Journeys & Road Trips

Packing for Christmas: bikinis, braai tongs, and biltong

From bikinis to braai tongs, packing for a South African Christmas means blending practicality with cheer.

Read all about it HERE.

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Packing for a South African Christmas holiday is almost an art form. Somewhere between the flip-flops and the fairy lights lies the national instinct to prepare for every possible scenario.

December travel in South Africa can mean sweltering beach days, sudden thunderstorms, and the odd chilly mountain evening. The best approach is a balanced packing list—light enough for spontaneity, yet practical enough for local quirks.

Start with clothing. The coastal regions from Cape Town to Durban call for swimsuits, sarongs, and wide-brimmed hats. A lightweight windbreaker helps for those breezy Atlantic evenings. Inland travellers should add a jersey for highveld storms and cool nights in the bush. Footwear matters: sandals for the beach, closed shoes for hiking or dusty roads.

A proper South African holiday always includes braai essentials.

Whether at a seaside cottage or a Kruger rest camp, no luggage feels complete without tongs, spice rub, and a stash of charcoal. Locals swear by packing a cooler box filled with wors, biltong, and a bottle of something cold. Even luxury lodges often have communal braai areas, where the smell of smoke and sizzling meat feels like part of the season’s soundtrack.

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Sun protection is non-negotiable. High UV levels make SPF 50 sunscreen, sunglasses, and a broad hat essential. Hydration packs or reusable bottles come in handy for long drives. Travellers heading into malaria zones should include insect repellent and lightweight long sleeves.

Technology plays its part too. Power banks, universal adapters, and extra memory cards for cameras are must-haves. Mobile signal covers most major routes, though remote areas like the Cederberg or Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park still test patience. A printed map never hurts.

Finally, don’t forget the festive touches like Christmas hats, fairy lights, or a mini tree. South Africans have a knack for turning any campsite into a seasonal wonderland. Packing with humour and foresight ensures that when the rain starts or the braai refuses to light, everyone laughs instead of panics.

In the end, the perfect packing list isn’t about precision; it’s about readiness for joy, sand, and the unpredictable magic of a South African December.