December

If you fancy a Christmas away from home, look no further than Southern and Eastern Africa’s coastline, with its warm and sunny days. Combine this with a safari in one of Africa’s leading destinations such as Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Botswana.

Escape the wintery weather and head to Eastern and Southern Africa’s coastline for nothing less than splendid sunshine. With warm weather and sunny days looming, book early to avoid disappointment, it can get very busy in peak season!

December is an ideal time to witness some of the most incredible wildlife movements, from the annual herd migration in Tanzania’s Serengeti, to the zebra migration in Botswana’s Savuti and Makgadikgadi Pans. Tanzania is a popular choice as it is calving time, an excellent time for predators and the chance to witness something remarkable. The ‘green season’ in Botswana is ideal for bird fanatics, providing excellent rates and bird-watching opportunities. Don’t miss out on an all-round excellent game-viewing safari in Hwange, Zimbabwe.

Nearing peak season for some of the best marine life sightings, there is no better time to head to Tanzania. Its islands, especially the Mafia Island are in ultimate diving season, offering a chance to see over 400 species of fish!

Whale sharks and manta rays are both one of a kind and a rarity to see. Visit Mozambique and go off shore at the Inhambane Peninsula to witness these incredible animals. South Africa’s loggerhead and leatherback turtles are also in mid peak season.

Kidepo Valley National Park, Uganda

Apoka Lodge in Uganda's spectacular Kidepo Valley National Park is probably the northernmost and most under-rated safari experience in Africa. Abundant wildlife, gorgeous scenery and a touch of luxury make a stay at Apoka Lodge supremely rewarding.

Apoka Lodge

Gansbaai, South Africa

Grootbos is a 5-star luxury lodge located a short distance from Hermanus. A firm Imagine favourite, this lodge offers an excellent nature experience, focused on the southern right whale migration in Walker Bay from June to November.

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

The Crags, South Africa

Hog Hollow has been an Imagine favourite for many years offering seclusion in one of the Garden Route’s most picturesque locations. Beautiful suites, attentive service and spectacular views make this one of the most in-demand places to stay in the area.

Hog Hollow Country Lodge

Franschhoek, South Africa

With magnificent views over the Franschhoek valley, La Petite Ferme is a gorgeous boutique wine retreat boasting an award-winning restaurant and winery. La Petite Ferme’s superb service and delightful ambience make it ideal for some relaxed wine sampling.

La Petite Ferme

Franschhoek, South Africa

Franschhoek Country House & Villas is a beautifully restored manor house in the heart of the Cape Winelands. Offering relaxed elegance and superb dining, Franschhoek Country House & Villas is perfect for a few days of gentle wine exploration in the Cape.

Franschhoek Country House & Villas

Cape Town, South Africa

Arguably Cape Town’s finest boutique hotel, Kensington Place is an Imagine favourite for its luxurious rooms, dedicated service and excellent location. Owner Chris has a keen eye for detail and ensures that each guest’s stay is memorable and exclusive.

Kensington Place

Franschhoek, Winelands

Le Quartier Francais offers a stylish boutique stay in the heart of the picturesque village of Franschhoek. With sophisticated suites, gourmet cuisine and warm hospitality, Le Quartier Francais is one of a kind.

Le Quartier Francais

Hermanus, South Africa

Ocean Eleven is a gorgeous Cape-Cod-style guest house in Hermanus in South Africa’s Western Cape. With incredible ocean views and a prime cliff-top position for whale watching, Ocean Eleven makes a wonderful add-on to Cape Town and the Garden Route.

Ocean Eleven Guest House

Plettenberg Bay, South Africa

The Plettenberg is a stylish seafront hotel enjoying an unrivalled natural setting near Plettenberg Bay on the Garden Route. The food at the Plettenberg is wonderful, and it is hard to imagine finer views anywhere along the Garden Route.

The Plettenberg

Oranjezicht, Cape Town, South Africa

One of our favourite boutique hotels in Cape Town, Four Rosmead is a chic and luxurious option which effortlessly blends contemporary style with period features. The personalised service and great location make it a top choice for us in Cape Town.

Four Rosmead

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Cape Town, South Africa

Bay Harbour Market is situated on the water’s edge in an old fish factory in Hout Bay Harbour. The market boasts more than 100 stalls selling a huge variety of local produce from arts and crafts to fashion, jewellery and authentic South African food.

Bay Harbour Market

Walker Bay, South Africa

For the ultimate whale watching experience over Walker Bay, take a scenic flight in a small aircraft directly over these magnificent creatures as they breach along the South African coast as they migrate for calving along the warmer waters.

Aerial Whale Watching

Kyambura Gorge, Uganda

The Kyambura Gorge is a natural wonder which is home to habituated community of chimpanzees. Tracking alpha male Brutus and these chimps takes you through enchanting forest where several other primate species and even the occasional leopard can be seen.

Chimpanzee Tracking in Kyambura Gorge

Panorama Region, South Africa

There is no better way to see the stunning Panorama region of South Africa than from the sky in a helicopter, as famous sights such as God's Window and The Potholes must be seen from above to be truly appreciated.

Panorama Helicopter Tour

Kenyan Coast, Kenya

Dhows have been used along the Kenyan coast since the first Arab influences arrived on these shores. Stunning in both design and decor, these boats offer a unique way to see the coastline and make for perfect sundowner spots!

Dhow cruises on the Kenyan Coast

Kenyan Coast, Kenya

Diving and snorkelling have become intrinsically associated with this beautiful coastline. With a number of reefs, notably a stunner off Wasini Island (Msambweni), one can marvel in the presence of rays, turtles, huge numbers of fish and octopus.

Diving and Snorkelling on the Kenyan Coast

Franschhoek, Winelands

Enjoy a scenic, leisurely hop-on hop-off tour around the wine and gourmet capital of South Africa on the Franschhoek Wine Tram. The best way to discover the gems of Franschhoek and to take in the views of the rolling vineyards.

Franschhoek Tram

The Winelands, South Africa

There is so much to explore on the 200 acres of this working farm, get out with the family to wander through the vines or orchards and head up the koppie for a picnic. Or spend an afternoon wine tasting, or simply lounge in a hammock on a warm day.

Out and about at Babylonstoren

Garden Route, South Africa

Book a table and spend an evening at Emily Moon. This restaurant offers delicious meals and is situated just outside of the hustle and bustle of Plettenberg Bay with fantastic views over the river and the mountains in the distance.

Dine at Emily Moon

Cape Town, South Africa

The 1-2 hour hike up and down Lion's Head in Cape Town is an easy hike for the walking-fit. Day or after-sunset hikes give you fantastic views over Cape Town, Table Mountain, Atlantic and Camps Bay areas.

Hike up Lion's Head

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