South Africa

The 2010 World Cup South Africa is the first to be hosted by the African continent. Acclaimed statesman, Nelson Mandela, was instrumental in persuading the international football community to embrace Africa and African football players and fans.

South Africa’s on Track for 2010

With first world infrastructure and an extensive road network combined with brand new stadia, upgraded international airports, integrated public transport systems and a police force beefed up to full capacity, the 2010 World Cup in South Africa is expected to go off without a hitch.

World Cup 2010 fixtures have been distributed between nine host cities, all of which are adequately geared up for the anticipated arrival of thousands of international guests. Budget flights will connect all the host cities, enabling fans to follow their chosen team/s around. World cup accommodation in South Africa is selling out fast, so it’s best to book as early as you can to get the best locations.

Expect a colourful 2010 World Cup experience

Football, or soccer, as it is better known as, is the preferred sport of the vast majority of South Africans. Local soccer has its own distinctive flavour from the outlandishly attractive head-gear, the Makaraba, to the cacophonous bleat of the vuvuzela. Football fans can expect a noisy, colourful World Cup experience.

South Africa World Cup 2010 Attractions

Although the main attraction is obviously the ‘beautiful game’ in full international swing, South Africa has a number of additional lures:

• The scenic Garden Route, on the south-east coast of South Africa, is a perennial favourite with visitors. It’s situated between the Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma mountain ranges and the Indian Ocean and includes unexplored indigenous forests, tranquil lagoons and unique marine reserves. It links two of the host cities, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth.

• South Africa is a hodgepodge of cultures, with 11 major black tribes, white Afrikaners and Englishmen, as well as peoples of mixed race and of Asian descent. To experience this diversity, sign-up for a Township Tour in any of the host cities and meet the people who have made South Africa the winning nation it is today.

• A vast number of National Parks and privately owned game reserves to suit all travel budgets. The jewel in the conservation crown, the Kruger National Park, is close to Johannesburg, Polokwane, Nelspruit & Rustenburg.

• The incomparable Sun City Resort, which incorporates four world-class hotels, casinos, championship golf courses and theatre extravaganzas, is less than two hours drive from Pretoria and Johannesburg.

• The UKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a mountainous wonderland, 200 kilometres in length. One of the highlights of this region is the well-preserved rock paintings made by the San over 2000 years ago. The city of Durban is about 250kms away.