There are few better ways to spend December and January than sitting in the South African sunshine, cold drink in hand, watching England take on the Proteas. While the weather at home might mean thermals, a tour to South Africa offers a warm welcome and a genuine travel experience. South Africa is a country that combines world-class cricket with extraordinary wildlife, stunning scenery and some of the best holiday experiences you’ll find anywhere on earth.
South Africa’s cricket grounds are spread across a vast and strikingly varied country, from the cosmopolitan energy of Johannesburg, and the mountainous beauty of Cape Town, to the subtropical humidity of Durban, and the wide-open Karoo-adjacent skies of Bloemfontein. Each venue has its own personality, its own history, and its own particular way of making you feel like you’re watching cricket somewhere truly special.
For the England supporter (like me), this is also a tour steeped in history, with memorable contests, iconic individual performances, and grounds that witnessed some of the defining moments of South African cricket’s post-isolation renaissance. Whether you’re a seasoned touring fan or making your first trip to South Africa, this guide will help you get the most out of visiting each venue.
Pack your sunscreen, your sense of adventure, and your replica shirt, and let’s go.
| The Wanderers Stadium | |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | The Bullring, DP World Wanderers Stadium |
| Stadium Address | Corlett Drive, Illovo, Johannesburg |
| Stadium Capacity | 28,000 |
| Stadium Altitude | 6000 feet above sea level |
| Highest Test Match Score | 652/7 (Australia vs South Africa, February 2002) |
| Lowest Test Match Score | 49 (Pakistan vs South Africa, February 2013) |
Few cricket grounds in the world earn a nickname as evocative as ‘The Bullring’, but the Wanderers has done exactly that, and for good reason. The steep, encircling stands create a cauldron of noise unlike almost anywhere else in Test cricket and visiting teams have long found it one of the most intimidating places to play in world cricket. For England supporters, that atmosphere is something to savour rather than fear.
The Wanderers is the third Test ground in Johannesburg, following the Old Wanderers Stadium and Ellis Park, and it has been the focal point of the city’s sporting life for well over 70 years. Sadly, a devastating fire gutted the clubhouse in October 2003, destroying a treasured collection of cricketing history, including the bat with which the great Graeme Pollock scored 274 against Australia in 1966/67, a loss that still stings for South African cricket lovers.
The ground’s Test history, however, is remarkable. England won the very first Test here in 1956 by 131 runs. In 1970, South Africa crushed Australia by 307 runs in what turned out to be their penultimate Test match before international isolation. After readmission, the Wanderers provided one of England cricket’s most celebrated rearguard actions, when Michael Atherton batted for over ten hours in 1995 to save an extraordinary Test match, a performance that remains the stuff of legend among England cricket supporters of a certain age (yes, that includes me).
In 2003, the ground hosted the ICC World Cup final, as Australia comfortably defeated India. But perhaps the most astonishing day’s cricket ever witnessed at The Wanderers, and arguably anywhere, came in March 2006, when South Africa successfully chased Australia’s world-record total of 434/4 in a One-Day International. If you ever want to explain to a non-cricket fan why this sport is so special, show them that footage.
The Wanderers is well situated in the leafy northern suburb of Illovo, easily accessible by car or Uber from most Johannesburg hotels. Parking is available but can be congested on big match days, so arriving early or using rideshare is advisable. The Gautrain’s Rosebank Station is within reasonable taxi or Uber distance.
The Members’ Pavilion offers the best traditional cricket-watching experience, but for the full Bullring atmosphere, the open stands behind the bowler’s arm give you a real sense of the ground’s extraordinary intensity. For a premium experience, hospitality options in the various corporate suites around the ground are excellent.
Johannesburg is a city that rewards the curious. The Apartheid Museum is one of the most powerful and important museum experiences anywhere in the world. It is sobering, brilliantly curated, and absolutely not to be missed. Nearby Soweto offers township tours that bring South Africa’s complex, extraordinary history vividly to life. The Sandton district is the place to eat and drink well, with a burgeoning restaurant scene that rivals any African city. But the big ticket for England supporters with a few spare days is Kruger National Park. At around five hours’ drive east of Johannesburg, or less than an hour by flight to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, Kruger is one of the great wildlife experiences on earth. A two-night stay gives you the chance of spotting all of Africa’s ‘Big 5’: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino. Along the way to Kruger, the Panorama Route, taking in Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window and Bourke’s Luck Potholes, adds an extraordinary scenic dimension to the journey.
| Supersport Park | |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Centurion Park |
| Stadium Address | West Avenue, Die Hoewes, Centurion |
| Stadium Capacity | 22,000 |
| Stadium Altitude | 4600 feet above sea level |
| Highest Test Match Score | 621 (South Africa vs Sri Lanka, December 2020) |
| Lowest Test Match Score | 101 (England vs South Africa, January 2016) |
Conveniently located between Johannesburg and Pretoria, SuperSport Park is one of South Africa’s newer Test venues and has consistently been lauded by international captains as one of the best-appointed grounds in world cricket. Facilities for players and supporters alike are genuinely impressive, and the ground has a freshness and modernity that makes it a pleasure to visit.
The centrepiece of its appeal, though, is more traditional: the sweeping grass embankments that make up much of the seating. These sun-soaked banks are ideal for families and groups, and give the ground a relaxed, almost festival atmosphere on a warm December day, quite different from the more intense Bullring atmosphere down the road in Johannesburg. The beach cabana-style hospitality chalets perched high on the grass banks add a touch of fun to the corporate experience, while a pavilion at the north end completes the picture.
As a cricket venue, SuperSport Park is known for some of the quickest, truest pitches in South Africa. Batsmen tend to enjoy it as the ball comes onto the bat nicely, but there’s plenty in it for the seamers too, particularly early in the morning. Spin has never been the defining feature here, making it a ground where the new-ball duel between bat and pace bowling is usually the central drama.
Centurion is easily accessible from Johannesburg (in around 45 minutes) and Pretoria (in around 20 minutes). The nearby Centurion Gautrain station makes it one of the most public-transport-friendly grounds in South Africa, a significant advantage on match days when traffic can build. Uber is widely available throughout the area.
The grass embankments are genuinely wonderful if you’re happy to bring or hire a chair and enjoy a more relaxed day. The covered pavilion at the north end is worth considering for the better views and shade during the afternoon sun.
Centurion’s proximity to Pretoria makes the South African capital an easy and rewarding half-day excursion. The Union Buildings, the magnificent seat of government designed by Sir Herbert Baker and completed in 1913, are one of the country’s great architectural landmarks, and the gardens offer sweeping views across the city. Nearby is the Voortrekker Monument, another striking piece of South African history. For something a little more indulgent, Sun City is only around two hours’ drive from Centurion and makes for an excellent overnight or two-night break. This legendary resort complex, set beside the Pilanesberg National Park in the Northwest Province, has something for everyone: championship golf on two world-class courses, the Valley of Waves water park, casinos, fine dining and excellent accommodation ranging from the family-friendly Cabanas to the spectacular Palace of the Lost City. Crucially, the Pilanesberg National Park sits right on the doorstep, offering ‘Big 5’ game drives in a malaria-free environment, a significant advantage for families. It’s entirely possible to watch a day’s cricket at SuperSport Park, drive to Sun City in the evening, and be on a game drive by dawn the following morning.
South Africa Cricket Holidays by Freedom Destinations
| Newlands | |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | WSB Newlands Cricket Ground |
| Stadium Address | Campground Road, Newlands, Cape Town |
| Stadium Capacity | 25,000 |
| Stadium Altitude | Sea level |
| Highest Test Match Score | 651 (South Africa vs Australia, March 2009) |
| Lowest Test Match Score | 35 (South Africa vs England, April 1899) |
Of all the great cricket grounds in South Africa, Newlands is the one most likely to make you stop mid-afternoon and simply stare. Nestled at the foot of Table Mountain, with the iconic peak rising dramatically behind the Wynberg End, it is regularly mentioned alongside the Adelaide Oval as one of the most beautiful cricket grounds in the world, and it thoroughly deserves that comparison. Add in Cape Town’s Mediterranean climate, usually reliably warm and sunny in December and January, and a day at Newlands is about as close to a perfect cricket experience as sport can offer.
The ground has evolved considerably in recent years, with large sections of the old grass embankments replaced by pavilions and covered stands, increasing capacity to 25,000. Some purists lament the change in character this has brought, and it’s fair to say a certain rustic charm has been traded for modernity. But the core experience, watching Test Cricket with Table Mountain as your backdrop, remains incomparable.
From a playing perspective, Newlands is one of the few grounds in South Africa that genuinely assists spin bowling, a reflection of the playing surfaces traditionally associated with the Western Cape. It’s also a ground that produces results; drawn Tests are relatively uncommon here, which means the cricket tends to be compelling from the very first ball.
Newlands is around 20 minutes by road from Cape Town’s city centre and well served by the MyCiti bus network. Parking is limited, so public transport or Uber is strongly recommended on match days. The Newlands suburb itself is charming and well worth exploring. There are good restaurants and cafés lining the surrounding streets.
If you can secure seats in the WPCA Pavilion or the lower tiers with a view of Table Mountain behind the bowler, you’ll have one of the finest vantage points in world cricket. The newer stands offer excellent views but slightly less of that classic atmosphere. You will need to book well in advance though; Newlands consistently sells out for major Test matches.
Cape Town needs no introduction as a destination, and it’s the one city on the tour where you could easily spend a week without running out of things to do. Table Mountain is the obvious starting point. Take the cable car up for views that stretch to the horizon and beyond. The Cape Peninsula drive to Cape Point is one of the great coastal road trips, taking in Hout Bay, Chapman’s Peak, Cape Point itself and the Boulder’s Beach penguin colony near Simon’s Town. Kalk Bay is a charming harbour village with excellent restaurants, antique shops and a genuine local atmosphere. Hermanus, around 90 minutes’ drive east, is one of the world’s premier whale-watching destinations; southern right whales are typically present in the bay between June and December. And just beyond Cape Town, the Cape Winelands of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl (home, of course, to Boland Park) offer outstanding wine estates, world-class food and some of the most beautiful countryside in South Africa. A stay in Franschhoek in particular, often described as the gourmet capital of South Africa, is a genuine treat.
| Kingsmead | |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | The Sahara Stadium |
| Stadium Address | Kingsmead Way, Stamford Hill, Durban |
| Stadium Capacity | 25,000 |
| Stadium Altitude | Below sea level |
| Highest Test Match Score | 658/9 (South Africa vs West Indies, December 2003) |
| Lowest Test Match Score | 42 (Sri Lanka vs South Africa, November 2024) |
Durban is a different South Africa, subtropical, humid, coastal, with golden beaches, surf culture and a distinctive energy all of its own. Kingsmead sits just a short distance from the Indian Ocean, and on certain days you can almost feel the sea air drifting across the ground. It’s an atmospheric, traditional venue that has been hosting Test cricket since January 1923, when England and South Africa played out a draw on what became a famously timeless stage; literally, in the case of the legendary 1939 ‘timeless Test’, which ended in a draw only because England had to catch the boat home.
The ground is a blend of old and new, traditional grass banks that give it a relaxed, communal feel sit alongside modern covered stands that provide welcome shade when the afternoon sun gets to work. For fans, it’s an easy ground to enjoy, central enough to reach on foot or by public transport, with a good atmosphere and the sea-soaked backdrop of Durban lending proceedings a distinctive character. Parking is limited in the immediate vicinity, so planning ahead does pay dividends.
The cricket at Kingsmead has been a theatre of extremes. South Africa scored 658/9 here against the West Indies in 2003, yet India were skittled for just 66 in 1996. In February 1970, in one of the great partnerships in South African cricket history, Graeme Pollock and Barry Richards put on a stunning display against Australia, scoring 274 and 140 respectively in a crushing innings victory. In 2003 the ground also staged the ICC World Cup semi-final between India and Kenya.
Kingsmead is centrally located and accessible on foot from much of Durban’s city centre, or by rickshaw, taxi or Uber. Public transport options make it one of the more accessible grounds in South Africa, though match-day traffic requires patience.
The covered stands on the east side offer the best combination of view and shade from the afternoon sun, which can be fierce in December and January. The grass banks are popular with local supporters and offer a more relaxed, informal feel.
Kingsmead’s easterly coastal location makes it more susceptible to bad light and sudden, powerful thunderstorms, a feature of Durban’s summer climate. Pack for all eventualities, but don’t be put off; the humidity that threatens the morning session often gives way to glorious conditions by mid-afternoon.
Durban is a genuinely colourful city with an atmosphere quite unlike anywhere else in South Africa. The Golden Mile beachfront is the obvious starting point, a long, palm-fringed stretch of Indian Ocean coastline with surf, shops, and the famous uShaka Marine World, home to one of the world’s largest aquariums, a wild water park and exceptional seafood dining at the Cargo Hold restaurant, set within a replica shipwreck. The city’s large Indian community gives it a unique culinary character; no visit is complete without trying Bunny Chow, a Durban original, from one of the city’s legendary curry establishments. For something more adventurous, the Valley of a Thousand Hills makes for a beautiful half-day drive, with rolling green hills, Zulu cultural experiences and game viewing at PheZulu Safari Park. Further north, up the KwaZulu-Natal coast, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an extraordinary ecosystem of beaches, estuaries, swamps and coral reefs stretching 200 kilometres along the Indian Ocean coast. Hippos, crocodiles, elephants, sea turtles and over 500 species of birds make it a bucket-list destination in its own right, and it’s accessible with an overnight stay from Durban.
| St. George’s Park | |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Sahara Oval |
| Stadium Address | Park Drive, Gqeberha Central |
| Stadium Capacity | 19,000 |
| Stadium Altitude | 200 feet above sea level |
| Highest Test Match Score | 549/7 (Australia vs South Africa, March 1950) |
| Lowest Test Match Score | 35 (South Africa vs England, February 1896) |
St George’s Park holds a special place in cricket history. It staged the first Test match ever played outside England or Australia, in 1888/89 (England winning by eight wickets). It also holds the distinction of hosting the first South African rugby international, also against England, in 1891. History, then, is woven into the very fabric of this place, and it remains one of the most characterful venues in South African cricket.
The ground is situated within sight of the sea, which gives proceedings a pleasant coastal air, and it retains a blend of open space and covered seating that feels genuinely traditional.
The cricket at St George’s Park has consistently been dramatic. In 1896, England’s George Lohmann produced one of the most extraordinary bowling performances in Test history, taking 7/38 in South Africa’s first innings and then 8/7 (!) in their second, bowling the hosts out for just 30. That 30 all out remains South Africa’s lowest ever Test total. In 1992, after readmission, Allan Donald took 12/139 on a pitch many had considered a fast bowler’s nightmare, and South Africa won by nine wickets. Five years later, Mark Waugh played one of his finest Test innings to steal a two-wicket victory for Australia after South Africa had led by 101 on first innings.
St George’s Park is centrally located and accessible by public transport, car or on foot from much of Port Elizabeth’s city centre. It’s a small, intimate ground in the context of South African cricket, with a capacity of 19,000, which means tickets should be secured in advance.
With its mix of covered stands and open areas, the ground suits all tastes. The pavilion end offers the best traditional viewing, while the open areas to the east can be spectacular in the early morning light.
Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), known as the Friendly City, punches above its weight as a travel destination and is ideally placed as a base for some of the finest safaris in all of South Africa. Addo Elephant National Park is just 45 minutes to an hour’s drive from the city centre, making it the most accessible ‘Big 5’ experience in the country. Private game reserves such as Shamwari, Amakhala, Pumba, and Kariega are also within easy reach, offering a more exclusive ‘Big 5’ experience for those who prefer luxury lodges. The city’s 40 kilometres of Blue Flag beaches are excellent, and the Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World on the beachfront provides restaurants, shops and evening entertainment in a pleasant waterfront setting. For those with an extra day or two, Port Elizabeth sits at the eastern end of the legendary Garden Route, one of the world’s great scenic drives, running west through Tsitsikamma, Plettenberg Bay, Knysna and George all the way to Cape Town.
South Africa cricket holidays with Freedom Destinations
Cape Town | Montagu | Oudtshoorn | Knysna | Port Elizabeth | Eastern Cape
Johannesburg | Sun City / Pilanesberg | Pretoria
Cape Town | Stellenbosch | Rovos Rail | Pretoria
Cape Town | Montagu | Oudtshoorn | Knysna | Port Elizabeth | Eastern Cape
Johannesburg | Sun City / Pilanesberg | Pretoria
Cape Town | Stellenbosch | Rovos Rail | Pretoria
| Mnguang Oval | |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Springbok Park |
| Stadium Address | Att Horak Street, Willows, Bloemfontein |
| Stadium Capacity | 20,000 |
| Stadium Altitude | 4600 feet above sea level |
| Highest Test Match Score | 573/4 (South Africa vs Banglasesh, October 2017) |
| Lowest Test Match Score | 147 (Bangladesh vs South Africa, October 2017) |
Bloemfontein sits at the very heart of South Africa, geographically, politically, and in terms of its cricketing identity. The Free State capital is a different world from the coastal cities and the urban sprawl of Johannesburg; it’s big skies, warm hospitality and an unhurried pace of life suits a day’s cricket perfectly. The Mangaung Oval, more widely known by its former name Springbok Park, embraces that character entirely.
It’s a well-designed 20,000-seater stadium with two large stands and extensive grassed banks that become a carnival of colour and fun on match days. The South African tradition of the braai, the much-loved barbecue that is as embedded in the culture as cricket, is embraced enthusiastically here, with groups setting up their grills on the grass banks and making a full day of it. For visiting England supporters happy to join in, it’s a wonderfully convivial environment.
The ground’s own history has some notable highlights. Allan Donald, the great Free State and South Africa fast bowler who played much of his career here, became the first South African to take 300 Test wickets at this very ground, in November 2000 against New Zealand. And earlier, in 1994, Hansie Cronje, another Free State boy, played one of the great innings against the touring Australians, smashing 251 with 28 fours and six sixes. The ground also boasts some of the best floodlights in the country, making it a popular venue for day/night matches where the carnival atmosphere reaches its peak.
The ground is just ten minutes’ walk from the city centre, with Bloemfontein’s coach station adjacent to the venue. It is one of the most accessible grounds in South Africa on foot, and car parking is more straightforward here than at many other South African venues.
The grass banks are the real draw, bring a chair, embrace the braai culture, and settle in for the day. The two main covered stands offer more conventional seating for those who prefer it, and the view across the ground to the open Highveld horizon is unexpectedly beautiful.
Bloemfontein is a city with more depth than its modest reputation might suggest, and it rewards a day of proper exploration. The Anglo-Boer War Museum is one of the most compelling and moving museums in South Africa, telling the story of the conflict that shaped the country with considerable skill and empathy. Naval Hill, a nature reserve right in the heart of the city, offers giraffes, zebra and stunning panoramic views of Bloemfontein from its summit, along with a planetarium and a striking eight-metre statue of Nelson Mandela. The Oliewenhuis Art Museum, housed in a beautiful Neo-Dutch mansion, holds an excellent collection of South African art and sits in lovely garden grounds perfect for a picnic. The city is also, the birthplace of JRR Tolkien, a piece of trivia that will surprise most visitors. For wildlife enthusiasts, the Cheetah Experience sanctuary around 12 kilometres from town offers close encounters with cheetahs, caracals and servals in a conservation setting. Bloemfontein is also a natural stopping point between Johannesburg and Cape Town, either as an overnight break on a road trip or as a base from which to explore the wider Free State, including the Golden Gate Highlands National Park to the east, with its dramatic golden sandstone formations and Drakensberg foothills scenery.
| Boland Park | |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Boland Bank Park |
| Stadium Address | Langenhoven Street, Paarl |
| Stadium Capacity | 10,000 |
| Stadium Altitude | 590 feet above sea level |
| Highest ODI Score | 252/6 (South Africa vs Bangladesh, October 2017) |
| Lowest ODI Score | 36 (Canada vs Sri Lanka, February 2003) |
If Newlands is the grand dame of Western Cape cricket, Boland Park is its charming, rather more intimate cousin, and for many visiting fans, it turns out to be an absolute highlight of the tour. Set in the heart of the Cape Winelands, around 60 kilometres from Cape Town and just 45 minutes along the N1, Paarl is one of South Africa’s most scenic small towns, and the cricket ground does full justice to its setting. The Paarl Mountain and surrounding ranges form a dramatic backdrop, and the ground’s generous grass embankments allow spectators to spread out, relax, and take in the whole glorious panorama.
With a capacity of just 10,000, Boland Park is the most intimate of South Africa’s international venues, a quality that makes it feel genuinely special. There are no distant stands to lose yourself in; everything happens close up and personal, which suits both the cricket and the atmosphere. It is primarily an ODI and T20 venue, but one that consistently punches above its weight in terms of occasion and spectacle.
The ground’s international cricket history began with a memorable tie between India and Zimbabwe in January 1997, and it went on to host three group matches during the 2003 ICC World Cup, including one of cricket’s more brutal mismatches when Sri Lanka bowled Canada out for 36, the lowest ODI score ever recorded at the ground. In January 2012, South Africa produced a devastating performance to defeat Sri Lanka by 258 runs, bowling them out for just 43. It is a ground that has a habit of producing extreme results, partly because the pitch tends to favour the seamers, offering movement and bounce particularly in the early overs.
Boland Park has also played an important role in the development of South African cricket. When the Boland Cricket Board established its headquarters here in 1995, the ground became the home of a cricket academy, the first in South Africa with indoor net facilities, under the management of the formidable Eddie Barlow. A number of significant South African international players came through those nets, including Charl Langeveldt and Paul Adams.
Today, the ground is home to the Paarl Royals franchise in the hugely popular SA20 league, which has given it a new lease of life and brought in a new generation of cricket supporters.
Paarl is around 60 kilometres from Cape Town, best reached by car or Uber along the N1. Huguenot railway station in central Paarl is served by Metrorail commuter trains on the Northern Line from Cape Town, making the train a viable option, and a rather scenic one, given the Winelands scenery along the route. The ground itself is approximately four kilometres east of the town centre.
The grass embankments are the place to be, ideally with a cold drink and a view of the mountains. With only a capacity of 10,000, the entire ground feels like a good seat, but arriving early to claim a prime spot on the banks is recommended.
This is where Boland Park has an ace up its sleeve that no other South African ground can match. Paarl sits in the heart of the Cape Winelands, surrounded by some of South Africa’s finest wine estates. Estates like Fairview (famous for its wines, artisan cheeses, and the extraordinary goat tower that has become something of a landmark), Lanzerac, and Boschendal are all within easy reach. The Paarl Wine Route takes in over 25 estates producing everything from acclaimed Chenin Blanc and Shiraz to world-class sparkling wines and brandy. The town itself, the third-oldest European settlement in South Africa, is lined with Cape Dutch architecture and towering oak trees, and the Afrikaans Language Monument on the slopes of Paarl Mountain is well worth a visit. If you’re on the South Africa tour and find yourself with a day near Cape Town, routing it through Paarl for the cricket, and staying for the wine, is an attractive proposition.
England will be touring South Africa in December 2026 and January 2027, playing Test Matches at Johannesburg, Centurion and Cape Town, as well as One-Day Internationals as Paarl and Bloemfontein. Travel and ticket packages are available now.
The whole cricket community will also be returning to South Africa for the Cricket World Cup in 2027, where some games will be co-hosted in Namibia and Zimbabwe. It is expected that World Cup matches will be played at all of the South Africa cricket grounds mentioned above.
South Africa is amazing place to watch cricket. It is also a fabulous place for a holiday. To combine cricket and a holiday in South Africa has to be the perfect combination.
Richard is the Content Manager at Freedom Destinations and has more than 25 years of experience working within the travel industry. He has travelled widely in Europe, the USA & Canada, Australia & New Zealand, South East Asia, as well as Southern Africa. He enjoys exploring National Parks and other wilderness areas.
