Getting the most out of Cape Town this summer

This summer's World Cup will be the biggest international event ever staged in South Africa, and the capital Cape Town is more than prepared to offer a unique experience to visitors. Whether you're just visiting to see the match or looking to extend your visit to take in more of the country's sights and attractions, there's much to look forward to on an edifying holiday in Cape Town this June.

With England being guaranteed at least one game in the city, Cape Town is already an essential destination for many among the 100,000 British football fans who will be heading to South Africa in June and July this year. This also means accommodation in Cape Town is selling just as fast as tickets, and fans are advised to arrange their trip as soon as possible to avoid missing out. There's a lot more to gain from flying all the way to Cape Town than just football, with a range of opportunities to experience before and after the games.

As well as being a significant sporting event, the 2010 World Cup has also been vital for South African tourism, opening up the country to more international visitors. With tourism bodies working hard to make the nation attractive for the influx of visitors this summer, there really hasn't been a better time to visit Cape Town, with its impressive natural landmarks such as the famous Tab le Mountain, which visitors can see in all its glory by taking a cable car ride to the plateau, and diverse cultural offerings.

Whether it's diving with sharks or sampling the local jazz culture, a trip to Cape Town is ideal for visitors of all backgrounds. A developed city, Cape Town has a vibrant nightlife and there are many great places to eat and drink when heading into the central city. For cultural visitors, attractions such as the District Six Museum and the infamous Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was held prisoner for 18 years, offer a fascinating insight into South Africa's history.

If you're one of the thousands of football fans taking flights to Cape Town to cheer on your team this summer, you can also find a number of other exciting events being held in the city to get even more out of your visit. From comedy at the Vodacom Funny Festival to groundbreaking documentary filmmaking at the Encounters South African Inter-national Documentary Festival, South Africa is ready and waiting to make a lasting impression on visitors this summer.