You want to follow the home team of England play at the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Armed with some pertinent information, you can enjoy this event for all the right reasons. You will find here some notable information, that includes South Africa world cup travel tips. But, bear in mind that South Africa is an experienced stager of international sporting events that have all been successes.
South Africa is a great place to visit any time. It has eight Unesco World Heritage Sites, including the Cape Floral Region with more than 9,000 plant species, and in Sterkfontein there lies the Cradle of Humankind. There are also magnificent landscapes close to all the major venues.
Some passport, visa and health information
A visa is not required to enter South Africa, so long as you do not stay longer than 90 days. However, your passport must be valid for a minimum of 30 days after you leave. Visit your local GP or health professional to find out what vaccinations or medications you might need. Check with your service provider to make sure your phone works abroad, and store useful numbers such as the one for the local police in your mobile phone. For Police dial 10111 from a landline or 112 from your mobile. The number for the British High Commission in Pretoria is 27 12 421 7500. Hospital treatment in large cities is good and expensive. Medical facilities in rural areas can be the most basic. Take the precaution of obtaining appropriate travel insurance for your needs.
Currency
A changing exchange rate you do not protect yourself from can prove costly. You might find purchasing a prepaid travel money card is a smart choice to get your South African Rand. Currency cards can help you in a pinch. If you expect to use your own banking or credits, their provider needs to be apprised so you do not get a rude surprise blocked use to protect you from fraudulent transactions.
Transportation Info
A public bus system has been launched in Johannesburg, with other cities expected to follow. Taxis are generally safe and dependable. Inter city rail services and air travel are often comfortable and convenient. Most fans are likely to use coaches or hire cars. Be sure to plan your journeys between stadiums as they are spread far apart. The distance between Cape Town and Johannesburg is 880 miles and 17 hours by car. Driving between venues can take up to 15 hours in this vast country. If you desire to drive a car, you need to be the holder of a full UK driving licence, a provisional licence will not suffice. If you use a hire car, make sure the company is reputable. Check the type of insurance the vehicle will carry. Normally this will only cover you for the third party legal minimum and you can be held personally responsible for injury or damage beyond the limit. Check in with your own insurance provider to see if they may be able to increase your cover. This may be cheaper than buying it in South Africa. If you have an accident, contact your insurer and hire car company immediately. Take photographs of the damage to your vehicle. You should keep your windows up, doors locked and always look around when stopped. Car hijackings are not uncommon, even in the most affluent of suburbs. However, Car jacking might be more scarce during the World Cup because of the beefed up security; but, it is wise not to let your guard down. You might also want to keep your eye open for the police shakedown of drivers. It is easier to get caught in the web, if you have not followed all the rules. In any event, you might need to be prepared with some cash on hand. If this happens to you, it will be a story to share on your return.
South African driving style is not the same as the one you may be used to. You should learn the driving rules, which side of the road to drive and overtake and what the speed limits are on all the road types before you start driving. Speed cameras are commonplace and normally hire car enterprises will debit your account for fine charges incurred by you. Seatbelts are compulsory for all vehicle occupants and mobile phone use while driving is against the rules. You are not to drive while. Do not leave your travel insurance and emergency help information behind.
Safety
With a high crime rate, crime should not be taken lightly in South Africa. Exercising caution is advisable. However, as the Foreign Office has noted said the risk to in main tourist destinations is low. ATM fraud is worth being watchful about as is carjacking. Application of your inherent street sense should not be on holiday here; but, instead is needed to be more acute during this venture.
Accommodation Info
South Africa offers a range of possibilities ranging from luxury hotels in its major cities to hip boutique hotels and country lodges to more down to earth Bed and Breakfasts and guesthouses. The cheapest accommodation is in basic backpacker lodges. There are also both municipal and private camp sites, as well as a growing number of self-catering cottages and apartments. Make sure you book your accommodation before you arrive – South Africa will be incredibly busy during the World Cup period and many guest houses are already full for the duration of the competition. Accommodation is likely to be scarce. Fifa has appointed a company to find and grade hotels and guest houses. The company hired by Fifa has even crossed to neighbouring countries to reserve accommodation since so many visitors are expected to arrive. Ordinary South Africans might also make homestays available. In this case, it would be wise to check not just the city but the locality of the house. Remember, it will be winter in South Africa and therefore it may be too cold to camp in some areas. Temperatures can drop well below zero at night in some venues during this period. Winters are short and so few buildings have insulation or central heating. This means that, on a bad night, you can be colder there than in UK during winter. However, some venues will be warm. South Africa is a large country with varying climates. There will be cold and wet weather in Johannesburg and Cape Town, but heat and humidity in Durban and Bloemfontein. You should be prepared for this depending on the matches you plan to watch live or where you plan to visit.
Venues and their cities
The ten match venues are in nine South African cities. Some are well known and others are less known to outsiders. Johannesburg less a crime zone and more of a dynamic city with museums and interesting city attractions, parks, suburbs and nature reserves worth a visit in their own right. Pretoria, is a quieter city with heritage buildings and inviting museums. It is the government capital of South Africa. Like other cities, it has natural beauty close by. Cape Town has a beautiful setting between the mountains and the water and is deservedly a favourite of tourists with its fabulous beaches, urban and nearby attractions. The Constantia Wine Route, the famous vineyard region is close in the Constantia Valley. Here are five wine producers amongst them producers of some repute. Durban is the city termed the Miami Beach of South Africa. It is a year round water sport favourite. The biggest marine-themed park in Africa is here. The city is also renowned for its East Indian population. Here is the settlement Mohandas Gandhi started. The Durban curry or and the bunny chow are known Indian specialties of Durban. Zulu cultural villages showcased in the area reveal this to be an important Zulu region. Port Elizabeth has a great sailing bay, nature trails and wildlife, historic sites, cultural and water sporting activities on offer. The sunshine coast and Hogsback, are a few hours drive away. Nelspruit, has the first created rain forest and near renowned game reserves and the Kruger National Park. The Sudwala caves, dinosaur park and cultural centre, Kaapsehoop the gold mining town and mountains with camping and hiking trails are in the vicinity. Polokwane has the Bakone Malapa Northern Sotho Open Air Museum introducing the sophisticated northern Sotho tribe with the Polokwane Game Reserve a five minute drive away. The magnificent Magoebaskloof forest that is part Alpine and part Amazon is a little more distant. Rustenburg has a small town environment. But, 30 kilometres away is Sun City with casinos and resort attractions like balloon rides, The Valley of Waves and a jungle. The Hartebeesport Dam is a popular getaway 40 minutes away. Bloemfontein the Judicial capital is known for the roses in plentiful supply Bloemies is the name given by locals. The Orchid House claims t have the largest orchid collection in the world and another reason why the local name for the city is apt. Nature reserves, gardens, golf courses, a modern theatre that is an architecture marvel, are amongst other sites to visit in this city.
Wherever you are, a game reserve is nearby in this country. Nearby countries hope you will venture forth there as well, including Zimbabwe which holds the greater part of the Victoria Falls. The natural beauty of this region is a reason to savor the journey for reasons other than football.
Before you leave, make sure that you`re fully prepared for the best possible experience and research World cup travel advice. Last but not least, have a really good trip.