South Africa 2018 - Tour Information
Welcome to South Africa. It will be a pleasure to experience the cricket with you again and even for the first time. I understand you are fully versed in the art of travel and have your own quirks, foibles, habits, and whims to satisfy your needs, which includes 'advance preparations'. As such, with the exception of Safety & Security I am not going to speech to you as once I did with the tour information of yesteryear. Much of it you either already know, don't need to know, or don't care to know, but nonetheless let me provide you with some essential and useful links and information that includes where and when to collect your match tickets, where and when we are dining, and importantly where you are living in Sensational South Africa!
CONTACT ME:
South Africa Mobile: +27.83.3538547
WhatsApp / Viber: +44.7962.557999
Australia Mobile: +61.469.292473 (Text only, I will not answer this in SA)
As soon as you have a local number message me on my above SA number, otherwise Whatsapp / Viber me on the above UK number. Communication and your safety is paramount in South Africa. We are not kids, but for the record just let others know where you are going, especially if you are going anywhere alone.
YOUR BAGGAGE:
You will receive two awesome shirts, with no doubt a few extras available for purchase. Otherwise some packing suggestions, if you're still at home;
Passport and Travel Documents
Beach Towel or Beach Wrap
Hat For Awesome Sunny Days At The Cricket
Swimsuit & Sunscreen
Insect Repellent
Phone Chargers & Cables
Fleece or Jumper For Very Cool African Nights
Wet Ones / Baby Wipes– Brilliant For A Soothing Cleanse At The Cricket
A Travel Plug
Personal Medications - Your preferred headache pills and prescribed medicines may not be available in South Africa, and some medications may be illegal for import. Check travel advisories or the South Africa High Commission to make sure your medications are acceptable for import
YOUR ARRIVAL:
Please visit each airport website for transport information or contact the hotel to book a transfer.
Durban: King Shaka International Airport
Port Elizabeth: Port Elizabeth International Airport
Cape Town: Cape Town International Airport / MyCiti Bus
Johannesburg: O. R. Tambo International Airport / Gautrain (pronounced 'Howtrain') is the express train direct from the airport to our hotel in Sandton, as the hotel name suggests. Exit the station onto West St and the Radisson is diagonally to your right across Rivonia Road.
YOUR HOTELS:
Durban: Hilton Kingsmead
Port Elizabeth: Brookes Hill Suites / Chapman Hotel (I am at Chapman, adjacent to Brookes Hill Suites)
Cape Town: Park Inn By Radisson, Foreshore
Johannesburg: Radisson Blu Gautrain, Sandton
YOUR PRE-TEST DINNERS:
Except Port Elizabeth Where The Restaurant Is Next Door To The Hotel, Convene In Hotel Lobby Bar From 6.30pm For Dinner At 7.30pm. Transfer To Dinner Will Be Provided If Required At 7pm. Your Return Is At Your Convenience. If You Have Purchased Match Tickets Only You Can Meet Us At The Hotel Or Restaurant.
Durban: Butcher Boys
Port Elizabeth: The Coachman (meet in the restaurant from 7pm)
Cape Town: Belthazar
Johannesburg: The Butcher Shop
YOUR POST-TEST DINNERS:
Dinner on Day 5 will be confirmed throughout each test match.
YOUR MATCH TICKETS:
Your match tickets and embankment chair will be distributed at the hotel before dinner. If you are enjoying the Match Ticket & Dinner Only Experience and meeting us at the restaurant, please let me know. You will receive your tickets at the restaurant, and chair at the game the next day.
GETTING TO / FROM THE CRICKET:
Durban: 10 minute walk at your convenience
Port Elizabeth: 5 -10 minutes and A$5 In A Taxi
Cape Town: Metro Rail from across the road from hotel. A$1 each way. A Taxi will be approx A$15 and 30mins
Johannesburg: The hotel offers a free shuttle to the ground at set times (TBC). Return at your convenience by taxi (10 mins), 30-40mins safe walk or 15mins safe walk to Rosebank for the Gautrain one stop to Sandton.
YOUR MOBILE CONNECTIONS:
All airports have multiple phone shops offering the same great connections, at roughly the same price (and much better than roaming). Information received today (Monday Feb 19) is you now require your passport and proof of residence, i.e. hotel confirmation / address to purchase a SIM card, that will set you back a massive A$0.10c. Networks include:
YOUR DOMESTIC TRAVEL:
Getting about South Africa is a doddle. Planes. Trains. Buses. Rentals. Affordable. Plentiful. Use your above connections to research and contact:
Airlines:
Railways:
Buses:
Car Rentals:
YOUR SIGHTSEEING:
If you're planning extra curricular adventures before, after, or during (if you dare) each test, research your choices on these local sites:
YOUR CONSULAR SERVICE:
Australia High Commission, Pretoria. Representing Australia in Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland.
Please be aware what your government can and cannot help you with. South Africa laws govern you and your government is unlikely to assist in the advent of your misdemeanours with local authorities. Please report any lost or stolen passports immediately with your High Commission, Consulate, or Embassy. It’s an idea to scan your passport page and email it to yourself and a relative for backup.
YOUR SAFETY AND SECURITY TOTAL RECAP:
THE END:
This just about covers it but if you require further information, please ask.