South African cricket fans at Sri Lankan stadiums

South Africa first toured Sri Lanka in the 1990s, after their return to international cricket, and have visited regularly since. The most famous match came in July 2006 at the SSC, when Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara added 624 for the third wicket, the highest partnership in Test cricket, and Jayawardene made 374.

Galle has been a frequent venue, with its spin-friendly pitches testing South Africa's batsmen, and Pallekele and Colombo have hosted Tests and white-ball series. The Proteas have had good days too, including Test wins in Galle.

For South African fans, a visit to the SSC to see where the record stand happened is a rite of passage, however painful.

Galle is the highlight, with the fort ramparts, the ocean and a pitch that turns more each day. The SSC in Colombo is a compact club ground with history and a close view, and the P Sara Oval is even smaller and more traditional.

Pallekele near Kandy, with grass banks and hills, is a favourite with travelling fans, and the Premadasa hosts the biggest white-ball nights, with roughly 35,000 fans under lights.

Lankan Stays & Trails can plan a trip around South Africa's fixtures, with drivers between grounds and sightseeing on the rest days.

Flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Colombo connect via the Gulf, Mumbai, Chennai or Asian hubs, usually taking 12 hours or more in total. Sri Lanka is 3.5 hours ahead of South Africa, so jet lag is mild.

South African passport holders need an Electronic Travel Authorisation before arrival; check the official site for current fees and any waivers. Traffic drives on the left, as in South Africa.

Sri Lanka is hot and humid, more humid than most South African grounds, so hats, sunscreen and plenty of water are essential, especially at Galle.

South Africa tours of Sri Lanka have fallen at different times of year, often mid-year, in the southwest monsoon, when Galle and Colombo see showers but the east coast is dry. Check Cricket South Africa and Sri Lanka Cricket for current schedules.

Mid-year tours suit an east-coast beach extension to Trincomalee or Arugam Bay, while late-year and early-year tours suit the south coast.

Pack a rain layer for the monsoon months and plan rest days on whichever coast is dry.

South African fans used to big game safaris will find Sri Lanka's parks different but rewarding: leopards in Yala and Wilpattu, elephants in Minneriya, Kaudulla and Udawalawe, and rich birdlife everywhere. Many combine a series with a safari.

The Cultural Triangle, with Sigiriya and the ancient cities, Kandy and the tea country, and the beaches of the south and east are other popular additions.

Golf, surfing and diving are all available, depending on the season and the coast.

Sri Lankan crowds are friendly and musical, with papare bands playing throughout, and South African fans are warmly welcomed. Small travelling groups are often adopted by local fans.

Off the ground, cover shoulders and knees at temples, remove shoes and hats, and never pose with your back to a Buddha statue. Clothing or tattoos showing the Buddha can cause serious offence.

Alcohol rules at grounds change, so check on the day, and remember that poya days bring alcohol restrictions.