December 27, 2017 TnH Global

South African Tourism looks forward to welcoming Indian Cricket fans

South African Tourism is delighted to extend a warm welcome to the Indian Cricket team and travelling fans. The excitement is palpable with the Men in Bluegearing up for their January-February 2018 tour of South Africa. Cricket is considered a religion in India and South Africa is excited to be hosting the Indian team and scores of sporting fans travelling to the Rainbow Nation.

The Indian Cricket team is scheduled to play three Tests, three Twenty20 International matches and six One Day Internationals during the leg of this tour. The tour will start off with warm-up matches in Paarl and then proceed to Cape Town, Centurion, Johannesburg, Durban and Port Elizabeth. All six host cities are also extremely popular tourist locations offering a diverse range of experiences and activities.

“South Africa and India share the same love and enthusiasm when it comes to cricket. It is one of the many common bonds that bind the two countries closely. We look forward to welcoming the Indian team, accompanying fans and are focusing our efforts towards ensuring they have a wholesome, enriching experience in the Rainbow Nation. During break days between the exciting matches, visitors can indulge in our hallmark adventure and wildlife offerings and more, to ensure they experience the true soul of South Africa,”Alpa Jani, Acting Hub-Head MEISEA, South African Tourism India Office said, commenting on the upcoming tour.

South Africa is blessed with pleasant weather year-round. January being summers in South Africa, it is exceptionally beautiful and proves to be an ideal setting for outdoor activities. January also ushers in the Cape Town Minstrel festival, a colour and dance carnival as the minstrels parade the streets of Cape Town in celebration of the second new year. The carnival dates back to the 19 century.

The third oldest settlement in Africa, Paarl, the ‘pearl’ of the Cape Winelands, is less than an hour’s drive away from Cape Town. One can choose to visit the Spice Route Destination, Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve or Paarl Monument after watching the warm up matches around New Year’s eve. There are also options for Wineland Ballooning or Wine Valley Horse Trails.

Located in the Western Cape, Cape Town – also known as the Mother City – is the second most populous place in South Africa and is also home to Newlands Cricket Ground. The Mother City is all geared up to host the Indian Cricket Team for a test series from 5^thto 9^th January and then again in February for spaced out ODI matches. Must-dos when in Cape Town include visiting or abseiling down Table Mountain, shopping at V&A Waterfront, viewing penguins at Boulders Beach and enjoying the nightlife at Long Street. Travelers can also get a different view of Cape Town through helicopter flips over the city or by taking a sidecars tour.

Centurion is an affluent area in the Gauteng Province of South Africa, located between Pretoria and Johannesburg. It is also where the South African Mint Company is based. Visits to the Irene Dairy Farm and the South African Air Force Museum are top attractions in Centurion.Ardent cricket fans can look forward to rooting for their favorite team in Centurion-based matches scheduled through January (13^th to 17^th) and February (4^th, 16^th, 21^st).

The largest city in South Africa and the world’s largest man-made forest, Johannesburg has a tremendous lot to offer visitors. Be it a walk through history at the Cradle of Mankind or a first-hand experience of South Africa’s rich wildlife at Pilanesberg National Park. The experiences are diverse and exciting and leave visitors craving for more. Holidaymakers can plan their Jo’burg itinerary around the 24^th – 28^th January test series between South Africa and India.

Home to one of the largest Indian diaspora outside of India, Durban is reputed for being the ‘warmest place in South Africa’. To truly experience the city, visitors should make it a point to visit uShaka Marine World, uMhlanga Rocks and the Golden Mile after watching the cricket match on the 1^stFebruary 2018. Adventure enthusiast can also experience the world’s tallest swing – the Big Rush Big Swing – at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

The Southernmost city on the African continent, Port Elizabeth is like a breath of fresh air. From whale watching to taking in historical attractions at the Donkin Reserve, PE – as it is fondly known caters to all genres of travelers and will surely assure Indian fans a grand time should they be travelling to this city to watch the ODI on 13^thFebruary.

Majestic wildlife, pristine beaches, vibrant culture, delectable food, thrilling adventure activities – all come together in the picturesque locales of South Africa to ensure a memorable holiday!