Geo Travel Blog

As hundreds of thousands of travelers will be headed to South Africa for the world cup, a great idea would be to see more of Africa and take a break to, fro or between the action packed games to visit Kenya and other African nations. Kenya is the home of the safari and is only a four hour flight from South Africa! Not only will guests see their favourite national teams strutting their stuff but you will be able to experience the real game strutting their stuff in the Kenyan national parks and reserves.

South Africa has made Africa very proud by hosting the World Cup the first time ever on the continent. Many hopes and dreams of a continent are pegged to the tournament with many children watching their first tournament being staged on African soil. Many Africans are hoping that an African team were to make it to the finals! The newly built Nelson Mandela Bay’s stadium has a capacity of 48,000 and will be a testament that Africa’s time has come. The vuvuzela (traditional horn) is a must for every true South African spirited fan.

The qualifying rounds continue with nail biting anticipation. South Africa, as host, automatically qualify for the tournament. So far Japan, Korea, Australia, Netherlands have all qualified for the World Cup. The FIFA President in his visit to the White House in July invited President Obama to South Africa 2010. The tournament is bound to have people from corners and walks of our globe united in their love of the beauty of the game – football or soccer as it is also known.

Africa is honoured to be hosting the World Cup, from Botswana to Mozambique, Zambia to Kenya, this will be an opportunity for Africa to put its best foot forward. There are more than 10 flights a week to and from South Africa to Kenya – a short four hour flight. There are many adventurers for the football lovers going for the World Cup 2010 tournament.

The Great Rift Valley stretches from Ethiopia to Malawi. It has beautiful lakes such as Lake Naivasha, a one hour drive from Nairobi and Lake Nakuru has beautiful pink flamingoes and thousands of pelicans. Lake Baringo is a bird watchers paradise whilst Lake Bogoria has hot springs that are a wonder to behold. Amboseli, Maasai Mara, Samburu, Tsavo are all waiting to be explored with a the widest variety of game in national parks in Africa.

In case adrenaline filled action if your kind of holiday, the snow capped Mt.Kenya is the second highest mountain in Africa. The ascent to Mbatian, the highest peak, requires rock climbing skills and equipment. Not for the faint hearted but the walk is beautiful and the star filled skies are not to be forgotten. The equator cuts across Kenya, almost in half! Straddle the northern and southern hemisphere and have great tales to tell!

But if all this is too exerting for you. Head to the pristine beaches that stretch for hundreds of miles with powdery white decadent beaches. Mombasa, Lamu, Malindi are all awaiting exploration. Lamu is a medieval town that has dhows lazily sailing by, reminding traveler of the romance of the Indian Ocean where sultans ruled and Vasco Da Gama was a guest. Mombasa is the provincial head quarters and is fascinating! Offering adrenaline filled water sports like kite surfing, wind surfing, scuba diving and Malindi is home to the famous Hemingways hotel offering deep sea fishing expeditions.

Not to be forgotten is the nations capital – Nairobi. The green city in the sun offers a trendy, vibrant and exciting lifestyle for the most discerning guests. International cuisine as well as Kenya’s own savannah-fed beef await the palette of the adventurer. So with Kenya only one flight away, the opportunity to go on a safari where the safari originated is a must.

South Africa has done Africa proud for hosting the prestigious World Cup 2010. The continent is ready to welcome travelers to our beautiful lands. See you in Africa. See you in Kenya.

Nyaruita Gateri is the Chief Adventurer at Journey Kenya, an expert in safaris and beaches in Kenya. It showcases great practical tips for your complete World Cup 2010 experience. Get practical tips and book your hotel for your holiday to Kenya