Your South Africa Experience

What will you be doing in between the England matches?  Through our expert knowledge of South Africa and our insight into what a fan might be looking for, we have put together some ideas for you to mull over in the lead-up to the draw in December.  Packages that you can fit in at any stage of the tournament leading right up to when England appear in the Final in Johannesburg!

First though – to whet your appetite – have a look at what we think is the best video we have seen on South Africa and one that we hope will entice you to really make the most of your time in this amazing country:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMP28f1sBG0

We also thought that you might find it useful for your planning to have the match schedule to hand so here is the link…….
World Cup 2010 Match Schedule

Your Johannesburg Base:

Many of you will want to base yourself in or near Johannesburg for the duration of the tournament as this is where the final will be and this will also give you easy access to all of the stadiums either by road or by air for the matches in the lead up to the final.  We have the perfect base in Randburg for those looking for something safe, secure and luxurious.  Whether you are travelling with a partner or with a group, you can be accommodated in Nandi Villas as each villa feels like a small boutique hotel of just 4 or 5 rooms (all en-suite) plus a breakfast lounge, terrace and small garden.  Have a look at the website for further details on your World Cup Johannesburg accommodation. http://www.nandivillas.com
Contact Reservations on +27 82 495 5238

Your Safari Experience

No trip to South Africa would be complete without a 2 or 3 night safari trip.  The perfect duration to fit in between any of the England games.  Our lodges will all be showing the England group matches as well as all of the other key matches of interest.

Please remember that if your main accommodation is booked near to the stadium that to travel to any game lodge will be a good couple of hours minimum.  Logic dictates safari parks can’t be located close to major cities!  We have highlighted this immediately so that you can plan your trip more effectively.  Of course there is no reason that you could not base yourself at a lodge for the duration if you really did want the ultimate “Big Game” experience.

Arranging to hire a car or a car transfer with a reputable company is by far the cheapest way to get around and a great way to see more of the South African landscape.  With this in mind we have laid out the driving distances from  each lodge.

From Durban:

Safari in Style

You can’t visit South Africa without doing a safari. So why not do it in style?

Amakhosi is a 5* luxury lodge in its own private game reserve, where you can escape the football for some first class game viewing.
Walking, frogging and birding safaris are also available for kids and adults alike.
Prices start from just R3,300 per person on an All-inclusive basis.

Amakhosi is only a 3 hour drive from Durban but deep in the African bush giving a truly wild experience.  At Amakhosi you will enjoy the best of South African hospitality from Alwyn and his team. For more information visit the Amakhosi website at http://www.amakhosi.com
Contact Reservations on +27 034-414-1157  or email info@amakhosi.com

From Polokwane, Nelspruit, Pretoria or Johannesburg:
Relax and Unwind on Safari
To drive or be driven, Garonga is only a two and a half hour drive from Polokwane, 3 hours from Nelspruit, 5 hours from Pretoria or 6 hours from Johannesburg and has the added benefit of being owned and run by a very patriotic English ex-pat, Bernie Smith.  Bernie has already stated that he will be putting on braii’s (the South African BBQ) at his house accompanied no doubt with plenty of beer for those wishing to avail themselves of his hospitality and watch the matches on his Big Screen TV in between game drives.
Rates from R2375 per person on an all inclusive basis including a complimentary massage for all World Cup bookings.

There are plenty of options to fly into Garonga as well if you are wanting to cut your travelling time or really splash out.  These can all be found on the Garonga website if you follow the link http://www.garonga.com/
Contact Reservations on +27 82 440 3522 or email reservations@garonga.com

Your Winelands Experience

At present none of us know where the group matches for England will be played, however moving into the last 16, quarter-finals and semi-finals there is a good chance of spending some time in and around Cape Town.  Many would say that even if you did not have a match here no trip, certainly for a first-timer, would be complete without a visit to the Cape region.  Fabulous restaurants, great sight-seeing, plenty of golf and the magnificent winelands.

From Cape Town:

Wine and Dine in the Cape

Sample South Africa’s finest with a 2 or 3 night package to Mont Rochelle, in the heart of the Cape winelands.
Enjoy a wine tour around the vineyards, a complimentary massage, 2 bottles of wine, a 3-course dinner and much more.
2 and 3 night packages available, prices start from R11,000 per room (based on 2 people sharing for 2 nights)

To get to Mont Rochelle, in the heart of the winelands is a 45 minute drive from Cape Town.  Here you can experience some of the best wines that South Africa offers.  Mont Rochelle will be converting their Country Kitchen restaurant with a Big Screen to enable fans to enjoy great food, wine and football all at once.  They have even agreed to bring in some beer for the duration of the tournament – a first it has to be said!

For Cape Town matches Mont Rochelle is a perfect base.  Close enough for convenience but far enough away to avoid the crowds.  For those wishing to really travel in style Mont Rochelle will be able to arrange helicopter transfers to and from the matches.  Click through on this link for further details http://www.montrochelle.co.za/
Contact Reservations on +27 21 876 2770 or email res@montrochelle.co.za

For those looking to go out for a few days before the start of the World Cup or want to stay on afterwards then Steenberg is the ideal base (they are fully booked from 11^th June to 12^th July 2010).  Only 20 minutes from Cape Town’s waterfront yet right in the Constantia wine region.  To top it all off you are located on one of the best golf courses in the Cape Region.  Steenberg offers relaxation in the form of a stunning spa and for the more active the golf.  In the evening you can take a short taxi ride into the shops, bars and restaurants that have made the waterfront so famous, but then back to wake up in the tranquil surroundings of Steenberg.  For more information please go to their website. http://www.steenberghotel.com
Contact Reservations on +27 21 713 2222 or email reservations@steenberghotel.com

From Port Elizabeth:
Mont Rochelle can also be reached easily from a Port Elizabeth base as well.  You will just need to take the short flight to Cape Town and the hotel can then arrange to collect you from the airport to take you to Mont Rochelle for your 2 –3 night Winelands break.

Your Family Experience

Some of you we are sure will be travelling out to the tournament with your family who may or may not be coming to the matches with you.  Either way, it is crucial that, having taken the family to such an amazing country, you choose wisely with hotels that are very family / activity focused.  Durban will be host to 5 groups, a final 16 match and a semi-final, so it is worth knowing what would be on offer here.  And remember, the province of KwaZulu-Natal where Durban is located will have the best weather this time of year for outdoor activities.

From Durban:

Spirit of Adventure

With so much to do all from one base you’ll never want to leave Ghost Mountain Inn. Enjoy game drives and boat cruises, tiger fishing and cultural trips. For those looking for that adrenaline rush head to the coast for Scuba Diving or simply unwind with Spa treatments.
3 hours north of Durban, 5 from Johannesburg and offering fantastic value for money.
From just R 1885 per person sharing for a 2 night Boat and Spa Package or R 2950 per person sharing for a 3 night Game and Spa Package. Inclusive your accommodation, Breakfast, one Dinner and applicable activities

Ghost Mountain Inn is 3 hours from Durban and located in close proximity to game parks, zulu culture, St Lucia wetlands and Lake Jozini.  Activities abound for families taking a 2 – 4 night break at Ghost Mountain including boat trips, fishing, diving, croc viewing, Big Game drives, and Zulu village tours.  Click through to the Ghost Mountain website for more ideas…… http://www.ghostmountaininn.co.za/
Contact Reservations on +27 35 573 1025 or email gmi@ghostmountaininn.co.za

Ghost Mountain Inn 2010 Availability

Activity Central

Cathedral Peak Hotel is 2 hours from Durban and the perfect family getaway. Set in the Drakensberg Mountains and right at Sani Pass, a stunning World Heritage site, you can take advantage of an abundance of both indoor and outdoor activities.  Activities for the more active include hiking, swimming, cycling, golf, tennis and badminton, however if you enjoy more leisurely activities then you can enjoy a good old game of darts or snooker whilst watching the football on one of the 2 big screens at Harry’s Bar. http://www.cathedralpeak.co.za/
So much to do and all from just R1100 per person on a half board basis (based on 4 people sharing)
Contact Reservations on +27 36 488 1888 or email info@cathedralpeak.co.za

Cathedral Peak WC Availability

Safari on Horseback

Pakamisa Private Game Reserve is approximately 4 hours from Durban.  Nowhere is more suited to families (couples or groups of friends) that are mad keen on horse-riding.  Imagine a horse-back safari through pristine malaria free wilderness with giraffe, zebra and waterbuck amongst other African wildlife.  What a thrill.  Guided walks, golf, birdwatching and fishing all await those wanting a variety of activities for their break.  For further details on Pakamisa please click through to their website. http://www.pakamisa.co.za/
R1,750.00 per person per night, sharing, inclusive of 3 meals + 2 game viewing activities
Contact Reservations on +27 34 413 3559 or email res@pakamisa.co.za

Your Battlefields Experience

If you are lucky enough to find England will be playing some of their matches in Durban then a must is a 2 – 3 night trip to the Battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift.  We can all recall watching Michael Caine in Zulu, proudly wearing his red British Army uniform whilst swarms of Zulu warriors descend upon Rorke’s Drift.  For those who cannot remember then here is a reminder from the last battle scene:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1csr0dxalpI

From Durban:

Step Back in Time

Only a 3 and a half hour drive from Durban, the only place to stay to really take in the drama that unfolds during the Anglo-Zulu war is at Isandlwana Lodge, overlooking the Isandlwana battlefield.  Here Rob Gerrard who is ex British Army, will keep you enthralled with the stories of heroics amongst both the British and the Zulus, which lead to the largest defeat in British army history followed by the dramatic defence of Rorke’s Drift made famous by Michael Caine.  Do not be put off if you are not a lover of battlefields as we have not come across a single person who has not come back from Isandlwana Lodge heaping praise on Rob for his ability to capture the imagination and transport you back in time.  What makes Isandlwana Lodge even more fascinating is the fact that the Zulu village at the base of the mountain is still home to descendants of this mighty battle, including Isandlwana Lodge’s own barman – Dalton.  Read more about Dalton here: http://edition2a.intellimag.com/?id=trvlmdwinter0809&page=17
Prices start from R1600 per person on full board basis sharing and you can even have a game of football with the local Zulu village!
Contact Reservations on +27 34 271 8301 or email lodge@isandlwana.co.za

Travelling In Style

To view details of The Blue Train, South Africa’s magnificent moving 5 star hotel, World Cup charters please click the link below

BLUE TRAIN WORLD CUP 2010 CHARTER SCHEDULE

Rates from R2375 per person on an all inclusive basis