Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry 2026 South Africa & Zambia Tour

Rugby's Greatest Rivalry

2026 South Africa & Zambia Tour

Hosted by Sir Graham & Lady Raewyn Henry

No rivalry in world sport comes close to the All Blacks versus the Springboks. More than a century of fierce, compelling Test matches has forged a contest built on cultural pride, mutual respect, and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence — the very essence of rugby at its finest.

2026 marks an exciting new chapter, with alternating quadrennial tours that honour this storied tradition while writing bold new history. And there is no better way to witness it than on this extraordinary 17-night journey, hosted by Sir Graham and Lady Raewyn Henry.

From the energy of Johannesburg to the thundering spectacle of Victoria Falls, the stunning beauty of Cape Town and the Cape Winelands, and the raw wilderness of Kapama Private Game Reserve, this tour brings together world-class rugby and some of Africa's most breathtaking experiences. You'll stay in hand-picked accommodation, including the legendary Royal Livingstone and the idyllic Hazendal Wine Estate nestled in the Stellenbosch Winelands and enjoy safari adventures, exclusive events, and three blockbuster Test matches between the game's two greatest rivals.

With just 30 places available, this is an intimate, expertly crafted experience offering unrivalled access, exceptional comfort, and moments you'll carry with you long after the final whistle. 

Pricing

17 nights 

from

$28,495*

per person, twin share

$32,995* 

per person, single room

Itinerary

Day 1: Thursday 20 August 2026

Welcome to South Africa!

Our tour begins in Johannesburg where we will be based in the heart of the city’s lively Melrose Arch precinct, filled with a variety of dining and shopping options.
Settle in, catch up with your tour hosts Ted & Raewyn, and the group, and enjoy your first evening in Johannesburg. Overnight: Johannesburg

Day 2: Friday 21 August 2026

Today we delve into the rich history and vibrant culture of Soweto, followed by an insightful visit to the Apartheid Museum. Short for Southwestern Townships, Soweto is a vibrant urban area that has played a pivotal role in South Africa’s history. Tonight we will join other All Blacks fans for a rugby-themed event ahead of tomorrow’s first Test match. Overnight: Johannesburg

Day 3: Saturday 22 August 2026

Match Day! All Blacks vs Springboks, Emirates Airline (Ellis) Park.

Transfer to the iconic, history-steeped Ellis Park Stadium for Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry’s first Test match. Soak up the electric atmosphere as the All Blacks face the Springboks in a clash that will no doubt
deliver intensity and passion. Enjoy the pre-match buzz, settle into your seats, and get ready for a truly epic encounter. Overnight: Johannesburg

Day 4: Sunday 23 August 2026

Travel to Victoria Falls.

Depart Johannesburg and fly to Zambia, gateway to the magnificent Victoria Falls – one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage site. After arrival and check-in at Royal Livingstone Hotel, on the banks of the Zambezi River, take some time to unwind and settle into your surroundings, with the evening free to relax or explore at your own pace.
Overnight: Victoria Falls

Day 5: Monday 24 August 2026

Make the most of a full day to explore this spectacular region.
With plenty of adventures on offer, you can tailor the day to suit your pace and interests. Overnight: Victoria Falls

Day 6: Tuesday 25 August 2026

Today is another full day to enjoy this beautiful region.
Enjoy the local artisan markets in both Victoria Falls & Livingstone, and pick up carvings, prints, beadwork, and handmade souvenirs.
Visit the Boiling Pot with a hike down to this dramatic whirlpool at the base of the falls. If we are lucky, we may even be able to take a dip in Devil’s Pool, a natural infinity pool right at the edge of the falls (seasonally from August). Overnight: Victoria Falls

Day 7: Wednesday 26 August 2026

Travel to Cape Town.

Fly to the breathtaking coastal city of Cape Town, celebrated for its dramatic landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and world-class food and wine scene. Enjoy settling into one of South Africa’s most
iconic destinations. Overnight: Cape Town

Day 8: Thursday 27 August 2026

Enjoy your day at leisure exploring Cape Town.

Visit the colourful streets in Bo-Kaap, the famous Penguin Colony at Boulders Beach, take a visit to Robben Island and learn about Nelson Mandela’s remarkable story, or relax and enjoy the views of
Table Mountain from the V&A Waterfront. Tonight we will dine together as a group. Overnight: Cape Town

Day 9: Friday 28 August 2026

This morning the group will take a scenic journey up Table Mountain (weather permitting) and enjoy sweeping views across Cape Town, the coastline, and the surrounding landscapes. After the visit, the afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure, before we join other All Blacks fans for a pre-match function ahead of tomorrow’s second Test match. Overnight: Cape Town

Day 10: Saturday 29 August 2026

Match Day in Cape Town! All Blacks vs Springboks, DHL Stadium.

Experience the electric atmosphere of DHL Stadium as the All Blacks face the Springboks once again. Join in the excitement as the city comes alive with fans in anticipation of another unforgettable Test match. Overnight: Cape Town

Day 11: Sunday 30 August 2026

Today we head for the Cape Winelands.

We will spend the next two nights immersed in the beauty of the Cape’s countryside, discovering the rolling vineyards, historic towns, and stunning mountain backdrops of this world-renowned wine region. We will be staying at the charming Hazendal Wine
Estate, nestled in the heart of Stellenbosch. Overnight: Stellenbosch

Day 12: Monday 31 August 2026

Enjoy wine tastings at some of the area’s celebrated estates, and explore the boutique shops, art galleries, and scenic streets of
Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Overnight: Stellenbosch

Day 13: Tuesday 1 September 2026

Travel to Hoedspruit – Safari Begins!

Fly to Hoedspruit and transfer to the renowned Kapama Private Game Reserve. Covering an expansive 15,000 hectares between
the northern Drakensberg Mountains and the Greater Kruger National Park, Kapama is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including the Big Five. We’ll stay for three nights at River Lodge, the largest of four luxurious lodges on the reserve, offering beautifully appointed suites, and a range of exceptional facilities, including inviting swimming pools, a rejuvenating spa, a well equipped fitness centre, plus exceptional safari experiences.

After settling in, embark on your first game drive and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and rhythms of the African bush – the perfect introduction to the magic of the safari. Overnight: River Lodge

Day 14: Wednesday 2 September 2026

Morning and afternoon game drives in search of the Big Five.
Twice-daily game drives are offered each day in the early morning and early evening, considered the best times for game viewing.
No two game drives are ever the same and offer different experiences at different times. Between game drives, relax back at the lodge with gourmet meals, refreshing drinks, and breathtaking views of the reserve’s rivers and plains. Overnight: River Lodge

Day 15: Thursday 3 September 2026

Another immersive safari day awaits, guided by Kapama’s expert rangers who share their knowledge of the bush and its remarkable
wildlife. Track elephants, lions, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo, and enjoy unforgettable encounters with Africa’s iconic creatures in their natural habitat. Between game drives, relax back at the lodge. Overnight: River Lodge

Day 16: Friday 4 September 2026

Return to Johannesburg.

Travel from Hoedspruit back to Johannesburg for the final leg of the tour. Tonight is another chance to join other All Blacks fans for a final function ahead of tomorrow’s final Test match. Overnight: Johannesburg

Day 17: Saturday 5 September 2026

Match Day Double Header! Black Ferns vs Springbok Women &
All Blacks vs Springboks, FNB Stadium.

Excitement peaks today as the tour culminates with the highly anticipated Double Header at FNB Stadium, with the Black Ferns facing the Springbok Women before the All Blacks vs Springboks third clash.

One of the world’s most iconic sporting arenas, FNB Stadium is renowned for its electrifying atmosphere and impressive capacity.
Experience every moment of the action with fellow fans, from the pre-game buzz to the final whistle. Overnight: Johannesburg

Day 18: Sunday 6 September 2026

Tour ends.

Depart South Africa with lasting memories of adventure, culture, and the beauty of this remarkable country, taking with you stories and experiences to treasure for a lifetime.

What's Included

Your Hosted Tour Includes:

• 17 nights’ hand-picked, quality accommodation & daily breakfast:

Five nights at African Pride Melrose Arch Autograph Collection in Johannesburg

Three nights at Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara, Victoria Fall

Four nights at the Westin, Cape Town 

Two nights at Hazendal Wine Estate, Stellenbosch

Three nights at River Lodge, Kapama Private Game Reserve

• Official Match Tickets:

South Africa v New Zealand – Saturday 22 August – Emirates Airline (Ellis) Park, Johannesburg

South Africa v New Zealand – Saturday 29 August – DHL Stadium, Cape Town

South Africa v New Zealand Double-Header – Saturday 5 September – FNB Stadium, Johannesburg

• Internal flights:

Johannesburg to Victoria Falls 

Victoria Falls to Cape Town

Cape Town to Hoedspruit

Hoedspruit to Johannesburg

• Tour hosted by Sir Graham Henry and Lady Raewyn Henry
• Group coach transfers throughout (excluding international arrival/departure)
• Match day transfers
• Three pre-match functions the night prior to each Test
• Two group dinners in Johannesburg & Cape Town
• All meals, beverages and twice-daily game drives with qualified guides at Kapama Private Game Reserve
• Sightseeing:

Soweto Tour & visit to Mandela House in Johannesburg, 

Visit to Table Mountain and Cape Winelands Tour in Cape Town

• All administration and ticket handling fees

What's not Included

• International flights and international airport arrival and departure transfers
• Items of a personal nature, for example, room incidentals, laundry
• Travel insurance
• Spending money
• Meals – other than specified.

Terms and Conditions

Please note this tour is limited to 30 people.

Please note that rooms and suite types may vary across the accommodation, and these will be allocated in order of booking.

International airfares are not included in the above prices. Options are available with Air NZ & South African Airways via Perth, Qantas via Sydney, Qatar via Doha, Emirates via Dubai and Singapore Airlines via Singapore.

We are able to assist with a quote for flights and additional travel arrangements, if required. We can also provide a quote for travel insurance, which we strongly recommend for all bookings.

This is a preliminary itinerary and is subject to change. A final itinerary will be provided closer to departure with further detailed timings.

Hosted Tour must be booked via Fortis Events.