Source: Lonely Planet

This is it! After getting my 3-weeks of vacation approved, I finally decided on my next destination. South Africa I come! After much back and forth between Indonesia and South Africa, I finally made my decision. The flight isn’t booked yet and I guess it won’t be written in stone until then but one thing is for sure, I won’t change my mind again!! Flight prices seem to be quite high this week so I’m hoping they will go back down soon so I can go ahead and book the flight. But… until then, I did start doing some research on what I plan to visit. So far, I’m interested in Drakensberg, drive down the wild coast, make a stop at Tsitsikamma National Park for some more hiking by the shore and then continue down the garden route and finally arrive in Cape Town (with a few days in the vineyards).  This being said, there are so many other places I’d like to visit but there just isn’t enough time!

This is where I need your help! I’m debating on a few things.

1. Should I rent a car or stick with Baz Bus?
2. If I do rent a car, do I need an international license? Is it safe to drive in the wild coast?
3. Any recommended “must-do” tours?
4. What are the recommended backpacker spots on the wild coast and garden route?
5. Where is the best place to mingle with locals? Somewhere between Durban and Cape Town…
6. Is there a somewhat decent place to go on a safari along the way as well? After spending 5 days on a safari in the Serengeti, I’m not really up to going out of my way for Kruger National Park.

Any other information from people who traveled to South Africa would be so greatly appreciated!!

My dilemma with Indonesia is that I’m not quite sure what are the best place to visit in the country. But that aside, I’m not sure if Indonesia is the best country to visit first in the island archipel. Should I visit Indonesia first? The Philippines? Or Malaysia? What do each of these countries have to offer? I don’t know!! With all these debates on Indonesia & Co, South Africa came to mind. After such a great experience in Tanzania last year, I’d love to return to Africa. South Africa is one of those must-see countries on the continent so why not make it my next destination?

Regardless of what country I’ll choose as my next backpacking destination, I like to have variety in all of my trips. Meaning that I would like to spend some time visiting cities and towns to get acquainted with the locals, traditions and culture. I then like to spend another few days  on some adventure. It normally varies on the country I’m in but I really enjoy being in the mountains. And then I like to spend another few days relaxing on the beach. It’s how I like to end my trips, ya know, all relaxed!

If you’ve traveled to any of these places, please share your tips and information on Indonesia and/or South Africa. All feedback is appreciated! A great way to check your next destination flight rates is by the  flight checker tool. It’s a great resource to check flight costs, before deciding on a trip.

This is a really fun commercial! We all know about the rivalry between Argentina and Brazil, especially when it comes to soccer (or should I say football). The AD is about Argentines who drink Skol (a Brazilian beer) and then begin dancing samba. It’s fun! You’ll enjoy it.

This one is the Pepsi commercial for FIFA 2010 World Cup. Oh Africa, by Akon is the official song of the commercial.

This is a Nike commercial. Their work is brilliant, as always.

Cape Town
The city to be known as the central of all Africa and the “Mother City.” Only because it is famous all over the world for its dramatically beautiful settings and amazing water fronts. One must see place in Cape Town is the island of Robben. It is where Nelson Mandela spent his 27 years in prison. Though now it is well known to be a great museum. But besides exploring the city and wandering around the newly built stadium for the games, the national parks around Cape Town are the perfect place to see the true Africa scenery.

Johannesburg
This will be another very busy city in weeks to come, due to Johannesburg having two large world Cup stadiums within driving distance between each other. Many fans will not only be around the stadiums, but also sightseeing the city’s famous art galleries, markets, and restaurants. Yet, one major thing to experience in this large city is hear and see the latest Kwaito, which is known to be South African hip hop. Very popular among the locals, so if you want a taste of true African music I say takes a listen to this.

Nelspruit
Just a few steps away from Durban, this city is well known to be the hub for fruit farming. It is not near any of the Indian Ocean beaches, but it does contain abundance of national parks around the city itself. Very close by the South Africa’s flagship state park it is one of the many national parks to see real African wildlife. This area is also very common to be the perfect place for camping.

Consider this while you are visiting the hub of the World Cup, not only choose to see a game but also sightsee the many destinations South Africa has to offer.

Tanzania

So what’s so special about Tanzania other than climbing the Kilimanjaro? Hmm… white-sand beaches in Zanzibar, the preserved lake Tankayika, visiting banana trees and rice fields in Pemba and safaris from Arusha. Bus seems to be the preferred transportation mode for getting around the country. Overall, backpackers seem to love the place and doesn’t sound like it’s too dangerous. Would this be a good destination for a 3-week vacation for a solo female backpacker?

South Africa

One of the gems of Africa, South Africa is probably more a of a hip place to visit. With a vibrant city such as Cape Town, National parks like Kruger that offer various safari tours and Dragensberg mountain to be hiked, it’s only normal that’s South Africa is a backpacker’s heaven destination! All sorts of activities can be considered when traveling in SA, from horseback riding, hiking, white water rafting to bungy jumping. In order words, it’s a adventure paradise for us crazy backpackers! After doing some research, roads also seem to be in good condition and travel time between places isn’t so bad.

So what African destination should I opt for? Any solo backpackers who traveled to South Africa have some advice for me ?

So let’s start with South Africa and the 2010 FIFA World Cup. As every soccer fan in the world knows, the next world cup is scheduled for June in South Africa, in northern and southern cities. Now, an event like this will attract a large number of tourists, especially backpackers who are travelling Africa and the rest of the World. I have two words for you- Be Careful! 

If you are currently travelling in the South African area, be aware of the current racial conflict between blacks and whites that has aroused earlier this year. Only 70 miles from a 2010 World Cup football stadium, white farmers and their families are learning to defend themselves with lethal weapons. Thousands of white landowners have been killed by Zimbabwe style marauders. I digged up a bit more information to find out that the main problem in South Africa is that commercial agricultural production has taken a massive hit where land reform has occurred. And as the attacks on white farmers continue, the police seem increasingly powerless and ineffective, and farmers are turning to vigilante behavior as their way of life comes under violent assault. This is a problem that has existed from colonisation and now that the international press is in South Africa to cover the FIFA World Cup, it’s their chance to show the reality of things. It’s getting to the point that the FIFA is seriously examining their options of moving the 2010 FIFA World Cup back to Germany, where the stadiums are still standing and functioning.

So for those of you who are planning to travel in this area, I’m not implying to cancel your trip but be aware of the unstable political situation and travel safely!

Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/moslive/article-1192088/South-Africa-World-Cup-2010--shootings-started.html

Many of the resorts are outside of the major cities but most of these resorts will have full access to drive you in and out of Cape Town’s Green Point Stadium. So far the best resort to look for is among a group called Beekman, which is located right on the Atlantic and featuring the perfect beach location and only 30 min drive to the centre of all the chaotic fun. Another great resort is located near Johannesburg’s soccer city Stadium, called Waterberg Game Park. It is set in a beautiful 750-hectare game park, surrounded by wildlife, and the perfect opportunity to enjoy luxurious five star amenities. Now if you are looking for something in a reasonable price range, check out accommodations such as three star Sunshine Bay Beach Club in surfer’s paradise of Jeffrey’s Bay. This hotel is located near Port Elizabeth. So if you are an advocated surfer, this would be the perfect spot of you.

For those backpackers who will be adventuring off to South Africa during the month of June, check out these Hostels!

Cape Town Backpackers is located in the heart of what’s happening in Cape Town. It is know to be surrounded by the hip shopping area, café district and where the nightlife takes off. This hostel offers dorms to en suites, including a funky bar, breakfast, travel desk, and a lovely courtyard to relax in. Of course, this hostel also offers Internet, airport transfers, 24-hour service. I say what else can you ask for from a hostel that will only charge you a max of 10 euros a night! Not bad!

The backpack & Africa Travel Centre is another hostel to keep in mind, since the price ranges from 10- 29 euros a night. In 2008 this hostel was known for the best hostel in South Africa, so you can’t go wrong here. With everything you need, from Internet to a swimming pool, this is a must see hostel. Now not only is there everything you need here, but you can also volunteer a night out and help young children play soccer, math, grammar, and even swim.

Only walking distance from the train station, Cat and Moose Backpackers Lodge is located in the heart of historical sites. Plus a 24-hour convenient store is near, including a few amazing bars, and restaurants. This hostel offer bicycle rental, swimming pool, BBQ area and much more. As usual the price is considerable cheap for what you get!

Now these are only a few places to consider when booking your accommodations in South Africa for the WORLD CUP!!!