Two years after hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which was globally acclaimed as one of the best organized and most commercially successful, South Africa is set again to host Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2013), the continent’s most competitive football fiesta. ANDREW IRO OKUNGBOWA who was at South Africa 2010 writes on the many tourism attractions of five cities hosting the games.
AFTER a record breaking FIFA World Cup, tagged South Africa 2010, South Africa where the underlining philosophy is … ‘It’s possible,’ the country again is primed for another epoch-making event as it prepares to host the 2013 edition of the 29th Africa Nations Cup (AFCON 2013), the continent’s most prestigious football event.
Just like in 2010, the rest of the Africa continent and the globe that would be part of this historic event should look forward to an exciting and memorable time at the ‘Rainbow country,’ as the South Africa Tourism (SATOUR) in conjunction with the country’s travel industry put on offer a vast and rich tourism package, ranging from the arts, theatres, music, dance, culture to astonishing resorts and destinations, for the delight and exploration of the visitors.
For sampling are some of the attractions to savour in the five cities -— Johannesburg, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Mbombela and Rustenburg – that have been designated as the host cities for the games of AFOCN 2013, billed to open on January 19 and end on February 10:
Johannesburg
ONE of the capital cities of Madiba ‘s country Johannesburg, (called ‘Joburg’ or ‘eGoli,’ by the locals) lies in Gauteng, one of the wealthiest provinces of the country.
A growing cosmopolitan region with over three million people, is home to the Witwatersrand Hills, one of the mineral - rich (gold) enclaves of the country. It is also host to Oliver Tambo (OT) International Airports, one of the major gateways to the country and the Soccer City with a seating capacity of about 95, 000. The stadium is scheduled to host both opening and closing ceremonies/games of AFCON 2013.
A variety of entertainment and leisure activities in different dimensions await the visitors in ‘eGoli, beginning with an avalanche of restaurants and bars for dining and wining for those who crave both African and continental flavours. Prime time nightclubs are also available to unwind after the games.
Arts galleries, theatres for live shows, casinos, shopping malls, parks and museums abound in their numbers in the city. For a sampler, visit Sun City, Sandton City and Joburg City centre while Mandela Museum provides an emotive encounter with South Africa’s long walk to freedom.
The City Of Mbombela
IT is the capital city of the Mpumalanga Province, nestled along the Crocodile River, it is located about 60 kilometres west of Mozambique. This city, the gateway to Mpumalanga (place of the rising sun) Province, home to the Greater Limpopo Park, which stretches over three countries and encompasses the
100-year-old Kruger National Park, offers a number of exciting natural attractions.
The role call includes the Panorama Route, the Blyde (Motlatse) River Canyon, Sudwala Caves and God’s Window, alongside a number of streams, waterfalls, freshwater lakes and forests. Tourists can also visit the crocodile farm and elephant sanctuary, the oldest caves on earth and a remarkable botanical garden in Mbombela.
The Riverside Mall shopping centre in Nelspruit offers interesting attractions while the entertainment mall in Mpumalanga Province also beckons. The Barnyard Theatre at the Casterbridge Centre on the city’s outskirts is a great place to have a drink. Casterbridge also has great shopping and a motor car museum.
The Mbombela 46 000-seats stadium nicknamed the ‘giraffe stadium’ because its 18-roof supports are said to resemble the long-necked animals
that tower over the surrounding bush and also boasts distinctive.
Zebra-striped seats would have a lot of Nigerians in attendance because it is home to the Super Eagles during the first round of matches.
The city has two airports, Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport and the
Mbombela Airport and is also a major stop-over point for tourists travelling to the Kruger National Park and to Mozambique.
The City Of Durban
This is South Africa’s third largest city and the traditional home of the Zulus; so expect to be treated to a world of Zulu culture and history. With warm climate and welcoming ambience, Durban way offers a rich menu of exciting and adventurous water-related leisure given the presence of the busy harbour on the edge of the Indian Ocean.
UShaka Marine World easily comes to mind with its long stretch of magical beaches and offerings along its corridors. This world’s best theme park and marine fantasy park really is one of a kind. There’s an aquarium, dolphinarium, dive tank and a whole lot of adrenalin-inducing fun slides and rides.
It also boasts top sporting facilities, world-class resorts and nature reserves, excellent urban vibes, including a mix of design, art, music and food, spiced with fascinating cultural influences.
Florida Road is the place to be. Lined with quirky restaurants, pubs and
late-night venues, Durban’s (eThekwini’s) most popular stretch of tar beats to its own rhythm, and the locals are only too eager to invite you to join
in.
The 70, 000 capacity Moses Mabhidha Stadium, venue of the matches, is itself another outstanding piece of architecture with amazing design and structures. It also features a restaurant, more than 7,000 square metres of retail space and a fascinating sports museum profiling South
Africa’s many sporting heroes in a variety of codes.
The City Of Port Elizabeth
THE city is home to one of South Africa’s important sea ports –— Port Elizabeth—- which offers, cozy, warm and soul-lifting sea – life on what most tourists prefer to call magnificent golden beaches. It is part of the many offerings of the Eastern Cape region.
Adventure in Port Elizabeth is designed around the great outdoors. There are wreck-diving, shark diving, kayaking, deep-sea-fishing, 4x4 trails, hiking trails, quad biking options, cycling routes. And if all else fail, grab a surfboard and head for the waves.
It has excellent and varied sporting facilities. Its many active sports clubs cater for bowling, golf, tennis, badminton, squash, volleyball,
pool, darts, athletics, cycling as well as seasonal sports like soccer, rugby, hockey, roller hockey, cricket, motor racing and more.
Greenacres Shopping Centre is a trendy shopping mecca situated in the heart of the sea city.
The 50, 000 capacity Nelson Madela Bay Stadium will host the games here. The Stadium is named after South Africa’s former President, humanitarian and world icon, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, who was born there and spent his formative years in the Eastern Cape.
The City Of Rustenburg
Royal Bafokeng Stadium - 42 000 seats
RUSTENBURG is a large town situated at the foot of the Magalies Mountain range in the North West province of the country. The town’s outskirts is host to the largest platinum mines in the world and the largest platinum refinery, which
processes about 70% of the world’s platinum.
Not to worry, you are not going to just watch the mines machines at work but also the other side of the offerings of the town, which are wonderful and magnificent as well.
Some of its natural appeal includes the magnificent Magaliesberg Mountain range,
Hartbeespoort Dam, Sun City (known as the Las Vegas of South Africa) and the
Valley of the Waves as well as the well-stocked Pilanesberg Game Reserve.
| < Prev |
|---|
