Calday Grange Grammar School’s Unforgettable Multi-Sports Tour to South Africa

Four Students Had Never Been on a Plane Before.

Coming from challenging backgrounds, this was potentially their only opportunity to experience a country as remarkable as South Africa. 

“For them, this was quite possibly the only time they will get the chance to experience South Africa.”

Mark Broadhurst, Party Leader 

That made every moment count. 

“This Is Exactly Why We Did This.” 

South Africa has a reputation for creating those unforgettable WOW moments, and Calday Grange’s tour delivered plenty of them. 

Their school sports tour began in Cape Town, taking in the city’s iconic sights before settling into a packed programme of sport, adventure and cultural experiences. 

For party leader, Mark Broadhurst, who had visited South Africa several times before, the most memorable part wasn’t necessarily seeing the country again – it was watching colleagues and students experience it for the first time. 

“Two of my colleagues had never been so seeing the reaction on their faces was very special.
My students were also blown away by the beauty of the country.”

Mark Broadhurst, Party Leader 

That sense of discovery became a theme throughout the tour.

Sport with a South African twist 

For a school with both an U18 rugby team and an U18 football team, the tour provided the perfect opportunity to take their sport onto an international stage. 

Calday Grange played three rugby and three football fixtures against South African schools, creating opportunities for competition, cultural exchange and new friendships. 

The first fixtures took place against Plumstead High School, followed later in the tour by matches against Settlers High School and Krugersdorp High School. 

But sport was just one part of the experience.

From Table Mountain to Robben Island 

Away from the pitches, students were immersed in the history and landscape of Cape Town. 

They tackled Platteklip Gorge on Table Mountain, taking in spectacular views across the peninsula before descending by cableway, weather permitting. 

They also travelled to Robben Island, exploring its complex history and visiting the Maximum Security Prison, where thousands of South African freedom fighters were incarcerated, culminating in a viewing of Nelson Mandela’s cell. 

Then came an experience that would become the standout moment of the entire trip.

The WOW Moment: Hout Bay 

If there was one day that captured everything great about the tour, it was the group’s adventure at Hout Bay. 

The students split into groups for kayaking and a Seal Island cruise before heading to Boulders Beach to see the famous African penguin colony. 

For party leader Mark Broadhurst, however, it was the kayaking that stole the show: 

“The big moment on Tour was the day out at Hout Bay kayaking with the Dolphins in amazing weather.”  

It was the perfect South African school-tour moment: adventure, wildlife, sunshine and a spectacular coastal setting all rolled into one. 

A Different Side of South Africa 

Not every experience was about spectacular scenery. 

Calday Grange also had the opportunity to explore a very different side of South African life during a visit to Langa Township. 

Led by a local guide who lived in the township, the group learned about its history, met local people and explored community projects, arts and crafts and local culture. 

It was an experience that left a lasting impression. 

“The Township was a hard hitting moment for many.”

Mark Broadhurst, Party Leader 

For students, it offered an opportunity to look beyond the postcard version of South Africa and gain a deeper understanding of the communities they were visiting.

From the Rugby Stadium to the Wild 

The second half of the tour took the group north towards Pretoria. 

After visiting Gold Reef City, students stayed at the High Performance Centre before playing their final rugby and football fixtures and going behind the scenes at Loftus Versfeld Rugby Stadium. 

Then came another completely different experience: safari. 

The group travelled to Sun City before heading to Bakubung Game Lodge in Pilanesberg National Park, where they enjoyed an afternoon game drive followed by an early-morning drive the following day.

When the Unexpected Happened 

Of course, international school tours don’t always go exactly to plan. 

During Calday Grange’s journey, problems with the planned connection through Dubai meant alternative arrangements had to be found. 

For the school, this was where having an experienced tour operator made a real difference. 

“From the word GO, everyone at Rayburn were extremely helpful. They were approachable anytime and always able to sort any issue.
The lines of communication were clear and easy.”

Mark Broadhurst, Party Leader 

Rather than leaving the school to deal with the disruption alone, the Rayburn Tours team worked through the problem and provided alternative solutions. 

“Rayburn took away all the stress my end and were able to provide wonderful solutions to the problem.”

Mark Broadhurst, Party Leader 

With a dedicated Cape Town guide, local representatives in Johannesburg and coach transport arranged throughout the itinerary, the group had support on the ground as well as before departure. 

Why Choose South Africa? 

When asked why other schools should consider South Africa, Mr Broadhurst summed it perfectly: 

“It’s quite simply an amazing part of the world. The beauty of the landscape is visible at every turn
with some of the most generous and welcoming people you wish to meet.” 

And perhaps the best description of the entire Calday Grange experience: 

“Every activity is a WOW moment with the students getting memories to last a lifetime.”