📍 The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations stadiums are not active tournament venues — they’re decommissioned infrastructure in South Africa, with limited public access and no official tourism programming. Visiting them requires realistic expectations: most are repurposed, partially abandoned, or integrated into local institutions (e.g., universities or municipal sports complexes). This guide details how to visit these sites affordably, what remains accessible, and whether it aligns with your budget travel goals — especially if you’re seeking historical context, architectural observation, or football heritage rather than match-day energy or curated tours.
This Africa Cup of Nations 2013 stadiums guide focuses exclusively on the six host venues used during the tournament held in South Africa from 19 January to 10 February 2013. It is not about attending future AFCON events, nor does it cover current stadiums hosting matches in other editions. We address what exists today — not what was marketed in 2012.
🏟️ About the-stadiums-will-breathe-again-africa-cup-of-nations-2013: Overview and what makes it unique for budget travelers
The phrase “The Stadiums Will Breathe Again” was the official slogan for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), hosted by South Africa. It reflected an aspiration: that the six renovated or newly built stadiums would serve long-term community, sporting, and economic functions beyond the tournament. In practice, post-tournament usage has been uneven — shaped by maintenance budgets, local governance capacity, and shifting sporting priorities.
For budget travelers, this legacy offers a distinct kind of destination: low-cost, non-commercial, and grounded in infrastructural reality rather than spectacle. Unlike stadium tours at Wembley or Camp Nou, visits here involve self-guided exploration, minimal signage, and few formal entry fees. There are no ticketed guided experiences, no souvenir shops, and almost no English-language interpretive material on-site. What remains is raw urban geography — visible traces of investment, adaptation, and sometimes neglect — best approached with curiosity, patience, and verification.
Crucially, all six venues are located within South Africa’s Gauteng and Eastern Cape provinces — meaning access relies entirely on domestic transport networks, not international flight routes tied to the event itself. No special visas, permits, or event credentials are required. You visit as a regular traveler — not as a spectator.
🎯 Why the-stadiums-will-breathe-again-africa-cup-of-nations-2013 is worth visiting: Key attractions and traveler motivations
Visiting these stadiums is not inherently “worth it” for all budget travelers — but it may be valuable depending on your specific interests:
- Urban infrastructure observers: Those studying post-event stadium legacies, public investment outcomes, or comparative sports policy will find tangible case studies — e.g., how Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium (Port Elizabeth) transitioned to university use versus the slower reintegration of Mbombela Stadium (Nelspruit).
- Football history enthusiasts: If you seek physical connection to African football milestones — such as Nigeria’s 2013 final win over Burkina Faso — these sites represent where those moments occurred. But note: no memorabilia, archives, or museum displays exist on-site.
- Photographers & documentarians: The juxtaposition of modern stadium architecture against township peripheries or semi-arid landscapes offers stark visual contrast — particularly at Peter Mokaba Stadium (Polokwane) and Moses Mabhida Stadium (Durban), though the latter hosted 2010 FIFA World Cup, not AFCON 2013, and is included here only due to common confusion.
What it is not: a themed attraction, a guaranteed photo-op with staff, or a hub of local fan culture. Most venues operate at low visibility — open only for scheduled training sessions, academic use, or sporadic regional competitions. Public access is incidental, not designed.
🚌 Getting there and getting around: Transport options with budget comparisons
All six AFCON 2013 stadiums are in South Africa. None are clustered — they span ~1,500 km from Polokwane (Limpopo) to Port Elizabeth (Eastern Cape). You’ll need to plan multi-city travel using domestic transport. Below is a comparison of realistic options for reaching each venue from Johannesburg, the most common international entry point.
| Option | Best for | Pros | Cons | Budget range (one-way) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inter-City Bus (e.g., Greyhound SA, Citiliner) | Backpackers prioritizing lowest cost & flexibility | Direct routes to major cities (e.g., Bloemfontein, Port Elizabeth); frequent departures; luggage allowance up to 20 kg | Long travel times (e.g., 14 hrs Johannesburg → Port Elizabeth); limited rural stops near stadiums; no door-to-venue service | ZAR 280–650 (~USD 15–35) |
| Shared Minibus Taxi (to nearest city) | Experienced travelers comfortable with informal transit | Cheapest option for city entry (e.g., ZAR 80–150 to Nelspruit); high frequency; deep local integration | No fixed schedules or online booking; minimal signage; language barriers; safety varies by operator and time of day | ZAR 80–150 (~USD 4–8) |
| Regional Flight (e.g., Airlink, CemAir) | Time-constrained travelers covering >2 cities | Reduces 10+ hour bus rides to <2 hours; connects Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth, Bloemfontein, Nelspruit | Fluctuating fares; airport transfers add ZAR 120–300; checked baggage fees apply; flights may be suspended seasonally | ZAR 900–2,400 (~USD 48–130) |
| Rental Car (manual, compact) | Groups of 3–4 or travelers needing venue proximity | Enables access to stadiums outside city centers (e.g., Mbombela Stadium is 8 km from Nelspruit CBD); flexible timing | High fuel costs (ZAR 26–30/L); steep insurance deductibles; navigation apps often inaccurate in peri-urban areas; parking not always available or secure | ZAR 600–1,100/day + fuel (~USD 32–60 + fuel) |
Once in a host city, reaching individual stadiums usually requires a local taxi (ZAR 60–180 one-way) or ride-hailing app (Bolt operates in Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town — not consistently in smaller AFCON host cities). Public buses rarely serve stadium perimeters directly. Always confirm drop-off points with drivers: many stadiums sit on university campuses (e.g., Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium is part of Nelson Mandela University) or municipal land with restricted perimeter access.
🏨 Where to stay: Accommodation types and price ranges
Accommodations are located in host cities — not adjacent to stadiums. Stadiums themselves have no attached hotels. Budget lodging clusters in central business districts or university-adjacent zones. Prices reflect 2024 averages; verify current rates via local hostel aggregators like Hostelworld or direct contact.
- Hostels: Available in Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth, and Bloemfontein. Dorm beds: ZAR 180–320/night (USD 10–17). Private rooms rare; book 3–5 days ahead in university term time.
- Guesthouses: Common in Polokwane and Nelspruit. Family-run, often with shared kitchen. Double rooms: ZAR 450–750/night (USD 24–40). Breakfast sometimes included. Verify Wi-Fi reliability — may be intermittent.
- Budget Hotels: Chains like Road Lodge (in Bloemfontein, Port Elizabeth) or independent motels near transport hubs. Doubles: ZAR 650–1,050/night (USD 35–56). Often include parking; front desk hours may end at 22:00.
No stadium-adjacent hostels or camping exist. Do not expect “stadium-view rooms.” All venues are at least 3–10 km from commercial accommodation zones. Prioritize proximity to transport nodes (e.g., Port Elizabeth’s bus terminal) over perceived stadium proximity.
🍜 What to eat and drink: Local food highlights and budget dining
Dining near stadiums is functionally identical to dining elsewhere in each host city — no stadium-specific vendors or concessions remain open. Local staples dominate affordable meals:
- “Township takeaways”: Look for spaza shops or street vendors selling vetkoek (fried dough with mince), boerewors rolls, or samp and beans. Cost: ZAR 35–65 (USD 2–3.50)
- University canteens: Accessible at Nelson Mandela University (Port Elizabeth) and University of Limpopo (near Polokwane). Open to non-students; meals ZAR 40–70 (USD 2–4). Hours strictly 07:30–15:30 on weekdays.
- Informal markets: Greenmarket Square (Johannesburg), St George’s Market (Port Elizabeth), and Polokwane’s Main Street Market offer cooked meals, fruit, and roasted maize. Avoid unrefrigerated meat dishes after 14:00.
Tap water is generally safe in all host cities per South African National Standard (SANS 241), though taste varies. Bottled water costs ZAR 12–20 (USD 0.65–1.10). Beer (local lager) in taverns: ZAR 25–45 (USD 1.30–2.40). No stadium bars operate independently.
📸 Top things to do: Must-see spots and hidden gems (with approximate costs)
Stadium visits are observational, not experiential. Entry is typically free unless a sanctioned event is underway. Confirm access before traveling — many venues restrict exterior photography without permission.
- Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium (Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth): Still active for rugby and athletics. Free exterior walk possible daily. Interior access only during university events or booked tours (rare; contact Nelson Mandela University 10+ days ahead). Cost: free for perimeter; ZAR 80–120 for verified tour slot (if available).
- Mbombela Stadium (Nelspruit): Located 8 km east of city center. Exterior viewable from R40 highway; no public footpath. Best observed at dawn or dusk for light. University of Mpumalanga uses portions — access requires prior coordination. Cost: free (observation only).
- Peter Mokaba Stadium (Polokwane): Adjacent to University of Venda. Perimeter fence is intact; exterior photos permitted. Nearby Mankweng township offers authentic craft stalls and shebeens. Cost: free.
- Free State Stadium (Bloemfontein): Oldest of the six; fully integrated into University of the Free State. Open to students and staff. Public access limited to match days or open days (typically 1–2 per semester). Check UFS Events Calendar. Cost: free on open days; otherwise, no access.
- Royal Bafokeng Stadium (Rustenburg): Privately managed; hosts Platinum Stars FC. Public access restricted. Exterior viewing possible from nearby N4 highway overlook. Cost: free.
Hidden gem: Stadium signage and construction plaques. Each venue retains its 2013 AFCON branding on perimeter walls or entrance arches — often faded but legible. These are the most consistent physical artifacts remaining. Bring binoculars if photographing from roadways.
💰 Budget breakdown: Daily cost estimates for different traveler types
Estimates assume self-organized travel, no pre-booked tours, and moderate spending discipline. All figures in ZAR (South African Rand), converted at ~ZAR 18.5 = USD 1 (mid-2024 average). Costs may vary by region/season.
| Expense Category | Backpacker (shared dorm) | Mid-Range (private room) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (per night) | ZAR 220–320 | ZAR 650–1,050 |
| Food (3 meals + water) | ZAR 150–240 | ZAR 280–450 |
| Local transport (taxis/buses) | ZAR 100–200 | ZAR 180–320 |
| Stadium access & incidental | ZAR 0–80 | ZAR 0–120 |
| Total (per day) | ZAR 470–840 (USD 25–45) | ZAR 1,110–1,940 (USD 60–105) |
Note: Inter-city transport is not included in daily totals — budget separately (see Section 4). A 7-day trip covering three stadiums (e.g., Johannesburg → Nelspruit → Port Elizabeth) would add ~ZAR 1,800–3,200 ($97–$173) in transport.
📅 Best time to visit: Seasonal comparison table
South Africa’s climate is regional. Stadium visits are weather-dependent for comfort and visibility — especially for exterior observation. Peak tourist season does not align with AFCON scheduling.
| Season | Weather | Crowds | Prices | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec–Feb (Summer) | Hot (25–35°C); afternoon thunderstorms common inland | Moderate (university holidays) | Higher (10–20% above avg) | Best light for photos; avoid midday heat at exposed stadiums like Mbombela |
| Mar–May (Autumn) | Warm, dry, stable; 18–28°C | Lowest | Lowest | Ideal balance of comfort, value, and accessibility |
| Jun–Aug (Winter) | Cool/dry; 5–20°C; frost possible in Free State | Low | Low–moderate | Mornings cold — dress in layers; stadium concrete feels colder |
| Sep–Nov (Spring) | Warming; variable rainfall; 15–28°C | Moderate (school breaks) | Moderate | Increasing cloud cover may limit photo clarity |
⚠️ Practical tips and common pitfalls
Do not assume stadiums are open, staffed, or safe to enter. None operate as public attractions. What you see externally may not reflect interior condition.1
- Avoid expecting match-day infrastructure: No ticket offices, fan parks, or branded merchandise remain. The 2013 tournament concluded over a decade ago.
- Verify access before arrival: Contact host universities or municipal sports departments. For example: Nelson Mandela University Sport Directorate (Port Elizabeth) or University of Limpopo Facilities Management (Polokwane). Responses may take 3–7 business days.
- Respect local use: Many stadiums host school competitions, training camps, or religious gatherings. Observe quietly; ask permission before photographing people or events.
- Safety notes: Stadium perimeters in Rustenburg and Nelspruit are isolated after dark. Avoid solo visits post-sunset. Carry ID — security personnel may request verification.
- Language: English is widely understood in administrative contexts, but Afrikaans, isiXhosa, and Sepedi dominate daily interaction. Learn basic greetings (“Sawubona”, “Hallo”, “Dumela”).
✅ Conclusion: Conditional recommendation
If you want a low-cost, self-directed exploration of post-mega-event infrastructure — with tolerance for ambiguity, minimal services, and zero commercial framing — then visiting the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations stadiums can be a meaningful addition to a broader South Africa itinerary. It is ideal for travelers who prioritize contextual understanding over convenience, and who treat architecture as evidence rather than entertainment. It is not ideal if you seek guided interpretation, reliable access, crowd energy, or guaranteed photo opportunities. Success depends less on destination and more on preparation, realism, and respect for how these spaces function today — not how they were imagined in 2013.
❓ FAQs
Q1: Are any of the 2013 AFCON stadiums still used for international matches?
None host FIFA or CAF international fixtures regularly. Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium hosted a few 2017 COSAFA Cup matches; Royal Bafokeng Stadium last hosted international football in 2014. Current use is primarily domestic leagues, university sport, or municipal events.
Q2: Can I buy tickets to watch a game at one of these stadiums?
Only if a scheduled match is listed by the host club (e.g., Platinum Stars at Royal Bafokeng) or university league. Tickets are sold locally — not online — and rarely advertised internationally. Check club social media or local newspapers like The Sowetan or City Press for fixture updates.
Q3: Is there an official AFCON 2013 stadium tour or heritage trail?
No. No government or tourism body maintains an AFCON 2013-specific route. The South African Football Association (SAFA) does not administer stadium access or heritage programming 1.
Q4: Do I need special permission to photograph the stadiums?
Exterior photography from public roads is permitted. Interior or elevated shots (e.g., from stadium roof or pitch) require written permission from the managing body — typically denied to individuals without academic or journalistic affiliation.
Q5: How accurate are online maps showing stadium locations?
Google Maps and Apple Maps correctly identify addresses, but satellite imagery may be outdated (e.g., showing pre-2020 vegetation or access roads). Cross-check with recent traveler photos on Flickr or local news reports for current conditions.
