2010 World Cup City Guide: Part 2

Blyde River Canyon close to Nelspruit

Nelspruit

Misconception: A dull agricultural supply centre.

Word on the street: Despite being in a major fruit growing region, Nelspruit is the gateway to fantastic game lodges. It's also close to the land-locked Kingdom of Swaziland and beautiful Mozambique.

Before kick off: 10 on Russell, in the Central Business District, delivers excellent food and service from the oldest building in town. Be sure to try the trout at Chez Vincent on Ferreira Street. The Hillside Tavern Steak House and Pub in the Village Centre is good for rowdier evenings.

The final whistle: Use Nelspruit as a base to go on a safari in Kruger National Park; eat mopane worms at Shangana Cultural Village just outside the town Hazyview, 45km (28 miles) north of Nelspruit; see stalactites and stalagmites in two-million-year-old Sudwala Caves, the world's oldest caves; take in incredible views of the Blyde River Canyon from God's Window viewpoint near Graskop; do a spot of fly-fishing in quaint Dullstroom.

Red card: Consider the region's private game reserves carefully before you part with your cash - you may well have a much better experience at the state-run Kruger National Park.

Insider tip: Soak up wild South Africa from the deck of Makulu Manzi (Big Water) Restaurant overlooking the Crocodile River in the Lowveld National Botanical Garden. The gardens also have a great collection of cycads and baobab trees.

Pretoria

Misconception: The home of conservative Afrikanerdom.

Word on the street: Since political change, Pretoria has become a fast-paced, cosmopolitan capital city and is now associated with rock bands like Desmond and the Tutus, Wonderboom, and the maverick, anti-establishment Afrikaner musicians Johannes Kerkorrel and Koos Kombuis.

Before kick off: Hatfield and Brooklyn are the suburbs for eating and drinking - try Tings and Times and News Café. Closer to the stadium, the Eastwood Tavern is great for a pre- or post-match pint. Order excellent grills from family-friendly The Godfather, on the corner of Heuwel and Mike Crawford Streets, or try the ostrich kebabs at the Blue Crane on Melk Street.

The final whistle: The Herbert Baker-designed seat of government, the Union Buildings, offer a fantastic view of the city. Church Square in the city centre has a monument to Boer leader and one-time president, Paul Kruger, but within spitting distance is the Palace of Justice, where Nelson Mandela was tried for treason. Don't miss the Correctional Services Museum at Pretoria Central Prison where political prisoners were incarcerated and often executed.

Red card: As with Johannesburg, be sensible but not paranoid about crime. Avoid walking alone at night, lock car doors, and keep handbags and expensive equipment out of sight.

Insider tip: If the football gets too much, one of the best places to relax in Pretoria are the Botanical Gardens, which accommodate 198 bird species and paved nature trails. Most of the plants are South African natives. Find the gardens on Cussonia Avenue in the suburb of Brummeria.

Polokwane

Misconception: Sorry, Polo-what?

Word on the street: Once called Pietersburg, Polokwane is the busy capital of Limpopo province, in the far north of the country.

Before kick off: Old Joe's Bar at the Ranch Hotel (also a lion reserve), just out of town will help you put the world to rights; closer to home, you'll find almost everything you need at the Savannah Mall, which houses a range of reliable restaurant chains. The Pebbles Café on Mandela Street serves dinner, tea and lunch.

The final whistle: See the first five years of the city in pictures at the Hugh Exton Photographic Museum.The Polokwane Game Reserve, with 52 species of game, is a 10-minute drive from the city. On the outskirts, the Bakone Malapa Museum highlights the lifestyle of traditional Venda indigenous tribes.

Red card: Although Polokwane is malaria-free, some parts of the Limpopo province are malarial zones. Check before you leave the UK, and seek advice from your GP.

Insider tip: You can see some of the world's oldest fossils at Makapan's Cave between Polokwane and Mokopane.

Rustenberg

Misconception: The site of a world-famous platinum mine and not much else.

Word on the street: Rustenburg is just over an hour from Pretoria and Johannesburg, with the Magaliesberg mountains and excellent game reserves on its doorstep.

Before kick off: Apart from chains like Cape Town Fish Market and News Café, you can eat steak, steak and more steak at the Porterhouse in the Biblio Plaza, on the corner of Thabo Mbeki and Nelson Mandela Drives. Nearby, the Flying Dutchman and the Castle Corner are good for a few pints.

The final whistle: If you can't get to Kruger, spot the Big Five at the Pilanesberg National Park or Madikwe Game Reserve. Head to nearby Sun City offering over-the-top glamour, with a casino, the Palace of the Lost City Hotel, and an artificial wave house for homesick surfers. Or slow down the pace and visit the Magaliesberg Meander craft route.

Red card: Don't be tempted to drive back to Johannesburg late at night, especially after a few pints. Spend the night in Rustenburg instead.

Insider tip: If you're lucky you can spot black eagles and Cape vultures while cycling or doing a day hike through the magnificent Kgaswane Moutain Reserve, just 4km (2.5 miles) from the town centre.

* Read our South Africa World Cup City Guide: Part 1, including Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg.

* Mother's Day is fast aproaching. Check out our round up of some of the best Mother's Day treats at home and abroad, from twilight cruises to spa breaks.
* Feeling adventurous? Read our guide to the world's best Adventure holidays.
* Read our latest hotel review of the new, stylish Hilton Liverpool, situated in trendy Liverpool One and inspired by the city's history.