FIFA World Cup 2010 - Guide to the Host Cities PART 1

By Mairead Foley

Venues for the 2010 World Cup

In 2005 FIFA (International Soccer Body) made a provisional decision that 13 South African venues will host the matches for the 2010 World Cup. However, in March 2006, the original selection was changed to 10 venues (9 cities), with Johannesburg's two stadia hosting games. The following gives a brief guide to Johannesburg, Durban Cape Town and Pretoria, what to do and see in each city and how to enjoy the tournament!

You can find out about the other 5 cities and venues in our FIFA World Cup 2010 - Guide to the host cities PART 2.

Johannesburg...

Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa, and the capital of the Gauteng Province. Also known as the ''City of Gold'', it's the main economic hub of South Africa. The main industry in Johannesburg is the gold and diamond trade, and the mining for these natural resources. The population of the greater Johannesburg area is approximately 8 million people. It was the scene of the famous gold rush of the late 19th century, and the tensions led to the war between the Boer natives and the British settlers. Weather wise, the city enjoys a warm sunny climate, due to its position on the Highveld in the eastern part of South Africa.

Matches for the 2010 World Cup will take place at the refurbished Soccer City Stadium, and Ellis Park Stadium.

Durban...

Durban is the 3rd largest city in South Africa, with a population of over 3 million. It's located in the KwaZulu-Natal Province, and is a famous port city. Modern day Durban was founded as a British settlement in 1824, due to the huge emphasis on sea trade. Its importance as a major seaport continues to this day, and it's one of the main tourist destinations South Africa.

Along with sea trading, the city is a major manufacturing and financial centre. There are many museums demonstrating the growth of the city from its sea trade, and marine aquariums to be found in the city.

Matches for the World Cup take place at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. The main tourism area in Durban is known as the Golden Mile, a stretch of beach front overlooking the Indian Ocean.
The golden sands and the warm waters make it a haven for sun worshippers and surfers!

Cape Town...

Known as the ''Mother City'', this is the 2nd most populous city of South Africa. Its origins can be traced to the development of a port serving the needs of the Dutch East India Company. Located at the Western Cape in South Africa, its main industries are manufacturing and construction. Indeed, the city is booming due to its status as one of the host cities for the 2010 World Cup.

A major tourist attraction in Cape Town is Table Mountain, and its National Park. Cape Town also has a selection of beautiful beaches. You can take a boat trip to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for near 30 years. The original Cape Dutch architecture is well worth viewing in the city, and the city itself is a gateway for the rest of South Africa as it's well linked to all major cities. Matches for the 2010 World Cup will be played at the Green Point Stadium.

What can you see from Cape Town by Car?

Pretoria...

Located in the Northern Part of the Gauteng Province, Pretoria serves as the Executive capital of South Africa. Founded in 1855 by Boer settlers, the city lies 50km north of Johannesburg, and is surrounded by the Magaliesberg Mountain Range.

There's so much to do and see in this city and it's home to the wonderful National Zoological Gardens of South Africa. The Pretoria National Botanic Gardens are also worth a visit, along with the Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary. There is also a wide selection of museums to enjoy, including the Kruger and Transvaal Museums. Nature reserves are also well worth viewing. Manufacturing and engineering are the two most important industries here, and it's also home to the largest University in South Africa.

Games for the 2010 World Cup are to be held at the Lotus Versfeld Stadium.

Mairead Foley writes for http://www.Novacarhire.com/ where you can book car hire at airports, ferry ports, rail stations, cities and towns all over the world.

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