Plan your trip to the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe. Discover the teams, match schedule, stadiums, hotels, flights, local transport and essential travel tips.
Cricket World Cup 2027: Three Countries, One Unforgettable Sporting Adventure
Imagine watching world-class cricket in a spectacular stadium, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Johannesburg, exploring Cape Town's beautiful coastline and discovering the incredible landscapes of Namibia and Zimbabwe. The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027 promises to combine outstanding sport with a memorable journey through southern Africa.
The tournament will take place from 2 October to 21 November 2027, bringing together 14 teams for 57 matches across three countries and 12 venues. It will also mark the return of the Men's Cricket World Cup to Africa for the first time since 2003, with Namibia hosting matches at the senior tournament for the first time.
For international visitors, this is an excellent opportunity to combine cricket with wildlife safaris, wine regions, historic cities and some of Africa's most spectacular natural attractions.
Whether you are travelling to support your national team or simply want to experience one of the world's biggest sporting events, this guide covers the essential information for planning your trip.
1. Which teams are participating?
Fourteen national teams will compete in the tournament. Ten teams qualify directly, while four additional places are decided through the qualification competition.
The main tournament features two groups of six teams, followed by the Super 7 stage, semi-finals and final. Three lower-ranked qualifying teams will first compete in a preliminary Super Series in Namibia.
Group A
India
Australia
Pakistan
Afghanistan
Zimbabwe
Qualifier A
Group B
New Zealand
South Africa
Sri Lanka
England
Bangladesh
Qualifier B
The final identities of the remaining qualifiers depend on the qualification competition. Check the official ICC website for the latest confirmed line-up before booking travel.
Matches to watch: India versus Pakistan is one of the most anticipated fixtures in international cricket. The meeting is scheduled for 10 October in Johannesburg. India versus Australia in Cape Town on 7 October is another major attraction, while hosts South Africa will begin their group campaign against New Zealand.
Source: Official ICC Cricket World Cup website.
2. Cricket World Cup 2027: Match schedule
The tournament runs for seven weeks, with the competition moving between Namibia, Zimbabwe and South Africa.
| Date | Stage | Key location or fixture |
|---|---|---|
| 2 October | Super Series | Windhoek |
| 4 October | Super Series | Windhoek |
| 6 October | Super Series | Windhoek |
| 7 October | Group stage | India vs Australia, Cape Town |
| 8 October | Group stage | South Africa's co-hosts and international teams begin their campaigns |
| 9 October | Group stage | Zimbabwe vs Qualifier A, Bulawayo |
| 10 October | Group stage | India vs Pakistan, Johannesburg |
| 11–24 October | Group stage | Matches across all three host countries |
| 25 October–14 November | Super 7 | Twenty-one matches across the host cities |
| 17 November | Semi-final | Cape Town |
| 18 November | Semi-final | Tshwane |
| 21 November | Final | Johannesburg |
The opening three matches determine which of the preliminary qualifiers advances to the main group stage. The Super 7 brings together the leading teams from the groups, with the top four progressing to the semi-finals.
The complete fixture list, including individual match times and stadium assignments, is available through the official ICC schedule.
Travel tip: If your main goal is to watch a particular team, build your trip around its confirmed fixtures rather than attempting to travel between every stadium. Southern Africa is enormous, and some journeys require flights rather than short road transfers.
3. Where will the matches be played?
There are 12 host venues: eight in South Africa, three in Zimbabwe and one in Namibia.
South Africa: Eight venues
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| City | Stadium | What else to enjoy |
|---|---|---|
| Cape Town | Newlands Cricket Ground | Table Mountain, waterfront and beaches |
| Johannesburg | Wanderers Stadium | Apartheid Museum, city attractions and restaurants |
| Tshwane (Pretoria) | Centurion Park | Historic Pretoria and nearby nature reserves |
| Durban | Kingsmead Cricket Ground | Indian Ocean beaches and Durban's food scene |
| Gqeberha | St George's Park | Beaches and the Eastern Cape coast |
| Bloemfontein | Mangaung Oval | Museums and the Free State countryside |
| Paarl | Boland Park | Wine estates, vineyards and mountain scenery |
| KuGompo City (formerly East London) | Buffalo Park | Coastal scenery and beaches |
Cape Town is an excellent choice for visitors wanting to combine cricket with sightseeing. Paarl is particularly attractive for wine lovers, while Durban offers a more tropical coastal atmosphere.
Johannesburg is the natural base for fans planning to attend the final.
Zimbabwe: Three venues
| City | Stadium | Travel highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Harare | Harare Sports Club | Museums, restaurants and local markets |
| Bulawayo | Queens Sports Club | Historic architecture and Matobo Hills |
| Victoria Falls | Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium | Victoria Falls and Zambezi River excursions |
Victoria Falls is especially appealing for travellers who want more than sport. Allow extra time for guided waterfall visits, river cruises and wildlife experiences.
Namibia: One venue
"Namibia Cricket Ground Windhoek cricket stadium Namibia"
Windhoek – Namibia Cricket Ground
Windhoek hosts the three-match Super Series and additional group-stage fixtures. The city is also a practical gateway for exploring Namibia's desert landscapes, local culture and dramatic open countryside.
Namibia's relatively small number of matches makes it particularly suitable for a short cricket-focused visit combined with a few days of sightseeing.
4. International flights and transport between the host countries
For most European visitors, the easiest approach is to fly to one major hub and organise the rest of the trip around the fixtures.
Flying from Europe
Cape Town International Airport: A good choice for starting a trip in South Africa's Western Cape. Depending on the season and airline, direct or connecting services may be available from European airports.
Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport: A major international gateway with extensive onward connections to other South African cities and regional destinations.
Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport: The main international gateway for Namibia, generally reached from Europe through connecting services or selected direct routes.
Victoria Falls Airport: Useful for visitors planning a Zimbabwe safari or waterfall extension, although flight availability and schedules should be checked carefully.
Harare and Bulawayo: Alternative entry points when flights align with your match itinerary.
For travellers from the Netherlands, Belgium or Germany, compare flights from Amsterdam, Brussels, Düsseldorf and Frankfurt. A connecting flight can be cheaper than a direct service, but compare baggage charges, connection times and total journey duration.
What is the best way to travel between matches?
| Journey | Recommended transport |
|---|---|
| Cape Town–Paarl | Rental car or road transfer |
| Johannesburg–Tshwane | Car, taxi or pre-arranged transfer |
| Cape Town–Durban | Domestic flight for speed |
| Johannesburg–Harare | International flight |
| Harare–Bulawayo | Domestic flight or long-distance road transfer |
| Windhoek–Johannesburg | Flight |
| Windhoek–Victoria Falls | Check available regional flights and connections |
Road travel can be a rewarding part of the holiday, but do not underestimate the distances. A trip between major cities can take many hours, and border crossings may add delays.
My recommendation: Choose one or two host cities as your main bases. For a longer holiday, a combination of Cape Town, Johannesburg and either Windhoek or Victoria Falls offers a good balance of cricket, scenery and cultural experiences.
5. Hotels near the cricket stadiums
Accommodation will be in demand around major matches, especially the India–Pakistan fixture, the semi-finals and the final. Reserve a cancellable room as early as practical, and confirm your accommodation's location and transport arrangements before paying.
The following are useful neighbourhoods and hotel-search areas, with budget guesthouses, apartments and mid-range hotels worth comparing.
| Venue | Where to look for accommodation |
|---|---|
| Newlands, Cape Town | Newlands, Claremont and Rondebosch |
| Wanderers, Johannesburg | Rosebank, Melrose and Sandton |
| Centurion Park, Tshwane | Centurion and nearby business districts |
| Kingsmead, Durban | Durban beachfront and central beachfront districts |
| St George's Park, Gqeberha | Central Gqeberha and Summerstrand |
| Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein | Central Bloemfontein and nearby guesthouses |
| Boland Park, Paarl | Paarl town centre and nearby wine estates |
| Buffalo Park, KuGompo City | Central East London and beachfront areas |
| Harare Sports Club | Avenues, Borrowdale and central Harare |
| Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo | Central Bulawayo |
| Mosi-oa-Tunya Stadium, Victoria Falls | Victoria Falls town and the main tourism district |
| Namibia Cricket Ground, Windhoek | Windhoek city centre and Klein Windhoek |
Budget or mid-range: Which should you choose?
Budget travellers: Look for guesthouses, simple hotels, self-catering apartments and rooms slightly outside the main tourist districts. Check whether transfers to the stadium are available.
Mid-range travellers: Choose a hotel with secure parking, breakfast, reliable air conditioning where needed and easy access to taxis or organised transfers.
For the final: If you are travelling to Johannesburg for 21 November, staying several nights in the city is safer than relying on a same-day long-distance journey.
Always check the exact stadium location, because a hotel described as being in the same city may still be a substantial drive away.
6. Local transport and getting to the stadiums
Transport arrangements vary considerably between the three countries.
South Africa
Rental cars are useful for exploring the Western Cape and travelling between nearby towns. In major cities, app-based ride-hailing services and pre-booked transfers can be practical alternatives.
Public transport options differ by city, and not every route is convenient for visitors carrying luggage or returning after an evening event. Check whether the tournament provides official shuttle buses or designated park-and-ride services.
Allow additional time for match-day traffic and security checks.
Zimbabwe
In Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls, taxis and pre-arranged hotel transfers are useful for visitors. For longer journeys, compare domestic flights with reputable intercity coach or transfer services.
If you hire a car, check the rental company's cross-border policy before attempting to drive between countries. Insurance, paperwork and permitted border crossings can differ.
Namibia
Windhoek is spread out, so a rental car, hotel transfer or reputable taxi service can be more convenient than relying on walking.
If you plan to explore Namibia beyond the capital, consider the additional driving distances and the condition of rural roads. Avoid planning long drives immediately before a match.
Important: Do not assume that every stadium will have a dedicated public transport service. Confirm official event transport arrangements closer to the tournament.
7. Entry requirements, safety and practical rules
A cricket holiday across three countries requires a little more preparation than an ordinary city break.
Passports and visas
South Africa: Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Check the official government guidance before booking.
Namibia: Entry requirements vary by nationality. Check whether you need a visa, including whether visa-on-arrival or other arrangements apply to your passport.
Zimbabwe: Visa requirements and permitted entry procedures depend on nationality and current rules. Check official immigration guidance before departure.
Your passport should meet each country's validity requirements. Namibia's official visitor guidance specifies a passport valid for at least six months beyond entry and sufficient blank pages.
If you plan to visit all three countries, check the requirements for each country separately. Do not assume that entry permission for one country covers the others.
Health and travel insurance
Arrange comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, emergency evacuation and your planned activities. Check current health advice for the exact regions you intend to visit, especially if you plan to combine cricket with safaris or rural travel.
Carry any prescribed medication in its original packaging and check rules on bringing medication across borders.
Personal safety
Use reputable taxis or pre-arranged transfers, particularly after dark.
Ask your hotel which routes and neighbourhoods are suitable for visitors.
Avoid displaying expensive cameras, jewellery and large amounts of cash unnecessarily.
Keep passports, tickets and important documents secure.
Check local guidance before driving outside major cities, especially after dark.
Stadium rules and tickets
Purchase tickets only through the official tournament ticketing website or authorised sellers. Check the permitted bag sizes, prohibited items, photography rules, entry times and any restrictions on bringing food or drinks.
The tournament has an official ticket-ballot system, so registration does not automatically guarantee tickets. Read the current terms before submitting an application. <Cite refs={["turn460606search6"]}/>
8. What else can you do during the Cricket World Cup?
One of the greatest advantages of this tournament is the opportunity to combine international sport with an unforgettable holiday.
Table Mountain Cape Town ocean panoramic view","Cape Winelands Stellenbosch vineyard mountains","Victoria Falls Zambezi River Zimbabwe scenic view","Namibian desert dunes Sossusvlei landscape"
Cape Town: Explore Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront, the Cape Peninsula and the city's beaches.
Paarl: Visit vineyards, taste regional wines and enjoy the scenery of the Cape Winelands.
Johannesburg: Discover the city's history, museums, restaurants and cultural districts.
Durban: Enjoy the Indian Ocean coastline and the city's distinctive food culture.
Victoria Falls: Take a guided waterfall visit, enjoy a Zambezi River excursion or arrange a wildlife experience.
Windhoek: Discover Namibian cuisine, markets and local history before or after your matches.
Plan these activities around your match dates rather than squeezing everything into a tight schedule. A cancelled or delayed flight can quickly disrupt an itinerary with too many connections.
9. When should you book your Cricket World Cup holiday?
For a major international event, it is sensible to start planning early.
Flights: Compare prices well in advance and monitor airline schedules as they become available. Consider open-jaw tickets, arriving in one city and departing from another, if this reduces backtracking.
Hotels: Prioritise accommodation for the final, semi-finals and other high-demand fixtures. Flexible cancellation terms can be valuable while the itinerary is still changing.
Tickets: Follow official ICC announcements and the tournament ticket portal. Do not book an expensive non-refundable holiday on the assumption that a ballot entry guarantees a match ticket.
Car hire: Compare insurance, excess, mileage limits, cross-border permissions and airport surcharges. A rental car in one country may not be permitted to cross into another.
Itinerary: Leave at least a reasonable buffer before important matches if travelling between cities by air or road.
10. A suggested 14-day Cricket World Cup itinerary
For visitors who want cricket and sightseeing without spending the whole holiday in transit, this is a practical starting point.
| Days | Suggested plan |
|---|---|
| 1–4 | Arrive in Cape Town, attend a match and explore the city |
| 5–6 | Visit Paarl and the Cape Winelands, subject to fixtures |
| 7–9 | Fly to Johannesburg, attend a match and explore the city |
| 10–11 | Attend a fixture in Johannesburg or nearby Tshwane |
| 12–14 | Extend your stay in South Africa or fly to Victoria Falls for a separate sightseeing break |
This itinerary is a suggested holiday structure, not a guaranteed sequence of matches. Adapt it to your preferred teams and the actual fixtures available when you secure tickets.
If your main priority is to follow one national side through the competition, a different itinerary may be more suitable.
Final thoughts: A World Cup worth travelling for
The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027 is much more than a sporting tournament. With three host countries, 12 venues and seven weeks of international cricket, it offers a rare opportunity to experience the diversity of southern Africa while following the world's leading cricket teams.
From Cape Town's dramatic coastline to the energy of Johannesburg, the atmosphere of Windhoek and the extraordinary scenery around Victoria Falls, there are plenty of reasons to extend your stay beyond the stadium.
The best approach is to book strategically, choose a manageable number of host cities, confirm your entry requirements and build the rest of your holiday around the matches you most want to see.
For official updates, fixtures and ticket information, visit the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027 website.
