“What’s the one thing I should see…?”
That’s the question I ask the locals every time I enter a new city, wherever I am in the world. On many of my trips, I’m only in a city long enough to see one thing. If I leave without checking out the “it” place to go, I’m always regretting it.
So if you happen to be making your way to South Africa over the next few weeks to see the 2010 FIFA World Cup, don’t leave your host city until visiting the one thing you should see…
Cape Town – Green Point Stadium
Travel to the top of Table Mountain. You can take a cable car, or hike it. You’ll be rewarded with an amazing view of the city. If it’s cloudy, make a trip to the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront for dining, shopping and entertainment. Chances are, you may be spending more than 1 day in this city. For more ideas check out two and a half days in Cape Town.
Port Elizabeth – Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
If there’s one thing I need to do in South Africa to see and do it all, it’s the Garden Route. Use Port Elizabeth (or P.E. as it’s often referred), as a starting off point to travel along the N2 Highway for spectacular vistas long Plettenberg Bay and the Indian Ocean. Here’s a great guide to your trip.
Bloemfontein – Free State Stadium
For a bit of a history lesson in Bloemfontein, check out the Anglo-Boer War Museum. Haven’t been there myself, but I’ve often wanted to understand more about South Africa’s roots. It’s the must-see in all the guidebooks, plus the price is right too, less than $2.00!
Durban – Moses Mabhida Stadium
Durban offers a wide variety of activities. Known for it’s beaches and surfing, it’s also not too far away from national parks with Big Five game viewing. You’ll need to sample Indian Cuisine while you’re here. But the one thing you should see is one of the signature attractions in the city: uShaka Marine World. If you have the opportunity and transportation, a trip to the Drakensberg Mountains is probably a better option.
Johannesburg – Soccer City
Sure the stadium is located in Soweto, but to see this city properly, you must go on a tour through a Soweto township, see the Hector Peterson Memorial, Mandela’s house and the two towers. Ask your local hotel reception for a recommended tour operator in your area.
Johannesburg – Ellis Park
Now that you’ve seen Soweto, get a closer understanding of what Apartheid was at the museum that bears it’s name. Budget at least 2 hours to comprehend it all.
Pretoria – Loftus Versfeld Stadium
Sure Pretoria has lots to see and do, but I’d rather spend my time returning to Johannesburg and catching up on what I missed. For a chance to see animals (if you can’t make it to a game reserve), visit the Lion Park. You can play with lion cubs, spot the adults from your car and more.
Polokwane – Peter Mokaba Stadium
Hands down, you need to walk with lions. You’ll remember this forever. The Lion Walk is located at the Protea Hotel The Ranch. They also make an absolutely divine Crepe Suzette in their restaurant Basil’s. You can read about my experience with the lions here.
Rustenberg – Royal Bafokeng Stadium
Rustenberg is nearby to one of South Africa’s National Parks, Pilanesberg. Smaller than Kruger National Park, I’ve had great animal sightings perhaps because of it’s size. Rent a car and drive around the park looking for the Big Five. Here’s one adventure (out of many), I had in the park.
Nelspruit – Mbombela Stadium
Kruger National Park. It’s the signature attraction for the country. The size of Israel, hundreds of elephants, lions, rhinos, hippos and everything else in between call this park home. You’re close enough to the Malelane gate for a day trip, but this park truly requires a few days.
Do you have any favorite attractions near the stadiums I may have missed? Share by commenting.
There’s a fantastic country for you to explore out there. So what are you waiting for?
Ayoba!
I’ll see you out there…!
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