Bookings / World Cup Accommodation >>

The bad news is that South Africa (as a tourism venue) and FIFA have both damaged their reputations in the way they have handled accommodation arrangements for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. By creating high expectations of visitor numbers and allowing large operators to buy up hundreds of thousands of rooms (and add their generous commissions to the room rate), the perception has been formed that there is very little accommodation available and what is left is very expensive.

The good news is that actually there are many reasonably priced accommodation options still available. In fact, more rooms are becoming available (and prices are dropping) all the time because the large tour operators are returning those that they couldn't sell and establishment owners realise that fans can not afford exorbitant prices.

The key is to know which establishments are not increasing their prices significantly and which ones have availability at any given time. For example many hotels belonging to large chains are fully booked, however the nicer, cheaper and more authentic guest house around the corner isn't because the large operator they had sold their rooms to have handed them back.

Satpack Travel has found a range of accommodation options since the begining of 2010. From large luxury houses for groups of 12 and more (one such client is the English Football Supporters Association) to small budget guest houses in central Cape Town, from safari lodges in private game reserves to national park accommodation.

The point is, there is plenty of accommodation available during the 2010 World Cup (if you know where to look). And if you're willing to be flexible you don't need to break the bank to follow your team.