- Overview
- Tour
- Hotels
Enjoy a cricketing holiday in South Africa, watching the Cape Town Test Match, and join your hosts for a pre-match tour extension at Anantara Royal Livingston, Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a post-match tour including the 1st ODI in Paarl, followed by 3 nights at Shamwari Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape.
Guests of Black Opal will enjoy many exclusives on this hosted tour, where they will be joined by former cricketers including Gladstone Small and David Gower. Exclusive welcome functions will help you settle in at each venue, whilst during the Test Series there will be evenings of analysis from your hosts and special guests. Our signature 'Digest the Test' dinners will be the perfect end to your time in South Africa.
Alternatively, should you wish to explore independently elsewhere in South Africa, the Black Opal team will be happy to prepare a bespoke itinerary for you.
To give you maximum flexibility, flights are currently excluded. If you would like us to handle your travel arrangements, we can provide a bespoke quote for your preferred airline and departure point.
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Black Opal Travel Group, a Cricket South Africa Licensed Travel Operator for the South Africa vs England Series.
Prices from £14,920 per person based on double occupancy accommodation
Single supplement from £9,295
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Overnight flight from your chosen UK airport via Johannesburg to Victoria Falls
To give you maximum flexibility, flights are currently excluded from this quotation. If you would like us to handle your travel arrangements, we can provide a bespoke quote for your preferred airline and departure point.
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On arrival in Victoria Falls you will be met by a Black Opal Representative and assisted to your onward private transfer vehicle to Anantara Royal Livingstone.
Accommodation: 3-nights at Anantara Royal Livingstone in a Premier Garden Room
Bed & Breakfast
Set along the lush banks of the Zambezi River, this iconic retreat combines Victorian-era elegance with the raw beauty of Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. The hotel is perhaps most famous for its "wild" residents—zebras and giraffes frequently wander across the manicured lawns, offering you an immersive safari-chic experience just steps from your rooms.
This evening you are invited to join your hosts and fellow travellers for a sunset cruise on the mighty Zambezi River.
Accommodation: Royal Livingstone by Anantara
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Savour the breathtaking grandeur of Victoria Falls by exploring both the Zimbabwean and Zambian vistas, each offering a distinct and mesmerising perspective of this natural wonder.
To truly appreciate the scale of the "Smoke that Thunders," why not take to the skies for an exhilarating helicopter flight or a liberating microlight excursion. Whether you prefer the panoramic sweep of a private cabin or the wind-swept intimacy of an open-air flight, the views are nothing short of transformative.
Your dedicated Black Opal consultant remains at your disposal to curate bespoke experiences and offer refined recommendations tailored to your journey.
(Additional costs apply for excursions)
Accommodation: Royal Livingstone by Anantara
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This morning, you will be transferred to the airport in time for your flight to Cape Town.
Upon arrival you will continue your journey into the heart of the Cape Winelands as we travel to Franschhoek. Often referred to as the "French Corner" of the region, this historic town is celebrated as South Africa’s culinary capital. Nestled within a dramatic mountain amphitheatre, Franschhoek combines centuries-old vineyards and Cape Dutch architecture with world-class galleries and boutique shopping, offering a sophisticated and tranquil start to your stay.
Accommodation: 3-nights at Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa in a Deluxe Room
Bed & Breakfast
Nestled at the base of the Franschhoek Mountains, Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa offers a refined retreat defined by classic Cape Dutch architecture and manicured vineyards. This elegant estate features stylish accommodation with stunning valley views, a world-class Camelot Spa, and exquisite dining at Sauvage. It serves as a tranquil sanctuary, perfectly positioned for exploring the galleries and boutiques of South Africa’s culinary capital.
As the sun sets on the final day of the year, you are invited to an exclusive Black Opal New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner. This curated evening begins with a glass of crisp local MCC (Méthode Cap Classique) as you soak in the twilight views of the surrounding mountains. The celebration unfolds with a masterfully prepared sit-down meal, showcasing the very best of Franschhoek seasonal terroir, perfectly paired with world-class wines. Throughout the night, live entertainment will set a vibrant atmosphere, leading to a jubilant countdown as we toast to the arrival of the New Year under the starlit Cape sky.
Accommodation: Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa
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The day is yours to enjoy at a relaxed pace. Take the opportunity to immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere of the estate; perhaps spend a tranquil morning by the sparkling swimming pool or enjoy a spirited match on the tennis courts.
Alternatively, you may wish to venture into the valley to experience the iconic Franschhoek Wine Tram. This charming journey offers a unique way to discover the region’s most prestigious estates, allowing you to hop between world-class tasting rooms while soaking in the breathtaking vineyard scenery.
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Your late-morning begins with a private wine tasting at a Franschhoek estate, where you will be guided through a selection of the region’s most celebrated vintages. This curated tasting transitions seamlessly into a distinguished Eve of Test lunch.
Set against a backdrop of rolling vineyards and dramatic mountain peaks, the afternoon offers the perfect opportunity to soak in the pre-match atmosphere. Savour a masterfully prepared menu featuring local seasonal specialities, all while enjoying the company of fellow enthusiasts in the lead-up to the big event.
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Following an early breakfast, you will be transferred to the historic Newlands Stadium, arriving in good time for the toss and the highly anticipated commencement of the Third and final Test match.
Accommodation: 6-nights at Intercontinental Table Bay, Cape Town in a King Classic Table Mountain (Bed & Breakfast)
This 5-star landmark is arguably the most prestigious address within the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Originally opened by Nelson Mandela in 1997, the property occupies a commanding position on the water’s edge, acting as a sophisticated bridge between the historic working harbour and the high-end energy of the city's premier shopping and dining district.
Accommodation: Intercontinental Table Bay
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The 3rd South Africa vs England Test takes place at Newlands Cricket Stadium, Cape Town. Roundtrip stadium transfers are included on each day of the Test Match.
Highlights during your stay include:
- Welcome Function including selected drinks and canapés
- ‘STUMPS’ event following close of play on the second day
- ‘Digest the Test’ dinner
Test Match ticket prices are not included and will be passed on at cost once finalised by CSA.
Hospitality Options will be available.
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Enjoy a day at leisure to discover the vibrant heart of the Mother City. Whether you choose to take the cable car to the summit of Table Mountain, explore the historic V&A Waterfront, or wander through the colourful streets of Bo-Kaap, the city offers an endless array of experiences
This evening, enjoy our "Digest The Test" event with your hosts and fellow travellers
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Today marks a truly special occasion as you have the opportunity to experience the L’Ormarins King’s Plate, South Africa’s oldest and most prestigious weight-for-age mile. Held at the historic Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse, the 165th running of this event is a masterclass in summer elegance, instantly recognisable by its strict blue and white dress code.
Additional costs apply should you wish to join us today.
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The first ODI takes place at Boland Park Cricket Stadium in Paarl.
Boland Park in Paarl is widely regarded as one of the most picturesque cricket grounds in the Southern Hemisphere. This 10,000-capacity stadium offers an intimate, "boutique" sporting environment that provides a distinct contrast to the larger metropolitan venues of South Africa.
ODI ticket prices are not included and will be passed on at cost once finalised by CSA.
Hospitality Options will be available.
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This morning, you will be transferred to the airport in time for your flight to Port Elizabeth. Specific timings will be confirmed as soon as your flight bookings are finalised.
On arrival in Port Elizabeth you will be met and transferred to your onward transfer vehicle to Long Lee Manor at Shamwari.
Accommodation: 3-nights at Shamwari Long Lee Manor in a Plains Room Full Board & Activities
Set within the 25,000-hectare Shamwari Private Game Reserve, this 5-star flagship lodge is a jewel of the malaria-free Eastern Cape. Originally built in 1910, the restored Edwardian manor house serves as a sophisticated sanctuary that balances the gracious living of a bygone era with a premier "Big Five" safari experience.
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This morning, you will be transferred to the airport in time for your flight to home.
Our hand-picked luxury accommodation
At Black Opal, we know our clients want the very best accommodation to accompany their luxury sports travel experience. That’s why we endeavour to secure the very best accommodation available within convenient proximity to your chosen event. Our recommendations are below, but should you wish to stay elsewhere simply give us a call on 0330 041 4888 or contact us online.
