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South Africa prepares for the the greatest football show on earth

NEXT YEAR’S sporting highlight will be the 2010 World Cup. South African tourism now looks forward to fan influx gearing up for bumper bookings.

Figures have revealed that the recent Lions rugby tour contributed to a 56.5% year on year increase in tourist arrivals in June, with 41,000 Brits journeying south.

These figures are likely to pale into insignificance next year, as anything up to 100,000 English fans are expected to travel to South Africa during the two months of the World Cup.

The hosts will rely on captain Aaron Mokoena and star player Benni McCarthy to help them out of their initial group stage.

The success of the tournament could be based on how far the hosts progress. In an ideal world South Africa against England would be a dream final.

That would see Mokoena and McCarthy come up against the likes of other Premier League performers such as Ashley Cole and Wayne Rooney.

South Africa is more than ready to deal with the high numbers of tourists that the World Cup will attract.

UK Country Manager Lebo Mokhesi said:

“This is one of the biggest sporting spectaculars in the world and South Africa is making a huge public sector investment – complimented by the massive new investment being made by the tourism industry itself.”

There has been unprecedented demand for 2010 FIFA World Cup tickets – 630,000 tickets have already been sold to date and it is anticipated that somewhere in the region 450,000 overseas visitors will travel to South Africa during the tournament.

While South Africa’s packed sporting calendar has been one of the principal factors in drawing large numbers of tourists to its shores, sport is by no means the country’s sole attraction.

From safaris to spa treatments and shopping to sampling local delicacies, there is no shortage of activities on offer in this breathtaking country.

Brits also continue to get more for their money in South Africa as the pound remains strong against the South African Rand.

South Africa will play host to the FIFA World Cup between the June 11 – July 11. There are still a few tickets available through FIFA or from one of four official travel operators: Thomson Sport (UK) Limited Thomas Cook, BAC Sports Limited and Keith Prowse.

These tour operators have a selection of travel packages providing accommodation and transportation together with tickets, sold on behalf of FIFA.

The designated nine host cities for the tournament are Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Nelspruit, Polokwane, Port Elizabeth, Pretoria and Rustenburg.

Host Cities

Bloemfontien

Bloemfontein is situated in the heart of the Free State and offers a number of fantastic attractions and activities in the city and surrounding areas. Try out a horseback safari, go fossil-hunting or take the opportunity to photograph the scenic Golden Gate Highlands National Park.

Cape Town

The Mother City is one of the most popular destinations on the planet… and for good reason. Visitors can enjoy Cape Town’s diverse lifestyle for a day or two and then head off to the Winelands, the Garden Route, the beautiful West Coast or the great Karoo. Great activities such as shark diving and ostrich riding are easily accessible and for culinary enthusiasts the region enjoys some of the best food and wine South Africa has to offer.

Durban

Catch an overdose of sunshine in this laid-back coastal city and then make your way to the Battlefields for a touch of history; the Drakensburg Mountains for the best of adventure tourism; Zulu villages for cultural experiences or take a turtle safari at the famous iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Don’t forget to make time to visit the fantastic game reserves in KwaZulu-Natal, in particular Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park.

Johannesburg

In the City of Gold, eGoli, Jo’burg or Jozi (as Johannesburg is affectionately called) the energy and excitement goes on 24/7. This economic powerhouse offers access to a myriad of experiences from township-based restaurants to a fusion of African and European-style dining experiences. For nature lovers, it is also on the doorstep to many adventure and wildlife activities.

Nelspruit

Nelspruit is the gateway to the fun and famous Mpumalanga Lowveld and its surrounding areas offer up a wealth of treasures for those who love the great outdoors. The area embraces the world-renowned Kruger National Park, home to the Big Five and it is also home to the beautiful Panorama Route and the famed old diggers town – Pilgrims Rest.

Polokwane

Polokwane is home to the fascinating Venda culture and the legendary Rain Queen, the worlds biggest baobab. It is also an excellent gateway to the Kruger National Park.

Port Elizabeth

With its rich cultural heritage, beautiful beaches and laid-back vibes, Port Elizabeth (Nelson Mandela Bay) offers a fun time for visitors. Outside the city, there’s plenty to explore including the Addo Elephant National Park, home to the Big Seven (Lion, Elephant, Rhino, Leopard, Wildebeest, Whales and Sharks), and South Africa’s surfing capital, Jeffreys Bay.

Pretoria

There are great vibes on the cosmopolitan streets of Pretoria, and there are plenty of things to do in the city and surrounding areas. Itinerary options include awesome wildlife experiences, a few country meanders, a number of cultural wonders and perhaps a first-time visit to a bona fide township shebeen (local drinking spot).

Rustenburg

While Rustenburg is a laid-back city, there is so much to do in the surrounding areas: those with a thirst for adventure can visit Groot Marico for a taste of mampoer (South Africa’s version of Moonshine), enjoy a hot-air balloon ride over the Magaliesburg Mountain range, take part in watersports on Harties (Hartbeespoort Dam) and live it up at Sun City, with its resort and entertainment complex.

Did You Know

Currency

The local currency is the South African Rand (R1=100 cents), which exchanges favourably with the major international currencies. This makes South Africa an affordable destination, where five-star luxury, and many items such as food, wine and lager, can be purchased at a much lesser cost than in many global cities.

Most international traveller's cheques are accepted, however, it is advised that you bring them in a hard currency, such as US dollars or British Pounds. Currency can be exchanged at banks, forex bureaus and sometimes at hotels. Foreign tourists can have their VAT (value-added tax at 14%) refunded at the point of departure, provided they present their original tax invoices. Most major international credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted.

Time difference

South African Standard Time, or SAST, is a time zone used by all of South Africa, as well as Swaziland and Lesotho. The zone is two hours ahead of Greenwich Meridian Time (GMT+2) and is the same as Central Africa Time, with Daylight saving time not being observed in either time zone.

International dialling code

+27

Language

Diverse people and cultures combine to make the Rainbow Nation colourful. Population groups include the majority Nguni (incl. Zulu, Xhosa, Swazi); Sotho-Tswana; Tsonga; Venda; Afrikaners; English; Coloureds; Indians; Khoi and San; and immigrants from Africa, Europe and Asia. The majority religion is Christian, but freedom of worship is guaranteed by the Constitution. There are 11 official languages, including English. Most South Africans are multi-lingual and English is fairly widely spoken, notably in urban centres.

Health

Malaria is found only in the Lowveld of Mpumalanga (incl. the Kruger National Park) and Limpopo (north-eastern areas and near the Zimbabwean and Mozambican borders) and on the Maputaland coast of KwaZulu-Natal (north-east as far south as the Tugela River). Malaria risk is highest October-May. Although the incidence of malaria is rare, it would be best to take adequate precautions. In addition to malaria prophylaxis, insect repellents and mosquito nets can be effective. Medical facilities equal the best in the world and in many medical disciplines, South Africa is a global leader. A large network of hospitals offer excellent service, but make sure you have adequate health insurance.

Red tape

For the majority of foreign nationals who travel to South Africa for vacation, entry is straightforward and hassle-free. All visitors to South Africa must be in possession of a valid passport, but for many countries (including UK and EU nationals), visas are not required up to 90 days.

Average flight time

The average flight time to South Africa from the UK is 11 hours.

Getting around

South Africa boasts world-class transport infrastructure, telecommunications, banking, medical and tourism facilities. Accommodation caters for all needs and is accredited by the national Tourism Grading Council, which upholds very high standards.

Non-residents are permitted to drive with a driving licence issued and valid in their own country, provided it bears the photograph and signature of the holder and is in English. If your drivers licence does not meet these requirements, an international driver’s licence is required. Driving is on the left and the wearing of seatbelts is compulsory.

For more information, visit www.southafrica.net/2010 and www.FIFA.com

Published: 21 December 2009
Issue: 1403

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