I visited the FIFA website and was horrified when I read the information about Nelspruit. This information will be read by tourists coming to attend the FIFA World Cup™ tournament in Nelspruit. Supplying half truths and bad advice to tourists is irresponsible.
FIFA World Cup™ organisers misrepresent Nelspruit
The article starts with the following paragraph.
"The Mpumalanga Province is regarded as one of the most tourist-friendly provinces in South Africa. Despite its close proximity to some neighbouring countries, such as Mozambique, the province is also less than three hours drive from Johannesburg and some four hours from Polokwane - one of the host cities for the FIFA World Cup™. Aside from the world-acclaimed Kruger National Park which is the main tourist destination in Mpumalanga Province, very little is known about this province and its surroundings. The FIFA World Cup will afford visitors the opportunity to explore this rich landscape and discover the other side of the city of Nelspriut."
I will correct it here. "The Mpumalanga Province is regarded as one of the most tourist-friendly provinces in South Africa. Despite its close proximity to some neighbouring countries, such as Mozambique, the province is also less than three hours drive from Johannesburg and some four hours from Polokwane" Fair enough all this is factual. I am guessing that at some point along the border of Mpumalanga you could get to Polokwane in four hours, but the facts are that it would take another 2 hours from there to Nelspruit. The FIFA World Cup™ tournament games are being held in Mpumalanga, but more specifically Nelspruit which is approximately 360 km's from Johannesburg, which distance can be covered in 3 hours with no stops and no other traffic if the rules of the road are adhered to. Polokwane is another couple of hours from Johannesburg going north.
"Aside from the world-acclaimed Kruger National Park which is the main tourist destination in Mpumalanga Province, very little is known about this province and its surroundings." What utter claptrap. Mpumalanga is known for more than just the Kruger Park. Making it sound like Mpumalanga is largely unexplored and wild is foolish. The roads in Mpumalanga, specifically in the Lowveld are largely tarred. We have many tourists visiting the smaller towns like Graskop, Hazyview Sabie and Barberton because of the attractions they offer. These towns are not unknown as much as FIFA wish to claim that.
FIFA World Cup™ suggests 48 hours in Nelspruit"
"Spend your morning in the city centre while doing some shopping. Then make your way to your first obvious destination - the Kruger National Park. The park will easily consume your whole day as it stretches for some 350km. In the afternoon take a game drive in the Kruger enjoying the beautiful landscape. As night falls, make sure you have some camping facilities (but ensure that your camping venue has been deemed risk free). Alternatively, you can board at some of the guest houses in the region and enjoy some local hospitality.
The second day should be reserved for pure adventure and after spending the morning making your way back to Nelspruit, be sure to visit the majestic Swadala Caves. Then make a detour to the breath-taking Mac Mac Falls to catch a glimpse of some stunning natural African beauty. As night falls, make your way to the Shagana Village where you will find accommodation - and spend the evening indulging in traditional feasts prepared by the Shanganas."
FIFA World Cup™ web site is totally inaccurate
Surely the FIFA World Cup™ organisers could think of something more interesting than shopping in Nelspruit, What about the San art, the Botanical Gardens, viewing the Government building's unique architecture. Before planning a morning shopping in Nelspruit and then a leisurely drive to the Kruger Park, let's consider the timing. The closest gates to Nelspruit being Numbi and Malelane are both about 40 minutes drive from Nelspruit in ideal conditions. The best time to see the wildlife is in the early morning and the late afternoon. driving from the gates to the nearest camping sites will take at least 20 minutes if no game is spotted. I would suggest that "As night falls, make sure you have some camping facilities (but ensure that your camping venue has been deemed risk free)" is not disinformation. There are very specific camping sites in the park, This sentence suggests to me that you could just camp anywhere. Before entering the park, ensure that you know where you are going to camp, ensure that you have booked in advance and ensure that you have enough time to reach your destination. Don't enter Numbi at 5.30 pm and expect to reach Satara by 6:30 because the speed limits in the park are a maximum of 50 km/hour.
The trip suggested for the second day is backwards, because the distances travelled would ensure that you would spend most of the day driving. I will do a suggested 48 hour trip in the Lowveld very soon. The information will include distances, suggested timing and more, but please do not even consider the information on the FIFA World Cup™ web site as at all reliable
Guy McLaren
FIFA World Cup,
Nelspruit,
Mpumalanga,
