What It’s Really Like To Follow England Cricket In South Africa

What It’s Really Like To Follow England Cricket In South Africa

At a Glance: The England Tour Itinerary

• 1st Test: Wanderers Stadium (Johannesburg)
• 2nd Test: Supersport Park (Centurion)
• 3rd Test: Newlands Cricket Ground (Cape Town)
• 1st ODI: Boland Park (Paarl - The Winelands)
• 2nd & 3rd ODIs: Mangaung Oval (Bloemfontein)

England Tour of South Africa: Match Schedule & Venues

(Note: While the exact daily schedule is subject to final confirmation, the iconic Cape Town New Year's Test is locked in for early January).

The Ultimate Barmy Army Experience

For followers of cricket, nothing beats travelling overseas and following your sporting heroes on tour as they travel over land and sea. Being part of the Barmy Army sitting back under a clear blue sky, enjoying the feeling of the sun warming your bones, with something chilled in your hand watching as England’s finest cricketers test themselves against their mighty South African foes? Is there anything better?

Following England this winter as they tour South Africa will certainly be an adventure for the cricket fan. Here is what you can expect as the tour moves across the country.

The Highveld Tests: Gauteng Province

The 1st Test: Johannesburg (Wanderers Stadium)

The tour kicks off in Johannesburg at the famous Wanderers Stadium (often referred to as the 'Bullring'). Although Johannesburg is certainly not at the top of most visitors’ South African wish lists, it is nonetheless a vibrant city with plenty of culture and things to see and do. From fascinating Soweto and its numerous links to Nelson Mandela, to the mega-malls of Sandton and the historic Cradle of Humankind, there is plenty to keep fans entertained.

The 2nd Test: Centurion (Supersport Park)

Next up is the nearby Supersport Park in Centurion, where the 2nd Test will be played. These first two Tests in the Gauteng province are really for the cricketing aficionado and the diehards. But once the action wraps up here, it is time to join the mass cricketing crowds and head south to Cape Town for the all-important 3rd Test.

The Crown Jewel: The Cape Town Test

The 3rd Test: Cape Town (Newlands Cricket Ground)

The action takes place in one of the world’s most iconic stadiums – the Newlands Cricket Ground. Set in the shadow of the city’s magnificent Table Mountain, it is a must-visit for any cricket fan. Africa Travel’s ultimate South Africa cricket travel experience will allow the aficionado to watch all the action from the finest VIP Executive Suite seats available.

Off the Pitch: The Vibe in the Mother City

Watching the Test in Cape Town is almost as much about what happens off the pitch as on it. Once the play ends, the Barmy Army congregates in the bars and restaurants of Kloof Street and Long Street, and floods in numbers to the busy V&A Waterfront development to discuss the day's play and sink a few cold ones into the warm summer evening.

The White-Ball Action: The ODI Series

The 1st ODI: Paarl (The Winelands)

When the Test action is over, the One Day Internationals (ODIs) begin, first of all in beautiful Paarl. Lying in the heart of the famed Cape Wine Region, this is the match for the wine-lover to attend. Less than an hour from Cape Town, this is sure to be the most popular ODI and a real highlight of any cricket fan's tour.

The 2nd & 3rd ODIs: Bloemfontein

The final white-ball fixtures take place across in the Free State province in the city of Bloemfontein. Slightly off the mainstream tourist trail, the city sits perfectly between Durban and Johannesburg. Once the England cricket tour finishes, any of the Barmy Army still watching can easily head to either city for their flight home, safe in the knowledge that they will now know exactly what it’s really like to follow England Cricket in South Africa.

Follow England with Africa Travel

Ready to join the tour? To ensure you experience the absolute best of South Africa, Africa Travel offers incredible ways to travel:

1. The Escorted VIP Cricket Packages (Cape Town): Our premium escorted tours featuring 5-star accommodations(the Winchester Boutique Hotel or the 5-star Radisson Collection Waterfront) over NYE, Executive Suite tickets at Newlands, and curated Cape excursions.
2. The Fully Bespoke Experience: Want to combine the ultimate cricket experience in Cape Town with a luxury safari? Our experts will build a 100% custom itinerary combining the Newlands Test with a Big 5 safari in the Kruger National Park or a trip to Victoria Falls.

Start planning your cricket adventure today:

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What stadiums will England play at during the South Africa tour?

During the tour, England will play Test matches at the Wanderers Stadium (Johannesburg), Supersport Park (Centurion), and the iconic Newlands Cricket Ground (Cape Town). The ODI series will take place at Boland Park (Paarl) and Mangaung Oval (Bloemfontein).

2. What is the atmosphere like following England in South Africa?

The atmosphere is incredible. Thousands of travelling England fans (including the famous Barmy Army) mix with passionate, sports-mad South African locals. You can expect clear blue skies, cold drinks, great banter, and world-class hospitality.

3. Is Johannesburg a good place to watch cricket?

Yes. While it may not have the beaches of Cape Town, Johannesburg’s Wanderers Stadium (the 'Bullring') offers a fiercely competitive cricketing atmosphere. The city also offers profound cultural sites like Soweto and the Cradle of Humankind.

4. Which is the most popular Test match to attend on the tour?

The 3rd Test in Cape Town (Newlands) is universally the most popular fixture. Taking place over the New Year period, fans flock to the city for the spectacular Table Mountain backdrop, the beaches, and the vibrant nightlife.

5. Where do cricket fans hang out after the match in Cape Town?

Once stumps are drawn at Newlands, touring fans and the Barmy Army typically head to the lively bars and restaurants on Kloof Street and Long Street, or gather around the scenic Victoria & Alfred (V&A) Waterfront to discuss the day's play.

6. Where is the 1st ODI being played?

The 1st ODI will be played in Paarl, which is located just under an hour from Cape Town. Set right in the heart of the picturesque Cape Winelands, it allows fans to easily combine international cricket with luxury wine-tasting.

7. Can I combine my Cape Town cricket tour with a safari?

Absolutely. South Africa is the perfect destination to blend world-class sport with wildlife. Africa Travel can create a Fully Bespoke itinerary that combines your VIP Newlands Test experience with a luxury Big 5 safari in the Kruger National Park.

8. How do I book my England cricket tour to South Africa?

You can secure your guaranteed Executive Suite tickets for Newlands by booking our Escorted VIP Package, Independent Package, or a Bespoke tour. From the UK, call 020 7843 3500. From the US, call +1 888 228 3417, or email info@africatravel.co.uk.