South Africa has never seen a sporting event on the scale of the World Cup before, and theyâÂÂre very, very excited about it. Equally, the World Cup has never witnessed anything quite like South Africa. This will be a uniquely thrilling venue for the greatest tournament on earth.
But with a new continent comes uncertainty. WhatâÂÂs it really like out there? Is it the all-singing carnival that the shiny adverts portray, or are the doom-mongers right about the countryâÂÂs crime problems? Is it going to be a nightmare to get about? WhatâÂÂs the accommodation situation really like? How are the stadiums looking?
There was only one way to find out. FourFourTwo travelled to the three cities that England will be playing at this summer â Rustenburg, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth â on a hectic five-day fact-finding mission. Notebook in hand, weâÂÂve been to the stadiums. Inside the dressing rooms. And, indeed, inside the dressing room toilets.
WeâÂÂve ventured into the townships. WeuâÂÂve got drunk in a shebeen. WeâÂÂve fed elephants, been savaged by insects, tried our luck in the casinos of Sun City, toured the wine country of Stellenbosch, had a braai with the locals and made sure that no stone of the bushveld was left unturned.
So if youâÂÂre going out to follow England, read these blogs for our exclusive insider guide to the best of everything South Africa has to offer. If itâÂÂs anything like our trip, youâÂÂre in for a hell of a ride.
Getting there
We fly in via Cape Town on the first leg of our adventure, although most visitors will pass through Johannesburg. While those watching at home will particularly enjoy this World Cup because of the time difference (South Africa is just one hour ahead), itâÂÂs also a real boon for travellers. ThereâÂÂs no bewildering jet-lag to deal with, and provided you can get some overnight kip on the plane, you can wake up fresh on the other side of the globe 12 hours later â particularly if you have your own pillow, eh Wayne?
Fly direct to JoâÂÂburg and Cape Town with British Airways, South African Airways, KLM, Lufthansa, Swiss, Virgin, Emirates or Etihad.
FFT's hosts wereSun International, Southern AfricaâÂÂs leading hotel group.
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