South Africa 2026 - 2nd & 3rd Test Tour
From AUD 12,990/pp
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Join us in Port Elizabeth for the 2nd & 3rd Tests including mid-tour options of the incredible Kruger National Park, the Western Cape’s Garden Route or Addo National Park & Cape Town.
Test Matches
- 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 Kruger National Park, the Western Cape’s Garden Route or Addo National Park & additional Cape Town touring.
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.
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.
Garden Route
The Garden Route is a spectacular 300 km stretch along South Africa’s southern coast between Port Elizabeth and Mossel Bay. 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 coach drive enjoys the likes of Jeffreys Bay, Plettenberg Bay, Bloukrans River, Knysna, George, Mossel Bay and more of the Western Cape. We finish our 3 days 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-Sale bookings are:- 10% online deposit secures your place during the Pre-Sale
- 20% instalment by card or bank transfer due 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.Inclusions
Accommodation
- Six nights Port Elizabeth (17-23 October): choice of Boardwalk Hotel & Casino by Sun International (Premium) or Garden Court Kings Beach (Standard)
- Mid-Tour (23-26 October): Choice of Kruger National Park, Garden Route or Addo National Park & Cape Town hotels
- Six nights Cape Town (26 October-1 November): choice of Radisson RED V&A Waterfront (Premium) or Protea Breakwater Lodge (Standard)
- Breakfast daily
Sightseeing
- Choice Kruger National Park, Garden Route or Addo National Park & Cape Town touring
- Optional Port Elizabeth & Cape Town tours (to be arranged based on status of cricket)
Match Tickets
- Reserved match tickets to each day of the 2nd Test at St George's Park, Port Elizabeth
- Reserved match tickets to each day of the 3rd Test at Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town
Flights & Transfers
- Flight & coach transfers depending on your Mid-Tour option
- Return match-day transfers
- Arrival & departure airport transfers
Plus
- Tour hosted by Merv Hughes & Geoff Marsh
- Experienced AST tour leaders on hand throughout
- Included dinner function event during each Test
- AST tour merchandise
Mid-Tour
Choose from the following mid-tour options between the 2nd & 3rd Tests:Kruger National Park (23-26 October)
Friday 23 October
- Morning flight and transfers from Port Elizabeth to our Kruger accommodation
- Lunch upon arrival at Kruger Gate Hotel
- Sunset safari drive
- Dinner at Kruger Gate Hotel
Saturday 24 October
- Full day Kruger National Park safari (5am-3:30pm including breakfast & lunch)
- Dinner at Kruger Gate Hotel
Sunday 25 October
- Choice of morning or afternoon safari
- Dinner at Kruger Gate Hotel
Monday 26 October
- Morning airport transfer and flight to Cape Town
- Check-in at choice of Premium of Standard Cape Town hotel
Garden Route (23-26 October)
Friday 23 October
- Coach travel from Port Elizabeth to George via Jeffreys Bay & Plettenberg Bay
- Overnight at Hawthorn Boutique Hotel, George
Saturday 24 October
- Day trip to Knysna with choice of tours including whale watching cruise & more
- Overnight at Hawthorn Boutique Hotel, George
Sunday 25 October
- Coach travel from George to Western Cape via Mossel Bay plus heritage town visit for lunch stop
- Overnight at Arabella Resort or Harbour House Hotel
Monday 26 October
- Mid-morning coach departure from our accommodation
- Stellenbosch winery tour
- Afternoon check-in at choice of Premium of Standard Cape Town hotels
Addo National Park & Cape Town (23-26 October)
Friday 23 October
- Addo Elephant National Park day tour
- Overnight Port Elizabeth hotel
Saturday 24 October
- Flight & airport transfers from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town
- Check-in at choice of Premium of Standard Cape Town hotel
Sunday 25 October
- Free day in Cape Town, tour options will be available closer to the tour
Monday 26 October
- Stellenbosch winery tour
Itinerary
Saturday 17 October - Welcome to Port Elizabeth
Our 2nd & 3rd Test tour starts today in Port Elizabeth. Arrival transfers are included in the tour so please email us with your flight details when you have them.
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.
Overnight: choice of Boardwalk Hotel & Casino by Sun International (Premium) or Garden Court Kings Beach (Standard), Port Elizabeth
Sunday 18 to Thursday 22 October - 2nd Test, St George's Park
Once again each morning Merv & Geoff will offer us their thoughts on the day’s cricket after which we head to the ground on our private transfers.
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.
In the evening of day 4 we will have a dinner event hosted by Merv & Geoff plus some special guests to reflect on play and look ahead to the final Test of the series.
Overnight: choice of Boardwalk Hotel & Casino by Sun International (Premium) or Garden Court Kings Beach (Standard), Port Elizabeth
Friday 23 to Monday 26 October - Mid-Tour Options
Between the 2nd & 3rd Tests we have mid-tour options including three days at Kruger National Park, a spectacular Garden Route drive staying in George and Hermanus, or our Addo National Park & Cape Town tour. See the ‘Mid-Tour’ tab above for more details.
Monday 26 October - 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.
Overnight: choice of Radisson RED V&A Waterfront (Premium) or Protea Breakwater Lodge (Standard), Cape Town
Tuesday 27 to Saturday 31 October - 3rd Test, Newlands Cricket Ground
The third and final Test of the series will be the ultimate cricketing showdown. Premium match tickets and private transfers included.
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.
In the evening of day 4 we will have a final dinner event to reflect on the series and our South African experience.
Overnight: choice of Radisson RED V&A Waterfront (Premium) or Protea Breakwater Lodge (Standard), Cape Town
Sunday 1 November - Tour Ends
Our tour ends this morning. Departure airport transfers are included in the package so once again, email us with your flight details to organise these. A night in Johannesburg can be arranged if required ahead of your international departure.
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