Our intention is to offer something special in the touring experience for learners. So often we see inbound groups from the UK and South America on a short tour of Cape Town that includes a very basic itinerary in order that the school can claim, “our students toured South Africa.” If the truth were told, their students travelled a vast distance for a few sports matches, a very basic sightseeing itinerary that only included Cape Town and had to dig into their pockets for any extras in order to say they’ve been there. Can’t even say “done that” - as they very often don’t get to do much.

While we realise that financial constraints are often the reason for these limited experiences of foreign lands we also believe that if the learner is travelling such vast distances, surely they should be rewarded with a fuller experience of the country they are visiting. It is for this reason that we endeavour to provide learners with a truly memorable experience while on tour.

SA Sports Tours makes the effort to ensure our tours are planned in such a way that students enjoy a full experience of the history, culture and politics of the country they are visiting as well as learning something significant about the sport they are participating in.

We offer a number of exciting destinations for South African Schools wishing to tour abroad. Contact us for tours to any of the following destinations :

India
A wonderful cricketing destination. Certainly a third world country but with a strong emerging middle class. The people are warm and welcoming and cricket is to them what soccer is to the Brazilians. One cant help but notice cricket being played everywhere, in the parks, school grounds, streets and any open patch of land. If your perception of India is only one of poverty, then think again. It is an awakening giant with the manufacturing industry growing at a rapid rate. With the usual Western fast food restaurants everywhere and hundreds of huge retail malls being built the country offers all the attractions of a first world destination. The traditional markets are certainly also worth exploring.
What's good?
Arriving in India with cricket kit, one begins to understand what Kallis and Mackie feel like on international trips. The boys are made to feel like celebrities with over the top welcomes at most schools and first class treatment by everyone from the taxi drivers, hotel staff and the shop assistants. The weather is superb in April, that's when we recommend its best to tour and cricket facilities are in fantastic condition. Wickets hard, flat and low with not a blade of grass. Very little crime and once there food and refreshments are very affordable, definitely cheaper then South Africa.
What's not so good?
 The traffic is hectic. Travelling anywhere especially in the rural areas takes an age as the speed limit is 70kms per hour.
Our Humble opinion:
A must do trip. At this stage its so well set up for cricket and only getting better. Hockey is also an option but I would suggest 2010 and beyond would be the best time to travel this way for hockey as they are in the process of upgrading all the hockey facilities for the commonwealth games in 2010. Other sports they play are basketball and soccer.

Stirling High School Cricket Tour to India - Report (Adobe Acrobat .pdf format) and Photos!

United Kingdom
Still a very popular destination for rugby, hockey and cricket tours. Football is huge and netball is also very popular.
What makes it a good destination?
Large number of top traditional independent schools provide competitive opposition and great sporting facilities. Learners have the opportunity to visit famous sports venues such as Lords, old Trafford and experience a live premier league football match. The English are very hospitable and have a great sense of humour.
What’s not so good?
The weather – rain is always a possibility and can be disruptive on a cricket tour. The strong Pound makes it an expensive destination.
Our humble opinion!
The people are great and the facilities awesome!

Australia
Becoming increasingly popular with schools and clubs, Australia is a first world country with few internal problems. It provides for a wonderful touring experience. Fuelled by our obsession with emigrating, more and more South Africans are choosing Australia as a tour destination.
What’s Good?
Australians are more obsessed with sport then we are and their sporting facilities and structures are the best - offering learners and coaches so much more with regards to training, preparation, tactics and coaching structures. Enjoy the sights of their safe and stunningly modern cities. Ask SA SPORTS TOURS to book a day at the Australian Institute of Sport on your schools behalf , or a hockey practice at Olympic Park home to the Sydney Olympics. We also recommend you allow us to book some specialised rugby or cricket coaching while down under with a resident expert coach.
What’s not so good?
Because of the distance involved, flights are expensive.
Our humble opinion!
All in all a wonderful experience but it still wouldn’t convince us to emigrate.

Argentina
Currently the most popular destination for SA Schools and clubs, due to its affordability.
What’s good?
Buenos Aires is a vibrant bustling city with much to offer. Enjoy a cruise on the tigress, a Tango show and dinner or shop till you drop for very reasonably priced sporting goods and clothing. South Africans enjoy the cheap steak meals and you wont get better ice cream anywhere in the world. There are a number of English-influenced private schools that provide opposition and excellent sporting facilities. Hockey in Argentina is big so if you want some serious competition this is the place to tour.
What’s not so good?
Buenos Aires is a city of extremes from the very affluent to the poverty stricken. Like South Africa, given these circumstances, crime is always a problem and one needs to be careful.
Our humble opinion!
Argentina offers groups the opportunity to experience a different culture at a very affordable price. We would however recommend that you also try and include Rosario or perhaps Mar del Plata on your itinerary if it fits your school’s budget.

Leeuwenhof Akademie Rugby Tour to Argentina April 2005>>

Sri Lanka
A wonderful destination for a cricket tour. Sri Lanka is without a doubt a third world country, however the wonderful beaches, exceptional hotels and many first class cricket venues coupled with the (warm) cricket mad inhabitants, provide for a memorable cricket tour.
What’s good?
Enjoy cricket matches against very competitive opposition at Test venues graced by Rhodes, Waugh and Atherton. Really nice hotels and good beaches. Allow SA SPORTS TOURS the opportunity to book some specialist spin bowling coaching. with either a current or ex international player if available.
What’s not so good?
The weather is very hot and humid and road transport is similar to goat and cow dodging associated with most Transkei roads. Service can be a little on the ‘laid back’ side.
Our humble opinion!
A fantastic destination for a cricket tour.

New Zealand
A beautiful country to visit. The many lakes and glaciers coupled with the diversity of the country as one travels from the North to the South island provide for a scenic feast. Because of the rugby link South Africans are really well received.
What’s good?
A very safe and (by South African standards) crime free environment. New Zealand folk are extremely hospitable and you will be amazed at the number of ex pat South Africans who will be only too keen to welcome you to their new world. Junior club rugby is very strong and well run.
What’s not so good?
Can get really cold and wet, especially on the South island in winter. It’s an expensive destination due to the distance involved and the exchange rate.
Our humble opinion!
Always good for a tour if your school budget allows it.

The United States of America
Believe it or not the States is a great destination for a rugby tour and provides an opportunity to visit the most powerful nation in the world.

What’s good?
Visit the Big Apple and experience first hand ‘the American way’. South African rugby players are treated with huge respect by the American rugby fraternity. Meet the American Eagles, the national rugby side.
What’s not so good?
The distance and the exchange rate make it an expensive destination.
Our humble opinion!
A really special touring experience unequalled by no other.

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