Tailor Made South Africa Travel

Game, Set and Club Tennis

Well, the tennis protege is on his way home - from Spain that is, not South Africa, but as I was writing  a few days ago about surfing, I thought I would introduce you to the wonderful array of tennis that can be had on your South African idyll.

What better way of really getting to know the locals than with a game of tennis played under wide, blue skies and no cloud in sight?  Mind you, tricky conditions can certainly be had in Cape Town, especially in Milnerton, with a wind that would test the patience of a saint! 

Perhaps it's all that easy camaraderie when you're sitting with your drink in the bar afterwards, that gets you over the frustrations. 

We can recommend any number of courts that are sheltered from the wind, whether in the north, south, east or west of the country and if tennis is your game, you'll love recounting all those aces delivered in incredible settings like the one that Roger Federer gets to play on in Knysna when he's staying at his home there.

South African Cricket Making Spectacle!

Love of cricket in our house has been encouraged by our visits to South Africa.  Somehow sitting in a bar down at the Waterfront with a cool drink in your hand, incredible views of Table Mountain on one side and the TV showing the latest touring side being thrashed, sums up the wonderful atmosphere that pervades sport in this glorious country.  Of course, going to the ground rates even higher for atmosphere - if you can get hold of a ticket.

However, yesterday we had to make do with a cold, damp, dreary Sunday afternoon at home in the UK.  Neither son was at home, so we were able to watch in peace as a rampant Australia went in to bat first.

A world record breaking 434 runs with the loss of only 4 wickets later, the Aussie's had set what looked to be an insurmountable lead.

It must have been sick-making having to come out and try to top that!  However, the plucky South African's got on with the task with Graeme Smith, the captain, hitting a very quick 90 off 55 balls.  Believe me, I wouldn't have wanted to be sitting in the crowd with all those balls flying over the boundary!  At least not without a miners hat on.

Enter one Hershelle Gibbs who notched up 175 runs in pretty smart time too.  When he fell prey to a catch, the atmosphere from the capacity crowd was electric and palpable through the TV set!  Sitting on a knife edge for the rest of the afternoon was excruciating, as the momentum of the game swung first in Australia's favour then back to South Africa. Not until right at the very end of the game with two balls to go and one run to get did you believe that South Africa could do it.

Just goes to show that the Aussies produce the finest cricket in the world and truly are the team to beat.  Last summer England had to move mountains to gain back the Ashes after 18 years of continuous ownership by the Australians and yesterday South Africa had to break a huge world record breaking target to take the Standard Bank One Day Series.  Can't wait to see what the test series is going to produce! 

The first test starts on Thursday down at Newlands in Cape Town.  Catch it live on Sky TV.  It's sure to be gripping stuff.

If you'd like to know more about English cricket, visit the official site of the England and Wales Cricket Board.

If  South Africa is more your thing, you can find all things South African here.  Of course, if you'd like to take in some cricket on your travel plans to South Africa, don't fail to let us know when we help you with your own South African Spectacular!