The Germany 2010 Soccer World Cup Tour

The Germany soccer matches in the group phase take place in Durban (13 June), Nelson Mandela Bay/ Port Elizabeth (18 June) and Johannesburg (23 June 2010).

The knockout phase starts on 26 June, with the final on 11 July 2010.

Due to the complexity in the allocation of venues to the advancing teams during the knockout phase, we do not cater for this part of the World Cup. However, all our other tours are available to you.

The Group Phase Itinerary for Germany

Day 1 to 2 (11-12 June 2010)

Welcome to South Africa! We meet you at the O.R. Tambo International Airport and take you to your hotel. For those who have bought tickets for the opening game how lucky you are! We drop you off at the Soccer City Stadium. For the rest of us, we will have to decide whether to watch the game at the fan park (where 50 000 people are expected!), or in the comfort of our hotel room. Afterwards, dine in one of the many restaurants in the posh Sandton district.

On our second day in South Africa we explore two well-known landmarks of Johannesburg, namely Gold Reef City and Soweto. Johannesburg, more commonly known as Egoli, is built on the richest goldmine in the world. Experience the mining process by entering an underground mine, search for the elusive specs of yellow in the rough rock and feel the heat of the golden liquid as it is poured.

Soweto, the most populous black urban community in South Africa, is steeped in history. Its political heartbeat has guaranteed it a place on the world map. Soweto was at the centre of the uprising that led to the overthrow of the apartheid regime and the onset of the historical peace process towards a democratic dispensation. However, Soweto is far more than this. Despite its poverty, it has a vibrant cheerfulness and is a hive of activity. We will visit its landmarks and a "shebeen" – a traditional drinking joint where we will enjoy the music, have a pint or two and enjoy a traditional African meal.

Day 3 to 7 (13-17 June 2010)

Up early on the morning of the 13th for our flight to Durban where we Germany will play against Australia at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Undoubtedly the main attraction of Africa is its wildlife, protected in national and private game reserves. Our focus is on two of the most sought-after national game reserves – Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park (previously known as "the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park"). Established in 1895, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is noted for its wide variety of both birdlife and wildlife. Apart from game viewing drives there are guided walks which can be especially rewarding in the early morning and late afternoon. The Wetland Park is a World Heritage Site and encompasses an immense mosaic of habitats ranging from coral reefs and beaches, coastal forests, salt and fresh water marshes to the drier woodland areas. This is a remarkably beautiful place.

Yes, for the four days, experience the great outdoors in the company of the Big Five – lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo and elephant, and more species of mammals than anywhere else in Africa. Although sightings of these animals and birds are not guaranteed, experienced game rangers and trackers take visitors out in open safari vehicles to spots where there are usually sightings. The game rangers' wealth of knowledge of the bush and their own wildlife experiences make for interesting conversation around the fire.

Day 8 to 12 (18-22 June 2010) - Garden Route

After a sumptuous breakfast we leave for Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth where Germany meets Serbia on the 18th at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. After the match we leave for the Garden Route, undoubtedly the most beautiful part of the South African coast line. The area boasts a Mediterranean climate and unsurpassed natural beauty. Our first night is spent in the tranquil St Francis with its whitewashed dwellings. Then we spend the next three days in the sleepy picturesque town of Knysna. The town lies on the shores of a beautiful estuary, with the lagoon spilling into the ocean, passing through the monolithic sandstone cliffs known as the Knysna Heads. A ferry ride across the lagoon is the best way to see the Heads and get a full view of the lagoon and the town.

The third day in the Garden Route is a busy one. After a light breakfast a short drive takes us into one of but a few remaining indigenous forests in South Africa, known as Tsitsikamma. Have you ever dreamt of an enchanted forest of mysterious and impenetrable lushness, with a canopy of giant Redwoods and moss and ferns under foot? Well this is it! We take the back roads deep into its inner sanctum. Here we enjoy the pleasure of a “bush brunch”. We continue our journey, meandering through the forest, to the coastal town of Plettenberg Bay. We spend the afternoon at leisure. Enjoy the vistas of the lagoon below and the winding coastline in the distance. Weather permitting, a stroll on the beach – and for the brave, a dip in the waves – will start you planning your next visit.

After breakfast we leave for Oudtshoorn, nestled against the Swartberg Mountains in the semi-desert region of the Klein Karoo. Our first visit is to an ostrich farm, with it grand manor house, reflecting the days when ostrich feathers were in vogue. Ostrich farming is still a lucrative business, but is valued for its meat and beautiful skins. We watch farm labourers engage in their daily “Ascot” ostrich race. Why not try it yourself – but remember to hold on!

Then a short drive to one of the unique wonders of the world – the Cango Caves with underground tunnels and chambers four kilometres long. Millennia of limestone deposits formed breathtaking stalactites and stalagmites that are skilfully illuminated for us to enjoy. Time permitting, we take the scenic route through the Swartberg Pass, an engineering feat of yesteryear. After a busy day we can enjoy the luxurious desert retreat of a country house.

Day 13 (23 June 2010) - Johannesburg

Up early and on our way to Johannesburg where Germany plays their third match against Ghana. If time allows we drive through the posh suburbs of Sandton, inter alia Houghton, Sandhurst and Gallo Manor We spend our last night in Johannesburg.

Our African safari has drawn to a close. The management of Wild Sunset Safaris will be at the airport to bid you an African farewell – hamba gathle!

The optional extension of the tour

For those staying on for the second leg of the tournament the journey continues. Provided enough members of the touring party indicate that they want the tour to continue to Bloemfontein where Germany will most probably play their first knock-out game. The tour can be extended as indicated below.

Day 14 to 16 (24-26 June 2010) - Drakensberg
(Optional tour extension)

We leave Johannesburg for the Drakensberg. The drive takes us through picturesque villages and regions with strange-sounding names such as Phuthaditjhaba, Qwa-Qwa and Golden Gate. The route meanders through beautiful mountains of sandstone, pieces of which were also used as building blocks in many of the dwellings in the area. Late afternoon, the sandstone reflects an array of warm colours – gold, yellow and ochre. Keep your cameras handy! We spend three nights in Clarens (“the jewel of the Free State”), well-known for its artists’ colony.

Day 17 (27 June 2010) - Bloemfontein
(Optional tour extension)

Our last day on tour. A leisurely drive takes us to Bloemfontein for a Round of 16 match. Tonight, enjoy the African skies one more time at a game lodge. Tomorrow morning we leave for Johannesburg for a connecting flight back to Germany, with so much to say about this country in the South. Auf Wiedersehen.

Due to uncertainty about the teams qualifying for the further knockout games of the World Cup, Wild Sunset Safaris does not offer scheduled tours for the matches of the teams that make it to the final stages of the tournament. We do not believe that we can provide service excellence for our clients with such a short lead time between the different knockout phases. However, all our other tours are available to you.