Jo'burg here we come! World Cup 2010 Travel Tips

Online, October 8, 2009 (Newswire.com) - So it's game on. Having given the Croats a thumping beneath the arch of a jubilant Wembley, tens of thousands of England fans will now be booking their trips to South Africa for next summer. HolidayCheck is happy to introduce football fans to a selection of sights they can check out should they find themselves kicking their heels before the big match.

World Cup Venues

Cape Town - Our users recommend the hop-on, hop-off red line bus service as a great way of getting a handle on this bustling, cosmopolitan city. As the name suggests, passengers are free to join or leave the tour at any point. The ticket for the whole 2 hour tour costs 100 Rand and includes discounts for a range of affiliated attractions. Those looking for an excursion outside will find the Table Mountain hard to beat. HolidayCheck user Susanne really enjoyed the views but warned against risking the ascent in bad weather.

Pretoria - The official capital of South Africa has less to offer in terms of sights than Cape Town. Nevertheless, HolidayCheck user Andrea was 'pleasantly surprised' by the Voortrekker or Pioneer's Monument.

Port Elizabeth - Those en route to the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium with time to spare and in search of a little light refreshment would do well to drop by the Cafe Brazilia on Humewood Road. HolidayCheck scribe Andreas was very impressed and enjoyed sampling the 'great selection of drinks'. When Brazil are playing this has to be the place to go! Those wanting to get a flavour of the country's natural treasures should also check out the Tsitsikamma National Park 150 miles to the North.

Bloemfontein - In this neck of the woods you can go on Safari pretty much in the town centre. Naval Hill doesn't just offer a stunning perspective over the provincial capital, it's also a place where the local giraffes and antelopes like to hang out. Plus the occasional ostrich.

Pietersburg - This venue in the North of the country will challenge athletes with its high altitude location (over 4,000 feet above sea level). Polokwane Nature Reserve is a local attraction worth checking out for its abundance of local bird life.

Johannesburg - With nearly 100,000 spectators the new Soccer City Stadium is going to be heaving come next June. This world city has a real edge to it and our users have singled out the Sun City theme park as a great place to check out. There's a brilliant water park to help you cool off besides other attractions for children and adults. For those looking to gain an insight into the country's formative past one HolidayChecker recommends a guided tour through the neighbouring township Soweto: 'the resistance movement that was eventually to overcome apartheid had its roots in Soweto'.

All in all, South Africa has so much to offer in addition to playing host to next year's championships. HolidayCheck's Natalie Borger, born and raised in 'the rainbow nation', knows that it really is 'a must see on every travellers list'.