Dates Announced For The 2026/2027 England vs South Africa Cricket Series

Dates Announced For The 2026/2027 England vs South Africa Cricket Series

At a Glance: The Official 2026/2027 Tour Highlights

• The Event: England’s highly anticipated cricket tour of South Africa.
• The Match Dates:
  • 1st Test (Johannesburg): 17 Dec – 21 Dec 2026
  • 2nd Test (Centurion): 26 Dec – 30 Dec 2026
  • 3rd Test (Cape Town): 3 Jan – 7 Jan 2027
  • ODI Series (Paarl & Bloemfontein): 10, 13 & 15 Jan 2027
• The Highlight: The iconic New Year’s Test at Newlands, Cape Town.
• How to Book: Africa Travel's exclusive VIP Escorted Packages are officially on sale now.

England Returns to South Africa: The Wait is Over

The wait is finally over for cricket fans and the Barmy Army. The official dates for England’s 2026/2027 cricket tour of South Africa have been confirmed, promising a spectacular winter of world-class red-ball and white-ball cricket.

Trading the freezing UK winter for the glorious South African summer is a bucket-list tradition for traveling fans. This upcoming series will see England test their mettle against the Proteas across five of South Africa’s most iconic and atmospheric stadiums, from the high-altitude pace of the Highveld to the spectacular coastal beauty of the Western Cape.

Official Tour Schedule: England vs South Africa 2026/2027

For fans looking to plan their travel, flights, and accommodation, here is the confirmed match schedule for the upcoming series.

The Complete Match Schedule & Venues

The Crown Jewel: The Newlands New Year's Test

Without a doubt, the focal point of the series for UK travellers is the 3rd Test in Cape Town.

Taking place from January 3rd to 7th, 2027, the New Year's Test at the Newlands Cricket Ground is universally regarded as one of the greatest sporting events on the calendar. Framed by the dramatic, cinematic backdrop of Table Mountain, it offers an unbeatable mix of fierce cricketing rivalry, brilliant sunshine, and world-renowned local hospitality.

However, because Cape Town is one of the world's premier New Year's Eve destinations, the "race" for accommodation, flights, and match tickets is notoriously intense now that the dates are public.

Secure Your Spot: Africa Travel's VIP Packages Are Now Live

With the dates officially announced, the rush for tickets has begun. To guarantee you don't miss a single ball, Africa Travel has launched two exceptional Escorted VIP Packages built entirely around the Cape Town Test.

Forget the stress of online ticket ballots and sold-out hotels. Both of our £7,295.00 pp packages include:

• Direct Virgin Atlantic flights from London Heathrow.
• Guaranteed Executive Suite hospitality tickets for all 5 days at Newlands.
• Private transfers and curated excursions (Catamaran cruise & Winelands tour).
• An exclusive New Year's Eve 2027 celebration.

Simply choose your luxury 5-star base:

• The Winchester Boutique Hotel tour: Historic 1920s charm located on the vibrant Sea Point seafront. This package features a truly money-can't-buy experience: a unique evening with The Telegraph's Chief Cricket Correspondent, Nick Hoult. Over drinks and canapés, guests will enjoy a private Q&A, hearing expert tactical analysis and behind-the-scenes anecdotes from his 30-year career following the England squad.
• The Radisson Collection Waterfront Tour: Modern luxury right on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, offering sweeping views of Robben Island, an infinity pool, and the hotel's legendary NYE party.

Looking to explore further? We also offer Fully Bespoke Itineraries that allow you to combine the cricket matches in Paarl or Cape Town with a luxury Big 5 safari in the Kruger National Park.

Book Your Cricket Holiday Today

Demand for the 2026/2027 series is already exceptionally high following the schedule announcement. Secure your premium tickets and flights before they sell out.

• From the UK: Call 020 7843 3500
• From the US: Call +1 888 228 3417
• Email: info@africatravel.co.uk

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What are the exact dates for the Cape Town New Year's Test?

The highly anticipated 3rd Test match between South Africa and England at the Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town is officially scheduled to take place from January 3rd to January 7th, 2027.

2. When does the England cricket tour of South Africa begin?

The tour kicks off on December 17th, 2026, with the 1st Test at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, followed by the traditional Boxing Day Test (Dec 26-30) at Supersport Park in Centurion, before moving to Cape Town.

3. When are the One Day Internationals (ODIs) being played?

Following the conclusion of the Test series, England and South Africa will compete in three ODIs. The first will be held in Paarl on January 12th, 2027, and the remaining two will be hosted in Bloemfontein on January 15th and 17th.

4. How can I get tickets for the England vs South Africa matches?

General admission tickets are highly contested now that dates are announced. The most secure way to guarantee your seat is to book a dedicated VIP tour package with Africa Travel, which includes guaranteed Executive Suite hospitality tickets, flights, and 5-star accommodation.

5. Are flights included in the Africa Travel cricket packages?

Yes. To remove the stress of booking peak-season holiday travel, our VIP Escorted packages include direct economy flights from London Heathrow to Cape Town flying with Virgin Atlantic.

6. What is included in the Newlands Executive Suite hospitality?

Our VIP guests enjoy the absolute best seats in the house. The Executive Suite experience includes welcome drinks, snacks, a fully complimentary bar throughout the day, a gourmet buffet lunch, and traditional afternoon tea.

7. Can I customise my cricket tour to see other parts of South Africa?

Absolutely. If you want to combine the Test matches or the Paarl ODI with a luxury wildlife safari in the Kruger National Park or a trip to Victoria Falls, Africa Travel’s experts can build a 100% tailor-made bespoke itinerary for you.

8. Is my booking financially protected?

Yes. Booking your 2026/2027 South Africa cricket tour with Africa Travel provides complete peace of mind, as our UK packages are fully ATOL protected.