CAPE TOWN RACING & CRICKET TOUR
Featuring The King’s Plate, England Cricket Test vs South Africa & Optional ODI at Paarl
Cape Town, South Africa
January 2027
We are delighted to introduce an unforgettable South African tour, combining world class horse racing with iconic sightseeing and the unique opportunity to enjoy Test Match cricket in one of the most spectacular settings on earth.
The tour is based in Cape Town, a city famed for its dramatic coastline, mountain backdrops and vibrant atmosphere. This journey blends elite sport with unforgettable travel experiences, offering you the chance to enjoy the very best of the Western Cape both on and off the racecourse.
Racing takes centre stage with exclusive behind the scenes access to the Cape Town equine world. Highlights include a visit to Milnerton Stables to meet leading trainers and watch their horses on the gallops, along with a breathtaking morning on the beach where top racehorses are exercised along the shoreline. The racing pinnacle comes at the prestigious King’s Plate, South Africa’s most stylish and celebrated raceday, where guests will enjoy full hospitality in a private box overlooking the finishing straight.
Beyond the track, the itinerary showcases the region’s standout experiences. From visiting Drakenstein Stud and exploring the winelands of Franschhoek and Constantia, to seeing the African penguins at Boulders Bay and driving along the spectacular Chapman’s Peak, this tour offers a wonderful balance of racing and sightseeing.
Cricket lovers will also have reserved seats for each day of the Test Match at Newlands, one of the most picturesque grounds in the world, while alternative sightseeing options in Cape Town are available for those who wish to explore more of the city.
With flights, transfers, hotel accommodation, daily breakfast, exclusive racing access, cricket tickets, sightseeing tours and hosted dinners included, this tour is a standout addition to the programme.
Optional extensions, including New Year in Cape Town or a three night luxury safari, are also available for those looking to make the journey even more memorable.
*Due to the high demand and limited number of places available, we recommend letting us know your intentions as soon as possible. You can register your interest if you would like more details or have any questions, or reserve your space now to secure your place in Cape Town for this very special racing and cricket tour.
Click Here to Read our 2026 Cape Town Blog!
Flights available from UK and Ireland. Talk to us at time of booking for flight options.
Friday 1 January
• Flight from the UK to Cape Town on an overnight journey
Saturday 2 January
• Arrive in Cape Town and transfer to your chosen hotel
• Check in and time to relax after your journey
• Welcome drinks in the evening
• Hosted welcome dinner with the group
Sunday 3 January
• Breakfast at the hotel
• First day of the Test Match at Newlands Cricket Ground, one of the most picturesque venues in the world
Monday 4 January
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Second day of the Test Match at Newlands
Tuesday 5 January
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Third day of the Test Match at Newlands
• Alternative option: Ferry trip to Robben Island.
Wednesday 6 January
• Early morning transfer to the Milnerton Training Centre to watch horses on the gallops and meet trainers and jockeys preparing for the King’s Plate. This provides a fascinating insight into South Africa’s racing scene.
• Return to the hotel for breakfast
• Fourth day of the Test Match at Newlands
• Alternative option: Half-day guided tour including Clifton Beach, the vibrant Camps Bay area and a scenic drive along the world-famous Chapman’s Peak Drive.
Thursday 7 January
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Final scheduled day of the Test Match at Newlands
• Alternative option: Free day with optional excursions available, including Camps Bay, Cape of Good Hope, or a scenic coastal tour via Muizenberg, Hout Bay and Simon’s Town
• Sunset cruise in the evening, offering stunning coastal views as the sun sets over the Atlantic Ocean.
Friday 8 January
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Early morning transfer to Muizenberg Beach to watch racehorses enjoy their daily exercise along the shoreline - a truly unique and memorable Cape Town experience.
• Complimentary coffee and pastries served on the beach during the visit.
• Scenic coastal drive to Boulders Beach to see the famous African penguin colony.
• Hosted dinner at one of Cape Town’s leading restaurants in preparation for Race Day.
Saturday 9 January
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Attend the prestigious King’s Plate raceday
• Private hospitality box overlooking the finishing straight
• All food and drink included throughout the raceday
• Post racing entertainment with live music and a vibrant social atmosphere
Sunday 10 January
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Option to attend the ODI - England v South Africa at Paarl
• Alternative option: Visit to Drakenstein Stud followed by the Franschhoek Wine Tram experience
Monday 11 January
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Check out of the hotel
• Option for a full day tour of the Constantia Winelands with visits to two wine estates and tastings
• Alternatively, a free day to relax or explore Cape Town at your leisure
• Transfer to the airport for your return flight home or onward flight to Port Elizabeth for your safari extension.
NEW YEAR'S THREE NIGHT EXTENSION
Depart the UK for Cape Town on an overnight flight. Upgrades to Premium Economy or Business Class are available on request for added comfort on the journey.
29 December - Day 1
Arrive in Cape Town and transfer to your hotel for the start of your additional three night stay. After check in, the remainder of the day is at leisure to relax, freshen up and begin exploring this spectacular city at your own pace.
30 December - Day 2
Day at leisure to enjoy Cape Town, whether visiting the V&A Waterfront, taking the cable car up Table Mountain or simply relaxing by the hotel pool.
This evening, celebrate New Year’s Eve with a special rooftop dining experience, enjoying fine food, drinks and panoramic views across the city as you welcome 2027 in a truly memorable setting.
31 December - Day 3
New Year’s Day at leisure. A chance to relax after the previous evening’s celebrations or continue exploring Cape Town, with opportunities to visit the Cape Winelands, enjoy a scenic coastal drive or spend time at the V&A Waterfront.
01 January - Day 4
Today, we’ll enjoy a full-day tour exploring the breathtaking Atlantic and Indian Ocean coastlines. Our journey begins along the Atlantic Seaboard, travelling through Clifton and Camps Bay before taking in the dramatic scenery of Chapman’s Peak Drive.
From there, we continue to Cape Point and head into the Nature Reserve to visit the iconic Cape of Good Hope, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet.
After leaving the reserve, we’ll follow the beautiful Indian Ocean coastline through Simonstown, Fishhoek and Kalk Bay, stopping for a late lunch.
02 January - Day 5
SAFARI THREE NIGHT EXTENSION
11 January - Day 1
Early evening flight from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth. On arrival, transfer to The Beach Hotel for a one night stay on a bed and breakfast basis ahead of your safari experience.
12 January - Day 2
Breakfast at the hotel before a private morning transfer to your game lodge. Check in to your accommodation on an all inclusive basis and enjoy lunch overlooking the bush. Later, set out on your first afternoon and early evening game drive in search of Africa’s iconic wildlife. Return to the lodge to freshen up, followed by drinks and dinner.
13 January - Day 4
Early morning game drive before breakfast, one of the best times of day to spot wildlife. The remainder of the morning is at leisure with a range of activities available at the lodge. After lunch, head out on a further afternoon game drive, returning in the early evening with time to freshen up before drinks and dinner.
14 January - Day 4
Final early morning game drive followed by breakfast at the lodge. Check out and transfer to the airport for your return journey home to the UK.
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Return airport transfers in Cape Town
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Nine night stay at your chosen hotel
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Breakfast each morning
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Welcome drinks on arrival
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Hosted welcome dinner
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Reserved seat for each day of the Test Match at Newlands
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Return transfers to Newlands Cricket Ground on match days
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Behind the scenes stable visit to Milnerton
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Morning on the beach to watch top trainers exercise their horses
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Visit to Boulders Bay to see the African penguins
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Half Day Tour of Chapman's Peak
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Hosted dinner on Friday evening with a special racing guest
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Return racecourse transfers
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Full hospitality including food and drink on King's Plate Day
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Tour on the famous Franschoek Wine Tram with wine tasting and lunch
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Visit to the stunning Drakenstein Stud
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Sunset Cruise on our own charter boat
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Optional Day at the ODI Cricket
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NYE Inclusions
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Airport Transfer
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3 Night Stay in Chosen Hotel
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Breakfast Each Morning
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Exclusive New Years Eve Party inc Food and Drink
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Full day Tour to Cape Point and the Cape Of Good Hope
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Safari Inclusions
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Return Internal Flights
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Return Airport Transfers
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1 Night Stay in 4* Port Elizabeth Hotel on B&B Basis
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Transfers to Pumba or Founders Games Reserves
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2 Night Stay in your 5* Exclusive Game Lodge
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2 Morning Game Drives
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2 Evening Game Drives
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All Food & Drink Included
KING'S PLATE
ABOUT THE EVENT:
The L’Ormarins King’s Plate is South Africa’s most distinguished horse race and a cornerstone of the Cape Town summer racing calendar. First run in 1861 after Queen Victoria donated a silver plate and prize money for the inaugural contest, the event blends a rich sporting heritage with stylish social flair and has been staged annually at Kenilworth Racecourse ever since.
Run over 1600 metres as a Grade 1 weight-for-age contest, the King’s Plate attracts the finest thoroughbreds from across the country, with the winner earning prestige as well as an invitation to compete on the international stage. The atmosphere on the day is electrifying, with the racing matched by elegant fashion, live music and lively after-race celebrations that make it one of the Cape’s most anticipated events each January.
ENGLAND V SOUTH AFRICA TEST MATCH
ABOUT THE EVENT:
The England men’s cricket team’s tour of South Africa in December 2026 to January 2027 features a series of three five-day Test matches, forming one of the most eagerly anticipated global cricket contests of the season. As part of this tour, Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town will host one of the Test matches in early January 2027.
Newlands is widely regarded as one of the most picturesque Test venues in the world, set against the dramatic backdrop of Table Mountain and offering fans an unforgettable setting to enjoy the traditional format of the game. Test cricket demands tactical nuance and stamina as both sides compete over five days to outscore and outlast each other, with every session bringing the potential for standout individual performances and gripping team battles.
DON'T TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT.
Andy H,
November 2025
Absolutely amazing, from start to finish!
The actual trip was just phenomenal. We met some lovely people, we learnt so much and we experienced the most wonderful weekend. The organisation was second to none; the hotel was perfect and the location was right opposite the Hippodrome.
From Marc’s knowledge and contacts, we got to spend a day at Nicolas Clement’s stables, we had wonderful seats for the races along with another stables tour, something we would not have experienced if I hadn’t booked with Venatour. The trip was the right mix of activities and leisure time and we both thoroughly enjoyed it.
Jon S,
September 2025
Lovely trip meeting old and new friends.
Fantastic trip to Bruges and Waregem with Venatour Racing Social. This was our first visit to Bruges so Marc and Simon definitely looked after all of us with recommendations for bars and restaurants and places to see.
Wonderful choice of hotel in the centre of Bruges and a nice touch on day 1 to meet up for drinks together and get to know the group. The racing on day 2 was a spectacle not to be missed and with superb hospitality. On the last evening, Marc arranged a meet up at a lovely place by the Canal. Thanks for a lovely trip, meeting old and new friends and being well looked after.
Carol S,
February 2025
We are still buzzing from
our trip.
Firstly, we are still buzzing from our trip to the White Turf Event in St Moritz with Marc & Simon from Venatour. We were with our family on our return and loved relating many of the 'one of a kind' highlights!
We felt very well looked after with all the attention to details, updates and changes of exciting events which they both masterminded. We've now signed up for the Cape Town event plus the add on Safari - we know it will be a superb experience and something we couldn't do without the expertise of Venatour.
Graham H,
November 2025
Very skilled in tailoring the experience.
Our first guided tour of any description (being averse to any set itinerary and having the spirit of a cat, like a caged Lion…😁). However Marc was an excellent herder of cats!
Very skilful in tailoring the experience to the individual; we did our own thing but was always kept in the loop and joined the group and events as we wanted. And when Gatwick threw a curveball by cancelling a bunch of flights, Marc and the team juggled all the chaos like pros. Hats off to them - it was purr-fectly handled! Thanks guys loved it.