It’s almost time for the highly anticipated 2010 Football World Cup to reach South African shores. And with the countdown now officially on, many people are starting to prepare to travel to South Africa for this spectacular sporting event. So before you start booking flights and hotel rooms, here are a few guidelines to the biggest sporting event in South Africa.
Tickets
Tickets are on sale now, but the procedure is not as cut and dry as you would like it to be. There are five “Ticket Sales Phases” during which time ticket applications will be processed. If there are two much ticket applications for a specific game, your application will be placed into a lottery and drawn randomly. If tickets are available for the game you applied for, you will qualify on a first come first served basis.
There will be a “Last Minute Sales Phase” which will take place from 15 April to 11 July 2010.
Booking flights to South Africa
There are a few airlines flying directly to South Africa during the event. For a direct flight from the USA choose Delta Airlines or South African Airways. Several European airlines fly directly to South Africa as well. These flights depart from London (British Airways and Virgin Atlantic), Amsterdam (KLM), Frankfurt (Lufthansa), and Paris (Air France).
Fly through the Middle East like Dubai (Emirates) or Hong Kong (Cathay Pacific). From Brazil opt for Variq and Qantas from Sydney.
If you book a packaged trip from a tour operator, you flight will be included, guaranteeing yourself a seat.
Where will the matches take place?
The World Cup will take place in ten stadiums across South Africa. Some are still currently under construction, while others are ready for the event. Stadiums are situated in Cape Town (Green Point), Durban (Moses Mabhida), Johannesburg (Soccer City and Ellis Park), Bloemfontein (Free State), Port Elizabeth (Nelson Mandela), Nelspruit (Mbombela), Polokwane (Peter Mokaba), Rustenburg (Rustenberg) and Pretoria (Loftus Versfeld).
Getting around in South Africa
The most reliable means of transport between games venues would be by airplane, with all host cities featuring airports in close proximity. South African domestic carriers include South Africa Express, Airlink, Kulula, Mango Airlines, Venture Air, and 1Time.
Renting a car is also a great idea; however, drives between host cities can be long. South African roads are among the best in Africa, and there is a host of excellent car rental companies offering affordable and reliable vehicles.
Weather during the World Cup
Coming to South Africa during the months of June and July means winter in the southern hemisphere. In Cape Town and Port Elizabeth expect traditional winter weather – rainy, cold days and even colder nights. Be aware that winter in Cape Town and Port Elizabeth can be quite miserable and cold, so appropriate clothing and accessories should be catered for.
On the other side of the country, Durban enjoys a mild and dry climate this time of the year, while sunny and dry weather can be expected in Johannesburg, Bloemfontein, Nelspruit, Polokwane, Pretoria and Rustenburg. Remember though that temperatures drop significantly at night.
Fan Parks during the World Cup
If you can’t afford a ticket to the World Cup but still want to be part of this momentous event, head to one of the 10 fan parks scattered throughout the country. The locations of these fan parks are yet to be announced, but expect a bustling and jubilant atmosphere. The best alternative to being at the stadiums and watching the games live.
Author Bio:
This article was written by FlightSite offering a guide to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
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