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Trip Overview
Duration
6 Days | 5 Nights
Tour Date Options
21 - 26 August 2026
Location
The Westcliff Johannesburg
Masiya's Camp Royal Malewane
Thornybush Nature Reserve
Your journey begins in Johannesburg at the Four Seasons Hotel, The Westcliff. From this luxurious city hotel, you travel to the historic Ellis Park stadium for rugby’s Greatest Rivalry – The Springboks versus The All Blacks. You’ll enjoy the test with your host Butch James – world-cup winning Springbok flyhalf – in a beautifully appointed hospitality suite.
After the match, you’ll leave the city with Butch, flying directly into Thornybush Game Reserve in the Greater Kruger. For three nights, you’ll enjoy the exquisite safari experience offered at Masiya’s Camp, Royal Malewane, where privacy, design, and close wildlife encounters define your stay. This is a week shaped by contrast – stadium energy followed by open wilderness and fantastic memories shared with a Springbok legend.
Your Match Day Experience
Springboks vs All Blacks - Rugby's Greatest Rivalry
Venue: Ellis Park Stadium
Included:
- Hospitality test match tickets
- Refreshments and snacks in the hospitality suite
- Private road transfers to and from Ellis Park
An elevated test match experience in one of world rugby’s most storied stadiums.
Your Safari Host
Butch James
Private Rugby Host
Butch James is a Rugby World Cup winner and former Springbok flyhalf who earned 37 Test caps for South Africa and played a key role in the 2007 World Cup triumph. Recognised for his physical intensity and disciplined game management, he competed at the highest level of international and club rugby over a distinguished career.
For this journey, Butch joins guests for the test match at Ellis Park and the safari at Thornybush. In the bush, away from the stadium’s pace, he shares his passion for wilderness, and his stories from a legendary rugby career. Butch offers a profound connection to South Africa’s sporting and natural heritage in the stadium in the wild.
The Lodge
Masiya's Camp Royal Malewane
Or similar, dependent on availability.
Set in Thornybush Private Game Reserve, Masiya’s Camp is intimate and refined. The camp combines canvas and contemporary design, with spacious tented suites that open onto private decks and plunge pools overlooking the bush. The atmosphere is warm and relaxed, the hospitality and dining are exceptional. Masiya’s offers seclusion and sophisticated comfort.
Game drives take place in the Greater Kruger ecosystem, known for exceptional predator sightings and open traversing. Masiya’s is renowned for its experienced guides and trackers, offering an immersive, entertaining wilderness experience whether following fresh lion tracks at dawn or pausing with elephants at the water. Between safaris, time slows. You return to thoughtful cuisine, attentive service, and evenings around the fire under wide African skies.
Included
- Luxury accommodation
- All meals and local beverages
- Conservation levies
- Twice daily game drives
- Direct return flights from OR Tambo to Masiya’s Camp
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in South Africa
You’ll arrive at OR Tambo International Airport to be met by VIP assistance for immigration, customs and baggage collection before an escort to your private transfer driver. From here you’ll travel to the Four Seasons Hotel, The Westcliff and settle in for the evening.
Day 2: Match day
After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll have time at leisure before heading to Ellis Park stadium in a private tranasfer for the match build-up. In the hospitality suite, you’ll meet your host – Butch James. He will provide insights and stories as you watch the Springboks take on the All Blacks. You’ll return to the hotel by private transfer after the match.
Day 3: Safari Time
You’ll return to OR Tambo for a direct flight to Masiya’s Camp, Royal Malewane with Butch. On arrival, you’ll enjoy the comforts of your sumptuous suite before heading out on your first afternoon safari. You’ll return for a gorgeous dinner – the perfect time for sharing stories.
Day 4 and 5: On Safari
Your days begin at dawn with a hot drink before your morning safari with Butch, your private guide and tracker. Afternoons bring another opportunity to explore the reserve, known for exceptional wildlife sightings. Between drives, you can relax on your private deck or enjoy a spa treatment. Evenings gather around elegant dining and conversation with Butch under wide African skies.
Day 6: Depart
You’ll head out for a final morning safari before breakfast. Afterwards, you’ll catch a direct flight back to OR Tambo where you’ll connect with your onward travel arrangements.
Pricing
Starting from
Per Person Sharing
Starting from
Per Person Single
