The biggest prize in one-day international cricket returns to southern Africa in October and November 2027. Jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, the Cricket World Cup 2027 brings 14 nations together for 54 matches over six weeks.
Following this tournament across several countries, with big test grounds and wildlife reserves in between, takes careful planning. Getting around southern Africa isn't like hopping on trains in Europe. But with smart routes and early bookings, it makes a superb sporting holiday.
Tournament matches will be staged across contrasting southern African ecosystems. You'll experience high-altitude bounce on the Highveld, cool maritime breezes beneath Table Mountain, and sunny savanna afternoons in Harare and Windhoek. Let's dig into tournament dates, host cities, visa regulations, and realistic costs.
Tournament structure and format for the Cricket World Cup 2027
The International Cricket Council confirmed that the 2027 tournament restores the classic 14-team group format previously used in 2003 and 2011. Teams will divide into two groups of seven, playing each group opponent once in a round-robin schedule. The top three squads from each pool advance to the Super Six stage, followed by semi-finals and the grand final.
This format provides traveling supporters with certainty. Because each country plays at least six pool fixtures, fans can base themselves in one or two regions for several consecutive matches.
Match dates, tickets, and travel packages will open in phases via the official portal at ICC Cricket. Register your interest early to receive ticket ballot announcements.
Key host cities and stadiums across three nations
South Africa hosts most matches across eight established grounds. Zimbabwe and Namibia host important pool games that show off cricket culture across southern Africa.
Johannesburg and Pretoria, South Africa
Gauteng province serves as the tournament's operational backbone. Johannesburg's Wanderers Stadium, known affectionately as the "Bullring," holds 34,000 spectators and frequently hosts marquee fixtures. The stadium is situated in Illovo, between the commercial districts of Rosebank and Sandton.
About 40 minutes north on the Gautrain lies SuperSport Park in Centurion (Pretoria). Fans love its grassy banks, where they relax under shade trees.
Johannesburg provides reliable flight connections across the continent through O.R. Tambo International Airport. Staying in Rosebank or Sandton gives you direct access to the Gautrain, premier shopping, and secure hotel clusters.
Cape Town and Paarl, South Africa
Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town is widely celebrated as one of the most picturesque sports grounds in world sport. Seated in the Western Province stand with the craggy northern slopes of Table Mountain towering overhead, you'll watch top-flight bowling in an unmatched natural setting. An hour east in the Cape Winelands, Boland Park in Paarl offers an intimate stadium experience encircled by rolling vineyards.
Between matches, ride the revolving cableway up Table Mountain, explore the Cape Point nature reserve or tour the wine estates of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.
Durban and the coastal venues
Kingsmead Cricket Ground in Durban sits just blocks from the Indian Ocean shoreline. Sub-tropical humidity and afternoon cloud cover often give swing bowlers extra movement under floodlights. Fans can stroll along Durban's Golden Mile promenade before walking to the turnstiles.
In the Eastern Cape, St George's Park in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) and Buffalo Park in East London have a real local atmosphere. A brass band plays from the first ball to the last boundary.
Harare and Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe co-hosts key pool fixtures at Harare Sports Club and Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. Harare Sports Club sits across from State House in central Harare.
It's famous for its lively party stand, where local fans sing all afternoon. Bulawayo offers historic tree-lined avenues and acts as the rail jumping-off point for Hwange National Park and Victoria Falls.
Windhoek, Namibia
Namibia marks its first time co-hosting cricket's premier global tournament. Namibia's matches will be in the capital, Windhoek, at the Wanderers Cricket Ground, where expansions are planned for international crowds.
Windhoek sits 1,700 meters up, with clean desert air and German colonial architecture. It's also the gateway to the red dunes of Namib-Naukluft National Park.
Stadium comparisons and spectator capacity
Here is a quick overview of primary tournament venues across the three co-host countries to help structure your itinerary:
| Host venue | City & country | Spectator capacity | Setting & character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wanderers Stadium | Johannesburg, South Africa | 34,000 | Enclosed cauldron with fast, high-altitude pitch |
| Newlands Cricket Ground | Cape Town, South Africa | 25,000 | Scenic grassy embankments below Table Mountain |
| Harare Sports Club | Harare, Zimbabwe | 10,000 | Intimate city center club with festive pavilion |
| Wanderers Ground | Windhoek, Namibia | 7,500 | Desert highland venue surrounded by rugged hills |
Visas and cross-border travel formalities
Because matches are split across three sovereign nations, you must review visa and entry requirements for each country on your itinerary. You cannot travel between South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia without going through border immigration.
South Africa entry rules
Passport holders from countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and the EU can visit South Africa visa-free for up to 90 days. Other travelers, including many Asian and African passport holders, must get a South African visitor visa before they leave, through a consulate or the e-visa system.
Check current rules through the official government portal at South Africa Government Online. On an Indian passport? Read our guide to visa-free countries for Indian passport holders for transit and tourist exemptions in the region.
Zimbabwe and the KAZA Univisa
Zimbabwe gives visas on arrival to citizens of about 45 countries (Category B). They cost US $30 for single entry or US $45 for double entry, paid in clean US dollar notes at the airport.
If you're also visiting Victoria Falls or crossing into Zambia, buy the KAZA Univisa for US $50. It covers unlimited crossings between Zimbabwe and Zambia for 30 days.
Namibia entry requirements
Namibia lets many Western travelers in visa-free, but it now charges reciprocal e-visa fees to some nationalities. Verify your passport status using our interactive visa checker tool well in advance of departure.
Getting around southern Africa: flights and logistics
Distances across southern Africa are vast. Driving from Johannesburg to Cape Town takes 14 to 15 hours across the dry Karoo.
Crossing into Namibia means thousands of kilometers of remote gravel roads. Domestic flights are essential for tournament spectators.
- Domestic flights in South Africa: Carriers such as Airlink, FlySafair, CemAir, and South African Airways operate frequent daily flights connecting Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and Gqeberha. Airlink also operates regular regional flights to Harare, Bulawayo, and Windhoek.
- Urban transit: Do not rely on municipal street buses or suburban trains. In Johannesburg and Pretoria, use the secure Gautrain system for airport and stadium transfers. In Cape Town and Durban, ride-hailing services like Uber are dependable, safe, and inexpensive.
- Car rentals: For exploring the Cape Winelands, the Garden Route, or Namibia's national parks, renting a vehicle gives total flexibility. Remember that driving in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia is on the left side of the road.
Accommodation and safety advice for tournament visitors
Securing lodgings in safe, well-connected neighborhoods ensures an enjoyable tournament experience.
- Johannesburg: Base yourself in Sandton, Rosebank, or Melrose Arch. These districts feature 24-hour private security patrols, walkable shopping plazas, and direct access to top dining.
- Cape Town: Choose Green Point, Sea Point, Camps Bay, or the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. These coastal neighborhoods offer easy taxi rides to Newlands and scenic sunset strolls.
- Harare: Look for boutique guest lodges in northern suburbs like Borrowdale, Avondale, or Newlands.
- Windhoek: Central Windhoek and Klein Windhoek provide quiet guesthouses within short driving distance of match venues.
As of October 2026, comfortable mid-range hotel rooms in South Africa range from ZAR 1,400 to ZAR 2,600 (roughly US $80 to $145) per night. Luxury safari lodges and waterfront suites command higher rates, especially during peak cricket weekends.
Fan budgets and daily costs
Southern Africa offers exceptional travel value for international fans holding strong currencies. Official tourism updates and suggested regional routes can be reviewed at South Africa Tourism.
- Match tickets: As of October 2026, pool match tickets are projected to start at ZAR 150 to ZAR 350 ($8 to $20) for grass banks, rising to ZAR 600 to ZAR 1,500 ($35 to $85) for premium grandstand seats. Super Six and knockout matches will range higher.
- Daily dining: A hearty café breakfast costs around ZAR 90 to ZAR 140 ($5 to $8). A traditional braai (barbecue) or steakhouse dinner with local wine averages ZAR 250 to ZAR 450 ($14 to $25).
- Match-day drinks: A cold pint of Castle Lager at the ground typically costs ZAR 35 to ZAR 50 ($2 to $3).
Plan your multi-week route and safari detours with our trip planner tool to ensure your match schedule aligns smoothly with rest days and game reserves.
Frequently asked questions
When will the 2027 Cricket World Cup schedule be announced?
The ICC typically releases the official fixture list and venue allocations approximately 12 to 14 months before the tournament kicks off.
Is it safe to attend evening matches in South Africa?
Yes, stadium precincts operate dedicated security perimeters on match days. Use licensed ride-hailing services like Uber directly from stadium pickup gates back to your hotel rather than walking through unfamiliar streets at night.
Can I combine cricket matches with a safari?
Absolutely. Kruger National Park, Pilanesberg National Park, and Addo Elephant National Park are situated within convenient driving or short flying distance from host cities like Johannesburg and Gqeberha.
What currency should I carry?
South Africa uses the South African Rand (ZAR). Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere in South Africa and Namibia. In Zimbabwe, carry crisp US dollar cash bills in small denominations ($1, $5, $10, and $20) for everyday expenses.
