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 Easy Africa Site www.africatravelnetwork.net
Friday, October 8, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
The Big Cape Town Derby
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/.
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/.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
It’s official: South Africa is the world’s best adventurer destination
“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
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
Monday, September 13, 2010
Ajax Cape Town to play at the Cape Town Stadium.
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.
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
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
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
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Cape Town is favourite destination
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.”
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.”
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
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
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
Friday, May 28, 2010
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
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
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
World Cup packages with TICKETS available!!
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
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Fifa urges South Africa fans to buy World Cup tickets
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.
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.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Cape Town Waterfront Marina Apartments
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.
(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
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
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
Monday, March 29, 2010
World Cup Accom Is Reponsibly Priced
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.
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.
Friday, March 26, 2010
U20 Cape Town International Challange
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
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
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Cheap World Cup Beds
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
Monday, March 1, 2010
World Cup Accom, Great Locations, Sensible Prices
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
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
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
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
Hotel rooms selling fast -We have beds!!
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.
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.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
England Dayz
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
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
Saturday, January 16, 2010
South Africans Will Be Able To Buy From Ticket Offices In April
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.
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.
Friday, January 15, 2010
England Community Project Day
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.
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.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
England Shark Cage Diving Tour and Pub Crawl
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.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
World Cup In 3D
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.
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.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Cape Town Football Festival
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?
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