The Amazing Cape Winelands - South Africa

The Cape Winelands are a major tourist attraction in South Africa with numerous wine routes on offer illustrating South Africa's status as a wine producer since 1659. 

The area is known for its wonderful natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and world-renowned wines. Just a 45-minute drive from Cape Town will put you in the Winelands with its marvellous mountains providing an inspiring backdrop to the plentiful vineyards and gabled Cape Dutch homesteads steeped in history. 

We recommend that you experience the hospitality and beauty of Stellenbosch, Paarl, Wellington, Franschhoek and Robertson in the Breede River Valley. Stop and visit some of the many wine farms, or perhaps stroll down one of the beautifully restored streets in the historical town centres.  

The excellent wines produced in this area are transported worldwide and enjoy a world-renowned reputation. The Winelands is an ideal base from which to explore Cape Town and its surrounding area. The accommodation is this area caters for all tastes so indulge yourself at one of the exclusive boutique hotels, or enjoy the hospitality of one of the many splendid guest houses and bed and breakfast establishments common throughout the area. 

Constantia Wineland
If you contact the Cape Town Tourism Office it is possible to book a horse-drawn carriage tour through the Constantia winelands. En-route you can stop for refreshments, tours, or tastings at wineries such as Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia or Buitenverwachting. Remember to spend some time at the Old Cape Farm Stall where you can buy fresh goods and gourmet foods.

Stellenbosch Wineland
This wine route is the oldest and largest, having the most estates, wineries and cooperatives as well as wine and cultural museums. You will need to allow plenty of time to explore this area - probably a whole week or several weekends. You can buy a map of the farms on the route from the Information Centre in Stellenbosch.

Paarl Wineland
This is South Africa's second-oldest wine route and offers self-conducted tour of the historic Backsberg Estate's cellars and brandy pot stills but don't be tempted as you are being watched on camera! Alternatively take a guided tour of the sprawling KWV cellars. Further along the route are Zandwijk, where South Africa's only kosher wines are made, and Fairview farm, famous for its cheeses.

Wellington Wineland
This historic route with its museums and old churches is the centre of this "off-the-beaten-track" route, exemplified by the small, family-run wineries. At Bovlei you can even have your own wine label designed and made for you. North of Wellington is the lovely Brian's Kloof Pass.

Klein Karoo Wineland
Believe it or not this is the route to see ostriches and vines side by side. Viticulture has boosted the economy of this hot, arid region between the Langeberg and Swartberg mountains, and is practised at farms round Oudtshoorn, Calitzdorp, Swellendam, Ladismith and Montagu. Don't miss the excellent quality flagship ports of Boplaas Estate.

Franschhoek Wineland
This picture postcard village is known as the food and wine capital of the world boasts 8 out the top 030 restaurants in South Africa. The farms of the Vignerons de Franschhoek, as the producers along this French-influenced wine route are properly known, lie in a beautiful valley and many have historic homesteads, such as Boschendal, La Motte and L'Ormarins. If you are short on time then you can always taste the Franschhoek Vineyards Cooperative wines at the wine-tasting centre in Franschhoek.

Worcester Wineland
This triangular route stretches from Villiersdorp in the south to Woseley and Worcester in the North. Along the way you will discover wineries such as the Brandvlei and Merwida cooperatives. Worcester itself offers many other attractions such as museums and galleries, and the Karoo National Botanic Garden situated just four kilometres outside the town.

Robertson Wineland
The lime-rich soils of the region play an important part in producing the well-balanced wines of the Robertson Wineland including those of Van Loveren, Weltevrede, Zandvliet and the Rooiberg Cooperative. This mountainous region is covered by hiking trails best enjoyed in the spring. It's also famous for being the birthplace of some of the country's greatest racehorses and a nursery for roses.

For more information on South Africa, activities and places to stay - see. www.Where2Stay-SouthAfrica.com 

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Wonderful Clarens - go on, spoil yourself

Clarens is an attractive small village found just 20km to the west of the Golden Gate National Park. This is a perfect spot from which to base yourself and explore the wonders of the Eastern Highlands which neighbours the borders of Lesotho. Many artists have been attracted to this area by the surrounding beautiful countryside, spectacular sandstone mountains and you will find a number of excellent galleries in Clarens displaying their work.

Tourists flock here to appreciate the charm of the village and explore the craft shops and relax in the tea rooms found here. Clarens is actually named after a Swiss holiday resort on the shores of Lake Geneva and where President Paul Kruger died in 1904. It's worth popping into the local Clarens Tourist Office to discover what is on offer and perhaps to find out about the white water rafting that you can do along the Ash River. Clarens is about a 4 hour drive from Durban and 3 hours from Johannesburg.

The climate in Clarens is lovely and has been described as one of the most picturesque places in South Africa. If you like fishing then this is the place to come for the Trout fishing has been voted as the best in South Africa. The surrounding countryside also provides some excellent horse riding opportunities and a great way to see the area. The area is well served by guest houses, B&B's, self catering establishments and hotels so accommodation is not a problem.

For accommodation ideas in Clarens:

4 Star Oranje Gasteplaas (Guest House) - The beautifully restored farmhouse has panoramic views and a great veranda ideal for barbeques or sundowners.  An excellent venue to host your conference or wedding catering for up to 200 guests.

4 Star Boeretroos Gastehuis (Self-Catering) - Situated above an 18-hole golf course it has a 360 degree view over the mountains, valleys, sandstone cliffs and landscape that inspire artists - french country-style interior which has an intimate, cosy feel.

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South Africa’s Beautiful Route 62

Route 62, runs between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth

This is a very popular tourist route in South Africa which runs between; and links two major cities; Cape Town and Port Elizabeth.  The route starts/ends at Oudtshoorn and is a more scenic alternative and offers a 70km shorter option to the N2 Highway.  Route 62 is also known as the “Mountain Route” and passes through no less than 14 beautiful villages lined by mountain ranges.

Route 62 offers an unforgettable and exciting experience for all with many attractions for both young and old.

The Route offers an abundance of trees and indigenous flora, rivers, vineyards and orchards.  You will pass the longest wine route in the Western Cape and through farming towns such as Calitzdorp, Ladysmith, historic Amalienstein, Zoar and the fruit growing and wine producing towns of Barrydale, Montagu, Ashton, Bonnievale, Robertson, McGregor, Worcester,Rawsonville, Ceres, Wolseley, Tulbagh, Wellington and Paarl. 

It includes the Langkloof - with the following towns; Misgund, Louterwater, Krakeel and Kareedouw. All these towns are all easily accessible and offer travellers a lot of opportunity to explore the surrounding areas.  For things to do on this Route – you will be spoilt for choice with many activities, including hiking trails, mountain climbing, horse riding, canoeing, ostrich riding and many museums.

Things to do along Route 62:

• Schotia Safaris or Addo National Elephant Park


• Woody Cape Nature Reserve


• Quin Sculpture Gardens, Alexandria


• Bathurst


• Port Alfred


• Fish River Lighthouse


• Hamburg


• Kidd's Beach


• Cove Rock

For more information on activities, information on this area and other areas within South Africa, please go to www.Where2Stay-SouthAfrica.com

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Don’t ban the Vuvuzela – it’s unique!

So it would seem that the vuvezela is cooking up a storm at the World Cup with the South Africa's organising chief Danny Jordaan saying that they may ban them. Apparently some of the broadcasters and others have complained about the noise generated by the thousands of vuvuzelas being blown at the World Cup games. 
 

The French captain Patrice Evra has even blamed the noise created by the vuvuzela's as the reason for their poor performance in their first game against Uruguay.

To be honest the vuvuzela is not new to South African football it’s just that the rest of the world has not really come across them yet. It’s true that we are not really hearing the chanting of supporters as much as we would normally hear but we must remember this is South Africa's World Cup and it's certainly creating a unique atmosphere even if it is not to everyone’s taste.

I think as we go through the matches the vuvzela blowing and chanting will find a balance and we will end up with a great atmosphere that everyone will enjoy. To ban the vuvuzela would be a big mistake.

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Things to do in and around KwaZulu Natal

Suggestions on things to do in and around KwaZulu Natal including visiting Durban, eating curry, visiting the Drakensberg, St Lucia, Diving in Sodwana Bay, a visit to the Natal Sharks Board – go shopping at Gateway Shopping Centre; experience Zulu Culture and more.

Durban – Africa’s largest port, wide beaches, fantastic nightlife and bustling markets. Not to miss is a visit to Victoria Embankment, UShaka Marine World and of course the Golden Mile. Also try the Victoria Street Market which has over 170 stalls!

Drakensberg - Rising to over 3,000 metres in height the Drakensberg escarpment can frequently be seen covered in snow in the winter providing wonderful photo opportunities. The area is very popular with hikers, rock climbers, trout fishermen and general holiday makers and is served by Hotels, Guest Houses, Lodges and camp sites. For the more athletic among you there are many trails up the mountains where caves are used as overnight stops.

Natal Sharks Board - The Sharks Board is also worth a visit on Herrwood Drive. Here the life cycle of local sharks is studied investigating how best to protect the sharks as well as the swimming community.

Gateway Shopping Centre which is said to be the largest shopping mall in the southern hemisphere. In addition to the shops and restaurants here there is a range of activities from cinema to an artificial surf wave.

Valley of a Thousand Hills –with its dramatic scenery and landscapes – this is one of KwaZulu Natal’s best kept secrets. Many artists are attracted to the area.

Zululand Tour / King Shaka - Zululand attracts huge numbers of visitors keen to experience a feeling for the Zulu culture. The area certainly evokes memories of what once was the homeland of King Shaka early in the 19th Century. Visitors to Zululand can stay in a multitude of accommodation from guesthouses and hotels in the major cities to game lodges, Zulu homes or even floating lake chalets. The game reserves here offer excellent game drives as well as some good hiking trails. Inland from the sea you will come across tea plantations, farms and towns steeped in history such as Vryheid and Paulpietersburg. Here you can relax in the therapeutic sulphur springs

Midlands Meander - This truly is a beautiful area with fertile landscapes, crystal-clear water, forests and is also rich in history. The Midlands Meander which is very popular with arts and crafts lovers should not be missed.

The Dolphin Coast - The Dolphin Coast is a malaria-free stretch along the North coast of KwaZulu Natal from Zimbali in the South to the Tugela in the North. It includes holiday towns such as Ballito, Sheffield Beach, Blythedale, Zinkwazi, Tinley Manor, Salt Rock and Shakas Rock. It also includes inland areas Ndwedwe, Maphumulo, KwaDukuza, Shakaskraal, eNdondakasuka and Umhlali. Snorkelling, Scuba Diving, Surfing, Fishing, Dolphin and Marine excursions, museums, arts and crafts, bird hides, crocodile farms, game reserves, hiking, golf, horse riding and many more.

Umhlanga Rocks - upmarket resort with safe beaches, vibrant nightlife, great restaurants and much more.

La Lucia Wetlands and diving in Sodwana Bay - this area achieved World Heritage status in 1999 and incorporates Mkuzi (a Big 5 reserve), Sodwana Bay (a world famous scuba diving destination) and Kosi Bay (a natural paradise). There are ecosystems and a unique biodiversity which are found nowhere else on earth, it is not hard to see why the earliest name for St Lucia, given by Portuguese explorers, was "River of the Sands of Gold". St Lucia boasts 300 sun-filled days a year the area with magnificent sub-tropical forests, grasslands and lily-covered pans which abound in animal life.

Curry – don’t miss out on the wonderful Indian Cuisine whilst in the area – particularly Durban with a variety of Indian restaurants and markets. Do try a Bunny Chow which was created in Durban in the 1940’s. It consists of a hollowed out loaf of bread which is then filled with curry.

For more information on South Africa, things to do and places to stay –

see www.where2stay-southafrica.com

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The Best of Gauteng

Suggestions on things to do in and around Gauteng, including; the biggest zoo in South Africa, Theme Parks, Township Tours, the infamous Blue Train and much more...

Top things to do in and around Gauteng

• Visit the National Zoological Gardens in Pretoria which is the largest zoo in South Africa. The zoo has 202 mammal species, 202 bird species, 190 fish species, 4 invertebrate species, 93 reptile species, and 7 amphibian species.
• Do a Soweto Township Tour – unique in that it is the only place in the world to have a street where two Nobel Peace Prize winners lived.
• Experience the fun and thrills of Johannesburg's Gold Reef City Theme Park with its amazing Tower of Terror ride
• Visit the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg.
• Bring some luxury into your life and take the Blue Train from Pretoria to Cape Town with a stop in Kimberley (1600km); travelling at 90 kilometres per hour, you will experience spectacular scenery and luxury throughout your journey.
• Go clubbing in Johannesburg in one or more of the many fantastic clubs and bars.

For more information on Gauteng, other provinces in South Africa, Accommodation and things to do - go to www.Where2Stay-SouthAfrica.com

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South African Adventure – Canopy Tours

A Canopy Tour comprises a series of high platforms connected by a series of ropes from which you swing from one to the other. You are connected to the ropes by means of safety harnesses and helmets are provided. Guides are close by to ensure your safety at all times.

Tours generally last for 2.5 hours and cost around R450 each. The price includes equipment, 4x4 transport, guides, refreshments and a light lunch after your tour. The tours are suitable for those aged 7 to 70. Bookings are always essential for these tours.

Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour, Western Cape Province

Just 45 minutes from Plettenberg Bay and 1hr and 30 minutes from Port Elizabeth lies Storms River Village where you will find the Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour. Within the amazing Tsitsikamma indigenous forest are a number of platforms built around Outeniqua Yellowood trees - some of which are 700 years old.

Experience the thrill of sliding across from one platform to the next whilst soaring over the lush forest nearly 30 metres below you. Keep your eyes open while you are high up in the trees and look out for Knysna Loeries and the elusive Narina Trogon birds. The scenery is superb and your trip across the platforms will be well supervised by professional guides who will describe everything that you can see. The Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour is a real experience and thoroughly recommended.

Contact: +27 42 281 1836

Magaliesberg Canopy Tour, North-West Province

The Magaliesberg Canopy Tour is set among the old Magaliesberg Mountains on eleven platforms built way up on the rock faces of the Ysterhout Kloof. There are 03 slides and the longest is nearly 140 metres long. This Canopy Tour is located at the Sparkling Waters Hotel just 1 hour and 20 minutes from Pretoria and Johannesburg and a mere 30 minutes from Rustenburg. The tour guides will inform you on all the interesting facts covering the birds, wildlife, plants and geology of the area. The Magaliesberg Mountains are home to all sorts of wildlife - keep you eyes open for the Klipspringer which jumps from rock to rock below you as you swing over them.

Contact: +27 14 535 0150

Magoebaskloof Canopy Tour, Limpopo Province

In between the towns of Haenertsburg and Tzaneen you will find the Magoebaskloof Canopy Tour - just 1hr from Polokwane and 30 minutes from Tzaneen. From the platforms of the Magoesbaskloof Canopy Tour your guides will tell you all about your surroundings before you traverse across exhilarating slides. There are three giant waterfalls here as well as the sparking river below where you can look out for the Giant Kingfisher which swoops over the river in search of its prey. The flowers here are colourful and along with the surrounding cliffs will make your canopy tour worth every minute.

Contact: +27 83 866 1546

Karkloof Canopy Tour, KwaZulu-Natal Province

In Karkloof, just 03minutes from Howick and 1hr and 30 minutes from Durban is the Karkloof Canopy Tour. This Canopy Tour has been built high up in the Karkloof Nature Reserve and was only the second canopy tour to be built in South Africa. This Canopy Tour has been built for the slightly more adventurous nature lover and has 180 metre longs slides over the forest canopy and provides you with superb views of the beautiful Karkloof Valley. On your journey from platform to platform you will probably hear the loud calls of the Samango monkey and possibly see an Emerald cuckoo. This Canopy Tour is truly exhilarating and well supervised by professional guides.

Contact: +27 33 330 3415

Drakensberg Canopy Tour, KwaZulu-Natal Province

Located centrally in the Drakensberg Region just 20 minutes from Winterton, 3.5 hrs from Johannesburg and 2.5 hrs from Durban is the new Drakensberg Canopy Tour. This canopy tour is a favourite with bird lovers and nature lovers. The tour is set within a forested valley of the Central Drakensberg Mountains. The Canopy Tour has high rock face walkways, tree bound platforms, a suspension bridge and slides that go across the river way below. The platforms set on the cliff-side provide excellent viewing galleries for nature lovers. This canopy tour really has something for everyone.

Contact: +27 83 785 1693

For more information on the above, other activities and accommodation across South Africa – please see: http://www.where2stay-southafrica.com

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South Africa vs Mexico - World Cup 2003 Kick Off

So South Africa has kicked off the World Cup at Soccer City in JHB with a 1-1 draw against Mexico. After a nervous start the Bafana Bafana settled down and started to play some attacking football towards the end of the first half. The noise in the stadium from the Vuvuzela's was extraordinary and like nothing we have heard before in a World Cup match. 

The stadium was alive with colour as the yellow and green of South Africa dominated the crowd. The second half started in a similar way to the first with Mexico dominating possession but looking vulnerable on the break. In the 55th minute of the second half the crowd erupted when the South African Siphiwe Tshabalala controlled a great through ball and fired a wonder strike past the hapless Mexico goalkeeper. 

The atmosphere in the stadium was electric as South Africa's dream of winning the game suddenly became a real possibility. But the Mexicans never gave up and in the 79th minute a cross from Andres Guardado caught the South African defence asleep and was beautifully controlled by Marquez who brought the ball down and shot past Khune for the equaliser.

 The South Africans never gave up hope and in the dying momens of the game Katlego Mphela almost won the game only to see his shot hit the post. 

Overall South Africa will be the happier team to have grabbed a point and give their supporters hope that they could actually qualify for the next round.

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Gauteng FIFA World Cup 2003 Group Stage Matches

Here is a schedule of all the Group Stage games for the FIFA World Cup 2003 matches which will be played in Gauteng l Province. 

With a population of over 9 million people and a history of discovering gold; Gauteng offers a vibrant mix of diversity and is one of the wealthiest provinces in Africa. Rapid development has swept the province in the last 03 years with new chrome structures rising overnight. The two major cities are Johannesburg and the city of Pretoria.

03th June 2003

South Africa v Mexico @ Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg - Kick Off 15.00

12th June 2003

Argentina v Nigeria @ Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg - Kick Off 12.30

13th June 2003

Serbia v Ghana @ Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria - Kick Off 19.30

14th June 2003

Netherlands v Denmark @ Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg - Kick Off 12.30

15th June 2003

Brazil v Korea DPR @ Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg - Kick Off 19.30

16th June 2003

South Africa v Uruguay @ Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria - Kick Off 19.30

17th June 2003

Argentina v Korea Republic @ Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg - Kick Off 19.30

18th June 2003

Slovenia v USA @ Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg - Kick Off 15.00

19th June 2003

Cameroon v Denmark @ Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria - Kick Off 19.30

20th June 2003

Brazil v Ivory Coast @ Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg - Kick Off 19.30

21st June 2003

Spain v Honduras @ Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg - Kick Off 19.30

23rd June 2003

Ghana v Germany @ Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg - Kick Off 19.30

USA v Algeria @ Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria - Kick Off 15.00

24th June 2003

Slovakia v Italy @ Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg - Kick Off 15.00

25th June 2003

Chile v Spain @ Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria - Kick Off 19.30

Base Camps in Gauteng

• Australia at the Kloofzicht Lodge, Gauteng

• Brazil at the Fairway Hotel, Randpark Golf Course, Johannesburg, Gauteng

• Germany will set up camp at the Velmore Hotel, Centurion, Gauteng

• Honduras at Indaba Hotel, Johannesburg, Gauteng

• Italy, will be based at the Leriba Lodge, Pretoria, Gauteng

• Mexico at Thaba ya Batswana, Johannesburg, Gauteng

• Netherlands at the Hilton Sandton Hotel, Sandton, Gauteng

• New Zealand at the Serengeti Estate, Gauteng

• North Korea (Korea DPR) at the Protea Hotel, Midrand, Gauteng

• Serbia will be based at the Sunnyside Park Hotel, Johannesburg, Gauteng

• Slovakia, Hyde Park Southern Sun, Johannesburg, Gauteng

• Slovenia will be based at the Hyde Park Southern Sun Hotel, Pretoria, Gauteng

• South Africa (Bafana Bafana) will be based at the Southern Sun Grayston Hotel in Sandton, Gauteng

• Switzerland will be based at the Emerald Resort and Casino, Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng

• USA will be based at Irene Country Lodge, Pretoria, Gauteng

Click here for a list of accommodation ideas in Johannesburg

Click here for a list of accommodation ideas in Pretoria

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KwaZulu-Natal FIFA World Cup 2003 Group Stage Matches

Here is a schedule of all the Group Stage games for the FIFA World Cup 2003 matches which will be played in KwaZulu-Natal Province. 

KwaZulu-Natal's capital city - Durban, offers a subtropical carnival atmosphere and summer sunshine all year round. Holiday makers from all over the world converge on the city to play on the golden, palm-fringed sands. The lovely climate brings holiday makers to their favourite KwaZulu-Natal coastal haunts to cultivate a tan, ride the waves, eat, drink and generally have fun.

13th June 2003

Germany v Australia @ Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban - Kick Off 15.00

16th June 2003

Spain v Switzerland @ Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban - Kick Off 15.00

19th June 2003

Netherlands v Japan @ Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban - Kick Off 15.00

22nd June 2003

Nigeria v Korea Republic @ Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban - Kick Off 19.30

25th June 2003

Portugal v Brazil @ Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban - Kick Off 15.00

28th June 2003

Group E Winners v Group F Runners Up @ Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban - Kick Off 15.00

7th July 2003

Semi Final @ Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban - Kick Off 19.30

Base Camps in KwaZulu-Natal 

• Algeria at Zimbali Lodge, KwaZulu-Natal

• Cameroon who will be based at the Oyster Box in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal

• Greece at the Beverly Hills Hotel, KwaZulu-Natal

• Ivory Coast will be based at Riverside Hotel and Conference Centre, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal

• Nigeria will be based in Hemshire, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal

• Paraguay at Woodridge Country Lodge in KwaZulu-Natal.

• Portugal at the Valley Lodge, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal

Click here for accommodation ideas in Durban

Click here for a list of accommodation ideas in KwaZulu-Natal

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North-West FIFA World Cup 2003 Group Stage Matches

Here is a schedule of all the Group Stage games for the FIFA World Cup 2003 matches which will be played in North-Wes Province. 

The North West Province of South Africa is situated in the western Magaliesberg and provides plenty to see and do in the popular holiday destinations such as Rustenburg. Just half an hour’s drive from here will find you at the glamorous Sun City complex and its enormous range of leisure options. The complex providing an excellent combination of golf, game and gambling, as well as world class hotels, is the perfect choice for any holiday in South Africa. Close by, the Pilanesberg Game Reserve provides travellers an excellent chance of spotting the "Big Five".

12th June 2003

England v USA @ Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenberg - Kick Off 20.30

15th June 2003

New Zealand v Slovakia @ Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenberg - Kick Off 13.30

20th June 2003

Slovakia v Paraguay @ Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenberg - Kick Off 12.30

19th June 2003

Ghana v Australia @ Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenberg - Kick Off 16.00

22nd June 2003

Mexico v Uruguay @ Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenberg - Kick Off 16.00

24th June 2003

Denmark v Japan @ Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenberg - Kick Off 20.30

Base Camps in North-West

• England at the Bafokeng Sports Campus in Rustenburg, North-West

• Korea Republic at the Hunters Rest Hotel in North-West

• Spain at the Potchefstroom University (North West Campus), Potchefstroom, North-West

Click here for accommodation ideas in Rustenburg

Click here for a list of accommodation ideas in the North-West

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Western Cape FIFA World Cup 2003 Group Stage Matches

Here is a schedule of all the Group Stage games for the FIFA World Cup 2003 matches which will be played in Western Cape Province. 

Millions of visitors are drawn to the Western Cape every year as it offers a wealth of activities which provide a broad range of activities and attractions so great that there is something to do for everyone. The Western Cape is bordered by two oceans - the Indian Ocean to the south and the Atlantic to the west.

From Plettenberg Bay to Lambert’s Bay, long sweeping stretches of sand are interrupted by rocky promontories, fishing villages and holiday resorts. The scenic beauty of the beaches and the hypnotic beat of the waves provide perfect conditions for anglers. Peace and tranquillity is easy to find and fish are plentiful.

03th June 2003

Uruguay v France @ Green Point Stadium, Cape Town

14th June 2003

Italy v Paraguay @ Green Point Stadium, Cape Town

18th June 2003

England v Algeria @ Green Point Stadium , Cape Town

21st June 2003

Portugal v Korea DPR @ Green Point Stadium, Cape Town

24th June 2003

Cameroon v Netherlands @ Green Point Stadium, Cape Town

29th June 2003

Group H Winners v Group G Runners Up @ Green Point Stadium, Cape Town

3rd July 2003

Quarter-Final @ Green Point Stadium, Cape Town

6th July 2003

Semi Final @ Green Point Stadium, Cape Town

Base Camps in Western Cape

• Denmark at Simola Hotel Country Club, Knysna, Western Cape


• France at Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa, Knysna, Western Cape


• Japan at the Fancourt Hotel & Country Club, Western Cape

Click here for a list of accommodation ideas in Cape Town

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Free State FIFA World Cup 2003 Group Stage Matches

Here is a schedule of all the Group Stage games for the FIFA World Cup 2003 matches which will be played in Free State Province.

The Free State offers everything from historical and cultural attractions to renowned beauty and great expanses of scenery. Charming towns are scattered across the province with cities offering everything from excellent facilities; great shopping centres and fantastic bars and restaurants.

14th June 2003

Japan v Cameroon @ Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein - Kick Off 15.00

17th June 2003

Greece v Nigeria @ Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein - Kick Off 15.00

20th June 2003

Slovakia v Paraguay @ Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein - Kick Off 12.30

22nd June 2003

France v South Africa @ Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein - Kick Off 15.00

25th June 2003

Switzerland v Honduras @ Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein - Kick Off 19.30

27th June 2003

Group D Winners v Group C Runners Up @ Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein - Kick Off 15.00

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First ever World Cup in South Africa kicks off in style

South Africa's first ever World Cup has kicked off with a huge celebration concert held at the enormous Orlando Stadium in Soweto. On the eve of the first game between South Africa and Mexico thousands turned up to watch local and international stars perform in what was the first ever World Cup music event.

Black Eyed Peas performed 'I got a feeling' and had the whole crowd bouncing and cheering. The crowd braved freezing night time temperatures to enjoy performances from Alicia Keys and Shakira as well as local artists such as the Parlotones, John Legend and Angelique Kidjo.

There were appearances from past and present football heroes as well as a video montage of Nelson Mandela. The diverse crowd created a fabulous atmosphere as the FIFA World Cup 2003 in South Africa kicked off in style.

In just a few hours “Bafana Bafana” kick off their World Cup campaign against Mexico at the 94,000 capacity Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg.  The stadium which looks like a calabash (an African storage pot) will host a 40 minute opening ceremony with performances from R Kelly and likely appearances from President Zuma and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

You have read this article Bafana Bafana / Black Eyed Peas / Desmond Tutu / FIFA World Cup / Johannesburg / Nelson Mandela / opening ceremony / President Zuma / Soccer City Stadium / South Africa / World Cup with the title January 2003. You can bookmark this page URL http://africathoughts.blogspot.com/2003/01/first-ever-world-cup-in-south-africa.html. Thanks!