South Africa Gets Ready to Take Center State

South Africa Gets Ready to Take Center State

South Africa will be hosting the 2010 World Cup. Despite some controversy about whether the nation will be able to live up to its hosting duties (concerns about construction schedule, high crime rates and infrastructure problems), things are already revving up for the biggest sporting event in the world.

South Africa's tourist industry hopes to capitalize on the press coverage that the World Cup will bring. But the tourist destinations that will be in the spotlight are already there. There is no need to wait until 2010 for them to get coverage in the world press. Here are some of the highlight destinations of one of Africa's most successful nations.

1.South Africa's Cape Wine lands are located near the city of Cape Town, which is the seat of the country's parliament and an important coastal city. There are several tour companies that provide tours of the wineries and wine tasting excursions. However, it is easy enough to go it alone if you rent a car and are not afraid of the country's notorious traffic problems. Towns like Stellenbosch offer a chance to get a taste of some great wine and the quaint atmosphere of a bygone era.

2.South Africa has some famous game parks and nature preserves. With the recent unrest in the safari heartland of Kenya, South Africa has become a popular destination for wildlife viewers. One of the largest game parks is on the country's eastern coast. It is called Addo Elephant National Park. Addo is famous for its large elephant population and its packs of spotted hyenas.

3.The city of Durban is a large and important port in South Africa, but it is also a cultural hub and a beach destination. Many domestic tourists come for the beaches, surf and Indian restaurants.

The World Cup will be this ambitious nation's coming out party…or, if things go badly, the end of the nation's tourist industry. But for those interested in getting a taste of southern Africa, there is no need to wait until you see it on TV.