Worldcup Holidays and Events
Football fans around the world should already be thinking about planning their travel to the World Cup to ensure they make the most out of the event and the region. South Africa has so much to offer as a travel destination and it is sure to be sold out during the World Cup. Our focus is on providing the best safari experience for those attending the event. There are only a limited number of game reserves, lodges, camps and safaris and these are guaranteed to be popular for a large number of fans that will see this as a once in a lifetime opportunity to visit Africa and experience an African safari.
Date: 11 June -11 July 2010
Host Cities: There are 10 venues in 9 host cities:Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg (2 venues) ,Bloemfontein ,Nelspruit ,Polokwane Port Elizabeth, Pretoria, Rustenburg
World Cup Travel
Travelling around South Africa is particularly easy, with a superb road infrastructure and good air travel connections. Due to the distances, it is more practical to fly between some of the World Cup host cities. Train travel will probably improve coming up to the World Cup, but at the moment the train network is fairly clumsy and impractical.
Languages
South Africa has got 11 official languages: Afrikaans, Inglese, isiNdebele, Sesotho sa Leboa (Sotho settentrionale), Sesotho (South Sotho), siSwati, Xitsonga, Setswana, Tshivenda, isiXhosa and isiZulu. English is the language spoken by most people.
VALUES & PRICES
ATMs are easily found, MasterCard and Visa are accepted almost everywhere. ATMs give cash in a variety of denominations. Prices in shops are fixed, while prices in open-air markets are subject to bartering. Tips are expected at restaurant and full-service gas stations. 10% is acceptable.
PASSPORT & VISA
A passport with two blank pages and at least 6 months validity is needed to enter South Africa. No visa is needed for a United States citizen staying less than 90 days. A return ticket is also required for entry.
TRANSPORTATION
International & Domestic Airports -- The Airports Company South Africa operates the country's 10 principal airports - including three major international airports - which together handle over 200,000 aircraft landings and 23-million passengers annually. All the international airports are undergoing major developments at the moment, and will be ready to accommodate increasing traffic during the 2010 World Cup. The main three international airports are O.R. Tambo International (aka Johannesburg International), Cape Town International and Durban International.
More than 70 international airlines are currently operating in South Africa plus the national carrier, South African Airways. Destinations are Europe, North and South America, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. Flights from Europe are generally overnight. Direct flights between the US and Johannesburg/Cape Town take about 15 hours, and flights between Europe and Johannesburg about 12 hours. In the country eight major domestic airlines are operating as well as a number of smaller charter airline companies (South African Airways, Airlink, SA Express, British Airways Comair, Nationwide Airlines, Kulula.com, 1time, Mango). SAA, Airlink and SA Express fly between all the major cities and to some of the smaller ones. British Airways, operated by Comair, and Nationwide operate flights between the major centers. Low-cost carriers, Kulula.com, 1time and Mango offer affordable flights on the more popular routes, between Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Nelspruit and George.
Trasfer from the airport to the city
Rail -- Trains are a popular way of moving around South Africa. The standard long-haul passenger trains, operated by the state-owned Spoornet, are inexpensive, reasonably comfortable, clean, and safe, but by no means luxurious or fast. However, Spoornet's Premier Class (from Pretoria via Johannesburg to Cape Town) and the two top-notch luxury trains, Rovos Rail and the Blue train, are a much more sophisticated bet. The Gautrain Rapid Rail Link is going to be the new addition to the rail transport network in Gauteng. The underground/overground network, scheduled for completion and operating at full capacity by 2010, promises travel times of less than 15 minutes between Sandton and O.R. Tambo International Airport and 40 minutes between Johannesburg and Pretoria.
Buses -- Several inter-city bus services have almost daily schedules between all the main cities making interesting stops along the way. The Baz Bus follows the Eastern coastal route with a hop on-hop off fare, an economic, fun way to see South Africa for the budget traveler. Unfortunately, South Africa's public bus system is by no means as effective or comprehensive as the systems in Europe, but there are some city metros on offer for short haul travel. In terms of long haul trips, there are a number of excellent bus companies offering cost-effective deals for people to tour around the country. These luxury buses will transport visitors from one major city to another at a very reasonable cost.
Driving South Africa -- Self drive is the foremost and most popular way of 'seeing' South Africa, suited to clients of all ages who enjoy meandering at their own pace. With the driving so easy, the country's road network so good and the signposting clear, a self-drive holiday is a viable option for first-time visitors. South Africans are essentially dependent on the road network, as currently, there is no major underground subway system. However, generally the road networks are excellent and South Africa's highways continue to be upgraded and maintained. The public roads in South Africa are well developed and well sign-posted with driving done on the left hand side of the road. Drivers must have an international drivers license and a minimum of 5 years experience in order to hire a car in South Africa.
Car Hire -- One of the best ways of doing your sightseeing in and around South Africa is by car. Self-drive routes are extremely popular among independent travelers. There are a number of reputable car hire companies offering a wide range of vehicles that vary according to the traveler's needs. One can hire vehicles from the most basic (without air conditioning and radio) to the ultimate in luxury (a Mercedes-Benz with all the trimmings). Some car hire companies even rent out 4x4 vehicles for trips to the bush. One way hire between certain locations is also available.
Camper Van and 4x4 Rentals -- Drive through the cities, visit the mountain resorts, laze on any of the beaches, or explore the vast game reserves. Wherever your inclination takes you, you have the freedom to create your own holiday experience when renting a 4x4 vehicle or campervan for a self drive vacation. South Africa is a 4-wheel drive enthusiast's dream come true. Apart from the many 4x4 trails in South Africa, some of Southern Africa's spectacular scenery and experiences are only accessible by 4-wheel drive vehicle. With over 800 registered caravan parks and campsites, South Africa lends itself to outdoor living. Campervans are ideal for a rustic, adventurous holiday on a limited budget.
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