3-Day Itineraries Between Cricket World Cup Matches
Published: 21 September 2026 | Updated: 30 September 2026
One of the great things about a 50-over World Cup in Southern Africa is the time between games. Group stage schedules often include 2 to 4 rest days between matches, providing international visitors with the perfect opportunity to explore world-class safari reserves, coastal drives and UNESCO World Heritage sites. See all the event news on our SA27 Cricket Tour Homepage or make the most of your non-matchdays with these hand-picked 3 day itineraries.
1. The Highveld Safari Connection: Johannesburg to Kruger National Park
If you are going to back-to-back matches in Johannesburg or Pretoria, then a 3 day safari in Kruger National Park or the Greater Kruger private reserves (Sabi Sands, Timbavati) is easily achievable.
Suggested 3-Day Itinerary
- Day 1 (Post-Match): Pick up your rental car or take an early shuttle from Johannesburg eastwards along the scenic N4 highway to Mpumalanga (approx 4.5 hours drive). Arrive at your lodge for an evening game drive.
- Day 2: Full day guided open safari in 4x4 to track the "Big Five" (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo). Experience traditional bush braais under the starry Highveld skies.
- Day 3: Morning game drive, then back to Johannesburg or a short 50-minute domestic flight from Skukuza (SZK) or Hoedspruit (HDS) back to OR Tambo International Airport for the next match on the CWC 2027 fixtures.
2. The Western Cape Wonders: Cape Town, Paarl & Garden Route
Matches at Newlands in Cape Town and Boland Park in Paarl put you in the heart of Africa’s premier culinary and wine growing region.
Must-Do Coastal & Wineland Highlights
- Table Mountain & Cape Peninsula: Take the Table Mountain Cableway for panoramic views of Newlands Cricket Ground. Self-drive down the Chapman’s Peak Drive to Cape Point and the Boulders Beach penguin colony.
- Franschhoek & Paarl Wine Tram: Just 25 minutes from Boland Park stadium, hop on the historic open-air tram that connects award-winning wine estates across the Franschhoek valley.
- The Garden Route Drive: There are 4 rest days between the Cape Town and Gqeberha matches, so take the world famous coastal drive along the Garden Route, stopping at Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and Tsitsikamma National Park. See the Ground Transport information for vehicle rental options.
3. Coastal Subtropical Escape: Durban & the Drakensberg
Visitors watching matches at Kingsmead in Durban can balance warm Indian Ocean beach days with dramatic mountain trekking.
💡 Travel Tip: uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park
A mere 2.5 hours inland from Durban, the UNESCO World Heritage Drakensberg mountains contain soaring basalt peaks, ancient San rock art and great day hikes like the Tugela Gorge trail.
4. Cross-Border Bucket List: Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe / Zambia)
Fans following their team to Harare or Bulawayo can take a short 1 hour internal flight or scenic drive to Victoria Falls. Locally known as Mosi-oa-Tunya ("The Smoke That Thunders"), the falls are one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. See our Cross-Border Visa Guide to make sure you have the right KAZA Univisa to cross between Zimbabwe and Zambia.
Plan Your Excursions Early
Safari lodges, domestic regional flights and car rentals fill up fast during the World Cup window. Book your travel ahead of time to ensure availability:
❓ 3-Day Cricket World Cup Itinerary FAQ
Quick answers to common questions about planning short breaks between Cricket World Cup 2027 matches.
A 3-day break can be used to explore nearby attractions, enjoy a safari, visit wine regions, discover coastal destinations or experience another South African city before your next match.
Yes. Depending on your match locations and travel time, a short break can be planned around a safari experience, including destinations such as Kruger National Park or nearby game reserves.
A Cape Town break can include the city and its attractions, followed by a visit to the Cape Winelands or a longer scenic journey towards the Garden Route, depending on your next match and available travel time.
Yes. Victoria Falls is one of the longer-distance options discussed in the itinerary guide and can be considered when your match schedule allows enough time for flights and sightseeing.
A rental car can provide flexibility for multi-city itineraries and scenic routes. For short urban trips, flights, ride-hailing services or organised transfers may be more practical depending on the destinations involved.
Start with your next confirmed match and venue, then work backwards to allow enough time for travel, accommodation and sightseeing. Keep the itinerary realistic so you can arrive at the next venue comfortably and on time.