2010 Soccer Tour - Netherlands Team

The Netherlands soccer matches during the group phase take place in Johannesburg (14 June 2010), Durban (19 June 2010) and Cape Town (24 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 the Netherlands

Day 1 to 4 (11-14 June 2010):

Welcome to South Africa! We meet you at the O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, and take you to your hotel. For those who have bought tickets for the opening soccer match 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 into the mould.

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.

After a sumptuous breakfast we visit Pretoria/Tshwane, the capital city. We visit the Union Buildings, the residence of the government, the Voortrekker Monument, commemorating the courage, determination and persistence of the Afrikaner people of South Africa in their struggle for survival and the Freedom Memorial, affording spectacular views over the city and Unisa with its 240 000 students. Tomorrow is Netherland's first 2010 soccer match!

Early morning we enjoy a leisurely drive through Johannesburg before we head for Soccer City in Johannesburg where Netherlands will face Denmark on 14 June.

Day 5 to 9 (15-19 June 2010)

Up early this morning for our flight to Durban where Netherlands will meet Japan for their soccer match on 19 June. Undoubtedly the main attraction of Africa is its wildlife, protected in national, provincial and private parks and game reserves. Our focus in KwaZulu-Natal is on two sought-after parks – 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 10 to 13 (20-23 June 2010)

The Garden Route is undoubtedly the most beautiful part of the South African coast line. The area boasts a Mediterranean climate and unsurpassed natural beauty. 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 trees 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 14 to 17 (24-27 June 2010)

Today we are en route to the Mother city – Cape Town. We take the scenic Route 62, reminiscent of the more famous Route 66 in the USA. We drive through picturesque villages such as Bonnievale, Ceres and Tulbach. In Montagu we stop for lunch at the 1906 Victorian restaurant. Back in the coach, sit back and enjoy the magnificent landscapes, towering cliffs and scenic passes. The mountains form the backdrop to a rainbow of colours – fields of wheat, canola, vineyards and orchards. As we get closer to Cape Town who will be the lucky one to spot the famous mountain first?

The Mother City is regarded by many as the most beautiful city in the world. It lies beneath the sandstone countenance of Table Mountain, often shrouded in a veil of clouds. Far below its flat crest lies the harbour, with colourful sailing boats returning from stunning trips to the precipitous cliffs of the Twelve Apostles, the magnificent Monte Carlo-like mansions of Clifton, the sandy white beaches of Camps Bay, Muizenburg and Fish Hoek, not to mention Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for eighteen years.

This corner of South Africa is also renowned for its splendid wines – produced among beautiful mountains, whitewashed Cape Dutch homesteads and a patchwork of vineyards. The towns reflecting the history of the French Huguenots are Stellenbosch, Franschoek and Paarl, all nestled beneath rugged mountains. No wonder this region is one of the most popular destinations for travellers.

Our four days in the Cape of Good Hope goes by way too quickly. We need to remember to watch the soccer match where Netherlands play Cameroon on 24 June at the Green Point Stadium!

Our African safari draws to a close. The management of Wild Sunset Safaris will be at the airport to bid you an African farewell – hamba gathle! For those staying on for the second leg of the Soccer World Cup, the journey continues.

Owing to uncertainty about the teams qualifying for the knockout part 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.