South Africa Rugby Tour 2025
From AUD 9,990/pp
Contact our office for final places.
Join host Matt Dunning to see Australia take on South Africa in back-to-back Tests to kick off the 2025 Rugby Championship.
This is the first time under the new tournament format that Australia will play two Tests in South Africa and offers the perfect opportunity for fans to experience some incredible rugby action along with the country’s amazing touring highlights.
Our tour includes Australia’s matches in Johannesburg and Cape Town and in between we will explore the natural wonders of Madikwe Game Reserve along with the magical scenery of Cape Town’s Table Mountain, Robben Island and Western Cape wineries.
Match Details
- Saturday 16 August: South Africa v Australia, Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg
- Saturday 23 August: South Africa v Australia, Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town
Tour Hosted by Matt Dunning
We are delighted to announce that our tour will be hosted by Australian rugby legend Matt Dunning. Matt represented Australia 45 times including six Tests in South Africa, along with 90 appearances for the Waratahs and 20 for the Western Force. Matt will be with us throughout the tour to offer his insights into the rugby action and local wildlife!
The Rugby Championship
While Australia have been on a rapid rebuilding phase since the lows of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, South Africa have been riding high with back-to-back World Cup wins and the 2024 Rugby Championship title. This year’s tournament will provide another important examination for the Aussies following the Lions tour as they look ahead to hosting the 2027 World Cup. Two Tests against the reigning world champions is sure to be an exciting way to get their tournament started.
Madikwe Game Reserve
Situated on the border with Botswana close to the Kalahari Desert, Madikwe Game Reserve is the fifth-largest game reserve in South Africa. This hidden gem is regarded as one of the best conservation areas in Africa and offers visitors a Big Five safari experience over 750 square kilometres.
Cape Town
Cape Town features one of the world’s great natural landscapes with its dramatic climb from the Atlantic Ocean to stunning Table Mountain. Ahead of the rugby action we two days including a city tour including Table Mountain, a tour of Robben Island plus a visit to the world-famous wineries of the Western Cape.
Flights
International flights from Australia are not included in the tour and should be booked separately online or through your travel agent. We can also look at some options for you, contact our office for details.
Qantas flies directly from Sydney to Johannesburg and returns from Cape Town via Johannesburg, see www.qantas.com for details. South African Airways connects Perth and Johannesburg, see www.flysaa.com.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is strongly advised for all tour members. See www.nibtravelinsurance.com.au, www.covermore.com.au or your travel agent for details.
Tour Payments
Payments are required as follows:
- At the time of booking a 25% deposit is due;
- An additional 25% instalment is due by 16 May;
- The final balance of your booking is due by 13 June.
Any Questions?
Email us or call 1300 200 900 if you have any questions about the tour.
Inclusions
Accommodation
- Three nights African Pride Melrose Arch, Johannesburg (14-17 August)
- Three nights Tau Game Lodge in Madikwe (17-20 August, including meals)
- Four nights Cullinan Hotel, Cape Town (20-24 August)
- Breakfast daily
Sightseeing
- Soweto township tour
- Morning & evening safari drives each day at Madikwe Game Reserve
- Cape Town day tour including Table Mountain & Robben Island
- Western Cape winelands tour including wine tastings & lunch
Match Tickets
- Saturday 16 August: South Africa v Australia, Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg
- Saturday 23 August: South Africa v Australia, Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town
Flights & Transfers
- Economy flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town
- Coach airport transfers throughout
- Match-day transfers
- Arrival & departure hotel transfers
Plus
- Tour hosted by Matt Dunning
- Experienced local tour guides throughout
- Lunch & dinner included each night in Madikwe
- We Love Rugby tour merchandise
Itinerary
Thursday 14 August - Welcome to Johannesburg!
Arrival transfers from the airport to our hotel are included in the package, once you have booked your flights please send us details and we will pass these on to our local transport operator.
Our hotel is located in the modern Melrose Arch precinct. South Africa's only 'smart city’, Melrose Arch is renowned for its world-class safety and security. The complex blends convenience and sophistication, offering verdant gardens and luxurious amenities. The vibrant atmosphere, with trendy cafés, boutiques, and nearby restaurants add to the allure. The synergy between Melrose Arch and the African Pride creates an exceptional experience, where modern urbanism meets African cultural pride.
This evening Matt Dunning will host welcome drinks in the hotel bar after which you are welcome to join him at our hotel restaurant or head out to explore the local Melrose Arch nightlife options.
Overnight: African Pride Melrose Arch, Johannesburg
Friday 15 August - Soweto Township Tour
Today we take a tour of the township of Soweto led by a local guide who was raised there and will provide personal insights into the culture of the township and its vibrant modern personality.
Overnight: African Pride Melrose Arch, Johannesburg
Saturday 16 August - South Africa v Australia
This morning is free to explore more of the incredible Melrose Arch precinct.
This afternoon join us for our pre-match briefing where Matt Dunning will give us his preview of the match. We then take our coach transfer to Emirates Airline Park (previously Ellis Park Stadium) for the kick-off of the 2025 Rugby Championship.
South Africa v Australia, Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg, 5:00pm
This evening our coach transfer takes us back to our hotel where we’ll celebrate win, lose or draw in the best of the Melrose Arch bars.
Overnight: African Pride Melrose Arch, Johannesburg
Sunday 17 August - Transfer to Madikwe
After breakfast this morning we drive to Madikwe Game Reserve.
Madikwe Game Reserve consists of vast open plains of woodlands and grasslands. The reserve is bisected by the rugged Rant van Tweedepoort range and is bordered in the south by the Dwarsberg Mountains. It has been enclosed in a 150km perimeter electric fence to protect larger animals.
The famous Mafikeng Road runs through the area and was a historical route long before the reserve was established. Its path was used by traders, missionaries and explorers. King Mzilikazi of the Matabele tribe passed through the Madikwe area many years ago on his way to expanding the Matabele kingdom.
Overnight: Tau Game Lodge, Madikwe
Monday 18 August - Madikwe Game Reserve
This morning we embark on an early morning game drive. Madikwe Game Reserve is home to over ten thousand animals and 27 major species, including cheetah, lion, white and black rhino, buffalo and elephants.
The main lodge has a comfortable lounge, bar and dining room which are semi open-air and overlook the waterhole. Meals are generally served in the main building or on the veranda and dinners are served in one of the cosy boma's under the stars or in the courtyard next to the main lodge.
Overnight: Tau Game Lodge, Madikwe
Tuesday 19 August - Madikwe Game Reserve
Today we have morning and evening safari drives and in between we’ll be kicking back and enjoying the incredible facilities on offer.
Overnight: Tau Game Lodge, Madikwe
Wednesday 20 August - Cape Town
After breakfast this morning we travel to Johannesburg Airport for our flight to Cape Town.
After checking in at our hotel, the incredible Cullinan Hotel in the heart of Cape Town’s vibrant Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, the evening is free to explore our local surroundings in South Africa’s best city.
Overnight: Cullinan Hotel, Cape Town
Thursday 21 August - Wineries Tour
Today we travel to Western Cape’s wine district. Our tour includes lunch and wine tastings at two vineyards. The South African wine industry was started in the area around Cape Town back in 1659 and our tour will explore the history of the regions wineries up to the present day.
Overnight: Cullinan Hotel, Cape Town
Friday 22 August - Cape Town & Robben Island
Cape Town offers one of the world’s great natural landscapes with its dramatic climb from the Atlantic Ocean to stunning Table Mountain. This morning we take a day tour of this beautiful city including the stunning views from Table Mountain.
After lunch our tour continues on the ferry to Robben Island. The island was fortified and used as a prison from the late-seventeenth century until 1996. During the late 20th century it was used to imprison political prisoners who opposed the postwar apartheid state. Nelson Mandela was imprisoned on the island for 18 of the 27 years of his imprisonment before the fall of apartheid.
Overnight: Cullinan Hotel, Cape Town
Saturday 23 August - South Africa v Australia
This morning is free for you to explore more of the modern Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.
This afternoon we gather at our hotel bar for our match preview with Matt Dunning ahead of our coach transfer for the short drive to DHL Stadium.
South Africa v Australia, DHL Stadium, Cape Town, 5:00pm
Our coach transfer returns us to the hotel after the match where we will hopefully be celebrating another Australian victory on our final evening together.
Overnight: Cullinan Hotel, Cape Town
Sunday 24 August - Tour Departure
Our tour ends this morning, once again airport transfers are included as part of your booking. Contact our office if you would like to add extra nights to your stay in Cape Town.
Gallery
Packages
AUD 9,990
/per person