Beautiful game, colourful nation
Beyond the World Cup stadiums, South Africa offers a lot more action
FOOTBALL fans heading down to the Rainbow Nation for the 2010 World Cup are in for an exciting time both in and out of the stadiums.
For the 19th edition of the beautiful game's most prestigious tournament is aptly being held in one of the most beautiful countries in the world.
From Polokwane in north-east Limpopo province to Cape Town in the Western Cape Province, each World Cup venue offers myriad world-class attractions.
Johannesburg/Pretoria
World Cup visitors will likely be spending some time in this area as three of the 10 stadiums hosting the matches are located in these two neighbouring cities.
Johannesburg, the largest city in South Africa, is famous for its suburban Soweto township - where Nobel Peace Prize winners Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu grew up.
A tour of this vibrant township, which contains most of Johannesburg's black population, is best done as part of an organised tour group. This is because although Soweto is by and large a safe place to visit, chances of getting lost in this sprawling, maze-like township are high.
A good way to meet the friendly locals here is to ask your guide to take you to a "shebeen" (drinking place) for a pint or two of the popular South African Castle Lager.
The capital city of Pretoria - also known as the Jacaranda City for its pretty jacaranda trees - has a peaceful charm unlike bustling Jo'burg.
A must-see here, especially for airplane aficionados, is the Air Force Museum located at the Zwartkop Air Force Base. The history of the South African Air Force is well captured in this fascinating museum in the form of old aircraft, uniforms, missiles, aeronautical displays and paintings.
Cape Town
The must-do thing here is to take the cable car to the top of iconic Table Mountain for a spectacular view of the city - with the Green Point stadium standing out like a gleaming white cocoon.
After the excitement on the field, head out for greener pastures - specifically the vineyards of Stellenbosch.
A two-hour drive from Cape Town, Stellenbosch is the most famous wine-growing region in the country.
The wineries are open to visitors for wine-tasting and cellar tours, and you can buy a very drinkable Cabernet Franc red wine from a well-known estate such as Eikendale for about 60 rand ($10.90).
If your favourite team won its match, you might want to celebrate at one of the happening city-centre bars such as Joburg (yes, it's in Cape Town, go figure) - where an attractive, young crowd gyrate to the latest hip-hop and R&B hits.
Durban
The busiest port in all of Africa is also a tourism centre due to the city's warm subtropical climate and gorgeous beaches.
Durban is famous for its Golden Mile - the wide stretch of golden sands, separated by various piers - which provides excellent opportunities for sun-worshippers and swimmers to enjoy the sunny climes and warm waters of the Indian Ocean year-round.
A key attraction on the Golden Mile is the uShaka Marine World - the fifth largest aquarium in the world boasting 32 tanks. The sea creatures found in the aquarium range from small sea horses to sharks and dolphins.
A highlight here is to dine at the Cargo Hold restaurant which contains the largest shark tank in the world. Yes, the experience of dining on succulent, fresh seafood while hammerhead and ragged-tooth sharks swim menacingly in front of you is unforgettable.
Port Elizabeth
Located at the end of the picturesque Garden Route along the Cape coast, Port Elizabeth is another of South Africa's major destinations for tourists.
It has many historical attractions, one of the most interesting being the Historic Donkin Heritage Trail, which allows visitors to follow in the footsteps of the 1820 British settlers on their journey of discovery and settlement. This 5km trail takes in 47 historical sites in the Old Hill area of the city centre.
The city is also known as the water sports capital of South Africa. Calm waters and fair breezes make good conditions for sailing, and the safe beaches allow swimming, surfing and body boarding. Scuba diving enthusiasts can see ship wrecks, coral reefs and multi-coloured fish in the warm waters with up to 30m visibility.
Rustenburg
The gem of this North West Province venue is undoubtedly the fabulously surreal Sun City, which lies in the centre of an ancient volcanic valley like a shimmering mirage under the African sun.
One of Africa's premier resort destinations, Sun City caters to all whims and fancies. Football punters will likely make a beeline for the vast entertainment centre which offers countless gaming tables, slot machines and floor shows.
Once the sun sets, the resort comes alive with shows and performances at its various entertainment and F&B outlets, including the 6,000-seat Super Bowl arena - which has hosted concerts by the likes of Frank Sinatra, Queen, Elton John and Rod Stewart, among others.
Bloemfontein
Bloemfontein - birthplace of J R R Tolkien, author of The Lord of the Rings - is the capital of the Free State Province.
This is a sleepy, quiet city, so you might want to visit Lesotho - a small country completely surrounded by South Africa and about two hours' drive from Bloemfontein.
Africa's highest pub can be found at Sani Top Chalet, located at the top of the Sani pass and popular with South African day-trippers. An overnight stay is a good idea if you're driving and have had a pint too many of the superb local Maluti beer, which costs a mere 15 rand a mug.
Nelspruit
It's animals, animals, animals here as this is the gateway to Kruger National Park - one of South Africa's top tourist attractions.
The park covers 20,000 sq km and borders Zimbabwe in the north and Mozambique in the east. Here you can see the best of African flora and fauna such as lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo - the "big five" of any safari park.
First time visitors may want to consider booking a guided bush drive. The tour costs around 170 rand with experienced rangers taking you in a 4x4 vehicle through the park and explaining the finer details of game spotting.
If you have the time, sign up for a guided night drive where park rangers take you to see nocturnal creatures such as lions, leopards and hyenas.
Polokwane
Considered the premier hunting destination in South Africa, this city provides access to nature and wildlife viewing opportunities for ecotourists.
There is something to satisfy every nature and wildlife fan. Birdwatchers will be flocking to the Polokwane Bird and Reptile Park, which is home to over 280 species of birds. The Polokwane Game Reserve contains wildlife, birdlife, and plants in an unspoiled bushveld environment.
TRIP NOTES
Getting there:
Johannesburg and Cape Town are the two main entry points into South Africa for international flights. Singapore Airlines offers the only direct flights to South Africa with a thrice-weekly service to Johannesburg and Cape Town. It currently has a two-to-go promotion to either city at around $1,400 (including taxes) per person.
Stay: In South Africa, there are plenty of atmospheric and decently-priced B&Bs and guesthouses run by friendly owners. They are knowledgeable and are happy to recommend restaurants for local cuisine and give directions to those who drive. A list of these boutique establishments can be found at www.southafrica.bnbbreaks.com.
From TODAY, Travel; source article below:
Beautiful game, colourful nation
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