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Tour map

The interactive tour map above provides supporters with more information on all of the cities hosting British & Irish Lions fixtures during the tour to South Africa in 2009.

The three test match cities for the British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa are Pretoria, Durban and Johannesburg. Cape Town is also set to be one of the main venues for supporters travelling to South Africa.

Cape Town

Cape Town is the third largest city in South Africa and the provincial capital of the Western Cape. Arguably it is one of the world's most beautiful cities with a fantastic harbour setting (V&A Waterfront) and such well known landmarks as Table Mountain and Cape Point.

It's no wonder the city is the number one tourist destination in South Africa. Transportation, hotels, shopping, entertainment and eating out are of a high standard. The city is the home of the Stormers Super 14 side who play at Newlands Stadium.

The Tour will be visiting Cape Town at just right the time of year with a very pleasant spring climate.

Please click on the interactive tour map above to find out more information on Cape Town

Durban

Durban is located in sub-tropical Kwazulu-Natal. The city is influenced by several cultures: its European colonial past, a substantial part of its population with its origins in India and a rich Zulu heritage. It is blessed with golden sandy beaches that stretch over hundreds of miles, and lies at the centre of some of the country’s best game and marine reserves up the north coast, the magnificent Drakensberg Mountains are a half day’s drive inland and there are thriving coastal towns along the south coast.

Durban is home to the Sharks Super 14 rugby team at ABSA Park and is where Jeremy Guscott kicked the winning drop goal on the 1997 tour.

Please click on the interactive tour map above to find out more information on Durban

Pretoria

Pretoria - today also called Tshwane - was founded in 1855 and declared the capital of the South African Republic, which was the Boer (it’s Afrikaans for farmer) republic in Transvaal.

The president of the republic, Marthinus Pretorius, named it after his father, Andries Pretorius, who had become the national hero of the Voortrekkers after his victory over the Zulu kingdom in the famous battle at Blood River.

The founding of Pretoria as the capital of the South African Republic marked the end of the Boers' settlement movements of the Groot Trek. Pretoria is steeped in history, but you knew that already.

Pretoria is the home of the 2007 Super 14 champions the Blue Bulls, who play Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

Please click on the interactive tour map above to find out more information on Pretoria

Johannesburg

Johannesburg is a city founded on gold. This thriving and cosmopolitan city has a population of just over 3 million. The city celebrated its centenary in 1996.

Wind the clock back and it wasn’t until Australian prospector George Harrison came pioneering, that the mineral wealth of the area was discovered. In 1886, after George sold his gold claim for just £10, Johannesburg was born.

The city was the centre of political change when the Soweto student’s uprising in 1976 began the process of unravelling apartheid. From those days of violence and despair, the city has progressed to become Africa’s economic powerhouse.

Johannesburg is home to the Auto & General Lions Super 14 side who play at Ellis Park.

Please click on the interactive tour map above to find out more information on Johannesburg

Port Elizabeth

Port Elizabeth is one of South Africa's best-kept secrets with fantastic weather, stunning beaches and a range of attractions making it a great place for a relaxing stay.

A combination of calm waters and fair breezes create perfect conditions for sailing, wind surfing and kite boarding. The beaches are safe for swimming, surfing and body boarding. Clear water (up to 30 metres visibility) make it ideal for scuba-diving and there are a number of great diving areas such as ship wrecks and coral reefs.There are one day courses available as well as boat charters and gear for hire.

As with every South African city, it is full of rugby fanatics who like nothing more than to grab a few beers and talk rugby with anyone who will listen. Please check details and options with our Official Licensed Operators.

Bloemfontein

Bloemfontein is fondly known as the “City of roses” but this isn’t a reference to The England team. More than 4,000 rose trees have been planted in the rose garden at King’s Park, which was opened in 1925 by the Prince of Wales, Edward VIII.

There is a great deal of history to take in, especially for the British. The area was a key battle ground in the Boer War. In 1900 British forces captured the city and built a concentration camp nearby to house Boer women and children. The National Women's Memorial, on the outskirts of the city, pays homage to the 45,000 women and children who died in these camps.

A terrible past is no reflection of the beauty and excitement of the area. Here are a few suggestions for you to consider.

Rustenburg

Rustenburg, situated some 80 miles northwest of Johannesburg at the foot of the Magaliesberg Mountains, is the hub of a thriving agricultural and mining industry.

Rustenburg is the third oldest town in an area formerly known as the Transvaal have been founded in 1851 by ‘burghers’ - farmers descended from Dutch settlers - who had settled in the area a decade earlier. Its streets are famous for their beautiful purple-flouring jacaranda trees.