When you think of South Africa, you might picture world-class sport, dramatic coastlines, or the roar of the crowd at Cape Town Stadium. But for many schools who travel here on an Edwin Doran sports tour, the real magic lies in the moments that happen off the field.
Sports tours to South Africa offers a chance not only to test your team against strong opposition but also to connect with communities, support inspiring charities, and give your students experiences that stay with them for life. For teachers and Group Leaders, it’s about more than ticking off fixtures – it’s about shaping young people’s perspectives of the world.
Beyond the game: Partnerships that matter
Our Edwin Doran team have spent decades building long-standing relationships with grassroots organisations across South Africa. These aren’t quick visits; they’re meaningful connections that let your students learn, give back, and feel part of something bigger.
Here are just a few of the incredible organisations you can engage with:
Langa Township Tours & Harlem Tours – Led by Eric “Whitey” Dilima, the first non-white hockey player for Western Province, students explore Langa’s history, culture, and sport. Fixtures here connect visiting teams with the heart of the community, often finishing with donations of kit or equipment that make a real difference.
Lelapa Restaurant – More than a meal, it’s a cultural exchange. Hosted by the Malone Family in their family home, your group enjoys traditional Xhosa cuisine and live marimba music. It’s warm, joyful, and unforgettable – a reminder that food and stories bring people together.
VUSA Rugby Academy – Teaching rugby, providing meals, running a creche and learning centre – this is community uplift through sport. Students often train alongside VUSA kids, sharing drills and laughter.
Goedgedacht Trust – Based on a farm, this charity breaks cycles of generational poverty. Pupils plant seeds, join in dancing with pre-schoolers, or take part in fixtures against local teams – a day that’s both eye-opening and inspiring.
Connect Sports Academy – Using rugby to unlock opportunity, Connect brings together players from across Cape Town. Coaching sessions are led by Murray Ingram and his qualified team, who are passionate about giving young people a brighter future.
Edwin Doran Sports Tours also work with Connect to bring UK and South African schools the Festival of Unity. Held annually in Cape Town, the 6-day festival gives opportunities to young players to compete across rugby, netball, hockey, and – new for 2027 – football.
SKRUM (Eswatini) – Famous for their motto “Pass the Ball, Not the Virus”, SKRUM uses rugby to educate children about HIV/AIDS awareness. Your students don’t just play rugby – they play a role in life-changing education.
Winnie Mabaso Foundation – Based in Johannesburg, the Foundation supports vulnerable children, particularly those affected by HIV/AIDS. Students spend time gardening, playing, and sharing meals with the community, learning that small acts of kindness can leave a lasting mark.
What this means for Group Leaders
Bringing your school sports team to South Africa is not about adding more work to your already full schedule. Quite the opposite. Our long-standing partnerships mean everything is carefully organised, so you and your students can focus on the experience itself.
- Confident – You’ll know your visit is genuine and responsible, not “tourist for show.” We’ve been working with these charities for years.
- Supported – Our team in South Africa is with you every step, introducing you, guiding your group, and making sure the experience is safe and rewarding.
- Empowered – You can return home knowing your group didn’t just play sport; they made a difference.
- Smart – With logistics, donations, and itineraries taken care of, your time is used efficiently.
Teacher perspectives
“Our tour of Cape Town was really well planned and the support we got on the ground was exceptional & the best I have had in 28 years of running tours. I would highly recommend ED – they listened to us in the planning stage and worked with us to create a brilliant experience for the pupils.”
– St Paul’s School
“Kevin Smith was incredibly kind and went the extra mile in all areas of support for our group… He even purchased 70 chairs and contents for a new medical centre in the school we support. That kind of care made our trip extra special.”
– St Faith’s School
The lasting impact
For your students, South Africa is a sporting adventure – but it’s also a lesson in resilience, culture, and compassion. They’ll play tough fixtures, explore a country rich in history, and, most importantly, walk away with broadened horizons and a deeper sense of connection.
For you, it’s the reassurance that you’re not just giving them another tour but giving them an experience that matters.
South Africa inspires because it goes beyond the scoreboard. It’s where sport, culture, and compassion meet – and your team can be part of it by requesting a quote or calling our team on 020 3617 7983
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