Port Elizabeth 2010 WC Fan Guide

As a port city, Port Elizabeth has some fierce competition from coastal cities such as Durban and Cape Town. While not as big, there is a friendly charm to this part of the Eastern Cape, which makes it a delightful holiday destination. It is also a gateway to the Garden Route and the malaria-free game reserves and safari parks of the surrounding area. Use this guide to get the best out of your stay during the 2010 Soccer World Cup.

Hlosi Game Lodge
Rolling plains punctuated with steep ravines and bushveld valleys, draw life from the Bushmans River. 

Courtyard Hotel Port Elizabeth
The Courtyard Hotels offer the discerning guest an exclusive and gracious alternative to an ordinary hotel

• Day tripping: Just 70km north of the city centre you'll find the ever-popular Addo National Elephant Park - home to more than 450 elephants. But elephants are not the only species you'll get to enjoy. Witness the 'big seven', namely the buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard and rhino, plus the Southern Right Whale and Great White Shark when spending time in this area

• Night owls: This friendly port city has a beachfront dotted with clubs, bars and restaurants but there is also a variety of nightlife offerings scattered across the city, each offering something a little different. For a mid-week party or a legendary Saturday evening visit 9 Yards found on Donkin Street in central Port Elizabeth. It's open from 9pm until the wee hours. Tel: +27 (0)41 392 9822

• Eat at: 34 degrees South on the Boardwalk is ideal for a evening filled with fresh seafood - with the emphasis being on freshness. Enjoy freshly harvested wild coastal oysters, calamari or mussels in- or out of their shells, herring  or some soft-and-tender line fish. But there is also a delicious selection of meats (including locally-produced ostrich steaks). Pair this with some oven-fresh baked bread and an intoxicating selection of fine wines and you have the perfect ingredients for a great time.

• Top attractions: The Donkin Heritage Trail pays fitting tribute to the second-oldest city in South Africa and the wealth of historical attractions, museums and places of interest within the Neslon Mandela Bay area. This walk encompasses 47 places of historic interest, including magnificent Victorian and Edwardian buildings, with a highlight being a visit to No. 7 Castle Hill, one of the oldest surviving cottages in the city, furnished in period colonial style. For those seeking a more fast-paced attraction, head on over to the Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World on the beachfront. Open 24-hours a day, this entertainment venue offers a good mix of  specialist shops, crafts as well as restaurants.

Stadium: The Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on the shores of the North End Lake is PE's first football dedicated stadium. It's capacity seating is 46 082

For the fans: This city's fan park will be at the famous and historical St George's Park cricket ground, holding about 30 000 people. It will be open every match day.

Fixtures in Port Elizabeth:

• 12 June - 13:30 Group B  Korea Republic - Greece 
• 15 June - 16:00 Group G  Côte d'Ivoire - Portugal 
• 18 June - 13:30 Group D  Germany - Serbia 
• 21 June - 16:00 Group H  Chile - Switzerland 
• 23 June - 16:00 Group C  Slovenia - England 
• 26 June - 16:00 Round of 16  1A - 2B 
• 02 July - 16:00 Quarter-finals  W53 - W54 
• 10 July - 20:30 Match for third place