Johannesburg

South Africa is a country of great natural beauty with magnificent scenery, incredible wildlife and a sunny climate. With rugby, netball, hockey, football and cricket all on offer during the year, this is a thrilling touring destination for school teams with a sense of adventure.

The province of Gauteng is the heartbeat of South Africa, and both Johannesburg and nearby Pretoria are located in the region. Gauteng derives from the Sotho word meaning “place of gold” and you can revisit a turn of the century gold mining town at the Gold Reef City theme park. Although there is a real cosmopolitan feel to the cities, you can also visit the sprawling township of Soweto; the Cullinam Diamond Mine and the “Big Five” at the Sun Rise Safari.

Accommodation

School billets with host families are a popular choice in the region.
Hotel upgrades are also available on request.
Chalet accommodation at Manyane Camp in the Pilanesberg National Park is also a possibility.

Features

• Sun Rise Safari at the Pilanesberg National Park
• Gold Reef City
• Diamond Mine tour
• Soweto tour
• Wonderful sports competition and hospitality
• Tour representative to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Sports

Rugby
The rugby season runs from February to October with a number of tournaments held from April to August. Competitive friendly matches are possible throughout the season and coaching sessions with international players can be organised on request.

Hockey
With quality teams and facilities alike, and a season from February to October, your hockey tour can also be combined with rugby or netball on request. The possibility of a tournament or guest coaching clinic can add extra flavour to the tour and you might catch a top match in season too.

Cricket
One of the leading cricket destinations, South Africa offers great possibilities for British touring teams. The season runs September to November and February through to April.
Tickets for matches in season can be added to your programme if schedules allow.

Netball
With so little competitive netball on offer in Europe, South Africa represents a fantastic alternative for your next school tour. The season runs from February to October, so tour combinations with rugby and hockey teams are also possible.

Other Information

Excursion Possibilities
You’ll need an early start to enjoy the Sun Rise Safari at the Pilanesberg National Park. Gold Reef City is a replica of old Johannesburg, so you can travel back in time to see life in a gold town. The Cullinam Diamond Mine tour will also include Kruger House, the Church Square and the Voortrekker monument. A tour of the Apartheid museum is one of the highlights on the Soweto tour and you can see a glimpse of the bustling neighbourhood life in the township.

Sample Itinerary

• Day 1 Arrive Johannesburg International airport and transfer to your host school. Welcome dinner with host families.

• Day 2 Morning at leisure. Friendly game against local school with post match hospitality.

• Day 3 Transfer to Sun City. Spend afternoon at leisure, taking in the Extravaganza or trying your hand at water sports such as windsurfing and jet skiing at Water World.

• Day 4 Early rise for a Sun Rise Safari in Pilanesberg National Park. Here you will have the opportunity to spot the “Big Five”, general game and prolific bird life. Overnight at Manyane Camp.

• Day 5 Tour of Loftus Stadium. Afternoon game with post match hospitality. Accommodation with host school.

• Day 6 Gold Reef City, a replica of old-time Johannesburg. Travel back in time as you ride on a penny-farthing or stroll through the olden day houses; an underground visit; gold pour demonstration and the miner’s dancing performance.

• Day 7 Morning at leisure. Transfer back to the airport for flight home or journey on to
Cape Town.

Prices
Please contact our office for prices and a tour proposal.

Travel

Flights are available from London into Johannesburg International Airport with a short onward transfer to Hatfield Pretoria.