Non-footy Activities

South Africa offers an abundance of things to do when the games are not going on. For the golf fan, the Garden Route offers not only golf courses, but wild ostrich farms, artist communities and stunning beach views on the seaside drive from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth. Both cities are hosting games so a pleasant side trip between matches that includes a round of golf may be just what the doctor ordered.

For the wine lover, there are extensive wineries around Cape Town along route 62, so if Shiraz and some dark chocolate sound like a great way to follow up that drive from Port Elizabeth, hundreds of wineries await. Food and beer prices are expected to go well above their normal average of £1.2 a pint during the tournament so allow a little more for the food and beverage budget than the tourism sites would normally suggest.

Wildlife game parks are spread throughout the country and locations are near virtually all of the hosting cities. If viewing lions, cheetahs and a multitude of other animals in their natural habitat, and possibly cage diving with crocodiles for the truly adventurous, sounds like a great way to spend a non-game day then you are in luck. From Kruger to De Wildt to Kgalagadi, along with multiple others will satisfy the safari urge.

For those with a thirst for knowledge there are a bevy of historical sites. One of the most famous is the Old Fort prison, which housed such famous Nobel nominees as Mahatma Ghandi and of course winner Nelson Mandela. Constitution Hill is a human rights precinct and pays homage to all of the brave men and women that have helped to bring South Africa from Apartheid to the thoroughly modern nation it is today. Touring Limpopo takes one back nearly a millennium into African history and is a fantastic testament to the trade and power that existed so long ago.

Sports are everywhere in South Africa. For those who wish to brave the chilly water at this time of year, fantastic surf spots surround the country, especially in Cape Town and along the Garden Route. Golf courses abound and virtually all of the hosting stadiums also have facilities for a variety of other sports, especially the five stadiums built for the tournament. Fans will not lack for activities on game free days, that is for sure.