Cheapest Route to the South Africa World Cup 2010

Well, the World Cup is in South Africa this year, which means that it is not as easy to get to as if it was being held in a European city. It also means that it is not as cheap to get to. Therefore, if you want to go you might have to consider being creative with your travel plans to ensure that you get there as cheaply as possible. Also, it is worth bearing in mind that the World Cup starts on June 11th, which means that time is very much of the essence if you are planning to be there.

It is probably not news to anyone planning to get to South Africa that the flight prices are astronomical. Flights are likely to become even more expensive when the draws are made for the tournament fixtures. You are also likely to encounter some accommodation issues as booking agencies tend to block book all of the most central hotels to offer as part of high-cost packages. I actually read recently that FIFA themselves have block booked 4000 hotel rooms in Mauritius. The fans that pay through the nose for that will have glorious tropical sunshine and can just fly in for matches. Let’s face it though, we are only talking about the elite being able to afford that. The average man on the street will struggle to afford to get to South Africa at all. The official packages are coming in at around £4000 which includes accommodation and a match ticket but this is a very costly way of getting there. So, are there cheaper options?

Why don’t you consider flying to Johannesberg? Flights to Cape Town are extortionate and will book up quickly whereas the flights to Jozi are actually cheaper and more frequent which is a bonus. The cheapest flights are those which change in the Middle east, Nairobi or Cairo. You can then look to travel to the hub of activity via train, bus or cheap local flights. You are sure to save a packet.

You could always opt to visit one of South Africa’s neighbouring countries. Your options are Botswana, Mozambique or Namibia. You will experience beautiful countries with amazing wildlife, the likes of which you will never see closer to home. They are also likely to be much quieter in terms of tourists than Cape Town. They also all have great links to the main South African cities so you can zoom in time for the action starting. This also means that you can combine a trip to the World Cup with an actual holiday.

Another option is to travel to South Africa earlier than you need to be at the match and catch a ride overland. It is certainly the most authentic way to travel across South Africa and it is sure to be the experience of a lifetime. One of the most popular overland truck routes runs from Nairobi to Cape Town. This is certain to be a very cheap travel option even if you factor in your flights. However, this is not for the fainthearted or those who like their home comforts.

It is worth remembering that while the South African authorities are expecting to be over-run with football fans this summer (in fact they are relying on it), this might not actually happen. As we have already said, it is a long way to travel. All of the teams who generally have a large travelling support have qualified, although as it stands the take up for flights has been lesser than expected. Maybe everyone is just following these cost cutting options.

As we previously mentioned most of the surrounding hotels will have been block booked long ago but if the agencies are unable to sell those rooms then it is likely that they will go back out on the market again much nearer the time. This is a game of chicken because you have to decide if you are brave enough to wait and see if prices drop. Even the prices of those high cost tournament packages are likely to reduce if they haven’t sold out by the time the tournament is due to start.

Getting to South Africa is not the only consideration. There are some things that you can do to keep your spending to a minimum. Why not opt for sleeping at a camp-site? Camping is not the most luxurious of digs but if getting to the tournament is your end goal then it might be work getting back to nature. In fact, this may sound like an even more attractive option when you learn that most campsites actually lay on a traditional South African barbeque for the people staying there, satisfying your appetite and saving you money on food too. Bonus!

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