Seconds after South Africa was announced as the host nation for the 2010 FIFA world cup on May 15^th 2004 in Zurich, a sense of elation and cheeriness reverberated all across the globe. The moment Nelson Mandela held the FIFA world cup trophy aloft; the crowds in South Africa erupted with a deafening roar of joy where the live telecast was being broadcast-ed. Euphoria stricken South Africans went into a party mood as they sang, danced and toasted with each other at local pubs, stadiums and community centers. Colorful South African flags fluttered as people from diverse ethnic groups thronged into the streets also celebrating their 10 years of independence and aptly showcasing why their country is known as The Rainbow Nation.

This is just a sneak peek of what is actually going to happen once the world’s largest sporting event is kicked off. The month long event will start on 11^th June till 11^th July and the finals will be played at the famous Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg, which now has an upgraded sitting capacity of over 94,000. The event will be staged at 10 venues across 9 cities: Bloemfontein, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Rustenburg, Cape Town, Pretoria, Polokwane, Nelspruit, and Johannesburg. No African nation has ever hosted a FIFA world cup before and the concerning ones are leaving no stone unturned to make this extravaganza the best this world has ever witnessed.

MATCH TICKETS

According to an estimate, approximately 2-3 million football fans are expected to hit the South African shores. You can buy the tickets on the official FIFA website and can get all the related information on the website itself.  Already two third of the available tickets have been sold. The fourth phase of ticketing process has already begun on February 9 and will end on April 7th. Some 2.1 million tickets have been sold till now and close t0 2, 00,000 tickets are still available. Tickets for semi finals and finals are already sold out but you can still buy tickets for the remaining matches. Make sure you book your tickets from a genuine agent approved by FIFA otherwise you are in a soup for sure.

GETTING AROUND AND ACCOMMODATION

If one goes by the numbers released by the governmental agencies, a staggering 3.5 million international tourists are expected to influx the southern tip of Africa. June/July is also the summer vacations time in schools and generally people from other parts of South Africa often visit major tourist spots like Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and Durban etc during these times. So, it’s advisable to book your accommodation as early as possible.  Moreover some host venues do not have adequate infrastructure for accommodation, so it’s not a bad idea to find a much cheaper accommodation in a nearby city and travel down to watch the match.

—-South Africa is not a small country that can be traveled in a day, so you have to plan it accordingly

to make sure you do not miss a single moment of the match and you also have plenty of time to travel to various tourist spots. The country is well connected by air, road and railways network respectively. There are three international airports at Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban as well as seven domestic airports in Bloemfontein, Port Elizabeth, East London, George, Kimberley, Upington and Pilanesberg. South Africa also boasts of excellent road and railways networks. Renting a car is another fine option as you can roam independently wherever you want to. Intercape, Grey hound, Translux, SA Roadlink and Baz bus are some of the bus operating services.

What all to do in South Africa?

In South Africa there is something for everyone to get hooked on to. Nature has bestowed this land with some of the most varied terrain which sustains rich diversity of flora and fauna. Going on wildlife Safari can be highly addictive. Visiting the iconic Kruger national park and numerous other  private game lodges not only gives you a chance to see THE BIG FIVE but you can also witness some of the rare wildlife like cheetah and wild dogs. And who knows you might hear a hyena laugh while dining in your exquisite private lodge under a starlit southern sky. And if you want some more of  my type of adventure, you can always choose the options of Bush walking (walking safaris), night safaris, crocodile and shark cage diving respectively.

Located on the shore of Table bay, Cape Town proves to be a true urban delight. Good climate, well developed infrastructure and natural scenic beauty make it the most visited tourist place in South Africa. Take a ferry from the coast to Robben Island, which reminds of South Africa’s victory over injustice, oppression and apartheid. Also visit Paarl, Stellanbosch and Franschoek , where you can taste some of the best and famous South African wines. The town of Hermanus and False Bay are famous tourist spots for whale watching. As you travel through the most picturesque stretches of coastlines where forests, mountains, rivers and lakes run parallel to it, driving down to Garden Route may provoke the artist in you. The city of Oudtshoom, is famous for its ostrich feather industries and Congo caves. If you are lucky enough, try to get on an ostrich ride near the ostrich farms and then take a journey into the halls of towering stalagmite formations at Congo caves which will leave you spell bound.

The city of Johannesburg or The city of gold is the most wealthiest and entertaining city in South Africa. This place is a melting pot of diverse cultures, cuisines and music. Known for its top places to wine and dine, you can also play golf and can shop till you drop. And if you prefer more of a laid back holiday, barbecuing on sunny golden beaches and spending some quality time with your family, Durban is the ultimate destination. It’s a city where the east meets the west and the diverse cultural heritage will captivate your mind. Home to some of the top game reserves, the warm sun will lure you into surfing, swimming and cruising activities. And if you are more into adventure sports, probably no other country can beat South Africa. Paragliding, hand gliding, mountain biking, canoeing, rafting, kayaking, bungee jumping, abseiling, hiking, fishing, snorkeling, Scuba diving, and rock climbing…… the list goes on. It seems as if you are on long unending holiday.

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Go South Africa

“The FIFA World Cup in Africa is a love story- a love story between the African continent and myself which began when I was the technical director of FIFA. It has come a long way in a long time. It has been a road traveled with trust, confidence but with patience as well. I am very proud and very happy that this love story is coming to the wedding celebration,” FIFA president Sepp Blatter said in an event marking the 100 day countdown celebrations held in Durban. And as the preparations for  the world cup are going on, Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe said,” We have to make sure that we show our visitors the spirit of ubuntu and make them feel at home.”

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Venues for FIFA World Cup 2010-

• Green Point Stadium, CAPE TOWN
  

  Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg

• Moses Mabhida Stadium, DURBAN
• Ellis Park Stadium, JOHANNESBURG
• Soccer City Stadium, JOHANNESBURG
• Free State Stadium, BLOEMFONTEIN
• Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, PORT ELIZABETH
• Mbombela Stadium, NELSPRUIT
• Peter Mokaba Stadium, POLOKWANE
• Royal Bafokeng Stadium, RUSTENBURG
• Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria

USEFUL RESOURCES:

FIFA World Cup 2010 Tickets

Go South Africa

Venues FIFA World Cup and Accommodation