Cricket, Cape Town and Big 5 safaris come together in a powerful celebration of sport, travel and two great nations
Cape Town, South Africa – Aquila Safari and the Barmy Army are proud to announce a new collaboration that names Aquila Safari as the Official Cape Town Safari Experience Partner of the Barmy Army for England’s 2026/27 Tour to South Africa.
With excitement already building across South Africa, England and the global cricket community, the 2026/27 tour is set to be one of the standout sporting and travel events of the year. It will bring together passionate England supporters, iconic South African destinations, world-class cricket and unforgettable fan experiences – with Cape Town firmly at the heart of the journey.
As one of South Africa’s most important overseas tourism markets, England continues to play a major role in driving travel demand, destination awareness and long-haul visitor confidence. This partnership celebrates the deep connection between the two nations, where cricket, friendship, tourism and shared experiences come together, and where sports tourism plays an increasingly important role.
In a joint statement, Aquila Safari and the Barmy Army said:
“This partnership is an exciting celebration of everything that makes an England cricket tour to South Africa so special. It brings together the passion of the Barmy Army, the beauty and energy of Cape Town, and the bucket-list experience of a Big 5 safari with Aquila. For travelling fans, this is about more than watching cricket — it is about experiencing South Africa in full colour.”
Cape Town has long been regarded as one of the great cricket tour destinations: a city where match days unfold against the backdrop of Table Mountain, and where the Cape Winelands, beaches, food, nightlife and culture are all within easy reach. It is a place where visitors can turn a sporting trip into one of the most memorable journeys of their lives.
Through this collaboration, travelling England fans will have the opportunity to experience Aquila Safari as part of their tour itinerary — combining the roar of the crowd with the thrill of the veld, from songs in the stands to unforgettable Big 5 safari moments.
Aquila Safari, located just under two hours from Cape Town, offers visitors the opportunity to experience a Cape Town Big 5 safari without needing to travel to another region of the country. For cricket fans already visiting Cape Town, it is a natural extension of the tour experience, alongside Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront, the Cape Winelands, coastal drives and the city’s world-renowned hospitality.
For more than 30 years, the Barmy Army has been at the heart of England’s travelling support, following teams around the world and creating unforgettable experiences for fans both inside and outside the stadium. Known for its passion, atmosphere and loyal support, the Barmy Army has become one of the most recognisable supporter groups in world sport. Thousands of England fans are expected to travel to South Africa for the 2026/27 tour, continuing one of cricket’s great travelling traditions.
In a joint statement, Aquila Safari and the Barmy Army said:
South Africa is one of the great cricket touring nations, and Cape Town is one of the world’s most extraordinary match destinations. Together, Aquila Safari and the Barmy Army want to help fans make the most of every moment — before the match, after the match and beyond the boundary rope.”
The partnership also highlights the growing value of sports tourism as a driver of destination growth. Modern touring fans are not only buying match tickets; they are building complete travel experiences around sport. They want culture, food, wine, wildlife, local connection, atmosphere and stories they will carry home long after the final wicket has fallen.
For South Africa and England, the tour represents a fantastic coming together of two nations – built on sporting rivalry, mutual respect, shared history and a love of cricket. For Cape Town, it is another opportunity to showcase why the city remains one of the world’s most iconic destinations. For Aquila Safari, it is a chance to welcome travelling fans to one of South Africa’s great bucket-list experiences.
From Table Mountain to the Winelands, from Newlands cricket memories to Big 5 safari moments, and from Barmy Army songs to South African sunsets, this collaboration invites England supporters to experience the very best of the Cape.
The message to travelling fans is clear:
Come for the cricket. Stay for Cape Town. Go on safari with Aquila. Leave with a South African story you will never forget.
About Barmy Army
For more than 30 years, the Barmy Army has been the heartbeat of England’s travelling cricket support. Known around the world for its passion, songs, loyalty and unmistakable match-day atmosphere, the Barmy Army brings England fans together at home and abroad, creating memorable experiences around some of the biggest fixtures in world cricket.
Following England across global tours and major tournaments, the Barmy Army has become one of the most recognisable supporter groups in international sport. Beyond the boundary rope, it continues to connect fans through travel, entertainment, events and shared experiences that celebrate cricket, friendship and the spirit of touring.
About Aquila Safari
Aquila Safari is one of Cape Town’s leading bucket-list experiences, located just under two hours from the city. A family-friendly Big 5 safari destination, Aquila offers easily accessible day tours from Cape Town, as well as comfortable overnight stays for guests wanting a fuller wildlife and Karoo hospitality experience.
With over 25 years of award-winning conservation, responsible and sustainable tourism, ethical business practice and social upliftment accolades, Aquila has established itself as one of South Africa’s most recognised safari experiences. The 10 000 hectare conservancy has welcomed travellers from across the world, including global celebrities, dignitaries, sports personalities and international media.
Aquila Safari continues to play an important role in making the South African safari experience accessible to Cape Town visitors, while championing wildlife conservation, job creation, community development and responsible tourism.
AQUILA SAFARI MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
Johan van Schalkwyk
Aquila Collection Commercial Officer
johan@aquilacollection.com
Ruverashe Zimuto
Aquila Collection Media and PR Coordinator
rue@aquilacollection.com
