South Africa 2026 - Three Test Tour

Limited places remaining on Three Test Tour

Our Three Test Tour is the ultimate South Africa adventure taking in the cricketing action from start to finish while visiting the best that Southern Africa has to offer. Due to the covid-interruption Australia hasn’t played a Test series in South Africa since the infamous 2018 series, so this will be a highly sought-after tour!

Test Series

The tour includes all three Test matches along with some incredible sightseeing opportunities in between:

• 1st Test: 9-13 October, Kingsmead Stadium, Durban
  
  
• 2nd Test: 18-22 October, St George's Park, Port Elizabeth
  
  
• 3rd Test: 27-31 October, Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town

Tour Hosts

We are delighted to announce that our tour will be hosted by Australian legends Merv Hughes and Geoff Marsh. Merv was a member of Allan Border’s team that toured South Africa in 1994 in what was Australia’s first tour since 1970 in a series that was to be both Merv and Allan’s last for Australia. Geoff’s African experience was in coaching roles which include a stint in South Africa’s northern neighbour Zimbabwe and famously as Australia’s coach in the 1999 World Cup winning team featuring an unforgettable semi-final defeat of South Africa.

South Africa

South Africa is a tourism Mecca with a wide range of sightseeing and activities available. Big 5 safaris, magnificent beaches and incredible scenery combine with wineries, cultural experiences and some of the best barbecuing in the world to ensure every visitor leaves South Africa with memories to cherish!

In between the cricket we have touring options including the incredible Kruger National Park, the Garden Route and Western Cape!

Durban

South Africa’s third largest city, Durban is located in KwaZulu-Natal province and features beautiful beaches and an ideal year-round climate. The city was once boasted the largest Indian community outside of India contributing to the city’s multicultural feel.

Kingsmead Cricket Ground first hosted Test cricket in 1923 and is one of the country’s most popular grounds. In 2018 Kingsmead was the venue for Australia’s only Test success where they started the series with a 118-run victory.

Kruger National Park

Sitting on South Africa’s northeastern border with Tanzania, Kruger is the country’s oldest national park. The park is home to a greater number of large mammal species than any park in Africa including the Big 5 - lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant and buffalo.

Our three-night Kruger option between the 1st and 2nd Tests includes morning and evening safari game drives and a full-day safari. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included each day at our fantastic accommodation.

Port Elizabeth

Now officially Gqeberha and still colloquially referred to as ‘PE’, Port Elizabeth is the cultural, economic and financial hub of the Eastern Cape. The city sits on the gorgeous stretch of coast known as Bluewater Bay.

St George’s Park is the oldest international ground in South Africa, hosting the first Test match in the country in 1889. The ground sits close to the city centre with water views and traditionally hosts local brass bands playing through the day’s play. In 2018 South Africa bounced back against Australia at St George’s Park and levelled the Test series one-all.

Garden Route

The Garden Route is a spectacular 300 km stretch along South Africa’s southern coast between Port Elizabeth and the Western Cape. Renowned as one of the world's most scenic road trips, it features a diverse landscape of indigenous forests, dramatic coastlines, tranquil lagoons and mountain ranges.

Our fun-filled drive enjoys the likes of Jeffreys Bay, Plettenberg Bay, Bloukrans River, Knysna, George, Mossel Bay and more of the Western Cape. We finish with a fantastic Stellenbosch winery tour before arriving into Cape Town.

Addo Elephant National Park

Addo Elephant National Park is the third largest game reserve in South Africa. The game reserve is famous for its large elephant herds that graze on the vegetation and parade around the reserve. Addo is also famous for viewing the Big Five.

Cape Town

Wedged between the Atlantic Ocean and the magnificent Table Mountain, Cape Town is South Africa’s oldest city. The city boasts the country’s best living standards and with its mix of natural wonders and cultural highlights it’s no wonder the city has been ranked one of the top cities in the world for tourists. Local touring highlights include the Cape of Good Hope, False Bay, Table Mountain, Robben Island and the magnificent wineries of Stellenbosch.

Newlands Cricket Ground is one of world cricket’s great grounds thanks to the views of nearby Table Mountain and Devil’s Peak. The ground played host to England in 1889 with Australia first playing at the ground in 1902. Australia’s last visit saw the hosts win by 322 runs in a game in which Dean Elgar carried his bat and Morne Morkel and Nathan Lyon both brought up 300 Test wickets, and the Test is mostly remembered for those milestones.

Flights

International flights from Australia are not included in our packages and should be booked separately online or through your travel agent. We can also look at some options for you, contact our office for details.

Qantas flies to Johannesburg from Sydney and Perth, see www.qantas.com for details. South African Airways flies to Johannesburg from Perth, see www.flysaa.com for details.

Visas & Insurance

Visas are not required for Australian passport holders travelling to South Africa and surrounding countries.

Travel insurance is not included in our travel packages or tours. Fast Cover Travel Insurance are offering AST customers 5% off travel insurance. You can apply for a quote at fastcover.com.au and they can be contacted on 1300 409 322 if you have questions.

Tour Payments

Payment schedule for pre-registrants:

• 10% deposit secures your place (online card payment or bank transfer)
  
• 20% instalment by card or bank transfer due end of this week (brings you up to 30%).
  
• Next 30% instalment by card or bank transfer due by 15 May.
  
• The final balance of your booking is due by 1 July

Any Questions?

Email us at info@astsports.com.au if you have any questions about the tour.