Buffalo Park

About the ground

Buffalo Park is the international cricket ground of the Eastern Cape coastal city recently renamed KuGompo City, still widely known as East London. It is a relaxed, unpretentious venue with grass embankments and a welcoming crowd, and it has staged one-day internationals for many years, including matches at the 2003 World Cup.

The ground is close to the coast, so sea breezes are part of the experience, and the smaller scale makes for a sociable, easy-going day of cricket.

Key CWC 2027 matches

The ground opens its tournament on 12 October with New Zealand against Bangladesh, a day/night game starting at 12:30 local time.

The most eye-catching group fixture is Afghanistan v Australia on 18 October (10:00 local), a match-up that has produced some dramatic finishes at recent World Cups.

Buffalo Park also hosts a Super 7 game on 29 October between the first and third-placed teams from Group B.

Getting there

King Phalo Airport (ELS) is only about 10 km from the ground, so the transfer is quick once you land, though flights into the city are fewer than into the major hubs. Some fans may choose to fly into Gqeberha and drive, which takes several hours. E-hailing apps operate in the city, but supply can be patchier than in Cape Town or Johannesburg, so plan your return journey in advance, particularly after a day/night match.

Any shuttle or park-and-ride services will be announced by organisers, so check official transport plans closer to the time.

Where to stay

The beachfront area, including Quigney and the Esplanade, has a range of hotels and guesthouses and is a short drive from the ground. The leafier suburbs such as Vincent and Berea offer quieter guesthouses and restaurants. Accommodation is more limited than in the larger cities, so book early.

Match-day tips

Spring weather on this stretch of coast is usually mild to warm, but it can be breezy and changeable, with showers possible. Sun protection is still important, so bring a hat and sun cream, plus a light jacket for the evening at day/night games.

Check the official stadium rules for bag policy and prohibited items before you set off. Card payments are common, but carry a little cash as a fallback. Use registered transport at night and keep valuables discreet.

Beyond the cricket

The coastline either side of the city is beautiful and relatively unspoilt, with long beaches ideal for a walk. The East London Museum is known for its coelacanth specimen, the “living fossil” fish rediscovered off this coast in 1938. With more time, the Wild Coast to the north-east offers dramatic scenery and remote beaches.