The stadia for the 2010 FIFA World Cup are spread wide across South Africa, giving fans a good chance to explore the country.
As part of a feature on South Africa’s preparations for the tournament, we’ve put together a guide to what – apart from world-class football – each match venue has to offer.
Cape Town
Stadium:Green Point Stadium (capacity: 70,000) (pictured, top)
Hosting: Groups; round two; quarter finals; semi-finals
Wherever your team’s matches are located, everyone should stopover in the beautiful city of Cape Town. Attractions include Table Mountain, the historic Robben Island prison and the stunning Bloubergstrand Beach.
Day trips reach the Cape of Good Hope, the penguin colony at Boulders Beach and the Stellenbosch winelands, while the city has shopping, dining and nightlife at Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, trendy Camps Bay and the eclectic Long Street.
Must do: Take a boat into the bay to look back on the beautiful city.
Johannesburg
Stadiums:Soccer City Stadium (capacity: 94,000), Ellis Park Stadium (capacity: 62,000)
Hosting: Opening ceremony; groups; round two; quarter finals; final.
Johannesburg is at the heart of the tournament, with two stadia in the town. Area highlights include the thrill rides of Gold Reef City, the Lion Park, Botanical Gardens in Roodepoort and the Carlton Centre viewing deck.
The Apartheid Museum offers a moving insight into South Africa’s history. Nightlife is found in the Melville student area, Newtown and upmarket Rivonia and Sandton.
Must do: Take a tour of Soweto to find out what life is like in the townships.
Pretoria
Stadium:Loftus Versfeld Stadium (capacity: 45,000)
Hosting: Groups; round two
The nation’s capital city, just one hour from Johannesburg, is a pleasant, relaxing place to be based and it is still close to good attractions.
Highlights include the National Zoological Gardens, while the 4,000-hectare Rietvlei Nature Reserve and Cullinan, where the world’s biggest diamond was found, are also close by.
In addition, there are plenty of malls, good dining options and nightlife in the university area of Hatfield or Menlyn Square.
Must do: Visit the Union Buildings for cracking views over the city.
Rustenburg
Stadium:Royal Bafokeng Stadium (capacity: 42,000)
Hosting: Groups; round two
This is the closest stadium to Sun City, a Las Vegas-style entertainment and gaming resort. The nearby Pilanesberg Game Reserve also offers visitors the chance to see the big five on safari.
The region is also known for its golf courses and outdoor adventure and there are great hiking and climbing options and treetop canopy tours in the nearby Magaliesberg Nature Reserve.
Must do: Brave the Temple of Courage slide in Sun City.
Nelspruit
Stadium:Mbombela Stadium (capacity: 46,000)
Hosting: Groups
This stadium is the closest to nature, sitting right at the entrance of the massive Kruger National Park.
The best way to visit is on an organised tour. It is best to go for several days and use professional guides who can spot the animals better than any amateur.
The spectacular scenery of the northern Drakensburg mountains is also close at hand, with jaw-dropping views from God’s Window and the Blyde River Canyon.
Must do: Take a night safari in Kruger for an unforgettable experience.
Polokwane
Stadium: Peter Mokaba Stadium (capacity: 45,000)
Hosting: Groups
Close to the more remote parts of Kruger, where most private game reserves can be found, the area also offers a rich arts and crafts route, including the Bakone Malapa living museum. The town has average facilities, however, and private game reserves can be extremely high end.
Must do: Head into the wilderness on a walking safari in Polokwane Game Reserve.
Bloemfontein
Stadium:Mangaung Stadium (capacity: 46,000)
Hosting: Groups; round two
This city is one of the closest gateways into the mountainous Kingdom of Lesotho. In town, you can sleep in a zoo with the Friends of Bloemfontein Zoo, and Boyden Observatory offers public open evenings for stargazing.
The city also offers plenty of good dining, entertainment and accommodation options, particularly at Loch Logan Waterfront.
Must do: Take a side trip to Lesotho and meet the locals.
Durban
Stadium:Moses Mabhida Stadium (capacity: 70,000)
Hosting: Groups; round two; semi-finals
The Indian Ocean beaches of South Africa’s third-largest city are a haven for surfers and swimmers. The wet and wild uShaka Marine World has water slides and dolphin shows, while Wilson’s Wharf has a marina with restaurants and shopping.
Out of town, the stunning Valley of 1,000 Hills offers a pleasant day trip, alongside Tala Game Park. The Hluhluwe Game Park is also popular. Must do: Hire a surf board and test the waves of the Indian Ocean.
Port Elizabeth
Stadium:Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium (capacity: 46,500)
Hosting: Groups; round two; quarter finals; third and fourth-place play-offs
Situated at one end of the Garden Route, water sports are a major attraction. Options include scuba diving in Algoa Bay, game fishing, dolphin and whale-watching tours and surfing, windsurfing and kiteboarding.
The harbour, waterfront and city centre are being upgraded in an ambitious plan to rival Cape Town. Those wanting to get into nature can visit the Zuurberg mountain range and National Park.
Must do: Rub shoulders with the wildlife at Addo Elephant Park.
