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South Africa 2026 Tour Information

Australian Cricket Tour To South Africa 2026 | Tour Schedule

Welcome to South Africa 2026

Many thanks for choosing to join our Australian Cricket Tour to South Africa; the best nation to follow the game.

No matter how little or long you spend with us, this information, collected from our tour last November, is designed to help you arrive, leave, get about, understand spending, day trips, things to do, and a host of other things.

In the West Indies 2025 someone 'complained' that they didn't know about something. They were told, "It was in the Tour Information". Their reply, "Yeah, but who reads that?"

Point is, read it. Not everything is pertinent to your time with us and you don't have to read it all in one go, but if you don't read it, please don't question or complain about not knowing something that is covered here.

And of course, if there is something not included, that you believe should be, then let us know and we will add it.

To prepare for the tour, I will be in Cape Town Sept 10-13 before heading to Zimbabwe for 3 ODI's. I return to PE on Sept 21-23 and Durban Sept 23-26 for the 1st ODI!

We are waiting on some information 'out of Africa', such as day-trip detail, but there is still time and we will update this page as we learn more, so please continue to check back in.

#StayTuned

LAST UPDATED: August 31, 2026.

On This Page:

Johannesburg

I was disappointed to not play a Test in Joburg, but we still have the ODI living it up for 4 nights in beautiful Melrose Arch. This stunning gated enclave of luxury car showrooms, apartments, hotels, restaurants, bars, malls and cafes is 10mins walk to Wanderers Stadium, and 15mins to Wanderers Club and Wanderers Golf Course. Melrose remains the best place to stay when watching cricket in Jozi, our favourite city in South Africa. If you're coming to Wanderers, you will understand why we love coming here.

Durban

Visiting Durban in Nov 2025, staying at incomparable Hilton opposite Kingsmead Stadium, dealt a massive shock. The heightened slime, grime and crime of 'downtown' left little encouragement to seek elsewhere to stay. The same for Hilton which has since shuttered its doors.

Welcome to Umhlanga (Oom-Shlan-Ga), 15km north.

This 'totally different world' is perhaps the best 'cricket postcode' in South Africa. Day or night, society safely buzzes between shopping malls, fine-dining, bars, steak restaurants, chain stores, supermarkets, good old fashioned pubs, and our hotel smack in the middle of it all, just 100m from Whalebone Pier and lifeguarded beach. You may, like me, wish for every test to be in Durban if it meant living here. Everything you need is here, except cricket!

Durban City Highlights:

Gqeberha (P.E.)

Municipal chaos, out-of-control crime, and governance problems" was written about Port Elizabeth in 'Business Tech' a few weeks after I was there last Nov. I survived it, and so will you! Our perennial favourite had indeed taken a 'turn' as discovered when visiting in 2025. What I also discovered was societal comfort and security had shifted to breathtaking Boardwalk Mall and Summerstrand and it's kilometres long beachfront promenade.

Our cool hotel, which opened last April, is accessed from within the mall that has 3 supermarkets, casual and convenience restaurants, cinema, boutique stores, bars, and the casino. Lifeguarded King's Beach and ageless Barney's Tavern is opposite this very laid back and safe place to live, though vigilence and Uber* is suggested if going far outside 'the neighbourhood' even by day.

*See Getting Around below

Gqeberha City Highlights

Cape Town

Perhaps cricket's most cherished and 'box ticked' venue behind Lord's & MCG is Newlands. In the late afternoon shade of Table Mountain there is no more stunning and picturesque venue to watch test cricket, which marries beautifully with Cape Town's adventure, nightlife, and things to see & do. You won't cover everything in two weeks, let alone when the game may absorb 5 days.

The V&A Waterfront is for many the only place to go and we don't begrudge anyone getting caught in its tractor beam. The wealth of restaurants and bars, tourist shopping and cafes, day tripping adventures, people watching, and SAFETY, is all there, but not only there. Stretch your wings to Clifton Beach, or Camps Bay. Soak in the style of Kloof and Bree Streets, absorb the colours of Bo Kaap, history of Robben Island, sample the winelands, descend to Cape Point, and of course ascend Table Mountain by Cable Car or hiking trail.

Cape Town Highlights

Communication

We communicate and share tour information, transfer times, function details, and where we go each night after play, among other things, by WHATSAPP ONLY.

We create a separate Group Chat for each Test Match.

If you don't have it, then we can't tell you things, trivial or important, provided your phone is connected to the internet, of course.

  • DO NOT CALL OR TEXT MESSAGE our Australian number. The SIM card WILL NOT be in the phone so it will not ring, and text messages will not be received

Public wifi is abundant, but on arrival you can get a local sim card at the airport, or install an e-SIM before you leave home.

**Register WHATSAPP with your Australian mobile number and leave it. Once installed, Whatsapp will work with any internet connection. You do not need your Australian SIM card in your phone, nor must you change to a South Africa number!**

We have used MTN since 2001. In Oct 2025, I paid A$55 for a month of unlimited data from JNB airport. Airports are more expensive than connecting in a city store, or using an eSIM but you get connected hassle-free.

Otherwise, subscribe to your preferred eSIM global operator which includes, but not limited to, and certainly not with any personal recommendation:

Our Whatsapp Number:

  • +61.402.222217

If you have not messaged us via Whatsapp (I know many of you have), save the number above, and then send me a message so I can save your number in the phone, but you do need to let me know who you are.

Before Leaving

  • Email a copy of your passport to yourself and a trusted soul
  • Update your device with an ICE (In Case of Emergency) number
  • Tell you bank & card issuer that you are headed to Africa
  • Ensure you have adequate travel insurance

What To Bring

Jumper/Fleece: Though touring in spring, the Africa coast especially Cape Town is cold at night, and the warming sun at the cricket may not have intensity to keep you toasty

Travel Plug | Cables: South Africa holes in the wall are primarily Type M plugs (three fat round pins). You MAY also find UK holes, and occasionally EU. As per the image below, don't think two round EU pins will do the job.

Cape Town & Port Elizabeth hotels have USB charge ports in the room, whereas Protea Umhlanga does not, at the time of writing!

Power Board: There may only be one convenient plug in your room so pack a power board so you can use your hairdryer & curling wand whilst charging your phone

Sunscreen | Swimmers | Goggles

All hotels have pools, and we recommend only swimming at lifesaver patrolled beaches.

Insect Repellent: Bring your favourite repellent. Mozzies are known to love Africa and though we are not visiting any regions with malaria, and we don't want your time disrupted by pesky bites

Personal Medication: Paracetamol, ibuprofen and off-the-shelf medicines are cheap across the land, but pack what you feel you may need. Prescription medication may not be available so bring what you need to cover your time

Toiletries: Are very cheap to replace in SA but depending the time you are away, bring your preferred hair-gel or fungal creams, with hotels providing staple bathroom lotions, potions, and pastes.

Golf Balls: If you're going to tee-up, bring a few loseable dimples though, along with everything else in South Africa, golf balls are cheap to replace

Immigration

From July 1, 2026, everyone entering South Africa must complete an online customs declaration within 24 hours of arrival.

Otherwise, Australian passport holders can enter South Africa for 90 days without so much as a "How do you do?"

Your passport, its validity and any visa requirement, is YOUR responsibility. We will not be held responsible for you not having the correct passport/validity, or being refused entry.

It is up to you to know if your passport is valid for the duration of your time and if you require a visa. If you have questions about entry to South Africa, take it up with South Africa.

On arrival you may be asked to present:

  • Passport valid for duration of your trip
  • Onward or return ticket to country of residence
  • Intended address
  • Evidence of personal financial support
  • Letter of authorization from the other parent/guardian if you are travelling as a single parent/guardian with a person under 18 years of age

Airport Transfers

WE NEED TO KNOW ALL OF YOUR FLIGHT DETAILS!

As part of your tour, we will meet you at each airport and transfer you to the hotel. These are not individual transfers, although, depending on your flight you may be the only one in the car. Once you've collected your baggage, look for the ACT cricket field:

Australian Cricket Tours ACT Cricket Field Logo


Most arrivals are domestic, so your patience whilst waiting for others won't be as stretched as waiting for one person at London Heathrow!

If you do not wish to wait, grab an Uber at your expense and we'll see you at the hotel.

Once we know your flight details, leave it to us to see you there. Should your flight change, or you miss your flight, let us know VIA WHATSAPP. We don't need to sit around if you're not going to be there.

Our 'meet & greet' transfer dates are:

Joburg: Sept 26 & Sept 30

Durban: Oct 6 & 7

Gqeberha: Oct 15 & 16

Cape Town: Oct 23 & 24

At all other times we will arrange our driver to collect you, but we won't meet you.

Departing: We will get you back to the airport the day after each test to meet your flight, unless otherwise discussed with you. We will confirm departure times in SA.

We may get you to the airport earlier than you planned, so if you don't want to leave when we plan to take you, you are welcome to book your own car at your expense at a time that suits you! 

Hotels in South Africa

We are staying at these hotels. Addresses should you need them, are in the links below.

A room/bed has been booked in your name at the hotel in each city you are joining us. All hotels have the room-list and you are welcome to contact them to confirm.

We don't provide vouchers or coupons, just hand over your passport when checking-in. We will be at the hotels to assist on our 'airport pick-up' dates.

Currency

When you travel, you lose, whether exchanging cash, robbing an ATM, using credit cards, or travel debit cards. The difference may be a negligible 1-2% between means.

  • Tell Your Bank You Are Travelling To South Africa

Whatever means you prefer, you will not need South Africa Rands, cash.

Tap and go is everywhere and all cricket venues are CASHLESS. We go nowhere nor do anything requiring you to pay cash. You can still use it, just don't get millions of it.

We had one month in South Africa last November and the only cash used was to get rid of leftover notes from 2018.

Safety & security is high on most people's radars and we can't guarantee that misfortune won't find you. We suggest you bring a few hundred Aussie dollars to keep in your hotel safe as a back-up.

HOT TIP: If you haven't such, open a 'cash account' with your bank and bring the debit card to leave in your hotel safe (not your hotel room power-socket!). Should misfortune find you, you still have access to money.

ATM

If you still prefer cash, ATM's are plentiful, but if you are going to use an ATM take someone with you and always try to use an ATM inside a shopping mall or bank during opening hours.

  • When you insert your card, before pressing any number, cancel the transaction. If your card comes out, the machine hasn't been tampered with
  • NEVER let anyone 'help you'. They are not helping you, they are robbing you

  • If an ATM eats your card, using one inside a bank during opening hours increases your chance of getting it back without having to cancel it

Getting About

UBER! UBER! UBER!

In case you missed it, UBER!

Or Bolt! Both are available it's your call.

In the day time, from where we live and to where most people will want to go, you will be cool walking around, even by yourself.

Umhlanga would be the safest postcode in South Africa by our reckoning. The lengthy beach promenade of PE is a daily travelator of walkers and joggers, whereas Cape Town city centre and well-trodden 1.5km path to the Waterfront are all safe by day.

For your convenience:

  • Pullman Cape Town provides hourly shuttles through the day to and from V&A Waterfront

By night, no matter how short the distance, book a car. In Nov. last year I had the same driver 3 times in Cape Town, for the A$2 drives. It is common for everyone to call a car so don't fret over distance. Unless in a group, simply DO NOT WALK ALONE AT NIGHT!

There will be absolutely ZERO need for you to catch public transport at any time on this tour. It's not that Cape Town Metro or Joburg's Gautrain (How-Train) is unsafe, you just won't need them.

Have Uber or Bolt on your phone and get where you need to go safely and cheaply. You can give a 100% tip and it still won't come to half the fare for half the distance in Australia.

How Much Things Cost

Spend as much as you like but in South Africa, you should go home with a lot more than expected. For an idea of what to pay (they open to a new page), browse these recommended restaurants and bars, and nationwide brands, and convenience chains:

Otherwise expect, approx.:

  • R50 for a 500ml beer
  • R120+ for a bottle of wine in a restaurant
  • Rs250+ for a steak
  • R80+ for a burger
  • R120 for a pizza or pasta
  • R10 for a bottle of water

Restaurant Recommendations

There is a wealth of places to wine & dine where we stay & play but we recommend making reservations at these restaurants, especially for Friday & Saturday:

Umhlanga: Butcher Boys
Port Elizabeth: De Kelder
Cape Town: Nelson's Eye

Cape Town Restaurants: This is a comprehensive map list of fine Cape Town restaurants, complied by our guys at Dreamcoast. Of the 72 listed, ONLY 5 are at the Waterfront proper so do try to spread your culinary wings.

Laundry

If you don't wish to use hotel facilities, there are laundries close to where we are staying.

Umhlanga: That Dirty Spot | Next to Hotel
Gqeberha: Canarie | Boardwalk Mall
Cape Town: 24 Hour Laundry | Behind Pullman

Pre- & Post-Test Functions

We will meet for drinks at the times below and then we MAY travel elsewhere for dinner so it is imperative that you are there. If you have dietary requirements, please let us know NOW and not when the gluten thickened shellfish soup, garnished with pork rind and full-cream lactose gets puts in front of you.

Umhlanga (Durban):

  • Pre-Test | Oct 8 | Protea Umhlanga | 6pm - 10pm
  • Post-Test | Oct 14 | TBC | 7pm - 10pm

Gqeberha:

  • Pre-Test | Oct 17 | Capital Boardwalk | 6pm - 10pm
  • Post-Test | Oct 22 | TBC | 7pm - 10pm

Cape Town:

  • Pre-Test | Oct 25 | Pullman Cape Town | Meet 5pm
  • Post-Test | Oct 31 | TBC | 7pm - 10pm

Post-Test functions will be confirmed during each match, if not here.

Match Tickets

The great news is, we will have physical tickets distributed before our pre-test match function, along with your cool apparel if you have not yet received this.

If you cannot make our pre-test function to collect tickets, please let us know well-before we ask, "Where are you?" at 11pm the night before the test.

Test Match Transfers

Transfers to/from the venue are included. Each test has different start times, thus different departure times.

Durban:

  • Day 1 - 0800am
    • Toss 0900am | 1st Ball 0930am
  • Day 2, 3, 4, 5 - 0830am
    • 1st Ball 0930am

  • Return To Hotel Straight After Play

Port Elizabeth:

  • Day 1 - 0830am
    • Toss 0930am | 1st Ball 1000am
  • Day 2, 3, 4, 5 - 0900am
    • 1st Ball 1000am

  • Return To Hotel Straight After Play

Cape Town:

  • Day 1 - 0900am
    • Toss 1000am | 1st Ball 1030am
  • Day 2, 3, 4, 5 - 0900am
    • 1st Ball 1030am

  • Return To Hotel Straight After Play

Leaving 90mins before play on Day 1 is not leaving early, it is ensuring we are not late. It is ensuring we get through traffic, have time to walk to the ground from where we get off the bus, and have time to go through 'over-zealous' Day 1 security, though remember this is not Australia. Just leave your gun in the bus, and you'll be waved on through.

We have not waited 8.5 years to be late. Get in early, get settled, and leave time to wander about and look forward to a ripping day's play.

We won't wait until 0801am and you won't be the first person we've left behind, if you think 'it's only 1 minute, they'll wait'. You do not have to take the bus, this is an included service. You are welcome to make your way at your time and your own expense, the same goes for when you miss the bus.

You don't have to tell us you are not taking the bus, as we do not count heads when leaving the hotel. We leave when we say we leave, with or without you.

Golf

There are many splendid courses across South Africa included the punchy, unique, and unfenced Skukuza Golf Course inside Kruger National Park. Tee-up at your own risk!

There are too many courses to play all of them in each city, but these are our recommendations, based on accessibility (closeness) to the hotel.

Whatsapp me if you want to play and I will add you to our SA Golf group chat so you can arrange with others to hack together

Day Trips

We stopped including day trips a long time ago simply because many didn't want to do what we wanted them to do. We still however organise day trips to enjoy, some as a group, others to do independently.

Most day trips or adventures are geared (globally) for most people flying in today, to enjoy tomorrow, so by and large you won't be leaving it too late to decide at the time.

Cape Town will be extra-busy so suggest you lock in what you want to do now, and not worry about it again. As always, no matter what we suggest, we leave for you to decide to join us or sit on the beach instead.

Johannesburg:

With 2 days after the ODI on Sept 27, there is much to see and do in big bad Jozi. We have never usually been huge fans of 'hop-on hop-off' sightseeing buses, but cannot ignore the brillant and affordable City Sightseeing 'Hop-On Hop-Off' Bus Tours.

From outside our Melrose Arch hotel, you can get to Apartheid Museum and Nelson Mandela Foundation, among other signature sights. There is separate bus to Soweto (South West Townships) for Mandela House Museum and Vilakasi Street, and also a splendid guided art-gallery tour.

Durban:

We arrive Oct 7, leaving Oct 8 as a free day to do as you please. The day after the test, Oct 14, we will visit Valley Of 1000 Hills. Our Tour guru is still putting together a program and options that include the battlefields.

  • Tour Booking Coming

Port Elizabeth

The beaches of Nelson Mandela Bay have always been a drawcard with cricket in PE, but even more popular are the breaks of Jeffrey's Bay. Over the years many have hired a car and taken the pilgrimage down the coast to this famous surf.

Two places not to miss on any visit to PE is Addo Elephant National Park & Schotia Private Game Reserve. As this is a 12 hour day, this trip is booked for Oct 16. If you want to enjoy this 'always sold out' double safari, you book below:

Cape Town

The first things to do on most everyone's list is Table Moutain, however 'good weather' is never guaranteed no matter which the season.

So, with the first sign of good weather, go up. Crowds will be large and lines long, and it may take up to 3 hours to board. It takes less time to walk up!

Depending 'wait times' (shared on the official site), consider the excellent value FAST TRACK ticket for R1200 (approx. A$110), return (we used it twice last Nov!). Regular fare is R475 (A$40). The website also share weather reports.

Infamous Robben Island is extremely popular and must be booked well in advance. Whichever day you go, book tickets on the below official site and for the 0900am service. Leave after breaky and be back by 1300pm, leaving the rest of the day to do other things.

Robben Island is not a group tour, you book for you want to go. If you want to enjoy the following day trips, book Robben Island for Oct 24.

Safety

Please ensure you have adequate travel insurance to cover your time away!!

"If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel!"

For ALL medical related questions, speak to your doctor!!

Over years of touring and preparing to tour South Africa we've not experienced anything that would cause us to reconsider, had any reason to wish we weren't there, nor ever required police or consular assistance.

For all the hype and worry about safety and security in South Africa, you will be pleasantly surprised by its 'non-existence' for wont of a better expression. There are plenty of places that you simply do not go, not even with a local, but otherwise, life at the game, after play, before the cricket even starts, is very-sensibly just like home.

As comfortable as I am walking around each city, understanding where I want to go and the low-risk areas, this does not mean you, if you have never been to SA, should do the same, especially after dark. Please don't.

We have been contacted by the Australia High Commission to register our touring numbers, and they will contact me to share impending risk or danger.

All will be good, but visit Smartraveller and register to receive updates:

AUSTRALIAN CRICKET TOURS: