Africa Travel Network

2011-12-07T07:39:00.001-08:00

South Africa named "Best Hostel Country" in Hostelling International's 2011 "HI-5ives!" awards

South Africa was named the "Best Hostel Country" in Hostelling International's 2011 "HI-5ives!" awards.
Hostellers who left ratings on the website hihostels.com during 2011 have had their say and awards have been handed out in the following five categories: Best Hostel Country, Best Overall Hostel, Friendliest Hostel, Most Comfortable Hostel, Most Efficient Hostel.
All award categories were based on ratings received during a 12 month period, from 1 November 2010 to 31 October 2011. During those 12 months, a minimum of 5 customer ratings in average per month was required to qualify. A hostel can only win one award category each year.

Best Hostel Country - South Africa:

The 35 hostels in South Africa have pulled in the best ratings overall for a single destination. This is a fantastic accolade for a network which was formed just one year ago. Ranging from fantastic beach side retreats to gateways of some of the best safari parks in the whole world, every SA hostel has something very special to offer an adventurous traveler.

2011-12-07T06:43:00.001-08:00

Wanna Experience the BEST backpacker country in the World 2011 FOR FREE?

Hostelling International South Africa has been voted the Best Country in the Hostelling International network worldwide and has a potentially FREE trip around South Africa for a travel blogger who can create Social Media content for us www.facebook.com/hisouthafrica.

The accommodation will be sponsored by the www.hisouthafrica.com hostels ad the transport will be sponsored by www.bazbus.com.

If HI South Africa gets the right person with the right profile willing to do it they can also approach some adventure operators for FREE tours and activities...

This is not a paid job and you would need to get yourself to SA but if you fancy a FREE working holiday contact us and you can discuss this project and what is possible.

2011-11-29T02:16:00.001-08:00

The Atta Christmas showcase event in Cape Town

December 1st

Our Sponsors for the evening:

Village & Life, British Airways, SA Airlink, SATIB, Painted Wolf Wines,

Our Charity:

Uthando

What's On?

A dazzling evening event for tourism networking, a Christmastide Party, in Cape Town.

Where? Sandy B the Private Beach Club of the Bay Hotel, Camps Bay

When? Thursday December 1st .

Time? 5 pm - 9 pm

Who's invited? Atta & SATSA Members, Guests and Media. All aspiring members from the Tourism Industry are also welcome to this showcase evening so if you are not a member of these two leading associations come and see Africa's fatest growing tourism network in full swing. To avoid disappointment book in advance as numbers are limited.

What's the cost? 120 Rand in advance (£10) and 175 Rand on the night.

What's included? Wine, soft drinks, canapes and one ticket for the raffle.

What Raffle?

It's going to be one of the best travel raffles with over R 200,000 of luxury holiday prizes from Atta members including Azura at Quilalea in Mozambique with flights (SAAirlinK), Matemwe Lodge in Zanzibar, Kaya Mawa on Lake Malawi, Les Paletuviers in Senegal, and a weeked luxury appartment in Camps Bay (Nox Rentals). So your entry ticket for the evening gives you one free ticket for the raffle. Further raffle tickets at 100 Rand each will be on sale on the night with the proceeds going to Uthando, we hope you will dig deep.

This is an evening networking reception with 3 short addresses. The purpose is:

1. To explain "The benefits of Atta in 2012". We aim to increase membership in Southern Africa (Members bringing & introducing new members who join Atta will receive a 10% discount off next years fees) - Nigel Vere Nicoll, Atta MD.

2. To take practical look at how tourism organisation & tourists themselves can get involved with economic and social development in Africa. - James Fernie of Uthando.

3. To introduce our new Insurance partners SATIB- Anthony Courtenay

About Sandy B at The Bay Hotel: http://www.thebay.co.za/sandyb/index.html

About Uthando: http://www.uthandosa.org

To book tickets in advance at the special £10 (R120) rate : Password: capetown2011

https://payments.atta.travel/tickets/index.aspx

Cape Town Hotels NOT overpriced... its official..

2011-11-28T07:42:00.001-08:00

Cape Town hotels are not overpriced as is often alleged. In fact, its four-star hotels are 25% cheaper than those in comparable cities around the world, while rates at most of its five-star hotels are on a par with those of their international competitors.

This is the result of a Fedhasa Cape survey conducted over 30 weeks this year during which hotel prices in Cape Town were compared with those in similar cities, including Melbourne, Barcelona, Vancouver, Boston, Nice, Hong Kong and Munich.

Speaking at a media briefing in Cape Town, Fedhasa Cape chairman, Dirk Elzinga, said prices in the eight cities had been compared every week by converting them into the same currency (euros). “The outcome is that in terms of pricing, Cape Town is on a par with all these cities, which is good news. Secondly, the analysis confirmed that Cape Town had a significantly wider variety of inventory and room types (more than 200 hotels and guesthouses) available than most other cities, offering enormous choice for visitors across all price ranges. It is therefore not true that Cape Town is more expensive than the rest of the world. As a destination, we are extremely competitive.”

Elzinga said the survey had been done to gain clarity on the contributing factors that led to the perception that Cape Town was more expensive. It was also done in response to many “experts” in and outside the industry having suggested during the recession that tourists would return if hotels dropped their rates.

Elzinga said most Cape Town hotels took the decision to try and retain their average room rates over the recession period to avoid a price war, although specials were offered from time to time.

He explained that hotels worldwide adopted one of two strategies to cope with the recession: either cutting rates to compete on price, or retaining their room rates and accepting a loss on occupancy. “It is apparent that those who retained their rates are able to recover faster than those who decided to cut their rates. Smaller establishments are finding themselves in a better position to recover faster, given that they have fewer overheads.”

http://www.tourismupdate.co.za/NewsDetails.aspx?newsId=61738

Table Mountain’s New 7 Wonder

2011-11-13T04:26:00.001-08:00

Celebrations erupted at the V&A Waterfront over the weekend as Table Mountain was named a New 7 Wonder of Nature following a three year battle in the race to choose the world’s seven most wonderful natural sites

“This is an incredible moment for us. Our mountain, which we all cherish, is now officially recognized as one of the marvels of the environment. We have long known this to be true and some might even ask why we need this proof if we already knew it. It is because Cape Town is a symbol. It is a symbol of permanence in a world that is full of change. It is a symbol of the heritage that we are privileged to have. And it is a symbol that reminds us that we are privileged enough to live in an incredible country with incredible assets, giving us hope for the future,” said Mayor Patricia de Lille.

The marketing effort that has been put behind the campaign has generated more than R35,2 million worth of exposure for our mountain, raising its profile globally and generating massive good will toward South Africa.

It is anticipated that the announcement will bring significant tourism growth to Cape Town, says Martin Jansen van Vuuren, Strategic Director at Grant Thornton Cape.

According to research Grant Thornton conducted on behalf of the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, South Africa will gain an additional 108 000 international tourists a year due to the increased exposure of Table Mountain as a New 7 Wonder.

Table Mountain competed with 27 other natural wonders to secure an accolade as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, with other contenders such as the Dead Sea in the Palestine, the Grand Canyon in the USA and Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro.

“The growth in tourism, particularly in the Western Cape, will be boosted despite the fragile global economy. As a result of its increased popularity, Table Mountain will be a major draw card and a key deciding factor in people’s decisions to come to South Africa,” says Jansen van Vuuren.

The value of this tourism increase is estimated to be approximately R1,4 billion per year for the first five years following the inclusion.

The New 7 Wonders are:

-Amazon, in the Amazon Basin of South America
-Halong Bay in Quáng Ninh Province, Vietnam
-Iguazu Falls, in Argentina, Brazil
- Jeju Island, a volcanic island located 130km from South Korea
-Komodo National Park in Indonesia
-Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, 50km north of the city of Puerto Princesa Palawan, Phillippines
-Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa.

The New7Wonders.com website says that there could possibly be changes between the above provisional winners and the eventual final confirmed winners. The voting calculation is now being checked, validated and independently verified, and the confirmed winners will be announced starting early 2012 during the official inauguration ceremonies.

Cape Town wins World Design Capital 2014 bid

2011-10-27T00:43:00.000-07:00

Cape Town has been named the official World Design Capital for 2014, winning the accolade from competing shortlisted candidates, Bilbao, Spain and Dublin, Ireland.

The World Design Capital title is awarded every two years by the International Council for Societies of Industrial Design (ICSID) to increase global awareness of cities dedicated to using design for social, economic and cultural development and change. The World Design Capital title is awarded two years in advance to allow the winning city sufficient time to plan, develop and promote a year-long programme of World Design Capital-themed events that throw an international spotlight on the winning city’s creative sector.

Cape Town Tourism (CTT) says the win has come at an optimal time as the city gears itself for more sustained economic growth and a more significant share of the world’s urban travellers. CTT recently unveiled its new marketing strategy and global marketing campaign, which aligns well with the intentions behind the city’s World Design Capital 2014 bid.

Cape Town Tourism PR and Communications Manager, Skye Grove, said: “The build-up to the announcement in Taipei was exhilarating. The Cape Town delegation met with the other two short-listed cities, Dublin and Bilbao, and agreed that the bid process and winner announcement was the start of a journey of collaboration between all three cities. Solid city relationships in design and tourism were formed and we will be taking these connections into the future.

“Cape Town also met with the World Design Capital 2012 Helsinki who agreed to share learnings from their journey. Helsinki confirmed the significant influence the World Design Capital title has had on city branding and marketing – the spin-offs for their tourism sector have been significant. The World Design Capital organising body (ICSID) confirmed that it was an extremely close race with all three cities submitting high-quality bids. The Cape Town team is extremely excited and is looking forward to returning home to the amazing citizen support received in the build-up and while being here in Taipei,” said Grove.

2011-09-09T07:45:00.000-07:00

Ajax Cape Town and the City again welcomes fans to the Cape TownStadium on 14 September 2011

Ever since the opening of the iconic Cape Town Stadium,local and international tourists have visited Cape Town’s newest tourist attraction.

Setin an 85ha urban sports park that caters for seven different sporting codesincluding a golf course and a public recreation precinct, the stadium liesvirtually at the foot of the majestic Table Mountain,and is only a few hundred metres from the famous V&A Waterfront and the SeaPoint promenade.

Thisworld-class venue has been designed to not only offer football fans anunforgettable experience, but also with a view towards giving the people of Cape Town a beautiful,versatile events venue.

To date more than 350 000 visitors have walked throughthe gates and enjoyed the splendor of the Stadium and its attractions.

The first football game hosted at the Cape Town Stadium wasa Cape Town derby between Ajax Cape Town and Santos on Saturday, 23January 2010 as part of the official inauguration of the stadium. 20,000 fanswatched this game and tickets were sold-out by Friday 15 January 2010.

Last season, a number of Ajax Cape Town games drew hugecrowds: 43 000 fans flocked to watch Ajax take on Bloemfontein Celtic on27 August 2010; 40 000 fans attended the KaizerChiefs game on 14 January 2011; 31 500 fans came to watch the MaritzburgUnited game on 21 May 2011; and on Saturday, 27 August, Ajax played againstKaizer Chiefs with 35 000 fans watching.

The most recent game on Saturday, 27 August between Ajax CapeTown and Kaizer Chief was part of the MTN8 semi-final and it helped both theCity and the organizers identify some matters that need tobe resolved in order to ensure that this Stadium continues to host world-classsoccer games.

Ajax Cape Town has enhanced its security plan for itsupcoming match against Kaizer Chiefs on 14 September 2011. This is to ensurethat all fans have a wonderful experience watching the game in an environmentthat promotes a safe and friendly atmosphere. Thegates will open at 17h00 giving fans ample time to be seated before the 19h30kick-off.

In order to ensure that all fans have a great time,spectators are urged to:

Plan their trip to the Stadium in advance
Use public transport as far as possible
Park in authorised and designated parking areas.
Arrive early to avoid missing any of the action. Gates open three hours before kick-off
Be seated in the correct seats. Look for the correct color coded block and seat number indicated on their tickets
Respect and follow the instructions of all security personnel at all security check points
Expect to be denied access to the stadium if they are visibly intoxicated
Note that the following items are prohibited and will not be allowed into the Stadium: - knives, firearms, fireworks, glass, bottles, alcohol, food, cameras with long lenses and cooler boxes
Remember that NO tickets will be sold at the Stadium.

Tickets cost R80, R60 and R40 and areavailable at Computicket outlets and on-lineat www.computicket.com/web/event/ajax_cape_town_vs_kaizer_chiefs/443382090/referer:highlights-index-74-2_68_19765655-o-grid

ENDS

Issued By City of Cape Town and Ajax CapeTown , CommunicationsDepartment:

FREE TICKETS TO SEE AJAX

2011-08-25T05:48:00.000-07:00

800 tickets for the ladies only

800 ladies will get free tickets to the upcoming MTN8 second-leg semi-final matches this Saturday and Sunday when Ajax Cape Town and Mamelodi Sundowns face Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates respectively.

Once again the PSL and sponsor MTN will give away 800 tickets – per game - to the ladies only, all in respect of women’s month. The home team will distribute 400 tickets to its fans while various media houses will give away the other 400.

So at each game 800 ladies will enter for free – with their ticket of course. Fans should contact the home team for more information.

“It’s for the ladies only. It’s women’s month and together with the sponsors and the clubs we thought it would be good to honour the ladies. The first two games we saw a number of them at the stadium and it is good for the game to hear their voices,” said PSL GM Internal Marketing, Zola Nkuta.

Female supporters also stand a chance to win R8000, half of which they share with a charity of their choice that supports women and children, if they are chosen as the MTN8 Female Fan of the Match during all the MTN8 games. To stand a chance to be selected as a winner, female fans must come to the stadiums clad in spectacular fan regalia. The winner will be selected by a female sports journalist just before half-time and their picture will be shown on the stadium’s LED screens.

“MTN8 is about the passion and the love for football. We encourage women to come to the stadium in large numbers to support our local football, make a difference in the lives of those who are less fortunate than us and put themselves in line to win fantastic prizes on the day,” said Desiree Pooe, Senior Manager: Sponsorship and Events at MTN SA.

Ajax and Chiefs drew 0-0 in the first-leg encounter at Soccer City while Pirates beat Sundowns 3-2. If both teams are deadlocked on aggregate score after 90 minutes, the away goal rule comes into play and if this still can’t determine the winner, the match will go immediately into a penalty shootout.

Tickets for both matches are still available at Computicket and Shoprite/Checkers and will cost R40 for adults and R10 for children.

The Ajax-Chiefs clash takes place at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday night; kickoff is scheduled at 8:15pm. The Sundowns game kicks off at 3pm on Sunday.

Sports And Entertainment Packages

2011-06-30T05:37:00.000-07:00

STORMER VS CRUSADERS – Normal tickets, VIP Tickets, Flights and Accommodation;

TRI NATIONS – SA vs NZ – Exclusive package – Flights, Accommodation, Grandstand Tickets and VIP tickets;

KYLIE MINOGUE – Standing tickets, Seated Tickets and Accommodation packages;

VODACOM CHALLENGE – VIP Suite Tickets and Travel Packages to all matches;

CARLING CUP – VIP Suite package to match at FNB Stadium;

COLDPLAY – Normal and VIP Suite packages;

KINGS OF LEON – Normal and VIP Suite packages;

WESTLIFE / DEURIEMIKKE – VIP Suite packages;

CURRIE CUP – VIP Hospitality and Travel packages to all games;

RUGBY WORLD CUP – Tailor made packages available on request;

MONTECASINO EVENTS – VIP Packages to all events at Montecasino TEATRO – incl: The Parlotones, JOZI Comedy Fest, Riverdance, John Cleese, Mandela Trilogy etc;

If you would like any more info about the above packages please dont hesitate to contactb us.

info@africatravelnetwork.net

CAPE PENINSULA DAY TOUR SPECIAL

2011-06-30T04:11:00.000-07:00

CAPE PENINSULA DAY TOUR

"SPECIAL"

R420 per person
(Instead of R540)

Terms and Conditions:
Tickets must be purchased in July 2011 and must be used on or before 31 August 2011

Cape Town Winter Restaurant Specials

2011-06-27T05:31:00.000-07:00

Winter has popped up quicker than expected this year and as we all scurry to find blankets, heaters and woolly socks; our favourite Cape Town food spots have put together some delicious winter-warming specials at the city's top restaurants.

Restaurant specials at the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

221 Waterfront at the V&A Waterfront is offering a three-course set menu for R135. Tweak your taste buds with starter options like salmon roses and halloumi steak with caramelised onions and roast tomatoes. Main courses include sirloin with mushroom sauce, sole with lemon butter sauce or vegetable lasagne. For dessert, try the traditional crème brûlée, or a brownie with ice cream. Tel 021-418-3633

Hildebrand and the V&A Waterfront serve up authentic Italian this winter with two-course meals for R99 and three-course meals for R130. Tel 021-425-3385

Krugmann’s Grill at the V&A Waterfront offers stylish yet affordable dining. Try a hearty 250g rump with your choice of starch for only R59. Throw in an extra R10 and you'll get 150g of calamari on the side. Or, surf and turf it up in true style - for an extra R15 and you'll get four prawns. Tel 021-418-9393

Nobu, at One and Only Hotel at the V&A Waterfront offers a sensational five-course set menu for just R299 per person. Try their new-style sashimi, famous rock shrimp and beef toban. For dessert there are three choices, one of which is Nobu’s signature chocolate bento box. Special runs until 31 August 2011. Tel 021-431-4511

Sevruga at the V&A Waterfront is offering two courses from their winter tasting menu for R120 and three courses for R160. Choose from delicious starters like dim sum and risotto balls and mains such as springbok pot pie or Cape Malay curry and indulge in tasty desserts: think banana tarte tatin and vanilla crème brûlée. Tel 021-421-5134

Restaurant specials in the Cape Town City Bowl

The Grand Daddy Hotel in Long Street pairs up for winter with a variety serving of pastas, sandwiches and burgers for two for just R120, including two glasses of red or white wine. If you're in Long Street on Friday and Saturday, try Grand Daddy's two-course set menu for just R95 a person. Tel 021-424-7247

Galbi in Long Street does a 180° Korean turn on Kim Jong-il with their wide range of choices. On Tuesdays, get a variety platter that includes A-grade rump steak, Thai marinated chicken, marinated ribs and potato wedges for R60. On Thursdays get a 400g rump/pork with doenjang jjiggae (Korean vegetable soup/stew), Korean spinach, sweet potato fries with jalapeno sauce, lettuce wraps and makkoli (a traditional Korean rice wine) for R180 for two. Tel 021-424-3030

Arnold’s in Gardens is extending their two-for-two throughout winter with a variety of warm stews and a bottle of red wine for R99. Alternatively, wrap yourself in a gemsbok wellington, grilled and covered in pastry, for R115. Tel 021-424-4344

French Toast in Bree Street will turn your Monday right-way-round with affordable meals and half-price wine. Enjoy top-notch wines from as little as R49 and don't forget about their monthly wine and tapas evenings - enjoy a four-course tapas menu including wine for only R250 a person. Offer valid until end October. Tel 021-422-3839

Sinn’s Restaurant, Gardens is dishing out their R50 tasty autumn special lunch creations. Choose from veal bratwurst and creamy mash; pepper steak, egg and chips; juicy Moroccan chicken breast burger; Sinn’s fresh gourmet salad; curried Asian chicken noodles or deep fried baby calamari. Due to popular demand Sinn’s will also be running the three course dinner special with glass of wine for R150. Options include roasted chicken supreme, wild mushroom risotto and slow braised springbok pie. Tel 021-465-0967

Rick's Cafe Americain in Gardens is soaking in the winter sunsets with late afternoon tapas. From 5pm to 7pm get a tapas or mezze platter (for two) with half a litre of house wine for R105. Available until 20th September. Tel 021-424-1100

Restaurant specials along the Atlantic Seaboard, Cape Town

Visit Andiamo in Green Point for a double date of two pizzas or pastas and two glasses of wine for R99. For the month of May get any breakfast off the main menu for R20. Tel 021-421-3687/8

Beluga in Green Point features a winter warming two-course lunch for R120. If you’re really hungry bump it up to a three course lunch for R140 or try their three course dinner for R160. Starters include crayfish and avocado tian and springbok carpaccio. For mains, try a slow-braised shoulder of lamb or an angry chicken curry. Tickle your sweet tooth with a Belgium waffle or a white chocolate martini. Tel 021-418-2948

Tsuyo Japanese Restaurant in Green Point is giving away a free tuna salad to all customers dining in. Eat as much sushi as you can for R129, including one portion of tempura, miso soup, sashimi, yakitori (chicken skewer) and spring roll per table for up to four people. Order two teppanyaki set menus and get a free cup of sake. Tel 021-439-4918

Beat the winter greys at Blues Restaurant in Camps Bay. Get a two-course lunch for R120 or a three course dinner for R150 including wine and coffee. Tel 021-438-1758

Experience hearty winter comfort at Cru Café in Green Point with their two-for-one special. Choose between a delicious bobotie served with a glass of Chenin or a tomato ‘bredie’ served with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc for R119, every Wednesday and Thursday night from 6pm. Tel 021-418-6334

Choose any two dishes from Chapmans Peak Hotel Restaurant in Hout Bay and get a free bottle of wine and two free Amarula crème brulees. Alternatively, try one of their following specials: soup of the day R35, Malay lamb curry R89, mussel Mexicana R69, or try their speciality winter platter for just R99. Tel 021-790-1036

The Kove in Camps Bay specialises in great grilling. Get a juicy fillet or a rump steak grilled to perfection for under R100, or a saucy Kove gourmet beef burger for R60. Try the grilled Norwegian salmon with rock salt and olive oil for R99, or fresh line fish with crushed potatoes, sautéed spinach and oven roasted tomato for R90. Alternatively, order the seafood platter (medium tiger prawns, grilled calamari, line fish and creamy garlic mussels), served with a choice of starch and sauce for R165. Tel 021-438-0004

Massimo's in Hout Bay adds a little extra to your lunch. From Wednesday to Friday between 12pm and 4pm get a free glass of house wine or beer with any main course.

La Mouette Restaurant in Sea Point is extending their May six-course tasting menu throughout the winter. For only R120 sip on some winter Pimms while sampling caramelized onion soup, confit pork belly and warm chocolate profiterole. There is also an optional wine pairing at a cost of R180. Tel 021-433-0856

Lazari in Green Point present their Moroccan tomato chicken, served with couscous, feta and rocket for R65 and roasted chilli butternut served with couscous, blue cheese, chickpeas and rocket for R50. Tel 021-419-9555

Roundhouse Restaurant at The Glen invites you to indulge in one of their two winter specials. Feast on the gigantic seven course special for R240 a person or take the express option and pay R180 a person for three courses. Options include smoked oysters, lamb shoulder with charred aubergine and lemon soufflé. Offer available until 30 September. Tel 021-438-4347

Break it down with breathtaking views and sumptuous eating at Salt in Bantry Bay. For just R120 for a two-course meal or R140 for a three-course meal, indulge in butternut velouté, lamb gnocchi and bread and butter pudding with whisky anglaise and chocolate ice cream. Offer valid until 31 August. Tel 021-439-7258

Restaurant specials in the winelands

Café Delicieux in Welgemoed warms up your Friday night with any two courses for R125 or any three courses for R155. Tel 021-913-0153

Catharina’s in Constantia is giving away a complimentary glass of Klein Steenberg when you order their two-course set lunch for R165, the three course lunch for R195 or the three course dinner for R215. Bookings are essential. Tel 021-713-2222

D’Ouwe Werf in Stellenbosch has a winter-warming special that is simply irresistible, and quite affordable. Enjoy a two-course meal for R125 or a three-course meal for R125. Options include the chef’s soup of the day, Cape Malay bobotie, a sundried tomato, peppadew and feta stuffed chicken fillet and a traditional malva pudding. Tel 021 887 4608

Ryan’s Kitchen in Franschhoek is offering a three-course dinner for R195. For starters, choose from chicory tart, organic buttered chicken terrine, fried calamari or mielie and vanilla Risotto. Mains choices include free-range calf’s liver and wildebeest loin. For dessert, try a lemon and thyme soufflé, liquorice poached pear or chocolate and tarragon ganache. The very hungry might want to try the six course Taste of Africa menu for R295. Choices include curried lamb and coriander mince, spiced vetkoek, braised springbok, beer and buchu reduction and orange ice and ginger. Tel 021-876-4598

Jordan Restaurant on Jordans Wine Estate in Stellenbosch offers diners a four-course set menu with two glasses of Jordan wine at just R225. Alternatively, try a one-course meal with a glass of Jordan wine at just R95. Offer ends September. Tel 021-881-3612

Restaurant specials in the Southern Suburbs

Oblivion Wine Bar in Claremont is keeping the winter chills at bay this season with their healthy butternut, chilli and coriander soup for R28. Or, try their beetroot, butternut and balsamic pizza option for R76. Tel 021-671-8522

Take your lunch at The Square in Newlands this winter. Enjoy a hearty organic lamb curry or battered fish and chips as part of their two-course special for only R130. Add an extra course for R30. Tel 021-657-4500

Restaurant specials on the Southern Peninsula

The Black Marlin in Simonstown is keeping their fire stoked throughout winter with their weekend braai specials. Get half a medium crayfish for R75, a whole medium crayfish for R135, or a whole large crayfish for R195, or sneak in a fresh snoek for R55. All options include rice and salad. Alternatively choose from their set a la carte menu for R115 for two courses or R140 for three courses. Options include mango chicken, line fish and prawn curry. Tel 021-786-1621

Polana in Kalk Bay: flame-grilled free-range half chicken for R50. The offer is valid from Sunday to Thursday during the month of May. Tel 021-788-7162

Hook into some succulent prawns with stir fry Asian noodles for R60 at Live Bait in Kalk Bay. The delicious dinner offer is valid from Sunday to Thursday during the month of May. Tel 021-788-5755

Harbour House, Kalk Bay. Tuck into a two-course meal for R140 or three courses for R160 throughout the month of May. Not available on Sunday. Tel 021-788-4133

Other restaurant specials in Cape Town

Henri’s, Somerset West is giving away a free bottle of wine from Lourensford Wine Estate with their great value three-course set menu for R150. Indulge in their succulent steaks, vegetarian or seafood options. Tel 021-852-6442

Knife in Century City is letting you ‘build your own’ this winter. Start off with a Knife basic salad for R35 and add whatever you like. If you’re not into construction try their bagel for R35, or the Knife platter for R60. Specials are available from Monday to Friday from 12pm to 3pm. Tel 021-551-5000

Haunted Cape Town!!

2011-04-20T08:17:00.000-07:00

Discover Paranormal Cape Town!! An experience you will never forget!

An Exhilirating, fun, adventurous and Sinister look at "Haunted Cape Town"........

3 haunted Pub stops, History & Science of the Paranormal, Live & Recorded Stories, Dark Mystery Room, History with a difference, audience participation with EMF Meters(to detect energy fields), haunted & murder Venues, climaxing to Historical Cemetery ... at Midnight of course.

The Sinister Itenary.....

Perseverence Tavern (Starting Pub Stop) The Scissor's Murder with History & Science of the Paranormal,

Good Hope Seminary (poison murderess Daisy de Melcker)), The Castle of Good Hope ('off the bus', audience participation), Poltergeist of Fenton Road, Ghosts of District Six, Ghosts of Groote Schuur Hospital, Drie Koppen, the Saints, Sinners & Students of Rondebosch, SAC's School, Ghost & Spy stories of Kimberly Hotel.End off Pub.

Some Of our guests have even made it back.......Sober!

Our Maiden Tour is Wednesday 20th April..thereafter Tours will run wednesdays & Fridays from 8pm.....

Cost Of Tour is R350-00 Per person. Group Discounts apply.
T-shirts available @R75
You will need...Torch, notebook & pen, camera.....Courage! And Beer money!!

Contact us for more Info@africatravelnetwork.net

Travel Concept Solution To Attend ITB With SAYTC

2011-03-01T01:31:00.000-08:00

Government support and international exposure spell fresh growth for SA Youth Travel

CAPE TOWN - 14 February, 2011

Eleven representatives from South Africa’s booming Youth Travel market are set to attend the world’s largest and most prestigious travel show, ITB Berlin, in March.

The visit comes as the South African national government is increasingly focusing support and funding on travel as one of the country’s six priority areas for job creation, and it was made possible by funding from the Department of Trade and Industry.

ITB Berlin is the world’s leading travel industry think-tank, and during the 2011 convention, will continue to serve as arguably the most important platform for the promotion of dialogue in the international tourism sector.

Says Deborah Kleynhans, national coordinator of the South African Youth Travel Confederation (SAYTC) and project manager for the local ITB delegation: “We are grateful for the recognition and support this niche, but very important section of South Africa’s travel market, is increasingly receiving from the South African government”.

“For the first time, SAYTC will enjoy a presence at this enormously important event on the global tourism calendar, which last year saw record attendance of more than 12 500 participants. We intend to cement South Africa’s growing reputation as an exciting travel destination for the adventurous and young at heart, as well as those who prefer to combine their international travel with giving back, for instance through volunteering programmes.”

Bernie Meyer, tourism director in the Department of Trade and Industry’s Industrial Development Division, says the government’s support for SAYTC stems from its work on the development of niche tourism markets.

“We are of the opinion that Youth Tourism offers high growth potential with positive developmental impacts and an opportunity to help diversify the South African tourism economy,” said Meyer.

“Supporting SAYTC to gain increased exposure at an event like ITB will improve market access for members and generate new business that will ultimately lead to increased foreign exchange earnings, tourism growth and job creation.”

The eleven SAYTC members which will represent SA’s Youth Travel market at ITB between March 9 and 13 (listed below), represent diverse establishments throughout the country. They include representatives from transport, accommodation and adventure establishments which serve youth travellers throughout South Africa.

SAYTC - ITB Berlin 2011

TOURS AND ADVENTURES

Stormsriver Adventures – Based in the heart of the Tsitsikamma forest, Stormsriver Adventures cater for tastes ranging from the mild to the wild, with experiences such as canopy tours and guided hiking included in their portfolio.

Adventure Centre – Wild experiences throughout Africa are organised from this Stellenbosch-based adventure shop - from diving with sharks or from an airplane, to abseiling down Table Mountain or climbing up Mount Kilimanjaro.

PiliPili – The PiliPili Beach Bar is situated alongside Sedgfield’s Myoli - one of the top wave-riding beaches on the South African coast. Travellers can pick up new and second-hand gear at PiliPili’s shop on the main road, and head down to the water for lessons, awesome down-winders for more advanced riders, and a cold one back on dry land.

Daytrippers – For the past two decades, Daytrippers has made its mark as one of the leading alternative tour companies in the Western Cape, with activities such as hiking, biking, cruising, picnicking and swimming available on their expeditions.

Cape to Addo – This safari group has pioneered the Addo Park Safari - a safe and affordable way to experience the thrill of game driving in an authentic Big Five national park, while also catching the beauty of the coastal regions of both the Western and Eastern Cape.

Bikes’nWines – Catering to the outdoorsy and young-at-heart traveler, Bikes’nWines combine both adventure cycling and wine-tasting. Up to four Stellenbosch wine estates are visited during the day, accessed by private farm roads that take riders through vineyards and quiet tree-lined roads.

Explore Paradise - a Cape Town-based one-stop tour shop. They offer a myriad of tours in and around the Mother City and beyond, and travellers can take their pick of day tours, private tours, package tours, luxury coach tours or nightlife tours. They can also put together their own itinerary to combine various offerings, including safari, helicopter, limousine or Winelands tours.

VOLUNTEERING

You2Africa – You2Africa facilitates sensitive, meaningful and well-priced African volunteer projects. It sources volunteers from the international market, and is popular among travellers who do not only want to sightsee when visiting the continent, but also to participate in community development projects.

ACCOMMODATION

Soweto Backpackers – For a truly unique experience, travellers head to the famous suburb of Orlando West to walk or cycle the streets of Soweto, and play or watch soccer with the locals. Restaurants, shebeens, braais (barbeques) around the campfire, or even church and museum visits are all on the menu for guests at Lebo’s Soweto Backpackers.

Backpackers Paradise – A family-run hostel nestled in Oudtshoorn, or Ostrich Country as it is known in South Africa, Backpackers Paradise offers an idyllic base from where the Little Karoo and its myriad adventure experiences can be discovered.

TRANSPORT

Baz Bus – With a fleet of 19-seater semi-luxury buses, Baz Bus has, for more than fifteen years, transported thousands of backpackers to 180 youth travel destinations throughout South Africa and beyond.

SAYTC will be assisted at ITB Berlin 2011 by stand host, On Show Solutions.
Jacqui Reynolds of On Show says that, by being positioned in the heart of the southern African hall at ITB, SAYTC will have exposure to buyers and show visitors who are keen to visit the region. SAYTC’s niche focus on youth travel will furthermore set its group of exhibitors apart from the rest of the show, she says.

For media enquiries, contact Simon Lewis www.travelconceptsolution.com

Baz Bus Cancels Swaziland Leg Of There Route

2011-02-28T08:04:00.000-08:00

FROM 1 APRIL 2011 Baz Bus will no longer operate between Johannesburg/Pretoria & Swaziland (in both directions)

- Baz Bus will no longer operate between Swaziland & Durban (in both directions)

- Baz Bus will NOW OPERATE between Johannesburg/Pretoria and Durban, via Drakensberg, 5 times a week (in both directions).

DAYS OF DEPARTURE between Port Elizabeth & Durban and between Durban & Johannesburg (via Drak) will change as follows:

Port Elizabeth to Durban: Departs MON, WED, THURS, FRI, SUN

(i.e. Departs Daily except: TUES & SAT)

Durban to Port Elizabeth: Departs TUES, WED, THURS, SAT, SUN

(i.e. Departs Daily except: MON & FRI)

Durban to Johannesburg / Pretoria: Departs MON, TUES, THURS, FRI, SUN (i.e. Departs Daily except: WED & SAT)

Johannesburg / Pretoria to Durban: Departs MON, TUES, WED, FRI, SAT

(i.e. Departs Daily except: THURS & SUN)

Please note the following important information:

* The last bus departing from Johannesburg/Pretoria to Swaziland:

Wednesday 30 March 2011

* The last bus departing from Swaziland to Durban:

Thursday 31 March 2011

* The last bus departing from Durban to Swaziland:

Wednesday 30 March 2011

* The last bus departing from Swaziland to Johannesburg/Pretoria:

Thursday 31 March 2011

http://www.bazbus.com/routechange.aspx

Annual Rwanda International Trade

2011-02-23T05:01:00.000-08:00

Private Sector Federation Rwanda in conjunction with the Ministry of Trade and Industry is organizing for the 14th time, the Annual Rwanda International Trade Fair 2011 due to take place at Gikondo Expo Ground, Kigali-Rwanda from 28th July to 10th August 2011. Kindly find herewith attached invitation letter, expo map and registration form for your reference.

Don’t hesitate to contact us for any further information you may require regarding the above event or pass our contact information to interested companies for direct communication..

Kind regards

Judith Harris
Admin Officer

Rwanda High Commission
Pretoria/South Africa

Tel: (+27)12-3426536
Fax: (+27)12-3420160
Cell: (+27)79 610 8741

Red The Gallery Auction

2011-02-14T06:50:00.000-08:00

Its On Your Doorstep

2011-02-13T23:14:00.000-08:00

The world’s changing rapidly, and it seems so is the PSL, for the better that is – its time for all those English Premier League supporters to shift their allegiances to closer to home.

To all those Man U, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal ‘fans’ in this country, many of who have never been to England and have few if any family ties to the UK: the Absa Premiership is hot right now, it’s where it’s all happening!

Last Fridays Cape Town derby was as good as it gets, anywhere.

Athlone was the scene as Ajax Cape Town ran out 4-3 winners over Santos in a game which overflowed with passion, commitment, drama (including a 35th minute red card) and goals of the highest order.

Clayton Daniels and to a lesser degree Jurie Basie’s efforts aside , the other five goals were WORLD CLASS: three superbly executed curling shots from 20-yards out into the top corner, a sublime left-footed chip from an acute angle from Terror Fanteni and a 25-yard rocket of a match winner five minutes from time courtesy of Thulani Serero.

The usual complaints from the EPL lovers regarding South African football include: the finishing is poor, the crowd attendances are embarrassing, too much show-boating, the grass is not green enough, administration is third-world.

None of these were applicable on the Mother City on Friday night.

SAFA is still prone to regular bungles, but there is absolutely no fault to be found in the PSL’s organization of the league; it’s improving season by season. Go compare the logs in South Africa with those in England on Monday morning and look at the ‘games played’ columns, for example…

Of course not every match is going to be a 4-3 derby thriller, but a gradual trend towards better quality, or at least more entertaining top flight football appears to be underway – just last week Santos and Golden Arrows drew 3-3, while Wits hammered Vasco 6-0.

Another game in Cape Town, earlier this season – Ajax’s 1-0 win over Chiefs, only had a single goal, yet provided 90 minutes of thrilling action on the field, while the 40 000 fans at the ground ensured it was a memorable evening.

The equation in general in pretty simple – the bigger and more enthusiastic the crowd, the more exciting the action on the field.

Stop worrying about what Wayne Rooney does for after-hours entertainment, or what kind of hobbies John Terry and Ashley Cole partake in, or whether West Ham or West Bromwich Albion will escape relegation - go and watch the Absa Premiership – you won’t see a 4-3 score-line every week, but there will always be drama, excitement and vibrant fans.

http://swnews.co.za/its-on-your-doorstep/

Cape Town Prepares For U2

2011-02-07T03:47:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we were at Cape Town Stadium to watch the start of the massive task of removing the turf in preparation for the U2 concert next week (18th Feb)

The stage will be 8000sqm and will take up one whole half of the pitch.

The reason they are removing the turf is because the with construction and dismantling the stage will be in place for 14 days therefore the turf will simply die.

The turf will be stored in Stellenbosch and replaced after the concert as the scheduled Neil Diamond Concert will use a smaller stage therefore the turf can be covered.

The pitch will be playable on the 28th May 2010 which is sadly to late for the last Ajax Cape Town game which will be on the 21st May.

For More Pics Check out the following link:

VICTORIA FALLS BEERFEST!!

2010-10-08T10:49:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time...

... there was a group of people who realised some very important facts:

* Victoria Falls is very very hot in October and you need a lot of liquid refreshment to keep cool
* Our favourite liquid refreshment of choice is icy cold beer - especially our local Zambezi - with a glass of chilled wine second on the list
* A great drink deserves a great snack to go with it
* We all know how to throw and enjoy a really good party

Once all of these vital facts were combined, the future for October was clear - VICTORIA FALLS BEERFEST!! We would like to invite you to join us in doing what Zimbabweans and more than a few visitors to Zimbabwe do best - party to great music, consume lots and lots of liquid refreshment and celebrate the month of October in Vic Falls.

We have set the 23rd of October as the date for this gathering in honour of the mighty hop and we'll start the party at 4pm and go until 10am the next day - after all, 24 hours at least is needed to truely do this beverage justice. We've got the best local Djs and bands playing including Dj Spevar, Dj Easy T and Dj Francis with live drumming shows, fire poi displays, stilt walkers, cage dancers and just about anything else we can think of. There'll be a general public area available to all ticket holders and a VIP lounge area for VIP ticket holders and great food will be available all party long to keep your energy up.

The Big Cape Town Derby

2010-09-29T06:44:00.000-07:00

Press Release

Cape Derby tickets available now!

Tickets for the Cape Derby between Ajax Cape Town and Santos FC are now on sale at Computicket as well as Shoprite/Checkers stores.

The Cape Derby will be played at the Cape Town Stadium on October 15 2010; kick-off is at 20h00. No tickets will be sold at the Stadium on match day and fans are urged to buy their tickets early.

Tickets are priced at R80, R60 and R40 and all seats are reserved as per the seat number on each ticket.

Shooz Mekuto the Ajax PRO said, “This game is the first official PSL Cape Derby to be played at the Cape Town Stadium and we know that all Cape Town football won’t want to miss this game for any reason.

We have capped ticket sales at the 20 000 mark and we believe that by making the tickets available three weeks ahead of the game, we want will ensure that all Capetonians have access to the tickets well ahead of the game.

This game is part of our Football Friday project that brings the beautiful game to the people on the traditional football night here in Cape Town.

We urge the people of Cape Town to bring the “Gees” back to the Cape Town Stadium as they did during the World Cup.”

To book go to; http://www.computicket.com/web/event/ajax_cape_town_vs_engen_santos/239526984?referer=/highlights/index/5/0/0/grid/.

It’s official: South Africa is the world’s best adventurer destination

2010-09-28T03:21:00.000-07:00

“I was not expecting this. It’s luxurious. It’s friendly. It’s safe. It’s awesome. I love this place. I just love it” Rachael Scobie, Australian adventurer.

SOUTH AFRICA is bracing itself for an influx of adventurer travelers since a tribe of young adrenalin junkies have declared it to be unsurpassed by any other destination on earth for its sheer variety of exhilarating adrenaline thrills.

The seven, each of a different nationality, have roundly declared their ten-days in South Africa to have been an experience that they will never, ever forget and an epic adventure that is unlike anything else offered anywhere in the world.

The seven came to South Africa to see if that country really is the best and most exciting adventurer destination in the world. Between them they have done everything from living with remote tribes in the Amazon to scaling Everest and kayaking the mighty Colorado River. They were unanimous: It’s impossible to beat South Africa’s just plain out there, blow your hair back, gee-whizz adventure travel activities.

They were in South Africa as winners of South African Tourism’s Adventurers Wanted campaign in partnership with the National Geographic Channel. The winners were chosen from thousands of entries from seven countries: Australia, UK, Italy, France, Netherlands, USA and Germany.

They came to South Africa to do the highest bungee jump in the world; to whizz along zip lines on treetop canopy tours; to get nose to snout with Great White Sharks; to walk through pristine bush and get up close and personal with the Big Five; to go abseiling, mountaineering, hiking, cross country cycling, quad biking, reptile wrangling; to tame the mightiest white waters in inflatable kayaks; to sleep under the stars and dine on mountaintops; to hot air balloon; to spelunk and to surf. And that was only in the first few days!

They have each recorded their time in South Africa for the world to share on www.adventuresouthafrica.net. Their accounts make for wonderful reading. Says Australian Adventurer, Rachael Scobie: “I was not expecting this. It’s luxurious. It’s friendly. It’s safe. It’s awesome. I love this place. I just love it.”

UK adventurer, Ben Dowman says: “South Africa made us laugh, scream, stare open mouthed and jump for joy together so many times that I’ve given up counting. South Africa changed us.”

Ben Lewis from the USA says: “I already want to plan a return trip. I think a few of my friends may be interested in joining me. South Africa has really opened my eyes, from the combination of beauty and ruggedness to the culture and the friendliness of the people. It’s blown me away. And it’s shattered all my preconceptions.”

Bangu Masisi, General Manager South African Tourism Australasia: “We just love it that the adventurer tribe had a great time exploring South Africa. They all know now what we have been saying for years: South Africa is heaven for adrenalin-seeking junkies. There really is no better place on earth for people who roll up their sleeves, reach out and grab life and all its wondrous offerings. We love it that they had a good time. And we can’t wait to see them, and their friends, back again for more.”
To learn about the awesome Adventurers Wanted holiday and to take a look at the amazing photographs of everything the tribe of adventurers did in South Africa, go to www.adventuresouthafrica.net

Ajax Cape Town to play at the Cape Town Stadium.

2010-09-13T02:03:00.000-07:00

Ajax Cape Town has confirmed that they have secured the Cape Town Stadium as a venue for their next home game. The Urban Warriors will play Platinum Stars at the Cape Town Stadium on Friday 17 September 2010 bringing back the football Fridays back to Cape Town. The game kick-off will be at 19h30.

George Comitis the Ajax CEO said, “Friday night football is back, and we are confident that we will get the people of Cape Town to come and support local football at a world class facility. This will be the first time that we try something new; it’s the first time a team runs an event at the new Stadium.

Ajax Cape Town is hiring the Stadium, covering all the costs and we will be responsible for event operations on Match Day. We have come to a very good agreement with the city who came to the party and they helped us to make this event possible.

We are capping ticket sales at 20 000, that’s the lower tier of the Stadium. The environment will be safe for families, especially for the children that turned up in their numbers for our last game.

It has always been our dream to play at a world class facility like Cape Town Stadium because we able to realise our dream of having families returning to watch local soccer.

We will promote reserved seating to ensure that families can sit together. A three tier ticketing system will be implemented and the pricing is as follows; R80 (West Stand- Blue), R60 (East Stand – Red) and R40 (North and South Stands – Yellow and Green).

Ajax Cape Town would like to thank the City and Sail Stadefrance for helping us to make this event possible. We have taken a risk as a club but we believe that this is a calculated risk and that we can make this work.

At this stage we taking it one game at a time and the more games can play at the Cape Town Stadium on a Friday night will be beneficial for Ajax Cape Town, the City and local football, “concluded George Comitis the Ajax CEO.

Rocking The Daisies On Your Vespa

2010-09-13T00:17:00.000-07:00

Its that time of year again to go and check out some of S.A.'s top talent at this years Rocking the Daisies festival .This year promises to be bigger, better, happier, funnier, more colorful, more exciting and definitely more entertaining.

It takes place the weekend of 8,9,10 October. We will meet at a central point in Cape Town and ride out towards Darling on our Vespa's . If we book ahead of time we will receive a discount. So we would like to know if you will be joining us this year so that we can make arrangements as far as tickets and the ride goes.

If you have never been then make sure you join us this year!!

www.vespa.za.net
ctvespaclub@gmail.com

Cape Town is favourite destination

2010-08-05T01:02:00.000-07:00

British Airways has announced that its passengers worldwide have identified Cape Town as their favourite destination. As of November this year, British Airways will offer a second daily flight between Heathrow and Cape Town ahead of the 2010 summer season due to increased popularity. The additional flight will see the introduction of BA’s new Boeing 777 for the Cape Town route.

British Airways Commercial Manager in South Africa, Sue Botes, says demand for flights to Cape Town was on the rise even before the FIFA World Cup, and the airline is accommodating the increasing demand by offering an additional daily flight.

Cape Town Tourism CEO, Mariette du-Toit Helmbold says, “An additional daily British Airways flight is very good news for Cape Town’s tourism industry. Cape Town’s popularity has been rising steadily over the past few years and with all of the positive 2010 FIFA World Cup coverage and word-of-mouth recommendations, the city’s popularity has sky-rocketed.”

2010-06-01T00:30:00.000-07:00

LOWEST PRICE 4*- Pretoria

Excellent Location - Close to Menlyn’s bars and restaurants, Loftus stadium and main arterial roads to Johannesburg.

Cancellation Special

Due to a recent cancellation we have 4* Rooms from 850 ZAR per night (reduced from 1,500 ZAR - 8 rooms per night)

4* Aluvi House

Rates per room including Breakfast

8th June – 18th June

850 ZAR Standard Room inc Breakfast

1100 ZAR Luxury Room inc Breakfast

26th June – 06th July

1100 ZAR Standard Room inc Breakfast

1300 ZAR Luxury Room inc Breakfast

07th July – 12th July

(availability over final 5 night minimum stay)

1500 ZAR Standard Room inc Breakfast

1800 ZAR Luxury Room inc Breakfast

Email info@africatravelnetwork.net

2010-05-28T01:10:00.000-07:00

OUR LATEST SPECIALS

HIGHLIGHTS

JO’BURG

CITY LODGE FOURWAYS – VERY POPULAR, BEST LOCATION.

11 June – 24 June - 8 Rooms available.

28 June – 08 July - 10 Rooms available.

2,999 ZAR per room

PRETORIA

4* ALUVI HOUSE – BEST VALUE WORLD CUP

10 June – 19 June – 12 Rooms Available

27 June – 12 July – 15 Rooms Available

1300 ZAR per room

(World Cup Final Availability!!)

CAPE TOWN – SEMI FINAL AVAILABILITY

4* SUNDOWN MANOR – BEST VALUE 4* Fresnaye 2km from stadium

All Dates inc Semi Final.

1800 ZAR per Room

4* GLEN APARTMENTS – NEW AVAILABILITY 30 ROOMS – Camps Bay

All Dates inc Semi Finals.

3,800 per apartment (Rack 4050 ZAR!)

3 and 4* MOUILE POINT – NEXT TO STADIUM

All Dates inc Semi Final.

4* LUXURY WATERFRONT APARTMENT –Lowest Price at V&A

All Dates inc Semi Final. 3,500 ZAR per Apartment

5* BAY HOTEL (Camps Bay) Unbeatable 5*

3600 ZAR per Room

PORT ElIZABETH

LAST 5 ROOMS for the England Game

4* KING EDWARD 22nd – 24th June 2 night stay.

3,250 per room per night

World Cup packages with TICKETS available!!

2010-05-19T03:29:00.000-07:00

The following packages are available:

FOLLOW BRAZIL

• 15 – 21 June Brazil vs. Ivory Coast 6 night package from $3,377.00 p.p sharing
• 21 – 26 June Brazil vs. Portugal 5 night package from $3,980.00 p.p sharing
• 19 – 28 June Brazil ULTIMATE 9 night Package 4 matches from $7,128.00 p.p sharing
• 10 – 26 June Brazil ULTIMATE 16 night Package 7 matches from $10,879.00 p.p sharing

FOLLOW ARGENTINA

• 10 – 15 June Argentina vs. Nigeria 5 night package from $3,014.00 p.p sharing
• 15 – 21 June Argentina vs. Korea 6 night package from $3,377.00 p.p sharing
• 21 – 26 June Argentina vs. Greece 5 night package from $3,014.00 p.p sharing
• 10 – 19 June Argentina ULTIMATE 9 night Package 4 matches from $6,644.00 p.p sharing
• 19 – 28 June Argentina ULTIMATE 9 night Package 4 matches from $6,820.00 p.p sharing
• 10 – 26 June Argentina ULTIMATE 16 night Package 7 matches from $10,153.00 p.p sharing

FOLLOW MEXICO

• 10 – 15 June OPENING!! Mexico vs. South Africa 5 night package from $3,256.00 p.p sharing
• 15 – 21 June Mexico vs. France 6 night package from $3,377.00 p.p sharing
• 21 – 26 June Mexico vs. Uruguay 5 night package from $3,014.00 p.p sharing
• 10 – 19 June Mexico ULTIMATE 9 night Package 4 matches from $6,644.00 p.p sharing
• 19 – 28 June Mexico ULTIMATE 9 night Package 4 matches from $6,204.00 p.p sharing
• 10 – 26 June Mexico ULTIMATE 16 night Package 7 matches from $10,153.00 p.p sharing

FOLLOW USA

• 10 – 15 June USA vs. England 5 night package from $3,014.00 p.p sharing
• 15 – 21 June USA vs. Slovenia 6 night package from $3,377.00 p.p sharing
• 21 – 26 June USA vs. Algeria 5 night package from $3,014.00 p.p sharing
• 10 – 19 June USA ULTIMATE 9 night Package 4 matches from $6,402.00 p.p sharing
• 19 – 28 June USA ULTIMATE 9 night Package 4 matches from $6,204.00 p.p sharing
• 10 – 26 June USA ULTIMATE 16 night Package 7 matches from $10,153.00 p.p sharing

FOLLOW ITALY

• 10 – 15 June Italy vs. Paraguay 5 night package from $3,982.00 p.p sharing
• 15 – 21 June Italy vs. New Zealand 6 night package from $3,377.00 p.p sharing
• 21 – 26 June Italy vs. Slovakia 5 night package from $3,124.00 p.p sharing
• 19 – 28 June Italy ULTIMATE 9 night Package 4 matches from $6,281.00 p.p sharing
• 10 – 26 June Italy ULTIMATE 16 night Package 7 matches from $10,989.00 p.p sharing

Packages are inclusive of the following:
• Accommodation in a 3 star hotel in Johannesburg (4 star hotel upgrade available).
• Round trip transfers to the match
• Commemorative 2010 World Cup gift pack
• Professional on site tour hosts
• All breakfast included
• All taxes and services charges are included
• Category 3 tickets for the applicable games
• Rates based on double occupancy

Terms and Conditions
• All sales are final. No cancellations or refunds.
• All package prices include local sales taxes and VAT where applicable.
• Due to limited capacity in smaller cities, accommodation could be in cities nearby.
• Event times are subject to change. Please check official listing for exact start time.
• Match transfers are not provided for optional matches.
• CityGuideSA has the right to upgrade ticket categories at their sole discretion

Book NOW!!! info@africatravelnetwork.net

Fifa urges South Africa fans to buy World Cup tickets

2010-04-10T00:48:00.000-07:00

Football's world governing body has launched a new drive to encourage local fans to buy the 500,000 unsold tickets for this summer's World Cup.

With two months until the start of the tournament, tickets are still available for every match except the final.

Organisers have admitted the initial reliance on internet sales was not the most "friendly" system for local fans.

"We want to ensure the picture we give to the world is full stadiums," said Fifa secretary-general Jerome Valcke.

Demand from visiting fans has been lower than originally anticipated, with a "significant number" of tickets being returned, including those from corporate sponsors.

The effects of the global recession have been partly to blame, while fears of crime have also contributed to the relative lack of travelling supporters.

Officials have blamed the cost of long-haul flights to South Africa, while the government has launched inquiries into both accommodation costs and alleged domestic airline price fixing.

And with most fans in South Africa in the habit of buying tickets on match day, Valcke admitted the emphasis should have been shifted away from internet sales at an earlier stage.

Reports suggest that less than half of the population in South Africa has access to the internet.

"The approach at the beginning was not the most friendly system for South Africa and South Africans. But there is always time to learn - 62 days [before the tournament] is a long period," Valcke said.

If we do have empty stadiums, it will reinforce the idea that football is not supported in the country and that would be tragic

Tournament chief executive Danny Jordaan

The final phase of ticket selling will see 11 new centres in the nine host cities where fans can buy tickets "over the counter".

"We have always said that it is important that we make this World Cup more accessible to the [South African] people and with the over-the-counter sales, we believe this is a measure that is consistent with the needs of the fans," said tournament chief executive Danny Jordaan.

"If we do have empty stadiums, it will reinforce the idea that football is not supported in the country and that would be tragic.

"The reality is that this is a football-mad country."

More than 100,000 tickets will be available exclusively to South Africans for $20 (£13), the lowest World Cup price for many years.

About 2.2m tickets have been sold have already been sold, with the United States somewhat surprisingly heading the list of overseas buyers with 118,945 tickets. British fans have bought more than 67,000 tickets.

But in Germany, only 32,269 tickets have been sold and Valcke admitted that sales in Europe have been "disappointing".

"Maybe we are getting too much [football]," said Valcke.

"We are getting it whatever we want. We have football matches every day. Either the Champions League or the Europa League or the club league or the cups..."

South Africa has poured 33bn rand (£2.9bn) into preparations for the tournament. Major upgrades to airports in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Bloemfontein are complete, while Durban's new airport is set to open on 1 May.

The country is also trying to reassure fans about security in a nation with one of the highest crime rates in the world, averaging 50 murders each day. An extra 41,000 police have been recruited for the tournament.

Cape Town Waterfront Marina Apartments

2010-04-05T08:07:00.000-07:00

10/06 - 12/07
(min stay 3 nights)
Next to the One and Only hotel overlooking the Marina.

The beauty of these is they will be run like a 5 star hotel and have access to all the One and only's facilities, serviced twice daily and have the use of the Waterfront VIP Club penthouse (valued at R28M) with panoramic views of the stadium and Marina.

We will be serving breakfast, watching all matches & sundowners etc.

This world class 5 star facility is only available to groups who are staying in the apartments detailed below.

This facility is ideal for a group of 25-30 people who want to network and socialize during the day/night.

3 bedroom

1 bedroom

Penthouse (3 bedrooms)

2 bedroom

R4250 per room
including breakfast, unlimited drinks including premium brands, giant plasma screens to view games and full use of the VIP club penthouse.

5 Star Cape Town Accom

2010-04-05T08:02:00.001-07:00

10/06 - 25/06
(min stay 3 nights)

1 bed suites, R6,700

2 bed suites, R8,900

25/06 - 08/07

1 bed suites; R6,700

2 beds suites, R8,900

The Ritz 21st floor Revolving Restaurant

2010-04-05T07:49:00.000-07:00

Pre and post match hospitality

Hospitality commences at 5pm

Pre match buffet style hot & cold food

Complimentary wine included.

Pre-Match

A glass of sparkling wine on arrival

Rare roast beef on crusty French

Tomato & Mozzarella with pesto

Cocktail vegetable samoosas

Chicken Satays with sweet Chilli dip

Cocktail Rump Kebabs

Filled Crumbed Mushrooms and Dolmades

Butternut Pansotti‘s

Mini Kingklip Sosaties

Post Match

Cheese platters

Assorted Canapes

Mini Pizzas

Meat balls

Cheese cakes

Fruit Kebabs

Chocolate Eclairs

Tea/Coffee

R1200/head for group matches

World Cup Accom Is Reponsibly Priced

2010-03-29T01:17:00.000-07:00

THE majority of accommodation providers in South Africa have acted responsibly when it comes to pricing for the 2010 Soccer World Cup.

Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk made this statement releasing the results of a survey conducted by Grant Thornton to compare 2010 rates to regular accommodation rates.

“The research shows that 74% of all accommodation establishments in the country are charging a premium less than 50% above their highest rate for 2010. Half of all establishments will not be charging a premium at all,” said van Schalkwyk.

A total of 2479 respondents were sourced in all nine provinces, including hotels, guest houses, bed and breakfast establishments, lodges, camping and self-catering facilities.

“The survey has found that the addition of price premiums to normal high season rates for accommodation during major events is a global norm, during such events, normal economic principles of supply and demand result in premium pricing,” the minister said.

He added that many respondents do “recognise the damaging impact that exorbitant accommodation prices will have on the legacy of 2010.”

“We will continue to do everything to discourage excessive premiums when these do occur. I have consulted with the tourism industry in this regard,” Van Schalkwyk concluded.

U20 Cape Town International Challange

2010-03-26T06:46:00.000-07:00

Next month Cape Town will host some top U20's International Teams in the International Challenge.

This will be staged at both Newlands Stadium and the NEW Cape Town Stadium

8/4 Ghana v Nigeria 13:00 CET
Brazil v SA 18:00

10/4 SA v Nigeria 15:30 CET
Ghana v Brazil 18:00

Tickets available through Computicket

Cheap World Cup Beds

2010-03-17T03:41:00.000-07:00

superior hostel accommodation – cape town

NO MIN STAY & FIXED PRICES ALL MONTH!!

* Affordable and comfortable accommodation
* Within walking distance to Cape Town Stadium and Fan Mile
* 24 hour professional security guaranteed
* Cater for single and group bookings
* Newly furnished beds and linen included
* Rates include breakfast and complimentary gift pack (MTN Sim card, Rain mack and more)
* 2000 beds available

package contents

* Rooms available – 2; 4; 8; 12 and 16 bed rooms
* Shared bathrooms (separate male and female)
* Breakfast lounge
* Big screen TV’s to view all World Cup games
* Internet kiosks and wireless connection (Pay as you go)
* 24 hour security
* Digital Safes
* All rooms heated
* 24 hour Reception
* 24 hour medical on site

SOCIAL INITIATIVE

This great opportunity to host the World Cup has provided many benefits to the people of South Africa. It has generated thousands of jobs and allowed us to regenerate our infrastructure across the country.

We have contracted with 4 disadvantaged schools in Cape Town to convert them into hostels during the world cup period. The classrooms and bathrooms will be refurbished and painted. The dormitories will benefit from all the new bedding and linen. The schools will also benefit financially.

Please contact us for more info and prices
info@africatravelnetwork.net

World Cup Accom, Great Locations, Sensible Prices

2010-03-01T23:15:00.001-08:00

Affordable 4*Guest Houses Close to the action

Beat Inflated prices without having to compromise on standards. African Travel network have held some key 4* guest houses close to all the action in Johannesburg and Cape Town at very sensible prices

Affordable 5* Safari and Football

Find time for a Big Five Safari whilst watching the football. African Travel Network have exlusive access to a 5* Private Reserve within 1 ½ hours drive from the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Port Elizabeth.

Stalk Cheetah and hunt down the big 5 in the morning before taking a luxury transfer to the football in Port Elizabeth.

Please contact us for more info.

Simon
www.africatravelnetwork.net

World Cup Accom, Great Locations, Sensible Prices

2010-03-01T23:15:00.000-08:00

Hotel rooms selling fast -We have beds!!

2010-03-01T02:53:00.000-08:00

It's not only football tickets which are selling like hot cakes, but hotel rooms marketed by FIFA for the World Cup in South Africa this year are fast running out with nearly three-quarters having been all booked out, organisers told Sapa.

According to the LOC Chairperson Irvin Khoza, about 73% of rooms have been reserved for the international football governing body courtesy of Match, which provides accommodation services for FIFA.

“The report we received from Match is satisfactroy,” Khoza told the media.

Match is reported to have struck deals with hotels across South Africa to market 48,000 rooms during the one month long tournament which will begin on June 11 and end on July 11.

However a number of bed and breakfasts and some big hotel chains like Hyatt opted not to work with Match as they did not want to have to set aside big blocks of rooms months before the finals.

About 450,000 thousand foreign visitors are expected to pour in for the tournament which South Africa spent a whooping R33bn on in preparations.

The number of arrivals is expected to be lower than previously estimated due to a series of challenges but no predictions have been made by the Sepp Blatter-led body.

“Whenever you play the tournament away from Europe, it is a challenge for some fans to come... a financial and organisational challenge,” FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke told Sapa.

England Dayz

2010-01-19T08:13:00.000-08:00

We are putting together various England World Cup Dayz around the World Cup and would like your feedback.

Whats on offer.

Johannesburg
*SAB Brewery Tour & Opening Ceremony Fan Park Experience

Cape Town
* England Day Safari & Pub Crawl
* England Shark Cage Diving Day and Pub Crawl
* England Wine Tour/Pub Crawl/Club Crawl
* England Community Day

Garden Route
*England Bungy Jump Day (world record attempt) and After Party

Port Elizabeth
*England World Cup Shebeen Experience.

All in the days will be before the England games in each city.

We have similar events planned around England games all around the country and of course our England Party Safari.

www.africatravelnetwork.net/tour_detail.asp?id=8c7d915351f4e946010

South Africans Will Be Able To Buy From Ticket Offices In April

2010-01-16T06:40:00.000-08:00

LOC CEO Danny Jordaan has revealed that, from April onwards, fans will be able to buy World Cup tickets over the counter in exchange for cash.

This was the news at a press conference at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium, where it was also announced that the city will host 100 days to the World Cup celebrations.

“Purchasing of tickets closer to the process that South African football fans are accustomed to will take effect in April,” Jordaan revealed.

“Then fans will be able to walk in and walk out of ticket offices to make their purchases.

“We acknowledge that the average fan has become frustrated with the current system, therefore we decided to use this method."

Included on the 100 days celebrations itinerary will be the banquet to honour Africa’s 11 greatest footballers such as Steve Kalamazoo, Abedi Pele, George Weah and Lucas Radebe.

Special recognition will also be given to the six African countries that have qualified for the global event, as well as the host cities for putting up 10 world-class venues.

The day’s festivities are likely to end with a football match at the venue. Both Jordaan and Durban mayor Obed Mlaba concurred that it would be ideal to have Bafana Bafana in action on that day, but at the same time agreed that it depended on whether Carlos Alberto Parreira is up for such an outing.

England Community Project Day

2010-01-15T07:20:00.000-08:00

Africa Travel Network will be supporting a Soccer Project called Great Commission United, who will be running a Sports Academy during the World Cup.
The Community Project is training young kids in football and tutoring them with schoolwork football training will begin at 2pm daily.
On the17th June 2010 we will be offering the England Fan Community Half Day Tour.
From 1.00pm to 5.00 pm
Price: R700
(R500 goes to the community R200 goes to transport and food etc)

Including:
Transport,
Tea and traditional cakes.

Activities will include football training, 5 a side tournaments and helping out at a the school.
The project is in Heideveld on the Cape Flats, a community riddled with drugs and gangsterism.

Please bring your old football boots and shirts.
Any kit would be most appreciated.

We will include a certificate and a photograph of the day in exchange.

If you think fans from your country might be interested in supporting our project please contact us and we can arrange a day.

England Shark Cage Diving Tour and Pub Crawl

2010-01-13T13:38:00.000-08:00

Our World Cup preparation it taking shape and today we secured the biggest Shark Cage Diving boat In Cape Town for the 15th June so we can offer an Exclusive England Shark Cage Dive and Pub Crawl 3 days before England second game.

We have 38 places to sell

Includes:

Return Transfers from Cape Town to dive site 2hr drive.
Shark cage diving trip
Plus at least 3 pubs on the return Journey.

World Cup In 3D

2010-01-07T02:17:00.000-08:00

ESPN announced yesterday that they’ll be screening World Cup 2010 games in 3D. They’ll show the opening South Africa vs Mexico game in 3D, and “up to 25″ World Cup games in total.

Now the bad news: You’ll need more than just those big glasses you wore to see Avatar (which you’re supposed to give back at the end, by the way) in order to watch the games. You’ll also need an expensive 3D television and a subscription to the ESPN 3D channel.

So this isn’t for the common fan. It’s very much an experimental, early adopter type deal. Unless you live in Europe. According to the Telegraph, 3D TV will NOT be available in Britain in time for the World Cup, but WILL be available on certain big public screens at FIFA International Fan Fests, courtesy of Sony.

I can think of worse ways to spice up a dead rubber group game.

That said, I’ve never seen football in 3D, so can only imagine what it looks like. My first guess is that it’s confusing, and will take a little getting used to. But I’m all for something new, and if it takes off then maybe we’ll get on board and launch 3D versions of The Offside and WorldCupBlog. I already need glasses to read them, so wouldn’t be a huge change for me.

Cape Town Football Festival

2010-01-05T13:44:00.001-08:00

On the 23rd Jan 2010 the New Green Point Stadium (Cape Town World Cup Stadium) will hold its first game. Ajax Cape Town V Santos our local derby.

Supporting the event will be freshly ground playing the latest song.

Africa Travel Network will be running a trip!!

Do you want to be there?

2010 teams set up base in the Cape

2009-12-30T07:41:00.001-08:00

By late December 2009, three football teams had confirmed their bookings for base camps in the Western Cape in the Cape Garden Route and Klein Karoo regions.
The teams are, France for the Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa at Knysna, Denmark for the Simola Golf & Country Estate, also at Knysna, and Japan for Fancourt at George. The team from Paraguay has been expressing a strong interest in the Point Hotel at Mossel Bay, but has not confirmed yet.

These areas and Cape Town, Winelands and the Cape West Coast, have gone out of their way to make sure that their venues and facilities are in tiptop shape to not only host the world's football greats, but also leave them with an impression that will draw them back for many years.

Shaun van Eck, CEO of Knysna Tourism, says, "As a top tourism destination, we are an excellent option to teams - the town boasts luxurious accommodation coupled with the wonderful lifestyle that is Knysna. The hosting of a team will be a huge boost for the town and the Garden Route and it has made the hosting of base camps a priority focus. The Knysna Council also decided to upgrade its current public sports facility, Loerie Park, should a team base themselves in Knysna."

André Smith, senior manager of environmental affairs at George Municipality, adds that the city has established a 2010 committee to deal with teams' and other arrangements, including beautification to create a soccer atmosphere. "We are expecting between 15 000 and 20 000 Japanese supporters in George. Extensive work will be carried out to prepare the field surface of their practice venue, the Outeniqua Stadium, for soccer purposes. Indications are that a second team might also choose George as a base camp with Oubaai as their preferred hotel," says Smith.

What was the Africa Destination of the Decade? And what are the Travel Hotspots of Tomorrow?

2009-12-22T03:05:00.000-08:00

The safari of the decade: Botswana's Okavango Delta "In the 1990s, the Okavango was still split up into the Moremi Game Reserve and a number of hunting areas - and tourism to the Delta was relatively small. The last decade has seen a steep change: Southern African safaris are no longer the poor relation of East Africa trips, and the Okavango has turned from a backwater to the continent's ultimate safari destination. From 2000 onwards, small, often fabulous lodges began arriving in areas previously reserved for hunting: gradually, over the last decade, we've seen many of these change to be photographic concessions, where hunting is no longer practiced. Safaris are now firmly established in the Okavango as a much more humane money-spinner."

And what's coming next? **The Twenty-Tens/Oh-tens/Teenies/Tenties/Tenners**

Zimbabwe - Chris McIntyre "With the Mugabe era likely to end in the next few years, Zimbabwe's tourism industry is poised to bounce back, and the good news is that its environments are generally in great shape. The wonderful national parks are all situated on land that's difficult or impossible to farm, so they remain largely untouched, while much of the game is apparently in good shape, too - even if a few areas have had high levels of hunting. Recent news has been very encouraging: an apparent upsurge of visitor numbers in 2009, and now a much less unstable, dollar based economy. Once an effective protection plan is re-installed and development returns to the country's people, I can see it taking off fast in tourism terms. Zimbabwe used to have vastly more visitors than either Botswana or Namibia - and it can do so again."

- Chris McIntyre, MD of Africa specialist Expert Africa* (020 8232 9777, www.expertafrica.com)

World Cup 2010: Ticket Applications Hit the 500,000 Mark

2009-12-17T03:08:00.000-08:00

As you can all imagine, tickets for the 2010 FIFA World Cup are selling really fast. In fact, on Monday FIFA revealed that the first ten days of the third ticketing sales phase, has seen the number of tickets applied for hit the 500,000 mark.

According to reports at soccernet.espn.go.com, football’s governing body has revealed that 386,300 of those tickets were requested by South African residents, while the other 114,237 tickets applied for came from the rest of the world.

In a recent statement from Horst Schmidt, who is chairman of the FIFA ticketing sub-committee, he said that the latest ticket applications figures are impressive when they are compared to the previous editions of the FIFA World Cups.

Take a look at our Follow England Party Safari.

http://www.africatravelnetwork.net/tour_detail.asp?id=8c7d915351f4e946010

This is a perfect option if you dont have tickets and still want to enjoy the World Cup and see South Africa.

If you like the concept and want to follow another country contact us for more info..

Cape Town Stadium Complete

2009-12-15T09:39:00.001-08:00

CAPE TOWN — South Africa's Greenpoint stadium, which has been chosen to host a 2010 World Cup semi-final, was on Monday declared complete.

"This has been worth the wait. People of Cape Town this is our stadium, it is ready for the world," said mayor of Cape Town Dan Plato, during the opening ceremony.

The 68,000 seater stadium boosts the views of the iconic Table Mountain and the historic Robin Island, where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated.

Its 32-months construction process was dogged by labour strikes and faced fierce opposition from enviromentalists who claimed that its existence would spoil the city landscape.

Greenpoint cost 4,5 billion rand (605 million dollars) and is one of ten venues to host the 2010 football spectacle.

Other stadiums already completed include, Moses Mabhida in Durban and Soccer City in Johannesburg.

World Cup 2010 tickets: how to get your seats for South Africa

2009-12-08T14:16:00.000-08:00

The World Cup 2010 has sent fans into a frenzy of planning for a trip to South Africa. Here, we show you how to get hold of tickets for the World Cup.

Demand for tickets for World Cup 2010 has surged after the draw for the first round games on Friday.

One million tickets were released on the Fifa site on Saturday, and although 55,000 sold in the first two hours, this is still the most reliable way of getting hold of tickets.

For the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany there were 20 million requests during the first sales phase for 750,000 available tickets.

And the race for tickets for this World Cup is likely to be equally strong – especially as England's first game, in Rustenburg on June 12 against the USA, is to be played in one of the smaller stadiums, with only 5,040 tickets allocated to England fans.

Through the Fifa website

You need to register on the site before being guided through the ticketing process, and then submit your request for tickets. A new sales phase began on Saturday, and runs until Jan 22. Your name will then be entered into the draw.

There were 222,000 applications in the first 48 hours after the draw, but Fifa point out that it doesn't matter when you apply as tickets from this sales phase will be drawn on Feb 1. You can apply for a maximum of four tickets, for seven different matches.

There will be further sales phases beginning on Feb 9 – on a first come, first served basis – and on April 15th.

Tickets will not be posted out but will be available for collection, at designated points in South Africa, from April 2010.

TAKE A LOOK AT OUR WORLD CUP PARTY SAFARI

http://www.africatravelnetwork.net/tour_detail.asp?id=8c7d915351f4e946010

All Eyes Will Be On Cape Town This Friday

2009-12-01T10:28:00.000-08:00

Roads are being cordoned off, stages are under construction and banners are being hung to welcome the thousands of people expected to throng into the city centre.

The draw will be an internationally televised event at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) to determine the match order of the 32 participating teams.

More than 150 million people from 200 countries are expected to watch the big event. It will be accompanied by a festival on Long Street, which has been organised to give Capetonians a taste of how the fan parks will function.

The Long Street event will feature live entertainment, including top South African artists such as Freshlyground and Jimmy Dludlu and video links to the CTICC, so that revellers can watch the Draw live.

The festival is expected to go on late into the night. The draw will be attended by some 3,000 international guests, including team representatives, FIFA executives.

Football celebrities like Ruud Gullit, David Beckham, Zinedine Zidane and Franz Beckenbauer are some of the football greats who will also invade the Mother City along with sponsors and the international media.

The Long Street festival is expected to attract about 15,000 people and altogether, both events are expected to boost this year’s visitor figure to over a million. The annual switching on of Cape Town’s festive lights in Adderley Street on Sunday kick-started the festive season.

Over 50,000 people gathered in central Cape Town to enjoy the free, open-air concert with artists Ringo Madlingozi, Jozi, Emo Adams, The Rockets, Ready D, Die Broers, Soli Philander and Joe Barber.

Fans enjoyed the ‘Soccer Zone’, near the Heerengracht Circle, where they met players from Ajax CT, Santos FC and Bafana Bafana stars, Matthew Booth and Lance Davids. Other entertainment included a diski dance competition, five-a-side football games and ‘foosball’ play-offs.

According to BuaNews, a dedicated Festive Season Co-ordination Committee, representing various city departments, has been established to oversee the implementation of strategies to contribute towards a safe, clean and enjoyable experience for all visitors and residents during the festive season.

World Cup Draw Cape Town Info

2009-11-19T03:41:00.001-08:00

The first official event to launch South Africa’s hosting of the 2010 FIFA World
Cup™ takes place in Cape Town on December 4 and the City of Cape Town is
pulling out all stops to demonstrate its readiness to welcome thousands of
soccer fans and dignitaries.

The FIFA Final Draw, which will determine the match schedule for the 32
participating teams in next year’s soccer tournament, will be held at 19:00 on
Friday, December 4 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre CTICC).

About 3 000 international dignitaries and media representatives are expected to attend this milestone event which will be televised live to an estimated 150 million
viewers across the globe. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Cape
Town to put its best foot forward," says Lesley de Reuck, the City’s Director
of 2010 Operations.

To welcome VIPs at the CTICC, the City of Cape Town will host a ‘Red Carpet’
event as from 16:00. Although the Final Draw ceremony will be closed to the
public, the City has organised a one day festival in Long Street where
Capetonians can view the Final Draw on large TV screens, says De Reuck.

Prior to and during the events, several roads will be closed temporarily to enable event organisers and various City and Provincial services to prepare and secure
these venues, says De Reuck.

For the Final Draw event at the CTICC, there will be intermittent road closures on
the Foreshore in the area of Lower Long Street, Coen Steytler and Cullinan
Street, from 09:00 on Monday November 30 to 05:00 on Monday December 7.

For the Long Street Festival, there will be a full closure of Long Street, from
Buitensingel to Buiten Street, and Loop Street, from 13:00 on November 30 to
05:00 on December 7.

From 01:00 on December 4 to 12:00 on December 5, there will be road closures in the area bound by Queen Victoria Street, Green Street, Buitensingel, Loop Street and Dorp Street.

Buiten Street, Bloem Street, Pepper Street, Leeuwen Street, Wale Street, Keerom Street and Vredenburg Lane will also be affected.

On-street stopping or parking will not be permitted on Long Street from Buitensingel to Buiten from 17:00 on Sunday 29 November.

Access control measures will enable businesses and residents entry to the affected areas.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused by these street closures and wish to
thank all Capetonians in advance for their
co-operation.

To minimise traffic disruptions, Cape Town Traffic services will be on duty to
redirect motorists and pedestrians. There will also be sufficient signage
pointing towards alternative routes, he says .

For more information on the Long Street road closures only, please contact 072 324
2476 .

Latest Cape Town Stadium Pictures

2009-11-16T01:36:00.000-08:00

Taken Sunday 15th November

Air ticket prices to soar in World Cup

2009-11-16T01:30:00.000-08:00

The Sunday Times has established that a family of four, including two teenagers, could pay as much as R41000 for return economy fares from Johannesburg to Cape Town in July next year.

At R10300 per person on British Airways, this works out at just R500 less per passenger than a return ticket to London at the same time.

Based on online quotes and telephonic verification with six reputable travel agencies this week, British Airways currently appears to be the most expensive, but that does not mean other local airlines won't be cashing in over that period.

The quotes included:

* Return economy-class tickets for a family of four on South African Airways from Johannesburg to Cape Town between July 9 and 11 could cost as much as R30500; and
* A return flight between Johannesburg and Cape Town - which now costs between R7700 and R12400 on 1time and Kulula respectively for a family of four - will cost R19112 between July 9 and 11 next year.

Return flights per person between Durban and Johannesburg between June 11 and 13 will cost R5000 (SAA), R4600 (BA) and R2600 (1time).

Flabbergasted travel agents said yesterday that airlines were "set to make a killing".

A Johannesburg travel agent said Fifa had "block-booked" most airline tickets for the World Cup, leaving very few tickets for domestic travellers.

But airlines said ticket prices would be finalised only after the draw on December 4.

SAA spokesman Vimla Maistry said cheaper fares would be made available after the draw.

"Once we know where the teams will be playing, we will be able to open bookings for tickets. There will be some increases in ticket prices over the period," said Maistry.

She said extra flights would be arranged during the period.

She said the cheaper tickets that would be made available after the draw would obviously be snapped up.

Heidi Brauer, executive manager of marketing and communication at Comair, which operates British Airways in South Africa, said they had made available a limited number of tickets for the World Cup period.

She said none of the airlines had finalised their pricing. "We are definitely not going to try and fleece the public."

http://www.timeslive.co.za/sundaytimes/article194452.ece

Cape Town one of world’s best party cities

2009-11-14T01:11:00.000-08:00

Cape Town has earned a stamp of approval from the well known travel company Lonely Planet as one of the world’s top 10 party cities. This list is part of Lonely Planet’s new guide, the “1000 Ultimate Experiences”.

According to Lonely Planet, with the 2010 World Cup bringing a global audience to South Africa the partying will only get harder as travellers converge on a city that is already well known for nightlife.

“Luxuriate on some of the world's best beaches by day and kick back under the moonlight at suave cocktail bars by night,” suggests Lonely Planet.

The guide advises visitors to try South African wine at a Cape Town bar or one of the wineries in the area.

Other cities included in the top 10 are Belgrade in Serbia, Montreal in Canada, Buenos Aires in Argentina, Dubai in the United Arab Emirates and Thessaloniki in Greece.

Cape Town’s Transport Fears For 2010

2009-11-12T12:11:00.000-08:00

According to reports, Cape Town’s race to meet the deadline for the World Cup transport operations project looks tight and FIFA has drafted contingency measures should the plan be not ready in time for the football showpiece...

The international football governing body’s September update of the Mother City’s Integrated Rapid Transit (IRT) system suggests the plan may not meet its May 2010 deadline.

The operation has been described as being, "very tight and the possibility that this service may not be available for the event poses a considerable risk to the planning of the even transport services," according to the Cape Times.

The taxi industry that has been crying foul over the new bus system could well be called into the party to top-up transport services that will be needed for the event, depending on how ready the new system will be. The first phase of the IRT has been scaled down because of escalating costs.

The project, estimated to cost R1.3 billion a year ago, will now cost the city R4.3bn. Some of the University of Cape Town’s Jammie Shuttle Service buses which will be not utilised during the event.

The revised completion of the Phase1A of the IRT "within time and budget constraints" has been identified as one of the risk factors of the city's 2010 transport plan. About 175,000 extra commuters are expected daily during peak hours during when the event begins.

The city is expected to come to a round table for the extension of hours of other forms of transport in areas that will not be serviced by the first phase of the IRT.

Transport during the World Cup is expected to be concentrated in the city centre, Green Point Stadium area and Cape Town International Airport. Transport operations for the event will be coordinated from the new Transport Management Centre at Goodwood and the operational cost of managing transport during the event will be R80 million, according to the Cape Times newspaper.

A reported submition made to the city's transport portfolio committee by Peter Sole of Transport, Roads and Stormwater, Cape Town would have to negotiate with landowners for the use of about 32,000 parking bays. Most of the games being played at the Cape Town Stadium have a 20:30 kick-off.

Clyde Tlou, Goal.com

Cape Town will be the centre of attention

2009-11-10T06:50:00.001-08:00

As we approach the final lap of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ qualifiers, the spotlight will inevitably fall on next month's Final Draw which will decide the destination and the fate of the 32 qualified teams that will participate in Africa's maiden FIFA World Cup next year.

And, it is therefore no surprise that Cape Town, the city that will host the Final Draw on 4 December is now the centre of attention. In South Africa, Cape Town is often fondly referred to as the ‘Mother City', and after a short tour of the place, it is probably not hard to imagine as to why this artistic centre that sits at the foot of one of the most majestic peaks, Table Mountain, holds such significance for the Rainbow Nation.

Renowned for its beautiful beaches, bright sunshine and artistic places, Cape Town will provide the perfect setting for the draw and, with its summer weather, the city is now gearing itself up to welcome visitors and teams alike. Known as a melting point of different cultures, languages and ethnic groups, Cape Town is one of the highly coveted destinations in South Africa for tourists.

It has an impeccable record in hosting top international events and now the Final Draw will position it as a destination of choice in the minds of millions of viewers who will watch the proceedings around the draw from their television sets. It is these people who are expected to flock to South Africa next year to watch the first ever FIFA World Cup on African soil.

So, what is it about Cape Town that makes it so enticing? FIFA.com takes a closer look at South Africa's ‘Mother City'.

Table Mountain
Standing at just over 1,000 metres tall, the flat-topped giant that is Table Mountain towers over the city of Cape Town. The summit of Table Mountain can be accessed by hiking trails or cable car. From the top of the mountain, the expanse of Atlantic Ocean unfolds across the horizon. The prominent shapes of Lions Head and Devil's Peak loom in the distance and sitting on the ocean's surface, Robben Island, flickers from inside the ocean mist some 11 kilometers off the coast.

The Winelands
From the manicured hills of Stellenbosch to the vineyards of Franschhoek and Paarl, the wine regions located nearby Cape Town have produced some world-renowned wines. Guesthouse and hotels abound in these areas, making the winelands the perfect place to spend a few days. A typical day in the winelands brings with it scenic views, superb cuisine and mouthfuls of captivating wine.

Beach life
The toughest part of a Cape Town beach day is choosing which beach to frequent. Camps Bay is set across the road from a busy strip of restaurants, cafes and beach bars. Meanwhile, Clifton has long been the playground of the slim and sexy. Clifton comprises four separate beaches tucked into natural coves, which provide perfect shelter from the wind. Further out of the city, Llandudno is an old favourite amongst local surfers and sun-worshippers. Blouberg Beach is a popular surf spot for both board riders and kite surfers, while many surfers have learnt their moves at Muizenburg Beach.

The V&A Waterfront
While many people are put off by the idea of spending precious holiday hours in a shopping mall, the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is an entertainment and shopping area without equal. Forming part of the Port of Cape Town, a busy international harbour in its own right, the Waterfront is where industry meets leisure. Shopping aside, there are numerous attractions including the Two Ocean's Aquarium, Clock Tower and Robben Island Museum. You can also take boat rides out to sea, helicopter flips along the coast and tours to Robben Island. Inside the mall, designer stores stand alongside uniquely South African stores, ensuring that the contents of your shopping bags will be as cosmopolitan as the city you bought them in.

A melting point of cultures
The contrast and overlapping of cultures in Cape Town is a characteristic that dates back over half a century. First, there were the Portuguese explorers that sailed around the southern tip of Africa in 1488; then the Dutch and British colonists that jostled to lay claim to this important stop on the trade route to India; after which there were the slaves from Indonesia and Madagascar that would form the origins of the lively Cape Creole Culture that exists today. Today, Cape Town is home to many different cultures including the Xhosas, the coloureds and other many other tribes in South Africa.

World Cup Fan Parks

2009-11-06T08:07:00.000-08:00

Fan Parks are situated in central areas so that general public can watch all the games. Entrance to the Fan Parks is free and it is expected that these Fan Parks will attract a lot of visitors. In Germany 2006 one Fan Park attracted 500 000 spectators to watch one game. To avoid large transport infrastructure expense, training venues will also double as public viewing sites.

Fan Parks in the Western Cape
The Grand Parade Somerset West Road
Stellenbosch Bellville Velodrome
Swartklip Atlantis
Khayelitsha Nomzamo Yethu (Hout Bay)

Training Facilities in the Western Cape
Newlands Rugby Ground UCT Rugby Ground
UWC Soccer Field Bellville Rugby Ground
Stellenbosch Rugby Ground Athlone Stadium

Fan Parks in Johannesburg (list to be updated)
Mary Fitzgerald Square in the Newton precinct
Fan Parks in Soweto are to be expected.
Innes-Free Park in Sandton,
Walter Sisulu Square in Kliptown

Fan Parks in Durban (list to be updated)
The Durban Beach Front has been earmarked as one of Durban’s preferred sites for one or more Fan Parks during 2010.

FIFA confirms South African venues on track

2009-11-03T23:57:00.000-08:00

FIFA has confirmed that vast progress has been made after conducting a routine check of the venues that will stage the games at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

The inspectors from FIFA and the World Cup Organising Committee visited five specifically built stadiums for the tournament and were full of praise.

The tour was primarily intended to check on operational functionality of the stadia rather than actually how they are progressing in terms of completion. Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Durban, Polokwane and Johannesburg were among the places visited.

Derek Blanckensee, Chief Competitions Officer, said: “We’ve been looking for years at artists’ impressions of buildings as well as drawings, and to now see them in their final state is very satisfying. All the stadiums should be complete by the end of this year although maybe Cape Town and Soccer City may go on a little big longer.”

The remaining four venues in Bloemfontein, Pretoria, Rustenburg and Johannesburg’s Ellis Park have already proved they can handle the crowds expected next year, after hosting the Confederations Cup in June.

World Cup Party Safari Info In Spanish

2009-10-27T06:12:00.000-07:00

Como sabemos que será un problema en el próximo año en la Copa Mundial con los tickets para los partidos, el transporte y el alojamiento pensamos que nuestro “Party Safari Road Trips” será la solución más económica y perfecta.

Sudáfrica es un país grande y el transporte público no cumple del todo con las reglas básicas mundiales de transporte. Por esto si tenes pensado ir al mundial de futbol será realmente muy complicado poder viajar por tu cuenta siguiendo a tu equipo a todas las ciudades en las que juegue.

Nosotros te ofrecemos una opción flexible y confiable para viajar por todo Sudáfrica y disfrutar también de la atmosfera de la Copa del mundo, además de poder acceder a todas las grandes fiestas que habrá en cada ciudad en que los equipos estén jugando.

Al igual que en Alemania 2006 Sudáfrica tiene planificado colocar pantallas gigantes en grandes parques especialmente para todos los fans del futbol de manera gratuita. Es por esto que aunque nuestro viaje no incluya los tickets para los partidos si incluirá el transporte hacia y desde todos los parques de fans los días de partido.

Nosotros contaremos con nuestros propios vehículos de Safari para viajar por el país. Nuestro “Party Safari´s” incluirá:

Todo el transporte, alojamiento (viviremos esta fiesta en grandes campings situados a una hora como máximo de cada estadio. Tiendas de campaña y todo lo necesario esta incluido)
Todas las comidas incluidas (excepto los días de partido).

INCLUYE:

-El transporte en Camiones “Todo Terreno”, conductor, guía, cocinero. Equipamiento de cocina y camping, combustible, peajes.

-Además incluye todos los permisos que se deben abonar en Sudáfrica para viajar adentro del país.

-Comidas y alojamiento, como indicamos anteriormente.

NO INCLUIDO:

Tasa de ingreso al país para las personas y sus equipajes, pasaje aéreo, tasas aeroportuarias.

Entradas para los partidos de futbol.

Como el sorteo de la Copa del Mundo no será hasta el 4 de diciembre del 2009 nuestro precio básico solo incluye lo mencionado anteriormente. Luego del sorteo cuando ya sepamos en que ciudad jugara tu equipo podremos enviarte un itinerario bien detallado con muchas más opciones extras. Ejemplo: Safaris, Actividades de Turismo aventura, los cuales podrás reservar antes o durante el espectacular viaje.

ENGLISH VERSION: http://www.africatravelnetwork.net/tour_detail.asp?id=14a7d913365a591d230a1e

Cape Town Stadium Lights Up

2009-10-23T08:06:00.000-07:00

last night the lights of the NEW Cape Town Stadium were tested for the first time!! what a sight.

Thanks http://6000.co.za/2009/10/23/light-up-light-up/

South Africa Is Confident

2009-10-23T01:01:00.000-07:00

Officials in South Africa are extremely confident that the venues and infrastructure will be completed and ready for the beginning of the 2010 World Cup.

The draw for the group stages of the tournament takes place in early December which will indicate where the teams will be playing their initial matches.

However, Danny Jordaan, head of the organising committee, said: “The 4th December draw will actually give us a clear indication of the matches and therefore the expected support of each team and the demands that it will place on both accomodations, transportion, and other logistics, and then we can fine tune our operational plan.”

Even so, Jordaan did admit that there may be some delays: “I’m confident that all the stadiums will be ready. Of course, the one in Cape Town, we’ve always said December or probably next year. The completion date as we speak today is 14th of December, but we may go into January because the Cape Town stadium actually started four months later.”

During the interview, Jordaan also dismissed concerns about crime against visiting fans next year. Nevertheless, organisers are encouraging fans to arrive to games early to combat the problem of South African fans turning up late for games and blocking entrances.

World Cup Party Safari's

2009-10-14T05:57:00.000-07:00

Road Trips

As there will be a problem next year at the World Cup with match tickets, affordable transport and accommodation we think you will agree our Party Safari Road Trips are a perfect solution.

As you know South Africa is a large country and public transport is not up to worldwide standards therefore it will not always be possible to base yourself in one location and make day trips to watch your team in which ever city they are playing in.

Our option gives you a reliable and flexible way to travel around South Africa and enjoy the World Cup atmosphere & parties in every city your team is playing in.

Like in Germany 2006 South Africa intends to have huge screens and fan parks for all football fans to enjoy the games FREE of charge therefore although our tours won't include match tickets they will include transport to and from the Fan parks on Match days and stadiums if fans have ticket.

We intend to run country specific fully self sufficient safari vehicles and our Party Safari's will include:

All Transport, Accommodation (tented camps within 1 hour of each stadium)

All meals (except on match days)

INCLUDED:
All Transport in self sufficient Safari Vehicle (including airport transfers) ; Driver/guide ; Cooking and Camping Equipment; Fuel; Tolls;
All Transport Permits & R10 million Passenger Liability.
Meals and Accommodation as indicated

NOT INCLUDED:
All services except those listed above. Entrance Fees for clients and crew, Flights, Airport taxes, Visas,
Porterage, Tips and gratuities, Anything of personal nature.

Thanks For your time in reading this email and If you an interest in our unique Party Safari product
don't hesitate to contact us.

info@africatravelnetwork.net

DON'T FORGET TO SIGN UP FOR YOUR FREE WC INFO PACKS.

http://www.wc2010southafrica.com/2010-travel-information.html

Major concert to launch 2010 World Cup

2009-10-08T23:33:00.000-07:00

The launch of next year's FIFA World Cup finals in South Africa will be marked with a three-hour pop concert.

The event, from the team behind the Live 8 and Live Earth shows, will take place on June 10 at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto, Johannesburg.

Organiser Kevin Wall told BBC News: "We are going to have a lot of the major African artists and really it's going to be about Africa so the slots for international artists are a rarity.

"I think this will be one of the greatest shows ever produced from Africa."

Regarding reports of a possible appearance by the Spice Girls, he added: "I've heard a lot of these rumours, we've been overwhelmed by ideas like that that have come to us from artists and the press.

"We're really trying to highlight football and the cultures and colour and music of Africa so you will see a lot of great international artists but I can't comment on who they are."

Money from the event will be donated to 20 Centres for 2010, the official charity of next year's football competition.

World Cup: 250 days and kicking

2009-10-05T05:43:00.000-07:00

That's how many days remain before the 2010 spectacle kicks off at the cooking-pot-shaped, 95,000-seat Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Tourists warned of 2010 hotels 'rip-off'

2009-10-05T04:29:00.000-07:00

Concerns that English soccer fans will be fleeced by Cape Town hotels during the World Cup emerged in British newspapers this week.

The Daily Mirror reported that fans could be forced to pay a 30 percent surcharge for hotel rooms.

The report said supporters who booked accommodation with a Fifa-backed agency would be charged commission of an average £12 (R150) a night on top of the room price.

It said Match Event Services, part-owned by a British firm based in Manchester, was expected to block-book 55 000 hotel rooms for the tournament in June.

"That is more than 80 percent of South Africa's available rooms, so fans will have little choice but to pay hiked prices - sparking fury from politicians, supporters' groups and travel agents."

The report said the commission added to the standard hotel rates was likely to bump up the cost of a night in an average hotel by £12, from £38 to £50. It is thought England's army of 20 000 fans - the biggest following of any country - will attend for an average 10 nights each.

Kevin Miles, director of international affairs for the Football Supporters' Federation, was quoted as saying: "For Fifa's own accommodation agency to take an extra 30 percent of costs is quite simply ripping off fans."

Chris von Ulmenstein, owner of Whale Cottage Guest House Portfolio, which has guest houses in Camps Bay and along the Garden Route, said that Match first tried to dictate an accommodation rate to guest houses and hotels based on the 2007 rate plus 16 percent.

"They would then take 30 percent commission, which is a huge amount. The norm is 10 percent and at most 20 percent for operators with whom one has done business for a long time," she said.

Von Ulmenstein said Match did become more flexible and told smaller establishments to set a "fair" rate and that Match would take 30 percent on top of this rate as its commission.

She said she hadn't signed up with Match and that neither had any of the other 24 establishments belonging to the Guest House Association in Camps Bay.

"Most of us intend using our summer rate for 2009/2010 and adding 10 percent for the World Cup rate. We don't want rip-off pricing." Von Ulmenstein said she was concerned that Fifa's profits as well as the bulk of the commission Match will make would leave South Africa.

"On the accommodation side alone this could easily amount to R330 million at a conservative estimate."

But Cape Town Tourism CEO Mariette du Toit- Helmbold said statements about prohibitive prices were being based on a skewed perspective of the broader tourism offering.

"Like many other top world cities, Cape Town does have some high-end luxury products like private, serviced villas located in exclusive areas and on the edge of the ocean, and these properties do appeal to the prestige visitor at the top end of the market.

"On the whole, Cape Town's pricing strategy is well balanced for the duration of the 2010 Fifa World Cup."

She said for the most part, accommodation establishments in Cape Town were posting rates equivalent to their peak season rates.

Beware of fakes

2009-09-29T03:46:00.000-07:00

(CNN) -- FIFA is warning soccer fans to beware of fraudulent online ticket sales for the 2010 World Cup as it works with international agencies to address the problem.
Moses Mabhida Stadium under construction in Durban, South Africa; one of 10 stadiums that will host World Cup.

"Many unauthorized operators are exploiting ... unsuspecting fans across the world into purchasing illegitimate or unauthorized tickets and/or ticket-inclusive travel packages," soccer's global governing agency said in a statement.

Official tickets will be printed only a few weeks before the tournament kicks off, the statement said.

The agency applauded efforts by British authorities to shut down Web sites selling fraudulent tickets. Efforts are under way to implement more crackdowns worldwide.

"We simply cannot accept that true fans are being cheated in this way," said Jerome Valcke, FIFA secretary general.

One way of ensuring legitimate sales is buying tickets from FIFA's Web site or through its partner, MATCH, the agency said.

World Cup already selling out!!

2009-09-16T01:51:00.000-07:00

Thomson Sport has sold out of some packages for the World Cup in South Africa next year after England qualified for the tournament last week.

About 100,000 fans are expected to travel to South Africa in June, with many likely to book packages because of the large distances and costs involved.

Thomson Sport managing director Nathan Wilson said the operator had sold out of packages, which take in the full event, and only a few are left for the final-only package. For the group matches, 25% of packages have been sold following England's victory against Croatia.

Wilson said: "We received 1,000 emails the morning after the qualifier. We are preparing to release our short-break packages and are expecting a good uptake based on the number of enquiries."

FIFA has warned fans to avoid travel companies that are offering tickets and tour packages that are not FIFA appointed. Operators selling official packages include Thomas Cook Sport, Thomson Sport, Keith Prowse Hospitality and BAC Sport.

Agents have also seen some interest from fans looking to travel to South Africa independently. Large numbers of fans are expected to travel without tickets, hoping to buy them there.

Luxury tailor-made specialist Bailey Robinson product manager Alex Walters said: "One couple booked four nights in Londolozi Game Reserve and a week at the Four Seasons Seychelles. They plan was to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary and to fit in a match at the World Cup."

However, he said some consumers would be holding off until the draw for the group stages. "We haven't had much interest because fans do not know where the teams are playing until December 4. Otherwise they might be buying hotel rooms in the wrong city and tickets for the wrong matches."

Shropshire-based The Travel Wallet director Maggie Rogers said: "We always put sports events on our website, but we haven't had any World Cup enquiries yet."

Sign Up For FREE SA World Cup Info Packs. http://www.bbmexplorer.com/worldcup2010information.htm

Is Cape Town Going To Be To Pricey?

2009-09-14T12:19:00.000-07:00

In a response to recent UK media reports, which have suggested that South Africa is out-pricing itself ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Cape Town Tourism says that runaway statements about prohibitive prices are being based on a skewed perspective of the broader tourism offering.

“Like many other top world cities, Cape Town does have some high end luxury products like private, serviced villas located in exclusive areas and on the edge of the ocean and these properties do appeal to the prestige visitor at the top end of the market. On the whole, Cape Town’s pricing strategy is well balanced for the duration of the 2010 FIFA World Cup,” insists Cape Town Tourism CEO, Mariette du Toit-Helmbold. “The majority of the local industry is responsible operators that realize a value-for-money return on any holiday investment is essential to ensuring that the destination is not labelled ‘greedy’ now or after the event.”

Cape Town has played host to many major events, like the recent IPL and Lion’s Tour, and the industry prides itself in offering visitors exceptional service and authentic experiences at good value for money rates.

For the most part, accommodation establishments in Cape Town are posting rates for the 2010 FIFA World Cup that is equivalent to their peak season rates. A good indication of the public’s favourable response to this is that many of them are already fully booked. Average costs for a night in a centrally located guest house are forecast at an average of R 500 – 800 (£40- £64.10), whilst an award-winning four star city hotel is charging on average R1900 – R2 400 (£152.24 –£192.30) per night for a room. Renowned five-star waterside hotels are asking in the region of R 5000 per person per night, sharing (£400). A variety of serviced self-catering apartments and cottages are also available at rates that average from R200 – R500 per person per night (£18 – £40). Cape Town Tourism also recommends unique community based accommodation experiences that range on average between R200 – R600 per person per night sharing (£18 – £45). Day trips and excursions range on average between R120 (£18) for a City Sightseeing Bus Ticket, valid for two days, and R400 per person for a full day tour (£32) like a wine or cultural tour. Cape Town offers some of the best food and wine experiences in the world and three course meal prices in an upmarket restaurant will range from R250 – R550 (£20 – £45) with a good bottle of wine priced at an average of R120 – R300 (£9 – £24).

Cape Town has an excellent accommodation capacity, but allowance where appropriate has been made for temporary accommodation, with particular reference to the budget sector, which could be an area of short-fall in Cape Town. An August 2008 survey commissioned revealed that Cape Town will have ample bed capacity for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Cape Town’s accommodation capacity (including accredited and approved temporary accommodation stock) currently stands at 56 000 beds and an estimated total number of 70 000 beds should be on line by June 2010 in the greater Cape Town area. Furthermore, Cape Town is in close proximity to regions like Winelands, Overberg and Garden route with good capacity as well.

“Cape Town Tourism is working hand in hand with MATCH and FIFA to encourage as many establishments as possible to contract with MATCH, but we understand too that the decision to sign up to MATCH is a business decision that each individual tourism business must make, weighing up their unique situation, requirements and suitability. Many accommodation establishments either do not fit the MATCH profile or do not wish to sell their accommodation through MATCH due to business reasons of their own”, says du Toit-Helmbold.
Much of the hotel chain stock in Cape Town has been absorbed by MATCH who required that rates were no more than 16% higher than those charged in the summer of 2007.

Sean Kritzinger, Managing Director of Cape Town’s Gilt Edge Travel www.gilt-edge.com feels that the market has remained fair in the face of temptation. “We have already sold over 50% of our packages and we have encountered very reasonable attitudes from the industry as a whole.”

Du Toit-Helmbold also alluded to problems with those sectors of the industry that were not accredited or endorsed by any of the official tourism organisations. She urges visitors to check the legal status of establishments and service providers before they book and suggests that visitors enquire with Cape Town Tourism to avoid disappointment. “Other than urging caution and the use of good common sense, Cape Town Tourism has no control over the quality of establishment or prices charged by people renting out their private homes. Visitors wanting to ensure that they get what they pay for should go through a recognized organization or reputable agent.”

Cape Town Tourism’s Du Toit-Helmbold says that the tourism body has been consistently firm in its stance on pricing and has embarked on an industry awareness campaign around responsible pricing and practice in the run up to the World Cup. “We have taken heed of the lessons that other destinations have learnt during global events in the past, and we have communicated these messages to our membership and the tourism sector as a whole.”

Cape Town, prior to 2010 FIFA World Cup, is an immensely popular tourism destination; voted by The UK Telegraph as their readers’ favourite holiday destination in 2009. “We are intent on using the great marketing opportunity that the 2010 FIFA World Cup affords us, to showcase the destination as a place to which you want to return. High prices and a lack of good service will not reflect well on us and we are focusing all our energy on ensuring that not only our infrastructure but also our mindset is on target and ready to welcome the world”, comments Du Toit-Helmbold.

Fans wishing to attend the 2010 FIFA World Cup on a budget that works for them are advised to contact ATN for suggestions on accommodation, transfers, car hire and tours. www.africatravelnetwork.net

New Cape Town Stadium Pictures

2009-09-13T11:40:00.001-07:00

Pictures taken 13/09/2009

Both are taken from what will be the walk way into the stadium and show where the ticket booths will be.

World Cup Beds

2009-09-09T06:25:00.000-07:00

Just Released!

We have 50 Self Catering Apartments (serviced) in Cape Town and 20 hotel rooms in Rustenberg for the 2010 Soccer World Cup (June and July 2010)

We also have 100+ rooms available in Randburg and Sandton for 2010 World Cup
Ideal for media or other groups!

If you are interested please contact:

Simon
info@africatravelnetwork.net
www.africatravelnetwork.net

Oktoberfest in Cape Town

2009-09-08T01:12:00.000-07:00

Capetonians can once again experience Germany’s best-known beer festival, “Oktoberfest”, from 16 October to 1 November 2009 at Paulaner Bräuhaus in the V&A Waterfront. Beer lovers, families, young and old gather to enjoy the true taste and hospitality of Bavaria.

The festival follows the annual Oktoberfest in Munich which takes place from 19 September to 04 October. Oktoberfest started in Munich in 1810, when the citizens turned out to celebrate the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. It has since grown into what is claimed to be the world’s largest festival attracting over six million people each year.

In keeping with tradition, Paulaner brewmaster, Wolfgang Ködel, will brew a special Oktoberfest beer which will be available once the festival has been officially opened. The festival opening takes place on the evening of Friday, 16 October 2009 when the first barrel of Oktoberfest beer is opened with the words “O’zapft is”.

The Oktoberfest beer is brewed according to an old recipe resulting in a dark amber-coloured beer, smooth in taste. To compliment the beer, Paulaner boasts traditional hearty Bavarian cuisine such as Pretzel, Bratwurst and their specialty, crispy Pork Knuckle.

A Bavarian Oktoberfest band will entertain the crowd with live ‘Umpah’ music periodically during the festival, and live contemporary bands play nightly.

The festival, also known as Wies’n, is popular in Cape Town both among locals and visitors, drawing crowds to the Paulaner Bräuhaus and its beer garden opposite the Nelson Mandela Gateway and V&A Clock Tower.

For more information visit http://paulaner-braeuhaus.com/capetown.

World Cup Volunteer Applications Now Closed

2009-09-02T06:24:00.000-07:00

The process was launched on 20 July 2009 and by 11:30am (0930GMT), 31 August 2009, the total number of volunteer registration stood at 63,662 from nearly 170 different countries and regions.

2010 FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee South Africa CEO Danny Jordaan said the tremendous response to the volunteer application process was indicative of the excitement which now surrounded the tournament.

"People are starting to become excited about the World Cup and about traveling to South Africa next year. We are very happy about the number of applications that have poured in from all four corners of the world," he said.

At the start of September the Organizing Committee will begin the volunteer screening process and then in December the volunteer interview process begins.

Volunteers in the 10 host cities will be interviewed simultaneously while international volunteers will be interviewed by teleconferencing. Once selected South African-based volunteers will receive training in May 2010.

Marathon World Cup Trips

2009-09-01T01:47:00.001-07:00

Fans could face 17-hour round trips to see one match at the World Cup next year under a plan aimed at overcoming accommodation problems while combining soccer with safari and beach holidays.

Ironically, the longest journeys may be reserved for the richest fans.

Soccer's ruling body FIFA has identified accommodation as one of the major challenges before the tournament kicks off in South Africa next June.

Although officials from organizing committee boss Danny Jordaan down say the accommodation problem will be fixed -- currently there is a shortfall of 15,000 rooms -- hotel space is under heavy pressure in some places.

Prices for hotels and guest houses in the smaller venues have already rocketed by up to five times normal rates for the month-long World Cup starting on June 11.
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MATCH Services, the travel agent appointed by FIFA, has told some big news organizations that the nearest official hotel available is up to 60 km from the stadium in at least one venue because other places have been taken by preferred clients such as teams, officials, sponsors and media partners.

MATCH says the main object of the accommodation scheme is to give fans the option of early secured bookings and flexibility to switch locations after the draw in December, as well as the chance to enjoy time on safari or at the beach between games.

However, shortages of accommodation are also clearly a significant reason for the plan, under which so-called MATCH Villes will be located in areas of South Africa with more stocks of hotel rooms as well as in Mauritius, a four-hour flight from Johannesburg.

Tourists using the scheme will be required to arrive between four and seven hours before a game and will be held in the stadium for two or more hours after the final whistle.

LUXURY HOLIDAY

Mauritius, a luxury destination in the Indian Ocean off Africa's east coast, will have 3,200 rooms available for clients of the MATCH Ville program.

In total, MATCH expects to sell more than 21,000 rooms in the scheme's centers, from where fans will be flown to matches in smaller venues.

Take a transatlantic voyage from Cape Town, onboard the QM2.

2009-08-26T06:35:00.000-07:00

Indulge your taste for refinement on this once-in-a-lifetime world cruise from Cape Town to Southampton via the Americas, Caribbean and Europe. It’s one of our best-selling cruise holidays offered exclusively to Daily Mail readers.

Following a three-night stay in Cape Town, this 28-night cruise offers some amazing experiences. Whether you’re basking on the flawless beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema in Rio de Janiero, window-shopping in New York’s countless boutiques, gauging on the Creole cuisine of Barbados or marveling at views of Table Mountain whilst sipping local chardonnay in Cape Town, this is a world adventure simply not to be missed.

Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 is a vessel steeped in contemporary luxury. With specialty dining to satisfy every taste, an ultra-modern royal spa and fitness centre, world class evening entertainment and even a dramatic grand lobby spanning three tiers, the Queen Victoria offers the perfect atmosphere to cruise the world in style.

Book now to secure your cabin as this will sell out quickly!

Itinerary: 32 nights fly/cruise/stay – 21 March 2010*

Fly UK (overnight) > Cape Town (South Africa, transfer to 4-star hotel for 3-night stay and excursions, embark QM2) – St Helena (South Atlantic Islands) – Rio de Janiero (Brazil) – Barbados (Caribbean) – Fort Lauderdale (USA) – New York (USA) – Southampton (UK).

This fantastic TravelMail offer includes:

* Outbound flights from the UK (regional flights available from just £55pp)
* Three nights’ four-star hotel in Cape Town
* Free excursion to Table Mountain
* Free Cape Town City Tour
* Free Winelands tour including tastings
* En suite stateroom onboard
* All meals onboard (including breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks)
* Daily activities and classes, transfers throughout, evening entertainment and port taxes

Inside Stateroom from

£2495*

Outside Stateroom from

£3695

Balcony Stateroom from

£3695

Suite from

£6295

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/offertypeshub/article-1209135/Cruise-Cape-Town-QM2.html#ixzz0PCXlS4JP

2010 Visitor Information Center Opening

2009-08-25T05:25:00.000-07:00

South African Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk will on Friday launch a 2010 Visitor Information Center (VIC) in Polokwane of Limpopo Province that will ensure tourists arriving in the city for the 2010 FIFA World Cup get the best advice and information.

"The primary objective of the VIC project is to effectively address the tourism needs of visitors expected to converge in the five host cities in 2010 and beyond," said the department in a statement.

In July this year, the first three VICs were launched in the Eastern Cape. The three centers are based at the Port Elizabeth Airport, the lighthouse facility at the Donkin Reserve and the Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World.

The one-stop shops will supply tourists with information on a wide range of services, including reservations, accommodation, tours, vehicle hire, entertainment, adventure and travel tips.

Visitors to the center will be able to make use of user-friendly touch screens linked to central database of tourism products on offer and the advertisements of local businesses. They can also access free internet and an online booking system at the centers.

More than 450,000 visitors were expected to arrive in the country and these centers would play a pivotal role in addressing tourism and information services.

The national 2010 VIC's project, funded by the department will see VIC's developed in five of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa host cities. The five identified cities are Nelspruit in Mpumalanga, Polokwane in Limpopo, Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape, Rustenburg in the North West and Bloemfontein in the Free State.

These less visited provinces were earmarked for the VIC's in preparation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa, but also to grow tourism arrivals both locally and internationally.

Former Bafana Bafana captain Lucas Radebe has been named the South African Department of Tourism’s 2010 World Cup Ambassador.

2009-08-17T01:53:00.001-07:00

Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk made the announcement at an event in Sandton, where he also launched a Brand Messaging Book for Tourism for South Africans.

“We are truly privileged that a footballer of Lucas’ stature and a human being of his calibre has agreed to partner with us to grow excitement about our destination," he enthused.

“We look forward to working with him as 2010 approaches to spread the message of the anticipation and optimism sweeping our country."

The former Leeds United skipper will work with South African Tourism between now and the end of the tournament to help deliver destination messages and to help grow interest in South Africa globally, not only as host of the FIFA spectacular, but also as an awesome and amazing holiday destination.

Radebe says he is honoured, proud and excited to play this role. “Africa has waited a long, long time for the honour of hosting the world’s biggest sporting spectacular," he said. "I am excited at the impending reality of welcoming the world’s greatest footballers to my homeland. I am proud that South Africa will host hundreds of thousands of fans.

“I am honoured to be associated with South African Tourism and to be given an opportunity to work with them to raise the profile of my country, not only as host of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, but also as the greatest holiday destination in the world.”

Radebe, who was born in Diepkloof, Soweto on April 12, 1969, is one of a family of ten children.

He made his international debut playing for South Africa against Cameroon on July 7, 1992, and went on to earn 70 caps for South Africa before moving from Kaizer Chiefs to Leeds United in 1994.

‘The Chief’, as he was nicknamed by Leeds fans’, captained Leeds United from 1998 to 2002, before retiring from football in 2005.

In December 2000, he received the FIFA Fair Play Award for his efforts to rid soccer of racism, as well as for his work with children in South Africa.

Cape Town Winter Warmers

2009-08-14T15:38:00.000-07:00

Cape Town, a sprawling metropolis full of life, with a laidback heart, offers you a culinary extravaganza - a true smorgasbord of choice in food, wine, vibe and location awaits you. Cape Town restaurants have put together a number of Winter Specials, geared towards warming you up whilst you explore the gorgeous city.

Situated on the corner of Long and Church Streets, Addis in Cape provides you with an inviting ambience and a unique dining experience right in the heart of the city. Genuine Ethiopian furnishings and a flamboyant flair for service sets Addis in Cape apart from other restaurants. Addis in Cape is running a Winter Special, every Saturday, were you can get a whole 50% discount off your meals or a set menu for just R140. Visit their website on www.addisincape.co.za for more information.

The trendy and ultra-chic Gallery Café, situated on the mezzanine level of the Urban Chic Hotel, on the corner of Long and Pepper Streets, comes complete with a classy, passionate culinary approach. The Gallery Café’s lunch specials make sharing a breeze - 2 Chic Beef Burgers or 2 Chic “n Vegal Forno plus two glasses of House Wine for just R100! Take a peek of the rest of what the Gallery Café has to offer on www.urbanchic.co.za.

Doppio Zero, in Mandela Rhodes Place, on the corner of Church Street and St George’s Mall offers more than just an Italian dining experience. The restaurant’s extensive and flexible Mediterranean menu is limitless and inexpensive. The restaurant also easily transforms from a daytime café to a fine dining evening venue. Doppio Zero’s current special caters for the pizza and pasta lover within all of us. On purchasing any large pizza or pasta, you will receive a free glass of Porcupine Ridge Sauvignon Blanch or Boland Merlot. Visit their website on www.doppio.co.za for more.

Five Flies, found in Rembrandt House on Keerom Street, is a sassy upmarket dining venue. It is comprised of an 80-seater restaurant, together with exclusive private dining rooms, a bar opening out onto an enclosed courtyard which serves light lunches, and a sophisticated cigar lounge. Five Flies’ Winter Specials mean that on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, you can choose any Two Course Menu and get a free glass of wine, for just R125. For more on Five Flies, visit their website on www.fiveflies.co.za

Sinn’s Restaurant, in Wembley Square, takes the elegance of fine dining and makes it more approachable by offering affordable delights in a modern yet comfortable environment encapsulated in the ambience of an upmarket inner city hot spot. Sinn’s caters for all mealtimes and the cocktail lounge offers tapas style snacks and a wide range of classic cocktails and boutique style wines. Sinn’s Restaurant has given in to popular demand and is serving its most popular specials again. For just R99, you can enjoy two courses (a starter and main, or main and dessert) specially created by world renowned and award winning Chef Proprietor, Thomas Sinn. The three-course gourmet menu costs just R125 and both specials are paired with a glass of Bellingham wine. To find out more, visit www.sinns.co.za

Gold Restaurant found in the Gold of Africa Museum on Strand Street, prides itself on serving Opulent African Cuisine. Welcoming local and international guests every day for lunch and a full African food journey through Southern and Central Africa for dinner, Gold Restaurant also throws in a dose of Cape Malay cuisine. The Winter Specials at Gold Restaurant mean that, for a rate of R180 per person, you will get a Set Menu, interactive drumming and live entertainment. Visit www.goldrestaurant.co.za for more information.

Savoy Cabbage Restaurant and Champagne Bar, found in Hout Street, uses the freshest local produce to create a menu that changes daily. Gracious and elegant dining can be found at the Savoy Cabbage, without the stuffiness and putrid music. Instead, you can watch the open plan kitchen create your meal and enjoy the hum of good conversation. During August, patrons can from a set three course menu for just R195, from Mondays to Thursdays. As the menu is finalized and created each day, you can ask to have the menu emailed to you on the day, and of course, the normal daily menu is always available. For more on this quaint and quirky restaurant, visit www.savoycabbage.co.za

Balducci’s situated at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, is the place to see and be seen. Balducci’s started life as a classy coffee bar nine years ago, but has successfully transformed itself into one of the mother city’s top fine dining haunts. Until the end of October, Balducci’s is offering its customers flame grilled burgers, accompanied by thick cut fries, relish, pickles and coleslaw for just R55. Click on www.balduccis.co.za to find out more.

Paulaner Bräuhaus & Restaurant, also located at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, is a relaxed and family friendly brewery and restaurant, complete with traditional brass brewing kettles to create a rustic German experience for patrons. During Winter, Paulaner Bräuhaus offers its customers a free beer when ordering the meal of the day. Mondays means it’s Crispy Pork Knuckle night, for just R75 and on Wednesdays, you can treat yourself to either a Pork (R79) or Chicken (R69) Schnitzel, served with a side salad and chips or sautéed potatoes. Read more about the Paulaner Bräuhaus on www.paulaner.co.za

Go ahead and book your table at any of these establishments and begin a true gastronomic adventure!

120,000 free tickets will be given away for next year's soccer World Cup

2009-08-14T13:49:00.000-07:00

SOWETO, South Africa (Reuters) - Some 120,000 free tickets will be given away for next year's soccer World Cup to ensure that poor South Africans, the biggest local fans of the game, can attend, organizers said Friday.

Officials are concerned that despite a special category of some of the cheapest tickets in World Cup history, poor blacks will not come to matches, robbing the event of the noisy and colorful atmosphere that is one of the biggest draws of holding the tournament in Africa for the first time.

Danny Jordaan, head of the local organizing committee, said 40,000 of the free tickets would be given to workers who built or updated the 10 stadiums. The rest will go to social projects funded by the game's six major sponsors.

"We have done everything possible to bring ticket prices lower but still a large segment of the population will not be able to buy tickets. Therefore, this is something I am very proud of," he said.

FIFA said in a statement: "The Ticket Fund aims to use the excitement and passion for the game in the country as a tool to motivate and engage people, particularly young South Africans on topics such as education, health and environment."

Despite a recent wave of strikes, which included construction workers, Jordaan said stadiums were on schedule.

About 450,000 foreign fans are expected for the World Cup and 28 of the 64 matches are already sold out.

(Additional reporting by Alison Raymond; Editing by Barry Moody)

Football Safari

2009-08-01T06:04:00.000-07:00

Some visitors to South Africa for the World Cup will be spending a great deal of time lounging peacefully on a terrace, watching the elephants, leopards and antelopes gather at the watering hole.

That's how hundreds of football fans will relax in South Africa's Kruger National Park on 'soccer safaris', after taking in World Cup matches in the nearby city of Nelspruit. With 100,000 people, Nelspruit is among the smaller of the host cities and doesn't have enough accommodation for the fans expected to arrive here in June 2010.

So organisers are tapping resources in the tourist magnet of the Kruger National game park, just a two-hour drive away. "Any person who comes so close to Kruger would definitely come to see the game. You cannot miss it if you're that close to it, especially coming from Europe or Asia," said Stephen Nel, a manager at the Berg-en-Dal rest camp.

About 1.3 million tourists each year visit the park, which is about half the size of the Netherlands and the area has a highly developed network to accommodate guests. During the World Cup, the camps of Skukuza, Berg-en-Dal and Pretoriuskop will host nearly 2,000 fans in search of South Africa's "Big Five" - elephants, buffalo, leopard, lions and rhinos.

FIFA partner responsible for accommodation, Match, is offering packages that include lodging, transport and safaris, which could mean pre-dawn drives to catch the animals at sun-up, twilight hikes, or dinner in the bush.

To allow the guests to see the football matches, the Kruger Park is reworking its rules. The park currently closes at 6:00 pm, and some games at Nelspruit's Mbombela stadium will only kick off two hours later, so allowances will be made to accommodate visitors during the World Cup period.

Closer to Rustenburg’s Royal Bafokeng Stadium, getaway hotspot Hartebeespoort Dam offers a secluded peaceful African surrounding with a fantastic conservation park nearby, called the De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife park.

This reserve is a truly amazing place, with visitors able to caress tame cheetah’s known as ambassadors, and experience the wonder of some of the world’s most incredible wildlife.

World Cup visitors looking for an interesting way to spend the day should consider the De Wildt Park, as it is an unforgettable experience that one finds in only a few places in the world. A day visit is a must, but for those hoping to secure lodging at the park, there is limited space and early bookings are essential.

Peter Pedroncelli, Goal.com

World Cup Draw Confirmed

2009-07-31T18:03:00.001-07:00

Cape Town will host the draw for the 2010 Soccer World Cup on December 4, local organising committee CEO Danny Jordan said on Thursday.

"Cape Town December 4 is the final step," he told a media briefing in the city.

"All the teams fixtures and stadiums will be complete, December 4 is a critical date."

Cape Town Mayor Dan Plato said the city was on track with its time frames.

"Cape Town is ready, and the stadium will be ready by December 4."

Jordaan said around two million tickets were still available for the event.

More than 800 000 had been sold, most of them to people in Europe and the United States. South Africans had bought 240 000 tickets. - Sapa

World Cup Visitors Centres Open in PE

2009-07-31T17:18:00.001-07:00

Three Visitor Information Centres (VICs) were today launched in Nelson Mandela Bay to ensure tourists arriving in the city for the 2010 FIFA World Cup get the best advice and information. The three centres are based at the Port Elizabeth Airport, the lighthouse facility at the Donkin Reserve and the Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World.

Obama has an Invite.......

2009-07-27T14:29:00.001-07:00

There has been much speculation over President Obama's attendance at next year's World Cup in South Africa.

Today's update? Mr Obama has received the official invitation from FIFA President Joseph Blatter to attend the World Cup in South Africa(for all you non-soccer people out there, FIFA is French for International Federation of Association Football).

After the closed Oval Office meeting between the two presidents, Mr Blatter told White House reporters Mr Obama, after receiving the invite, told his assistants in the room to "look at the agenda".

So no word yet as to whether or not POTUS will be traveling to South Africa next summer, but Blatter was able to enlighten us about Obama's soccer skills...in short, don't give up your day job Mr President.

According to Blatter, who gifted POTUS a soccer ball, Mr Obama made 2 or 3 movements (in the Oval Office!) even used his head, but Blatter insists, the President of the United States is "not yet ready" for MLS.

Obama may attend the World Cup 2010

2009-07-26T18:39:00.000-07:00

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has specific ideas on upgrading the popularity of soccer in the United States. He hopes he has an eager listener in President Barack Obama.

Blatter plans to extend a personal invitation to Obama to attend the 2010 World Cup in South Africa when the two meet at the White House on Monday.

In an interview with The Associated Press on Sunday, Blatter said the invitation has been extended and that he will "confirm it" at the meeting.

"I know there are people around the president who are football fans, and that they will make everything possible in his agenda that the president be at the opening of the World Cup or the final," Blatter said.

Blatter also plans to discuss the state of U.S. Soccer with the president, including Major League Soccer's spring-through-fall schedule, and the United States' bids to host the 2018 or 2022 World Cup.

South African Tourism estimates FIFA World Cup 2010 to generate tourism revenue of Rand 15 billion

2009-07-23T18:45:00.001-07:00

South Africa Tourism is all set to attract more tourists to the country during FIFA World Cup 2010. South Africa is the host country for a month-long Football extravaganza, scheduled from June 11- July 11, 2010.

According to report in www.engineeringnews.co.za, Marthinus Van Schalkwyk, Tourism Minister, South Africa said that during the FIFA World Cup 2010, South Africa expects three-five million participants, of which one-three million are expected to be tourist participants. About 4, 45, 000 participants are expected to be foreign arrivals. South African Tourism estimates that FIFA World Cup 2010 will generate a tourism revenue of Rand 15 billion for the country.

Schalkwyk said that South Africa’s ability to host world events had been proved through successfully hosting the Indian Premier League, FIFA Confederation Cup and more recently the British Lions Tour.

Applications for World Cup 2010 Jobs have started

2009-07-23T18:12:00.000-07:00

The organizers of the 2010 football World Cup in South Africa on Monday officially launched a hunt for 15,000 volunteers to assist at the mammoth month-long event.

People from across the world can apply online, started on Monday, to volunteer at the first World Cup on the African continent, the 2010 local organizing committee (LOC) announced in Johannesburg.

In South Africa, prospective volunteers without internet access would also be able to apply through venues in the nine host cities, the LOC said, without giving further details.

'From ushering people to their seats, to assisting the media and foreign language speakers, welcoming people at the airport and driving guests around, it is the volunteers that actually make the tournament happen,' the chief executive of the LOC, Danny Jordaan, added.

Volunteering offered people a chance to be involved in 'South Africa and Africa's once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of hosting the world's biggest sporting event,' he said.

Volunteers must be 18 years or older on 1 March 2010 and have a good command of the English language, the LOC stipulated.

Applications close on 31 August 2009, after which candidates will be interviewed, either by telephone or in person.

For more information, go to www.FIFA.com/volunteers2010.

Language courses launched in Cape Town for 2010 World Cup

2009-07-23T15:02:00.001-07:00

THE International House World Organization (IHWO), a network of language schools worldwide, has launched an affiliate language school in Cape Town.

With the recent success of the Confederations Cup and the passionate support for teams from Latin America and Europe, it’s anticipated that large numbers of Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking tourists will visit South Africa for the 2010 World Cup.

Portuguese and Spanish language courses have been introduced to cater for basic and intermediate levels and specific industry or special-interest topics. The courses are also available for individual groups or corporate clients.

“These courses are aimed at service personnel to enable them to interact with visiting tourists, thereby enriching their overall experience. They will be taught basic greetings, general customer service phrases, important vocabulary and a general understanding of the different cultures,” says Gavin Eyre, managing director of IH Cape Town.

We Need Transport

2009-07-22T15:58:00.001-07:00

Speaking at a press briefing yesterday at South African Tourism’s offices in Johannesburg the Minister of Tourism Marthinus van Schalkwyk said that he did not believe that there would be a shortage of accommodation for the 2010 Soccer World Cup, but rather a transport challenge is what was facing government and the Local Organising Committee.

Explaining his sentiment van Schalkwyk noted that South Africa had just over 100 000 graded rooms in its inventory, but these were spaced out and many did not fall into the major centres such as Johannesburg, Durban or Cape Town.

This, he says, causes logistical problems for tour operators and as a result many tour operators were accommodating their clients further afield in smaller towns such as George and would bus and fly them to matches.

He says these so called ‘satellite camps’ provide a solution for the accommodation of 2010 supporters but the transport challenge needed to be sorted out.

He hinted at an example of how tour operators were considering bringing in busses from overseas to transport their clients.

Win a volunteer vacation to South Africa

2009-07-22T15:15:00.000-07:00

Outdoor gear manufacturer Keen is joining forces with U.K. based travel company i-to-i to send one lucky winner on a trip to South Africa, where they'll have the opportunity to take part in a week-long volunteer vacation at an animal rescue society in Cape Town. To enter to win, simply go to the contest website and fill out the online form. All entires must be received before August 21st, and the winner must travel before Sept. 30, 2010.

The trip, which is valued at $4000, includes airfare to South Africa, and accommodations in the volunteer hostel at the TEARS animal rescue shelter, where the winner will have the opportunity to help educate locals on care of their pets, provide veterinary care, and distribute food parcels for pets of underprivileged families. TEARS also works with children, teaching them the responsibilities of pet ownership and instilling a nurturing attitude.

Voluntourism has been a growing trend in travel over the past few years and i-to-i has been on the forefront of that trend. Since its founding in 1996, the company has sent more than 20,000 people on volunteer vacations in Africa, Asia, Oceania, and Latin America. It seems only natural that they would team up with Keen, who has also been very forward thinking in their approach to sustainable gear and environmentally friendly practices.

This is certainly an interesting contest. I'm not sure I've seen anyone give away a volunteer vacation before. But it is an interesting way to explore South Africa, especially Cape Town, and give a little something back while you are ther

More International Flights To Cape Town

2009-07-22T07:21:00.000-07:00

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, will begin services from its Abu Dhabi home-base to the South African city of Cape Town on 30 September 2009.

The new Cape Town flights will operate via Etihad's current daily, Airbus A330, service to South Africa's commercial capital Johannesburg.

It will be Etihad's second destination in South Africa and its fifth on the African continent, joining Khartoum, Cairo and Casablanca.

QE2 on the move to Cape Town

2009-07-21T09:39:00.000-07:00

There's confirmation this morning that the former Cunard ocean liner QE2 will be moving to Cape Town in time to provide accommodation for next year's World Cup.

The ship, which had sailed more than six million miles by the time she was retired last November (picture above), was bought for £50 million by a Dubai company which planned to convert her into a luxury hotel and provide her with a permanent mooring at the glamorous Palm Jumeirah.

No visible progress has been made on that plan in the last eight months that the ship has languished lonely and unloved at a container quay, as rumours grew about her future.
A spokesman for owners Nakheel said: "It has been our intention for some time to provide a short term opportunity to enjoy QE2 as a stationary hotel in her current condition before refurbishment begins.

"It is clear that Cape Town provides the best opportunity for us to open QE2 to visitors as quickly as possible. The forthcoming 2010 Football World Cup makes a sensible business case for moving her there."

Subject to agreement from the local authorities, the ship will be berthed at Cape Town's Victoria and Albert Quay, which is part-owned by Nakheel, for up to 18 months.

QE2's engine room has been maintained in full working order since retirement, so she will be able to make the voyage from Dubai to South Africa under her own power, but the terms of the sale agreement from Cunard will prevent her from carrying passengers on the journey.

www.mirror.co.uk

Queen Elizabeth 2 could move to Cape Town

2009-07-18T14:33:00.000-07:00

The Queen Elizabeth 2 seems all but certain to be berthed temporarily in Cape Town harbour after statements yesterday by South Africa and the ship’s owner, Dubai World.

A spokeswoman for South Africa’s Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism said her agency would not oppose a possible 18-month berthing of the famous vessel at Cape Town.

A statement from an executive of the Dubai World subsidiary that operates the ship welcomed the South African government’s position and said: “It has been our intention for some time to provide a short-term opportunity to enjoy QE2 as a stationary hotel in her current condition before refurbishment begins.”

Last week, just months after the QE2 arrived in Dubai at the end of her “final voyage”, it emerged that Dubai World had applied to berth the 41-year-old ship in the Cape Town harbour.

The National Ports Authority of South Africa and the board of Transnet, that country’s major ports company, still have to give their final approval.

The statement made yesterday by Manfred Ursprunger, the chief executive of Nakheel’s QE2 Enterprises, linked the ocean liner’s possible berthing at Cape Town to the 2010 FIFA World Cup and an expected influx of tourists for the event.

The move to Cape Town would mark a significant change of plans for the QE2, which was to have been permanently berthed off a spit of land connected to the trunk of the Palm Jumeirah.

The ship, currently docked at Port Rashid, was bought by Istithmar, an investment arm of Dubai World, for $100 million (Dh367m) in June 2007. Nakheel planned for her to become a floating hotel with 200 rooms, restaurants and a theatre. But Dubai World has been under increasing pressure to streamline its operations and reduce spending because of the global financial crisis. Nakheel has been hit especially hard by the downturn in the property sector and is trying to sell some of its projects to investors to raise funds.

The most pressing issue facing Dubai World is a Dh12.9bn (US$3.5bn) Islamic bond from Nakheel that is maturing in December. The company also has payments due to contractors and decisions to make about the future of some of its stalled projects.

Dubai World recently hired AlixPartners, a restructuring consultancy based in the US, to “advise on a structural reorganisation” of the company.

Nakheel has cut nearly 1,000 jobs and is trying to sell land and other assets to raise money. It has also shelved some of its most ambitious projects, among them the more than 1km-tall Nakheel Tower and the Trump Tower on the Palm Jumeirah.

Moving the QE2 to South Africa for a visit would take advantage of Dubai World’s other projects in Cape Town. The company and a consortium of investors bought the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront development, near Cape Town’s commercial port, for the equivalent of about Dh3.4bn (US$920m) in 2006.

A Great Train Trip

2009-07-17T12:27:00.001-07:00

From/to Johannesburg, South Africa

30 Aug - 8 Sept & 12 - 21 Sept 2009
(Both 10 days)

Price R12990 pp

Included in tour price:

9 Nights' accommodation on the train, bedding & meals, bus transport to excursions, entry fees, tour guide, safety & security

Make life easy:

Avoid accommodation hassles, poor meals, traffic, long distance driving, getting lost, missing interesting spots, toll gates & fuel increases.

Experience and enjoy our beautiful neighbouring country & visit:

Fish River Canyon, Quiver Tree Forest, Swakopmund, Etosha Pans, Spitzkoppe, Henties Bay, Dune 7, Windhoek, Root carving factory, etc.

World Cup Final Stadium - Jo'burg

2009-07-13T19:47:00.000-07:00

Soccer City Jo'burg
Courtesy Chicaism on Flickr

Cape Town scoops awards

2009-07-13T19:38:00.000-07:00

Article By:

Travel+Leisure magazine this week announced the much anticipated results of their 14th annual World's Best poll, where readers of their magazine rate the world's best cities, islands, hotels, cruises and airlines.

Cape Town sailed into second position in the Top Cities of the World poll, one place up from their third position finish in 2008 and just behind overall winner Udaipur, India. A discerning group of travelers, the readers of Travel+Leisure Magazine opted for exotic destinations Udaipur, Bangkok, Buenos Aires and Chiang Mai ahead of the usual suspects like New York and Rome which finished in eighth and ninth positions respectively in the category of Top Cities.

Cape Town was again voted the Best City in Africa and the Middle East, riding on the crest of a wave of North African cities like romantic Marrakech, Fez and Cairo, as well as Tel Aviv.

Mariette du Toit-Helmbold, CEO of Cape Town Tourism, said: "We are delighted with the recognition that Cape Town consistently receives as one of the world's favourite and most remarkable destinations. The inclusion of Camps Bay luxury hotel, The Twelve Apostles, as one of The Worlds best 15 hotels further emphasizes that Cape Town offers the visitor outstanding tourism infrastructure and world class facilities and services. An award such as this not only pays tribute to the Mother City's tourism industry but supports the message that Cape Town is ready to welcome the world for the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup."

The presence of South African properties on the Top 15 list of The World's Best Hotels 2009 category was striking, with Singita Sabi Sand in sixth position, Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve (Earth Lodge) in third position and top honours going to Cape Town Tourism member, Bushmans Kloof, located in the Cedarberg Mountains. Cape Town's luxury offering was further represented by the Cape Grace Hotel in fourth position in the category Top 5 City Hotels in Africa and the Middle East.

The Mother City's latest accolade follows on a series of earlier awards such as National Geographic Traveler including Cape Town in their 50 Places of a Lifetime selection, Conde Nast Traveler calling it the Top City in Africa & the Middle East (fourth in the World) and The UK Telegraph voting Cape Town their Favourite Foreign City.

Latest Pictures Of Cape Town Stadium

2009-07-13T16:57:00.000-07:00

Pictures by Bruce Sutherland.

To see more http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/2010/gallery/Pages/StadiumConstructionProgress28.aspx

South Africa have promised to fix their transport problems ahead of next year's World Cup

2009-07-06T17:06:00.000-07:00

Transport is considered one of the major concerns ahead of next year's World Cup finals in South Africa.

FIFA highlighted transport as a major issue after June's Confederations Cup as there were difficulties getting fans away from stadiums after matches in the eight-nation tournament.

FIFA also noted that there is a lack of accommodation and security in South Africa, issues to be solved in the next 12 months.

According to a BBC report, Minibus taxi operators, who are the mainstay of the transport network for working class South Africans, have blocked roads in protests against a new mass bus service for the World Cup, fearing it will cut their business.

"We have now entered a phase that is not going to be characterised by conflict, we are now in the post-conflict phase with the taxi industry," transport minister Sibusiso Ndabele told the country’s parliament during a budget speech.

He said the government would encourage the minibus industry to cooperate with bus and rail transport systems. Besides sorting out the troubled taxi and bus sectors, South Africa will invest some $3.18 billion over the next three years to upgrade the rail passenger service, Ndabele said.

He said Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA) have set aside $2.5bn to improve airport infrastructure in anticipation of the expected increase in passengers during 2010.

"At present ACSA handles more than 32 million passengers annually. The number will be 43m in year 2010 and will continue to grow," Ndabele said.

Odindo Ayieko, Goal.com

FIFA Plan to meet on Robben Island

2009-07-03T07:52:00.001-07:00

FIFA plans to hold one of its executive committee meetings at Robben Island a day before the World Cup draw in Cape Town.

Jerome Valcke, secretary-general of football's world governing body, said at its post-Confederations Cup media briefing on Monday that FIFA is having discussions with the South African government about whether its 24-member committee can use the conference facilities on the island where Nelson Mandela was jailed for 27 years.

The meeting, usually one of FIFA's most important of the year, will be on December 3, the day before the draw for next year's World Cup in South Africa.

Vote For Table Mountain

2009-07-03T05:54:00.000-07:00

Cape Town - South Africans have only 3 days left to vote for Table Mountain in the New7Wonders of Nature competition.

Table Mountain is South Africa's only representative in this global competition that recognises natural sites of wonder around the world.

Currently sitting at number 7 in its category (Mountains and Volcanoes), the majestic icon needs your vote to boost its position before July 7, when voting closes.

Table Mountain Cableway CEO Sabine Lehmann has urged all South Africans and fans of Table Mountain to show their support by casting their vote.

"I encourage all South Africans and fans of Table Mountain to vote today," Lehmann told News24 on Wednesday morning.

"We have less than a week to go to ensure Table Mountain is forever remembered as a true wonder of nature."

Table Mountain soared to number five, but now sits at number seven in the New7Wonders of Nature global rankings, rocketing 22 places from its previous position of 29 three weeks ago.

Support from the stars

It is now officially ahead of legendary mountains such as Mount Everest, K2 Mountain and Mount Kilimanjaro but is behind other popular sites including Mount Olympus in Greece and Vesuvius Volcano in Italy.

Well-loved and respected South African celebs and sports stars have shown their support for the cause. The Archbishop Desmond Tutu, comedian Marc Lottering, radio DJ Natalie Becker and the Proteas cricketers have all cast their vote for Table Mountain.

To qualify for the next round, Table Mountain needs to be ranked in the top 11 of its category - mountains and volcanoes - which has 36 fellow nominees.

Table Mountain is currently ranked seventh out of 37. Other categories include seascapes, lakes, islands, ice formations, waterfalls and forests.

The New7Wonders Foundation in Zurich, Switzerland announced in January 2009 that Table Mountain was one of 261 magnificent natural sites from 222 countries to have made it through to the second round in this global race to name the New7Wonders of Nature.

The New7Wonders of Nature will be determined by votes from the public.

The public can vote online or by calling 0041 77 312 4041 and selecting Table Mountain’s three-digit code which is 332. (Calls to the New7Wonders Swiss mobile voting number will cost R3.29 a minute in peak times, 07:00 – 19:00, and R2.92 a minute off-peak,19:00 – 07:00.)

Voting to select the top 77 sites (11 per category) runs until July 7 this year. Thereafter a panel of experts will select the 21 finalists (3 per category) - these will be announced on July 21 when the third and final phase of voting will begin.

The official New7Wonders of Nature will be revealed in 2011.

Live Bookings!

2009-07-03T05:08:00.000-07:00

Now how to book South Africa live.

Flights:http://www3.travelstart.co.za/index.jsp compares all the airlines on one site.

Hostels: http://www.hostelworld.com/index.php?affiliate=mersey The most widely used Hostel Booking site in SA

Restaurants:http://www.sexbyfood.com/?associate-id=162 The Best SA Restaurant Booking site.

www.africatravelnetwork.net

We Only Feature Owner Operated Tours!!

Love Football?

2009-07-03T04:54:00.000-07:00

RTS/Runningball is a leading company which provides live feedback on soccer games.

We are looking for commentators to cover games for the 2009 PSL season South Africa.(you must be based in South Africa)

Do You love Football ? join our team ! Get paid to watch Football.

This is a part time job. You will work during Football season and only during the time of the game. We pay €40 approx R430 per games covered.

We are looking for reliable and professional people with good knowledge of the sport.

Email info@africatravelnetwork.net for more info
www.africatravelnetwork.net

2010 World Cup offers Africa great opportunity

2009-07-03T01:28:00.000-07:00

The Confederations Cup is the traditional dress rehearsal for the FIFA World Cup. And as far as dress rehearsals go, the 2009 Confederations Cup recently held in South Africa was a splendid advert for this Rainbow nation.

On-pitch, the soccer tournament showcased the Beautiful Game in all its glorious unpredictability. Yet, it's off-pitch that the showpiece had its most desirable impact.
South Africa's credentials as World Cup hosts have been dogged by fears over security, unfinished stadia and poor preparations.

But, if Madibaland is a crime-ridden outpost with incomplete stadia, the organisers did well to hide this. The Confederations Cup progressed without incident, there were none of the rampant car-jackings and stabbings that alarmists had prophesied; and the full-to-capacity stadia were not only finished but they were littered with colourful spectators.

The same anticipation for the World Cup and the bonanza it promises seems to be full-blown outside South Africa already.
Uganda, sadly, appears to be in the throes of a deep slumber. Where Zimbabwe and the rest are face-lifting hotels and stadia to make the perfect warm-up and acclimatisation destination to teams taking part in the 2010 World Cup, Uganda seems unaware of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity beckoning.

The appropriately named Mandela National Stadium, Namboole should be our rallying point if Uganda is to harvest any dividends from the 2010 World Cup.
Namboole is a certified FIFA standard stadium. That and Uganda's Pearl-Of-Africa uniqueness make for an irresistible selling point.

It is up to the Government and soccer governing body FUFA to exploit these attributes and Uganda's proximity to South Africa to make an immediate killing in 2010.

By luring World Cup squads to use Uganda as a pre-tournament base, the country could also make a lasting impression on the hordes of football fans [and future tourists] who will be following their teams around the globe.

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