Greece will open their tournament against Korea Republic in Nelson Mandela Bay/ Port Elizabeth, before travelling to the heart of South Africa and the city of Mangaung/ Bloemfontein to face the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
Travel options from Nelson Mandela Bay/ Port Elizabeth to Mangaung/ Bloemfontein
By plane: Air travel is not the most popular option in this route, but there are regular flights between Port Elizabeth Airport and Bloemfontein Airport. This journey takes just over 1hr30.
By car: This is one of the most fascinating routes in South Africa, meandering from the coast via the Karoo to the country's interior. First take the N2 road to Grahamstown, a place of spectacular settings and a great deal of historical significance. There are two routes you can take once you reach Grahamstown. One is to follow the route to Cradock then through small towns such as Middleburg which will lead to you Mangaung/ Bloemfontein. Alternatively, you can make your way to Queenstown then take the N6 past Aliwal North, then on to Mangaung/ Bloemfontein. The view along the latter option is particularly rewarding. The total distance is around 600km.
By bus: This is a popular option with many tourists because of its relatively short duration. Buses can be taken from Greenacres Mall in Nelson Mandela Bay/ Port Elizabeth to Mangaung/ Bloemfontein.
From Mangaung/ Bloemfontein, the former European Champions will then make the trip far north to Polokwane to play Argentina in the final group match.
Travel options from Mangaung/ Bloemfontein to Polokwane
By plane: Polokwane does have an airport, but it is small and flights from Bloemfontein do not land there frequently. However, there are regular daily flights between Bloemfontein and Johannesburg. Once you have landed in Johannesburg you can either rent a car and drive to Polokwane or take a bus, taxi or train to South Africa’s most northern city.
By car: Polokwane is approximately 770km from Bloemfontein. Take the N1 North, which goes directly via Johannesburg and Pretoria to Polokwane. The drive should take around seven and a half hours.
By bus: Buses arrive and depart from the Transit Centre at the Bloemfontein Tourist Information Centre on Park Road. All of the intercity companies service this route.
