When
Saturday 12th June 2010
7.30pm (GMT) - local time in South Africa 8.30pm
Where
Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg
The Royal Bafokeng Stadium was originally constructed in 1999 and has had undergone a small amount of renovation work in preparation for the World Cup Finals and will hold 42,000 spectators. The stadium is situated 7.5 miles outside the city of Rustenburg itself. The Royal Bafokeng stadium will play host to a key fixture in one of the last 16 matches on June 29th with 6 matches to be played here in total.
Getting There
Rustenburg is only a leisurely hours drive on the N4 motorway from Johannesburg. As you head north out of Johannesburg pick up signs for the N1 then look for signs for the N4 north west to Rustenburg, you'll pass the Magaliesberg Nature Reserve teeming with wildlife. Unfortunately there is a high crime rate in this part of South Africa so take precautions such as making sure doors are locked at traffic lights and parking in well lit, populated areas.
Presuming your flight arrives in Johannesburg and you've not hired a car, it makes sense to take an intercity bus up to Rustenburg. Most inter city buses go via Pretoria and there are a number of bus companies who operate on this route; Translux (including City to City), Intercape, Greyhound, Citiliner and SA Roadlink - ensure you ask if the bus definitely stops in Rustenburg before buying a ticket. It is anticipated that South African travel authorities will also be putting on trains between Johannesburg and Pretoria (where you you can then connect to Rustenburg via bus).
Distances and driving times from/to Rustenburg:
Cape Town 1400km or 869 miles. Approx 18 hrs.
Johannesburg 100km or 60 miles. Approx 1hr.
Durban 700km or 435 miles. Approx 7 hrs.
June Climate in Rustenburg:
Average high 17 degrees
Average low 6 degrees
Rainfall average 1mm
Daylight Hours 9
Things to see and do around Rustenburg
Rustenburg is known as the Sun City, and lies at the foot of the Magaliesberg mountain range. The area is well known for its mining history, and some of the platinum mines run guided tours, giving you an insight into how the precious metal is mined. There is also a museum dedicated to Paul Kroger, one of the most important figureheads in the country's history. Rustenburg is a stone's throw away from the casino resort of Sun City located a couple of hours north of Johannesburg - and offers visitors the chance to relax in luxury during their stay, with a range of hotels, shops, cinemas and even an amusement park to enjoy within the resort. Whether you wish to relax by the pool, play a few slots in the casino, take in a show at one of the many theatres or even partake in a round of golf, Sun City is an ideal stopover in between matches.
Sun City lies adjacent to the vast wilderness of the Pilnesberg Game Reserve, where you can take a safari trip and see a plethora of wildlife in their natural habitat - including the Big Five (Buffalo, Elephant, Rhino, Lion and Leopard) from the safety of jeeps and hot air balloons. Close to Rustenburg is Sundown Lion Park where members of the public can handle lions whilst posing for photographs, you can even hear the lions roar as feeding time approaches. Surrounding Rustenburg there are a number of safari lodges and resorts close to Pilanseberg National Park, giving you the chance to relax in safety while the local wildlife come and go as they please.
