Many travellers are starting to plan a trip around the rugby, with growing interest in combining match days with time to explore the country’s highlights.
Tanya Gurtin, Viva Expeditions’ Africa product manager, says clients who’ve always wanted to go to Africa are using the All Blacks tour as their excuse to finally do it. ‘Many people aren’t sure what to include beyond the rugby. That’s where our team comes in.’
Popular options so far include pairing Johannesburg with a safari in Kruger National Park or nearby private concessions, or extending a stay in Cape Town with a few days in the nearby Winelands. Others are incorporating a visit to Victoria Falls.
Gurtin adds that availability is already tightening. ‘Accommodation is filling up, with August being prime safari season as well. Clients thinking about attending the rugby in South Africa should start planning soon to secure their first-choice experiences.’