Destination Cape Town - 2010 FIFA World Cup

South Africa is aglow with excitement as we enter the last phase before the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Thousands of visitors will rush to our shores and we’re ready to introduce them to our beautiful country.  

As a nation we’ve been working hard to improve our infrastructure - motivation is high as we rise to meet the challenges ahead of us in the competitive global market. 

One such challenge has been the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) system and its all systems go, with reports that the first phase should be completed by March 2010 – a very encouraging thought.

The routes for this first phase are from the airport to the city center and from Du Noon to the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town.  The BRT is a user-friendly transport system that will change the way South Africans travel.

Hotel on the Move

The Blue Train Manager, Vincent Monyane, is making one of their 2 South African Blue Trains available as a moving 5 star hotel for the FIFA World Cup. It will transport guests to all 9 cities throughout our nation. The price of such an exclusive luxury has not yet been decided. The average speed of the train is 90 km per hour and is a scenic alternative for those who want to see more of South Africa.  

Knowing where to stay for the duration of the soccer games can be daunting even to the most seasoned traveler. Our hotels, bed & breakfasts and restaurants are some of the best in the world.

Things to do in Cape Town

Cape Town is one of the most popular global tourist attractions – it’s the new romantic capital. Lounge on the white sands of the most stunning beaches in and around the town, or take a cable car ride up TableMountain and experience the breath-taking views from the top.

A trip to the Winelands around Stellenbosch should be a priority, where you can taste fine wines and savor all the unique foods available. Most of the wine farms have wonderful play centers to keep the children happy. Dornier Wine Farm in Stellenbosch is one of these places, where you can relax and enjoy the most mouth-watering cuisine and five star service.  

Sol Kerzner’s newest Hotel, One&Only opened at the V&A Waterfront in April 2009. This is an ultra-luxurious hotel, positioned at the highest end of the market. Clint Eastwood, Nelson Mandela, Sharon Stone and Robert de Niro have all paid a visit to this extravagant hotel. 

The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa is a great destination. Named after the Twelve Apostle mountain ranges spanning the coast, this stunning five star hotel is ten minutes from the city center. Visit the Azure and Trinidad Restaurants - they are well known for their African and Caribbean flavor.

Walk along the wilderness trails of The Table Mountain National Park and watch the whales and dolphins in the bay. This is Cape Town at its hospitable best, where standards fly high and people come to escape their hectic daily lives.  

Accommodation is Key

Sunset Beach is home to a variety of guesthouses and whatever your prerequisites, you are sure to find what you are looking for here. Saffron House is one of these guesthouses, with charm, sophistication and elegance, a mere 5 minutes walk from the beach.

Situated in a close, it sports 13 rooms, 20 minutes from the city center and is the new kid on the block, so it remains relatively unknown - which makes it an ideal getaway.  Any FIFA fans should make enquiries at this lavish guesthouse.

Along the West Coast we arrive at Eden on the Bay, a new and exciting complex located on Blouberg’s BigBay. Here you can marvel at the most panoramic view of the whole of Cape Town, with TableMountain as a backdrop.

New restaurants on the beachfront include Capello’s and Ciao Baby where sumptuous meals are prepared at the waters edge. Every water sport imaginable takes place along this coastline. Kite surfing originated in Cape Town and their presence along this wide expanse of beach draws international kiters looking for some extreme African fun. 

History at your Leisure

Take a ferry from the V&A Waterfront to the famous RobbenIsland, the trip takes about 3.5 hours but the cultural heritage there is worth a view. Tour the prison where former political prisoners were held - like Nelson Mandela who became president of the country in 1994. RobbenIsland is now a World Heritage Site.

If you feel like a wild experience visit Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, which is situated at the foot of the WarmwaterbergMountains, a 3 hour drive from Cape Town. This reserve is home to the white lion, big game and rare animal species.

Whether you prefer to take a trip on the Blue Train, travel the wine route or spend time at the pool of your favorite bed and breakfast, you are sure to have a holiday that will be indelibly imprinted in your mind, long after you have left our shores. Viva 2010!