The Ashes vs. The South Africa Tour: Which Is The Ultimate Away Trip For England Fans?

The Ashes vs. The South Africa Tour: Which Is The Ultimate Away Trip For England Fans?

At a Glance: The Ultimate Away Tour Showdown

• The Contenders: The Ashes in Australia vs. The Proteas in South Africa.
• The Vibe: Historic sporting rivalry vs. The ultimate luxury holiday.
• The Logistics: 24-hour flights and severe jet lag vs. Easy flights with zero jet lag.
• The Highlights: The Boxing Day Test at the MCG vs. The New Year’s Test at Newlands.
• Upcoming Dates: South Africa (Dec 2026–Feb 2027) | The Ashes (Winter 2029/2030).

Chasing the Winter Sun

For any die-hard England cricket fan, the winter months aren’t for huddling by the radiator; they are for chasing the sun. When it comes to following the national team overseas, two tours stand head and shoulders above the rest: The Ashes in Australia and the South Africa Tour.

As we look toward the 2029–2030 Ashes and the newly announced 2026–2027 South Africa schedule, the debate is heating up. Which is the ultimate pilgrimage for the Barmy Army? Let’s break it down.

1. The Prestige: History vs. Atmosphere

The Ashes (Australia)

The Ashes is the undisputed heavyweight champion of cricket rivalries. It’s the tour every player wants to win and every fan wants to witness. There is nothing quite like the roar of 90,000 people at the MCG on Boxing Day. It is a gruelling, high-intensity five-Test marathon that feels like a month-long national event.

South Africa Tour

While it lacks the "urn", South Africa offers something perhaps more visceral. The "Bullring" (Wanderers Stadium) in Johannesburg is famously intimidating, and the New Year’s Test at Newlands in Cape Town is widely cited as the most beautiful setting in world cricket. It’s less of a "grudge match" and more of a celebration of the sport in a stunning, welcoming environment.

2. The Logistics: The "Time Zone" Factor

This is where the two tours diverge wildly for the travelling supporter:

• Australia: It’s a 24-hour flight and a brutal jet lag. For fans back home, it’s a "3:00 AM alarm" type of series. Once you're there, the internal flights between Perth, Adelaide, and Brisbane are massive and exhausting.
• South Africa: The secret weapon of the SA tour is the time zone. South Africa is only 2 hours ahead of the UK (GMT+2). There is zero jet lag, and for those watching from home, the match starts just as you’re finishing breakfast.

3. The Experience: Braais vs. Beach Culture

To help you decide, here is a quick comparison of what you can expect when you step outside the stadium:

4. Upcoming Schedules: Save the Dates

If you are planning your next big trip, here is how the cricketing calendars look:

South Africa 2026–2027

The next major away tour is just around the corner:

• 1st Test: Johannesburg (Dec 17–21)
• 2nd Test: Centurion (Boxing Day) (Dec 26–30)
• 3rd Test: Cape Town (New Year’s) (Jan 3–7)
• Followed by 3 ODIs in Paarl and Bloemfontein.(Jan 10, 13, &15)

The Next Ashes Series: 2029/2030

The Ashes 2029/2030 will follow the classic five-Test format across Australia’s most iconic cricket grounds. While the final schedule and host cities are typically confirmed 12 months prior to the tour, past tours have included:

• Perth Stadium
• The Gabba (Brisbane)
• Adelaide Oval
• The MCG (Melbourne – The Boxing Day Test)
• The SCG (Sydney – The New Year Test)

The Verdict: Baggy Green or The Proteas?

Choose The Ashes if... you want to be part of sporting history. It is a bucket-list "I was there" moment, fuelled by a century of rivalry and the sheer spectacular scale of Australian stadiums.

Choose South Africa if... you want the "Ultimate Holiday." Between the morning safaris in the Kruger National Park, the afternoon wine tastings in Stellenbosch, and the world-class value for money, South Africa often feels like a better holiday that just happens to have world-class cricket attached.

Pro Tip: If you can only do one, the New Year’s Test at Newlands (Cape Town) is often called the "Holy Grail" of away days. Watching cricket under the shadow of Table Mountain with a cold drink in hand is as close to sporting heaven as it gets.

Which tour are you booking? The Baggy Green battle or the Proteas' challenge?

If you are ready for South Africa, Africa Travel offers exclusive Escorted VIP Packages for the 2026/2027 Cape Town Test.

Contact us today on 020 7843 3500 or email info@africatravel.co.uk to secure your spot.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Which is more expensive: an Ashes tour or a South Africa cricket tour?

Generally, an Ashes tour in Australia is significantly more expensive. The cost of 24-hour international flights, massive domestic flights between Australian cities, and the high cost of living (food, drink, and hotels) make Australia pricier. South Africa offers superb value for the Pound/Euro.

2. When is the next England cricket tour to South Africa?

England will next tour South Africa in the winter of 2026/2027. The highly anticipated 3-match Test series begins in mid-December 2026 and concludes with the iconic New Year's Test at Newlands in early January 2027.

3. When is the next away Ashes series in Australia?

Following the 2025/2026 Ashes in Australia, the subsequent away Ashes series for England is scheduled for the winter of 2029/2030.

4. Will I suffer from jet lag travelling to South Africa for the cricket?

No! This is the greatest logistical advantage of the South Africa tour. South Africa is only 2 hours ahead of the UK (GMT+2) during the winter, meaning you can step off the plane and head straight to the match with absolutely zero jet lag.

5. What makes the Newlands Test in Cape Town so special?

The New Year's Test at Newlands is famous for its breathtaking scenery. The stadium sits directly in the shadow of Table Mountain. Combined with the festive Cape Town atmosphere and the nearby Winelands, it is considered one of the most beautiful sporting venues on earth.

6. What is the weather like during the South Africa cricket tour?

December and January are the peak summer months in South Africa. You can expect long, sunny days, clear blue skies, and high temperatures—perfect for escaping the freezing UK winter.

7. Can I combine a safari with my cricket tour in South Africa?

Absolutely. Many fans turn their cricket trip into the ultimate holiday by combining the Test matches with a Big 5 wildlife safari. From Cape Town or Johannesburg, it is a short flight to the world-renowned Kruger National Park.

8. How can I book a VIP package for the South Africa vs England 2026/27 tour?

You can secure guaranteed VIP Executive Suite tickets for the Newlands Test by booking with Africa Travel. We offer Escorted Packages (including flights and 5-star hotels) and bespoke itineraries. Secure your spot in the stands today:

• From the UK: Call 020 7843 3500
• From the US: Call +1 888 228 3417
•  Email: info@africatravel.co.uk