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England Cricket Tour to Cape Town, South Africa 2026/2027

28th December 2026 - 8th January 2027
England Cricket Tour to Cape Town, South Africa 2026/2027 image

Itinerary Overview

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Introduction

Join us for an unforgettable South African adventure as we follow England for the 3rd Test in the Western Cape.

Our 'Lion' package opens at Hotel Sky in Cape Town, continuing to two nights in the picturesque town of Stellenbosch (the heart of South Africa’s wine country). You’ll enjoy exclusive wine tastings at some of the region’s most celebrated vineyards, surrounded by stunning mountain views and world-class hospitality.

From there, we’ll head to the Aquila Private Game Reserve for an exhilarating overnight safari experience, complete with game drives to witness Africa’s iconic wildlife up close, including elephants, lions, giraffe and rhinos.

We continue to the President Hotel in Sea Point, Cape Town’s premier seaside destination. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and framed by the majestic Table Mountain, the President offers elegant comfort, exceptional facilities, and the perfect base to enjoy both the cricket and Cape Town’s many attractions.

South Africa v England Test Series:

1st Test | 17-21 December | Wanderers, Johannesburg
2nd Test | 26-30 December | SuperSport Park, Centurion
3rd Test | 3-7 January | Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town

South Africa v England ODI Series:

1st ODI | 10 January | Boland Park, Paarl
2nd ODI | 13 January | Manguang Oval, Bloemfontein
3rd ODI | 15 January | Manguang Oval, Bloemfontein

Contents

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Introduction

Day 1 - Arrival Day

28-Dec-2026
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Self-transfer to Hotel Sky

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Arrival at Cape Town International Airport

Arrive into Cape Town International Airport (CPT) and make your own way to Hotel Sky, our base for the first night of tour.

Days 2&3 - Stellenbosch and Wine Tastings

29 & 30 Dec-2026
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Table Mountain, Transfer to Stellenbosch and Winelands Tour

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Breakfast and free morning

With possibly the best views of Table Mountain, Hotel Sky's 26th floor breakfast is something to behold.

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Table Mountain

Check out at 10:30h and transfer to Stellenbosch via Table Mountain.

We've allowed three hours to experience the cable cars and impressive summit views across the ocean and beyond. Take lunch on the Mountain's cafe and transfer back to the coach via cable car at 14:00h.

Please note: tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the desk on arrival.

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Marriott Protea Stellenbosch Hotel

Check inTuesday, Dec 29, 2026
Check outThursday, Dec 31, 2026

15:00h: check in to your accommodation for the next 2 x nights on a B&B basis.

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Stellenbosch Winelands Tour

DateWednesday, Dec 30, 202609:30-17:00h
DurationFull day

Today you will explore one of South Africa’s oldest and most important wine-producing regions.

Established by Dutch settlers in the late 1600s, Stellenbosch has centuries of winemaking tradition, supported today by cutting-edge viticultural research from Stellenbosch University.

The region’s beautiful mountain landscapes, historic Cape Dutch wine estates, and high concentration of award-winning wineries have cemented its reputation as the heart of South African wine.

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Guided Wine Tastings

You’ll enjoy three guided wine tastings at renowned estates today, each offering a unique expression of the region’s award-winning reds, crisp whites, and signature blends.
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Lunch at Wine Estate

Between tastings, relax over an included lunch, savouring locally inspired dishes paired perfectly with the estate’s vintages.
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Evening at Leisure

Enjoy the evening at your leisure.

Day 4 - Aquila Game Reserve and Safari Experience

31-Dec-2026
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Safari Adventure and Game Drives at Aquila

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Breakfast at Accommodation

Enjoy breakfast included at your accommodation this morning.
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Coach Transfer to Aquila Game Reserve

Departure
Stellenbosch Hotel
Destination
Aquila Game Reserve
Board your coach outside of the hotel for transfer to the incredible Aquila Game Reserve for an overnight stay, inclusive of 2 x game drives and full-board meal plan.
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Aquila Game Reserve Experience

Aquila Game Reserve is more than just a place to see wildlife, it’s a chance to experience African landscapes, culture, and conservation in action. Known for its commitment to community upliftment, renewable energy, and wildlife protection, Aquila combines meaningful environmental work with warm hospitality, traditional culinary delights, service excellence and the restoration of pride to the indigenous people and the land.
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Game Drives and Activities

Overnight sample itinerary:

14h00: Arrival / Welcome drinks

14h30 – Check-in to room

16h30 – 2 to 3hr game drive

19h00 – Buffet Dinner

20h00 – Stargazing

23h50 - NYE celebrations

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Aquila Game Reserve

Check inThursday, Dec 31, 2026
Check outFriday, Jan 1, 2027
Overnight stay at Aquila Game Reserve, inclusive of 2 x game drives and full-board meal plan.
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Day 5 - Cheetah Outreach

01-Jan-2027
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Cheetah Outreach

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Morning Game Drive

07h00 – 1 to 1.5hr game drive

08h30 – Buffet breakfast

10h00 - 10h30 – Check-out and optional lunch.

13:00 - Departure back to Cape Town

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Check Out of Aquila Game Reserve

Check out of your accommodation at Aquila Game Reserve.
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Coach Transfer to Cape Town

Departure
Aquila Game Reserve
Destination
Cape Town

Board coach for transfer to Cape Town. Approximate transfer time: 2 hours.

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Cheetah Outreach Program Visit

We will make a scheduled stop at the Cheetah Outreach program to learn about the incredible work that the facility does to ensure the survival of the free-ranging, Southern African Cheetah. The facility promotes the work of the Cheetah Outreach Trust to conserve this viable population and engage both local and international visitors to connect and join in saving these elegant African predators.
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Continue Transfer to Sea Point, Cape Town

Departure
Cheetah Outreach
Destination
President Hotel, Sea Point, Cape Town

Continue onwards to Sea Point in Cape Town where you will check-in to the beautiful President Hotel for the next 7 x nights on a B&B basis.

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President Hotel, Sea Point

Check inFriday, Jan 1, 2027
Check outFriday, Jan 8, 2027

Check into your rooms at the iconic and luxurious President Hotel, Bantry Bay, where you will be staying for the next 7 x nights on a B&B basis

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Day 6 - Cape Town / GOLD Restaurant

02-Jan-2027
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GOLD Restaurant

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Breakfast at President Hotel

Enjoy breakfast included at the hotel this morning
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Sightseeing Recommendations in Cape Town

Alternatively, spend the day sightseeing in Cape Town at your own pace. Some of our recommendations include: Cable Car to Table Mountain, Lions Head hike, V&A Waterfront, DHL Stadium, Cape Peninsula tour/drive, Robben Island.
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Long Lunch & GOLD Restaurant

DateSaturday, Jan 2, 202713:00h

Assemble at the hotel's restaurant for our MSG Long Lunch to showcase the upcoming 3rd Test at Newlands.

With time to freshen up, our coach departs at 17:30h for the Waterfront where an evening of African themed drumming and entertainment awaits at the famed Gold Restaurant.

Experience the vibrant essence of Africa at GOLD Restaurant, where authentic cuisine meets captivating live entertainment. Enjoy a 14-course traditional taster menu from across the continent whilst immersing yourself in the rich cultural heritage through storytelling and themed evenings. Before dinner, take part in an interactive djembe drumming session led by master drummers, followed by live traditional music and dance performances.

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18:30 - Drumming session starts promptly, followed by dinner and entertainment.

Day 7-11 - Test Match at Newlands and Cape Town Leisure

3-7th Jan 2027
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Test Match Days and Cape Town Experiences

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Breakfast at President Hotel

Enjoy your breakfast included at the hotel each morning.
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Transfer to Newlands Cricket Ground

Departure
President Hotel, Cape Town
Destination
Newlands Cricket Ground
Transfer included to Newlands Cricket Ground in time for the morning session to begin.
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Test Match at Newlands

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Transfer Back to President Hotel

Departure
Newlands Cricket Ground
Destination
President Hotel, Cape Town
Following the days play, board your coach for transfer back to the President Hotel.
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Evening at Leisure

Enjoy the rest of your evening at leisure.

Day 12 - Departure from Cape Town

08-Jan-2027
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Departure from Cape Town

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Breakfast at President Hotel

Enjoy breakfast included at the hotel this morning.
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Departure from Cape Town

It's time to say your goodbye's today as you head back to Cape Town International Airport (CPT) for your flight home.
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Transfer to Airport (at own cost)

Transfer back to the airport (at own cost).
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End of Tour

End of tour with MSG Tours.

Destination Information - South Africa

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Capital - Pretoria, Cape Town & Bloemfontein

Time zone - SAST​ UK+2hr

Currency - South African Rand (ZAR) R

Dialling code - +27

Emergency services - 112

Spoken languages - There are many native languages, a few are Tswana, Tsonga, Zulu and Afrikaans. They also speak South African English.

Electricity - South Africa uses type C,D,M and N plugs – you will need to remember your adapters!

Tipping Etiquette - For information on who and where to tip please visit here

British Embassy - For information on British embassy, high commission or consulate visit here https://www.gov.uk/world/embassies

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Entry & visa requirements

Adhering to entry & visa requirements or any other immigration requirements is an important part of the planning of your tour.

It is your own responsibility to make sure you comply with the necessary requirements that will grant your entry to your destination country. MSG Tours does not accept responsibility for any issues of non-compliance that may arise during your travel arrangements.

For up to day information on Entry & Visa requirements, visit the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) website https://travelaware.campaign.gov.uk/ and locate your tour destination. You can also sign up for email alerts to keep up with any possible changes.

In addition to the requirements for British Nationals, please make sure you have checked the requirements of any member of your touring party, who is not a British Passport holder. Those individuals will need to check requirements with their respective embassies.

Passport validity requirements

Your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 30 days after the date you leave South Africa and have at least 2 blank pages. 

From 1 July 2026, all travellers entering or leaving South Africa through air, land, sea and rail ports of entry are required to submit an online traveller declaration before travelling.

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Health

You can keep informed of current travel health news by visiting the Travel Health Pro website. It is your own responsibility to obtain any recommended vaccines for your tour destination.

When on tour, make sure to check with any food suppliers upon arrival at their venue that any dietary requirements are being catered for, especially when considering intolerances and allergies.

Map of the trip locations

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A. Cape Town International Airport

Matroosfontein, Cape Town, 7490, South Africa

B. The Stellenbosch Hotel

162 Dorp St, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa

C. Aquila Game Reserve

R46, Touws River, 6880, South Africa

D. Cheetah Outreach

Cheetah Outreach, Paardevlei, De Beers Ave, Somerset West, Cape Town, 7130, South Africa

E. President Hotel, Sea Point

4 Alexander Rd, Bantry Bay, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa

F. Groot Constantia Wine Estate

Groot Constantia Rd, Constantia, Cape Town, 7806, South Africa

G. Newlands Cricket Ground

146 Campground Rd, Newlands, Cape Town, 7700, South Africa