The Nyala Tour
England Rugby Travel has a huge range of packages available for the British & Irish Lions Tour, all of which include official match tickes, entry into the pre and post test match big bars and official Lions adidas merchandise.
Anyone who experienced the joyous 1997 British & Irish Lions tour needs no reminding of what a wonderful destination for rugby fans South Africa is.
South African’s have an unquenchable thirst for rugby, and combined with the awesome beauty and rich history of the country, any visit is sure to be unforgettable.
The Nyala tour, provides rugby lovers with the unique opportunity to support Ian McGeechan’s men in their quest to repeat the Lions triumph of 11 years ago. Jeremy Guscott dropped the winning goal in Durban back then, but who will etch their name into the history books this time?
With the Nyala package, fans can chose individually tailored tours of either 11 or 12 nights, taking in the second Test in Pretoria and third Test in Johannesburg with a midweek break to magnificent Cape Town in between.
Andrew Friggens, a carpenter from Penzance, says he has fulfilled his dream by booking him and his brother on the Nyala tour.
Andrew said: “It’s been a dream ever since I can remember watching the1989 Lions tour in Australia on TV. They won that one let’s hope they can do the same in 2009.
“I’ve always said along with my brother that one day we will both go and be part of a tour.
“I have chosen to travel with England Rugby Travel as it seems to be extremely well organised and great value for money. I am fulfilling one of my lifetime ambitions.”
The trip kicks off in Pretoria, the capital of South Africa and location of the revered Loftus Versfeld Stadium – the venue for the second Test. Tourists will arrive in plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere ahead of what is sure to be a tense and absorbing affair.
A visit to Pretoria would not be complete without a visit to the majestic Voortrekker Monument. Situated in a nature reserve, it is a unique monument commemorating the Pioneer history of Southern Africa and the history of the Afrikaner.
Fans can meet up at the ‘Big Bar’, run by England Rugby Travel, before and after the games, where they can toast their team’s success in victory or drown their sorrows in defeat. ‘Big bar’ entrance is included in each of our packages for each of the test matches.
After the buzz of the second Test, take a short flight down to Cape Town, home of Robben Island and Table Mountain, to spend four nights in this intoxicating city. Cape Town is without a doubt one of the most stunning locations in Africa, and somewhere visitors return to again and again.
Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela spent most of the 27 years of his incarceration, is an evocative insight into the Apartheid years, brought to life by the tour guides, many of whom were actually imprisoned there. This excursion along with many others can be added to a booking as an expression of interest, to ensure that all elements of the tour are covered.
As stunning views go, they don’t come much better than from Table Mountain. Take a cable car up to the top, or if you’re feeling energetic walk, and gaze out at Cape Point – the southernmost point in Africa – and down to Cape Town’s sprawling metropolis and vibrant harbour area.
Good food and outstanding wine (Chardonnays and Chenin Blancs don’t get any better than those from the Western Cape) are never far away, and a visit to Stellenbosch’s wine region is highly recommended.
Head to Long Street for the buzzing nightlife or hang out with the beautiful people in Camps Bay, one thing is for sure – no-one gets bored in Cape Town.
After soaking up all that Cape Town has to offer, fly to Johannesburg and settle into the luxurious surroundings of Sandton, located in the north of the city and a short taxi ride away from the brooding Coca Cola Stadium (formerly Ellis Park).
If the nerves are proving too much ahead of the third and final Test, fans can take their minds of things with a trip to Gold Reef City. On the grounds of a former gold mine, houses and entire streets have been rebuilt true to the originals from the gold-rush times. You can take the steam-train or a historical coach for a sightseeing tour through the extended premises.
A tour of Soweto, the biggest township in South Africa and the birthplace of the anti apartheid movement, is a must. You can visit the Hector Peterson Memorial which is another poignant reminder of the key role Soweto played in the fight against Apartheid.
With South Africa’s culture and history ringing in their ears, and no doubt a drop or two of Castle lager passing the lips, fans end the trip with a visit to Ellis Park for what could be the epic finale of the tour.
Win, lose or draw, the Nyala package offers a once in a lifetime opportunity to truly live the Lions.
