sites. No matter which province you find yourself in, there is lots to see and loads to do. As the warm months roll in at the end of the year, many residents and tourists are on the lookout for things to do in December, and the tip of Africa is the perfect place to go!
Visit The Coastlines
South Africa boasts some of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, with gorgeous beaches that stretch for thousands of kilometres. Take a drive through the Cape peninsula in the Western Cape or pack your bags for an adventurous hike and experience the majesty of the mountains on one side, with stunning blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean on the other.
If you are more interested in a romantic walk next to the beach the Golden Mile in Durban, Kwazulu Natal, might be one of the best places to watch the sunset on the golden sands of the warmer Indian Ocean. For those looking to visit the place where the South Atlantic meets the Indian Ocean, Cape Agulhas, also the southernmost tip of Africa, is the perfect spot to go for a day out with family and friends.
The adrenaline junkies among us need not be dismayed and there are many adventures that await eager visitors. South Africa has some of the best surfing spots in the world littered throughout the country and many surfers travel from far and wide to tackle these famous waves. If this doesn’t get your heart racing, one of the most exciting things to do in December is to hop on a boat and go diving with sharks, or get up close and personal with the Southern Right Whales as they make their way past the coast each year.
Visit The National Parks
There are 21 national parks spread across South Africa that cover nearly 4 million hectares of land. Within these parks, you will find an abundance of wildlife, with many that are unique to the African continent. The most famous of these parks is arguably the Kruger National Park, with close to a million people visiting every year.
The Golden Gate Highlands National Park in the Free State is another expedition worth mentioning, as this is one of the few places where guests are able to see ancient San rock paintings up close.
The national parks play host to incredible wildlife safaris that offer visitors the unique opportunity to encounter the big five: the African lion, Cape buffalo, African elephant, African leopard and rhinoceros. For intrepid hikers, 4×4 enthusiasts and safari fans, visiting these national parks should be at the top of the list of things to do in December!
Visit Museums and Heritage Sites
South Africa has a colourful past and many museums and historical sites that help to tell the story of the events that have shaped the country. If you’ve had enough fun in the sun you can choose to visit one of the many indoor museums that display artefacts from the recent- or very distant past. If you wish to learn more about the country’s path to democracy you can visit sites like Constitution Hill or the Apartheid Museum for an in-depth look at events and key figures during this time.
If your interest lies more in the prehistoric, the National Museum of Natural History and the Origins Centre will not disappoint, as these sites house some of the most significant archaeological finds in recent history.
South Africa is home to a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites that carry a great deal of cultural and natural significance. One of these is Robben Island, where many political prisoners were housed during apartheid, including former president Nelson Mandela.
So if you are looking for things to do in December in South Africa you honestly don’t have to look very far! Adventure and excitement can be found around just about every corner of this colourful landscape.
