South Africa – a glimpse of what’s on offer
Besides the promise of spectacular football action, the 2010 FIFA World Cup also offers visitors an opportunity to experience the unique beauty and hospitality that South Africa has to offer. Cities like Cape Town are often rated as being among the 10 most beautiful cities in the World, having won many international travel awards. Some even rate Cape Town as the most beautiful city in the world, being comparable only to Sydney in Australia.

The tournament will be staged at 10 venues across South Africa giving tourists a chance to see some of the spectacular natural land- and seascapes, captivating historical sites and interesting cultural venues on offer.

The cities are fairly far apart as South Africa is a big country but you can fly or drive between all of them with ease. Unlike the rest of Africa, South Africa has exceptionally good roads and regular flight services to and within the country. All the major airports have been revamped in time for June 2010 and look spectacular! However, baggage theft remians a problem so do not leave valauables in your luggage.

Getting to South Africa
South Africa’s major airports – OR Tambo in Johannesburg, Cape Town International Airport, Port Elizabeth Airport and Durban International Airport - receive incoming international flights daily from all corners of the world. The most frequent carriers who service South African routes are British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Emirates and, of course, South African Airways.

All the major airports have received no-expense-spared upgrades to be ready in time for the World Cup. OR Tambo International and Cape Town International are now comparable to the best airports in the world.

Once you’re in South Africa, it’s easy to fly between the major cities, which happen to be the World Cup host cities. There are many local airlines offering this service, namely Kulula, 1Time, Mango and SA Express. It is possible to book your local flighs virtually and obtain your tickets at self-service kiosks at all major airports.

The South African government has launched a website to assist 2010 tourists in finding their way around South Africa. Access it at http://www.findyourway2010.co.za

Traveling by air, road and public transport in SA
To make traveling easier for tourists, the South African Department of Transport has developed the 2010 Transport Action Plan. Costing R11,7 billion, it will integrate and upgrade all aspects of safe and convenient travel, including security and emergency response.

The government has said that it is ready to provide more than 2000 buses, 60 trains - one every five minutes in peak times - and a thousand bus coaches to ensure that enough public transport is available. A bus rapid transport system has been implemented in Johannesburg, although there has been some resistance to it from the minibus taxi industry.

The distance between cities is often vast but millions of rands have also been spent on upgrading road infrastructure. The two major highways – the N1 and N2 – will get you to all major cities and minor towns in South Africa.

Is satellite navigation available?
Yes, most definitely! Satellite navigation systems such as Garmin navigation systems for cars and Vodacom satellite navigation on cellphones – Vodacom being a South African cellphone service supplier – make for an easy way to get around. Because South Africa has a good satellite and road infrastructure, the voice prompts on these voice navigation systems are highly reliable.

What about using a map book to get around?
Also a good idea, as routes are well mapped out so most map books are reliable. Be sure not to use an outdated one though as South Africa has been through an infrastructure boom and newer routes may not have been captured on an old map book.