5 Tips for a fantastic World Cup 2010

by Craig Harding

5 Tips for the 2010 Fifa Soccer World Cup South Africa
The 2010 Fifa World Cup is less than 100 days away and South Africa is gearing up for a fantastic two month feast of sport. Perhaps you have already booked your tickets? If you haven’t grab some and book a tour with us, or have a look at our ticket inclusive tours. However you get here, once her you may need a little local knowledge, just enough to give you the edge! Here are five top tips to help you survive and thrive the 2010 Fifa World Cup in South Africa.

1. Get to Know the Vuvuzela

If you tuned in to the successful Confederations Cup in 2009 you will already know the sound of African football, the sound of the Vuvuzela. A trumpet of sorts the name Vuvuzela is thought to originate from the Zulu word for ‘making noise’ and that is something it does well! Whatever your views on its addition to or subtraction from the soccer experience, the fact is that Vuvuzelas will be a big part of the Soccer World Cup 2010. An old African saying states that a baboon can be killed by a lot of noise and African fans use the Vuvuzela as a weapon of sound against the opposition. So if you can’t beat them… join them.

To blow your very own Vuvuzela requires lip flexibility and great lung strength, technique is everything. Put your lips inside the mouthpiece, not over it and then make a noise… a ‘farting’ noise by vibrating your lips inside the mouthpiece as you blow air through the instrument. Once you get the distinctive sound, blow harder and harder and practice longer and longer

2. Ride the Real African Taxi

No London cabs or yellow New York taxis in Africa, here a taxi is most often of the Mini-bus variety with 90% of the market dominated by this form. Taxis are the most popular mode of transport in urban areas for the majority of South Africa’s population. Not only is it the most available mode of transport, it is also the most affordable to the public. Be sure to ask a local the going rate though!

Normally there is a complex series of hand and finger signals to indicate to passing taxis your intended destinations. Don’t worry though; you won’t have to know them. Simply hold up some soccer paraphernalia and the passing drivers will definitely know where you’re headed!

Soccer

3. Know the Language

While the vast majority of South Africans speak passable English you may grow confused at some of the slang phrases. Our robots are nothing like R2D2, just now doesn't mean immediately, and babbelas is not a shampoo. Never fear here are a few choice words to get you up to speed.

howzit - A traditional South African greeting that translates roughly as "How are you?", "How are things?" or simply "Hello".
Mzungu - is the generic terms for whites and means sea foam.
Robot - what we call traffic lights the early ones were probably the first robotically operated gadgets people had seen.
babbelas - hangover (of Zulu origin)
boerewors - Literally, farmer's sausage. A savoury sausage developed by the Boers - today's Afrikaners - some 200 years ago, boerewors is South African food at its most traditional and is normally served in a roll, aka: The Boerewors Roll.
lekker - nice, good, great (lit. tasty)
laduma! - a popular cheer at soccer matches, "he scores!" (literally: "it thunders", in Zulu)
just now - sometime in the near future, not necessarily immediately.
now now - an immediate but not literal declaration of impending action, may be past or future tense. From the Afrikaans expression "nou nou". (as in 5-60 minutes)

Fanparks

4. Get Your Butt to a Fanpark

So you’re in Cape Town but the game you came to see at the Greenpoint stadium was played yesterday. You have already been to Robben Island and ascended Table Mountain, sure there are plenty of other activities such as heading to the Winelands, but most of those activities neglect the most important thing; Soccer! So get yourself to the nearest fan park. All the Fifa World Cup 2010 host cities will have fan parks were you can watch all the games on a big screen, enjoy live entertainment and get to know the locals. In fact Johannesburg has three fan parks planned and Cape Town will have three of its own.

5. Don’t be Surprised by the Weather

You have seen the brochures, the pictures of sandy sun filled beaches. Don’t be surprised if it’s not quite as sunny as all that. You see June and July are the winter months in the Southern Hemisphere. But don’t be put off, our winter is mild in comparison to the Northern Hemisphere, South Africans throw on a jacket when it gets into the low twenties (Celsius!). Although we are used to having beach days in the middle of winter, they can be spaced quite far apart if you are unlucky. We find South African red wine the very best way to warm up if it does get slightly chilly.

More World Cup Goodness

On this very blog you will find a write up of each of the world cup host cities and their stadiums. Or have a look at the shortened version on our website at:

World Cup Stadiums
World Cup Tours

Bonus Tip

When you're booking for the World Cup in South Africa and surfing the vast array available online, look for TM (trademark) sign whenever the FIFA World Cup 2010 is mentioned. Official resellers must submit all their marketing material to FIFA for review and it needs to conform to stringent standards. So if you don't see the trademark sign, then you're not looking at an approved package, simple!

Leopard vs Warthog

by Craig Harding

Have you ever wondered just how close you get to the action when you're on a Kruger Safari? These pictures of a leopard taking down a warthog were taken at Mala Mala in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve.

Leopard vs Warthog 1

Leopard vs Warthog 2

Leopard vs Warthog 3

10 African Travel Tips

by Craig Harding

10 African Travel Tips
Travelling to Africa can be a scary proposition for many people. But it need not be. Travelling to Africa could be the trip of a lifetime, the experience you will tell your grandchildren about, the place you will want to return to time and time again.

1. Pay Careful Attention to Weather and Seasons

Africa is vast and varied, its people, places and climate differ greatly from one country to the next and between areas in those countries. So when you are selecting where to travel be aware of local weather conditions at your chosen destinations. Not only are the seasons important for your comfort they will also affect cost. Simply put, when the weather isn’t as great, the price of your room will be significantly cheaper. Combining destinations can also be difficult, for example many clients wish to visit Cape Town and the Kruger Park. But when the Kruger National Park is at its finest, the grass short and the game viewing plentiful, Cape Town is at its most windy and cold. And when Cape Town’s beaches are sparkling, the grass in the Kruger reaches the height of an Elephants eye and hides everything from sight. There are of course exceptions to the rules and short crossover times when destinations match perfectly.

Pack your bags and go

2. Pack Your Bag and Go

I said bag, singular. Anywhere you go in the world, not just Africa, travelling light will add immeasurable value to your holiday. The pros to travelling light are many, increased security, more economic and greater flexibility. The cons… well perhaps your style will suffer, but this is Africa! If you are planning a luxury safari with air transfers between top lodges, be aware that most chartered flights restrict your baggage allowance to only one soft sided bag and a maximum weight of 20 kilograms. Lonely Planet recommends travelling light as one of its top travel tips and we agree; visit One Bag.com for a more in-depth look at packing light.

3. Visas, Passports and Papers

How can I emphasize this enough… make sure your Passport is valid for at least 6 months after your intended dates of travel. Be aware of all the Visa requirements you need to comply with and adhere to them strictly. Rhino Africa and other tour operators will be able to supply you with a list of requirements, but for the most part will not be able get you the required visas. That part will be up to you, and you really want to get it right for a problem free holiday.

4. Make Friends and Influence People

Listen and make friends locally. Take the time to greet and exchange greetings with people whose paths you cross, everyone is important, chat with the guard outside your hotel, make every effort to learn the local language, it’s a sign of respect and is appreciated, say a warm hello to the mama selling the peanuts on the street, make friends with taxi drivers, and know how to ask questions, and then how to listen. Locals will help you pinpoint those areas you may need to avoid for safety reasons, they know where the best places to eat are, the best beaches the best bars and their knowledge will add infinite value to your experience. People, at the end of the day, are your greatest assets when traveling, not your gear, knowledge or prior experience in the region… Your friendly travel consultant is a good person to start with!

Hydrate

5. Hydrate

Drink lots. We don’t mind if you use our advice as an excuse for a beer before noon or an extra gin & tonic on safari. Just drink and hydrate yourself, the African sun is a hot one and if you don’t replenish all the fluids you are losing throughout the day you will be miserable the next, fact.

6. Know Your Budget

Tour Operators like Rhino Africa have a vast number of accommodation options and destinations on their books and the variance in price between all the different options can and often is vast. So before you even begin planning, you should know how much you are willing to spend on your holiday. You can travel on a budget in Africa and enjoy the best destinations without breaking the bank or you can blow it all and experience a once in a lifetime holiday hopping from one luxury to the next. The choice is yours, just don’t expect your operator to be able to make it for you, so let them know right from the off what your ideal budget is. And here’s a bonus tip, many people don’t realize that tour operators are almost always cheaper than booking direct with the hotel or lodge. Operators have long standing price agreements with hotels which allow them to offer cheaper rates, simple and true.

7. Safety & Security

Africa is a poor continent, so though you may not consider yourself rich, compared to the average African, you are. This alone makes you a target for crime, mostly of the petty theft variety. Don't carry valuables openly, and if you must carry your passport and money then keep them in a buttoned-down pocket or well concealed on your person. Consider the advice given earlier about getting a locals perspective to help keep you out of harm’s way.

Health & Welness

8. Health & Wellness

Did I mention drinking lots! In addition wear a hat and use sunscreen. And then we come to malaria and other mosquito borne diseases. Watch out, I have been there and it’s not pretty, malaria is quite horrible trust us. But simple precautions are the best way of avoiding the disease. Apply insect repellent and where long sleeves and long pants as the sun sets. Use a mosquito net, burn a mosquito coil, spray more repellent. Take malaria tablets and always finish the course! And if you really want to stay safe, avoid malaria areas altogether, there are many malaria free safari areas for example.

Insure

9. Insure

Use a SATSA branded travel operator and try get one with some level of inclusive insurance (such as Rhino Africa :) ). Peace of mind goes a long way to making your holiday more enjoyable.

Tip

10. Tip (but do it carefully)

Ask an informed local or your travel consultant what the going rate is, you don’t want to under-tip or over tip. And remember that most restaurants in South Africa for example don't include a 10% service fee on the bill as you are expected to do so at your discretion. When one is on a safari you are not expected to “tip as you go”as you might in a city hotel, lodges are mostly inclusive and you won’t be expected to pull out your wallet after every game drive. The accepted practice is to tip at the end of your stay, one normally tips the ranger, tracker (if applicable), butler (if applicable) separately and then the remaining general staff, which includes waiters, housekeepers, chefs etc with a group tip which is divided by management.

Blowing our own horn.. a little

At Rhino Africa we tailormake all our African holidays to suit your needs and we have a number of expert consultants willing to help you every step of the way. So below are a few links for you to follow:

The Rhino Africa Website
Our Travel Insurance Policy
Our SATSA Bonding
Rhino Africa Pricing Policy

Contact us to get your holiday plans on the go

Or speak to a travel expert right now.
Call +27 21 469 2600 or the following Toll Free numbers in your country:

UK: 0808 238 0044
USA: 888 2156 556
AUS: 1800 447164

Cape Town by Bike

by David Ryan

Cape Town by Bike

Cape Town is a spectacular city, no doubt about it, but the tourist trail is somewhat, well, touristy. One of the top travel destinations worldwide and with millions of visitors frolicking here each year, experiencing the Mother City in a unique and off the beaten track way is getting harder and harder.

In steps Bike and Saddle, an established outdoor and eco-friendly company that provides cycle trips in and around Cape Town. From a leisurely 2-hour trip around the city to a 10-day multi-sport tour around the peninsula or a Cycle Safari in some of South Africa’s best game reserves, Bike and Saddle caters for experienced cyclists to complete novices. All tours are led by a qualified and knowledgeable guide, so even if you don’t know which way the helmet goes on, you will be in safe hands every pedal step of the way!

The Cape Town Evening by Bike trip is quite spectacular and I was privileged enough to join it last week! Beginning from the historic Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, we cycled over the Clock Tower Bridge, often past some rather bemused tourists. Leaving the Waterfront, we made our way across to Beach Road which, as the name suggests, hugs the Atlantic Ocean as the delightful scent of the sea fills the air.

Cape Town by Bike 2

The newly completed and quite magnificent Green Point Stadium, the stage for Cape Town’s World Cup matches, towered over us in all its glory, as we wound our way through Green Point and the bustling bars, bistros and brasseries of Somerset Road with its cobbled streets and sassy sidewalks.

We made our way down Adderley Street and into the Company Gardens - initially established as a trading stop for the Dutch East India Company, it was here that the seeds of colonialism were planted, setting the stage for modern-day Cape Town. These historic gardens now straddle the Parliament and house Tuynhuys, the official town residence for the president, as well as the National Gallery and History Museum. Next up was Long Street, the party heart of the city which was just starting to come to life in the early evening, with its chic nightclubs and down to earth pubs competing for your dollars.

We neglected the urge for an ice-cold beer in Long Street and wound our way up to the Bo-Kaap, the historic Malay quarter of Cape Town, home to the city’s oldest mosque and a thriving Moslem community. The colourfully painted houses and cobbled streets took our breath away, as did the steep inclines, but it was the aroma of home-made curry wafting through the air that had our stomachs rumbling. Kids played in the streets as their mothers beckoned them inside – and we were privy to all of this from the back of a bike, much closer and less intrusive than the back of a car.

It really was about time for a drink, so we sped down back towards the Waterfront, over the bridge again, past the shipping lanes and alongside the marina until we hit the breakwater on Table Bay Boulevard. And what a feast awaited us! A spread of salmon rolls, smoked snoek (a local fish delicacy), chicken satay skewers, fresh olive bread and Cape Malay delicacies, including samoosas and mince pies, were laid out before us and lit with lanterns. We tucked in with gusto and as Gustav popped the champagne, the sun slowly slipped below the horizon. It was just picture perfect.

Cape Town by Bike 3

So if you are coming to Cape Town and are looking to get off the beaten track while enjoying a healthy and eco-friendly adventure that will help reverse your carbon footprint, then Bike and Saddle is just for you. Savour the soft sea breeze, breathe in the misty mountain air and soak up the sights and sounds of the Mother City from your trusty steed of a bike. There really is no better way to experience the fairest Cape – so what are you waiting for? On your bicycle...

Cape Town by Bike Tour on Rhino Africa
Discover the Cape Cycle

If God had meant for us to fly, he wouldn't have given us the railways.

by Leigh-Ann Combrink

Breakfast Blue Train

A few of the Rhino crash got the opportunity to spend a morning on the Blue Train, South Africa's most iconic train. On arrival we were shown to the comfortable arrival lounge where we were served hot drinks and light snacks before we boarded the train. We were assigned two luxury cabins and spent a few minutes getting a feel for the accommodation.

It was a sweltering day and the air-conditioning was a blessing, although we weren't in the suites long enough to enjoy the entertainment centre, its mere presence was noted with glee by the more technically minded! After finding our train legs we headed to the lounge car where we made ourselves comfortable on couches amidst the plush decor and enjoyed a glass (or two) of champagne. Sure it was early morning, but this being a special occasion.

Blue Train 2

To find out more about the train were given the full rundown by the Manager, who was notably enthusiastic about his beloved train. We were then shown through the various room types where it was noted that all the bathrooms have under floor heating, fancy that, on a train no-less.

Then came the food, I had been looking forward to this part all morning as the Blue Train is noted for its executive chefs and also because a few weeks ago I watched a "Floyd on Africa" episode where he cooks on the Blue Train. On that note, R.I.P. Keith Floyd, what a legend. The dining car has large windows allowing you to enjoy the passing view while you dine, and in the lounge car there is even a TV showing a live feed of the view in front of the train, I couldn't watch that for any length of time for fear of seeing the movie style parked car on the tracks (I have an active imagination.. especially after a couple of glasses of champagne.) Brunch was a starter of Eggs Benedict followed by a main of either a fillet steak with mushroom or pepper sauce or a whole stuffed fish. For desert, the difficult choice between either crème brulee or a stack of blueberry pancakes. Steak and champagne before noon, it doesn't get much better than that. We disembarked in Worcester and Rhino Tripping took us home.

Blue Train 3

Have a look at the Blue Train and it's journeys on our website:
http://www.rhinoafrica.com/who_we_recommend/the_blue_train/

As well as the other Luxury Rail options in South Africa:
http://www.rhinoafrica.com/luxury_rail_journeys

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5 Tips for a fantastic World Cup 2010

by Craig Harding

Leopard vs Warthog

by Craig Harding

10 African Travel Tips

by Craig Harding

Cape Town by Bike

by David Ryan

If God had meant for us to fly, he wouldn't have given us the railways.

by Leigh-Ann Combrink

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