CAPE TOWN KING'S PLATE RACING TOUR
Featuring the 166th renewal of the L'Ormarins King's Plate
Cape Town, South Africa
January 2027
We are delighted to introduce a South African racing tour built around one of the most stylish and prestigious racedays in the world, the Kings Plate, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Cape Town.
Based in Cape Town, a city famed for its dramatic coastline, mountain scenery and vibrant atmosphere, this tour combines world class racing with unforgettable experiences across the Western Cape. This option is designed purely for racing enthusiasts and runs alongside the main group, without the cricket element.
Racing takes centre stage with exclusive access to the Cape Town equine world, including a memorable early morning on the beach watching racehorses exercise along the shoreline, and a visit to leading local stables to meet trainers and see horses on the gallops.
The highlight of the tour is the prestigious Kings Plate at Kenilworth Racecourse, South Africa’s most fashionable raceday, where you will enjoy full hospitality in a private box overlooking the finishing straight. Beyond the racecourse, you will experience some of the Cape’s most iconic sights, from the famous African penguins at Boulders Bay to the spectacular scenery of the Cape coastline and winelands.
A three night luxury safari extension is 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 Kings Plate 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
• Alternative option: Guided visit to the V and A Waterfront followed by a boat trip to Robben Island for a fascinating historical tour
Tuesday 5 January
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Third day of the Test Match at Newlands
• Alternative option: V and A Waterfront visit and Robben Island tour for those not attending the cricket
Wednesday 6 January
• Early morning visit to Milnerton Stables to meet leading trainers
• Watch racehorses exercise on the gallops
• Return to the hotel for breakfast
• Fourth day of the Test Match at Newlands
• Alternative option: Trip up Table Mountain for panoramic views over Cape Town
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
Friday 8 January
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Early morning beach visit to watch top racehorses train along the shoreline with a leading trainer
• Visit to Boulders Bay to see the famous African penguin colony
• Hosted dinner in the evening with special racing guest
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
• Full day tour of the Constantia Winelands
• Visits to two wine estates with tastings
• Lunch included at one of the estates
• Scenic drive along Chapman’s Peak with photo stops
Monday 11 January
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Check out of the hotel
• Visit to Drakenstein Stud to view some of South Africa’s leading stallions
• Free time in the town of Franschhoek for sightseeing, shopping or lunch
• Transfer to the airport for your return flight home or onward flight to Port Elizabeth for your safari extension
PLEASE NOTE THIS ITINERARY IS ONLY PROVISIONAL.
If you wish to finish the trip on a real high, the Safari Extension is the one for you! After the buzz of Cape Town, you swap the city for three nights of proper safari living. A perfect way to round off your holiday and something that is guaranteed to live long in your memory.
Safari Extension
Monday 4th January
•Direct Overnight Flight to Cape Town.
Tuesday 5th January
• Arrive in Cape Town around midday and transfer to your hotel for check in.
• The afternoon is free to relax after your journey or enjoy your first exploration of this spectacular coastal city.
• Welcome drinks on the hotel’s roof terrace with magnificent views of Table Mountain and Lion’s Head.
• Dinner in the hotel’s five-star restaurant.
Wednesday 6th 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 in time for breakfast.
• Half-day guided tour including Clifton Beach, the vibrant Camps Bay area and a scenic drive along the world-famous Chapman’s Peak Drive.
• Evening at leisure with a wide selection of restaurants to choose from. Racing Around The World staff will be available to assist with recommendations and reservations.
Thursday 7th January
• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Day at leisure to relax, explore the V&A Waterfront, visit Table Mountain or enjoy the hotel’s facilities.
• Sunset cruise in the evening, offering stunning coastal views as the sun sets over the Atlantic Ocean.
Friday 8th January
• 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 9th January
• Leisurely breakfast before preparing for the highlight of the tour.
• Transfers to Kenilworth Racecourse for one of Africa’s premier racing occasions.
• Exclusive hospitality in the Ultimate Private Box overlooking the finishing straight, with complimentary food and drinks served throughout the day (box closes one hour after the final race).
• After-race entertainment before returning to the hotel.
Sunday 10th January
• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Travel to the Franschhoek region including a visit to the impressive Drakenstein Stud to view some of South Africa’s leading stallions.
• Following this, we will take the renowned Franschhoek Wine Tram experience, travelling through the valley and visiting selected wine estates with opportunities for tastings.
• Alternative option: Attend the ODI cricket match for those wishing to enjoy another major sporting occasion.
• Final evening at leisure.
Monday 11th January
• Breakfast at the hotel before check out.
• For those who attended the ODI the previous day, an optional excursion to the Constantia Winelands including wine tastings and lunch at one of the region’s renowned estates.
• Final opportunity to explore Cape Town or relax prior to departure arrangements.
Tuesday 12th January
- Arrive back in the UK following the overnight flight, bringing to a close an unforgettable South African racing tour.
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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.
DON'T TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT.
Andy H,
November 2025
The itinerary was perfect...
It was our first long haul trip for a while and our first with Venatour. Everything was so well organised and it was lovely to see some old friends from previous trips.
The itinerary was perfect with not too many early starts and amongst the obvious highlights e.g. the racing at Kenilworth, Ernie Els winery was idyllic and the one day cricket was superb.
We will undoubtedly go on another long haul trip with Venatour and we are looking forward to San Sebastián this summer.
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.