The City of Johannesburg will be putting up a 'Tent City' to create additional budget accommodation for the 2010 FIFA (TM) World Cup. There'll also be catering and 24-hour fun laid on.

Johannesburg has plenty of accommodation available - from 5-star hotels to simple home stays and everything inbetween. But authorities are reckoning on a wave of young travellers for 2010 that the city's backpacker lodges won't be able to accommodate.

From 4 June to 16 July 2010, the Tent City will be set up near the busy M1 highway at Waverley Park, in Waverley. The site has been identified as the most suitable as it's only a stone's throw from one of the city's prime shopping and entertainment spots, Melrose Arch, and 10 minutes' drive from trendy Sandton City.

It's also close to one of the 2010 World Cup venues - Ellis Park Stadium - and a few minutes' drive from Innes Free Park, venue of the FIFA Fan Fest.

Those involved believe the idea will be popular among football fans, as shown by the success of tent cities during the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany and the 2008 Euro finals in Austria.

It's aimed at budget travellers, 18 - 30, and it'll be fully equipped to cater for all needs, with loads of activities & entertainment laid on. Altogether, some 1 280 backpackers will be accommodated here in tents divided into 4 and 6-bed units. They'll have lights, haters and beds with lockers. All that guests will need to bring are their sleeping bags and towels.

Other features include 24-hour food service, an entertainment centre, big screen TVs, 7-a-side soccer tournaments, pool competitions and themed evenings. There's also be 24-hour security with restricted access. A range of day tours will also be available as well as shuttle services.

Accommodation at Tent City will be available from €40 per person per night. This will include a secure access card, bed, mattress and pillow in a shared tent, a secure locker, ablution facilities and access to all amenities.

Self-catering sites for backpackers with one-man tents will go for €25 per person per night, which will include access to all amenities. For bookings, people can visit the Tent City website.

Find out more at http://www.joburg.org.za/content/view/4602/266/#ixzz0ZMNHzFTE