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\n\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\tSouth African Visa Requirements\t<\/h2>\n\t
Please note South Africa’s visa requirements and plan your travel well in advance. Visa regulations can change, so ensure you stay up to date.<\/p>\n
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- Ensure your passport has at least two clean pages.<\/li>\n
- Check with your passport country whether a visa is required.<\/li>\n
- For official guidance, see the South African Department of Home Affairs:\u00a0Apply for a South African Visa<\/a>.<\/li>\n
- If you need a support letter for your visa application, request it well ahead of time by applying on the website for your Visa letter.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n\t\t\t\u9152\u5e97\t<\/h2>\n
\n\t\t\tTravel & Transport\t<\/h2>\n
\n\t\t\tGetting to Cape Town\t<\/h3>\n\t
Cape Town International Airport<\/b>\u00a0is located 20km from the city centre and offers excellent connectivity to major international destinations. The airport provides car hire services, shuttle buses, and ride-hailing options for onward travel.<\/p>\n
Transport Options<\/h3>\n
Ride-Hailing Services:<\/b>\u00a0Uber and Bolt operate extensively throughout Cape Town and are convenient, safe options for getting around the city. Both services are reliable for airport transfers and local transport.<\/p>\n
Car Hire:<\/b>\u00a0Major international and local car hire companies operate from the airport and city centre. Cape Town has well-maintained roads, though traffic can be heavy during peak hours.<\/p>\n
MyCiTi Bus:<\/b>\u00a0Cape Town’s rapid transit bus system connects key areas including the airport, city centre, and V&A Waterfront.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Metered Taxis:<\/b>\u00a0Licensed metered taxis are available, though we recommend booking through reputable companies or using ride-hailing apps for convenience and safety.<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\tGetting to the V&A Waterfront\t<\/h2>\n\t
The\u00a0V&A Waterfront<\/b>\u00a0is one of Cape Town’s premier destinations, located just 10 minutes from the city centre. Transport options include:<\/p>\n
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- Ride-hailing:<\/b>\u00a0Direct services available from anywhere in Cape Town<\/li>\n
- MyCiTi Bus:<\/b>\u00a0Regular services from the city centre and major hotels<\/li>\n
- Walking:<\/b>\u00a0Easily accessible on foot from the city centre via a scenic harbour-front walk<\/li>\n
- Private shuttle:<\/b>\u00a0Many hotels offer shuttle services to the Waterfront<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The V&A Waterfront is a safe, pedestrian-friendly area with excellent restaurants, shopping, and accommodation options, making it an ideal base for conference attendees.<\/i><\/p>\n
\n\t\t\tAccommodation\t<\/h2>\n\t
Cape Town is a popular tourist destination offering a wide range of accommodation options to suit various budgets and preferences. The V&A Waterfront area, where the Two Oceans Aquarium is located, provides numerous hotels within walking distance of the venue. We strongly encourage attendees to book accommodations early to secure preferred lodging, as Cape Town experiences high demand year-round.<\/p>\n
More details and recommendations will be provided at a later stage.\u00a0<\/i>You can find a comprehensive list of local accommodation in the V&A Waterfront here.<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n
\n\t\t\tGeneral & Safety:\t<\/h3>\n\t
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- Walking in the city centre after 6PM is not advisable and public transport after this time is limited.<\/li>\n
- Please refer to safety tips from\u00a0Cape Town Tourism<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n\t\t\tThings to Do\t<\/h2>\n\t
Cape Town is a modern, diverse city surrounded by nature. Centered around Table Mountain, the Mother City is known for its beautiful beaches, magnificent biodiversity, award-winning food and wine, and sheer variety of experiences on offer.<\/p>\n
The Two Oceans Aquarium is centrally located at Cape Town’s bustling and vibrant\u00a0V&A Waterfront<\/a>, an iconic 123-hectare mixed use development which caters to both local and international visitors offering everything from hotels, retail districts, extensive dining, leisure, and entertainment facilities. Its many heritage sites and tourism landmarks make it both exceptional and unique.<\/p>\n
The\u00a0V&A Waterfront<\/a>\u00a0sits at the foot of Table Mountain, offering spectacular views of this iconic landmark. Visited by 26 million people a year, the Waterfront is not only a tourist destination, but also an innovation hub for sustainability, inclusivity and opportunity. It seeks to drive positive social, environmental and economic change to the benefit of all South Africans.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n
Wildlife Experiences<\/h3>\n
Boulders Beach Penguin Colony
\n<\/h4>\nVisit Boulders Beach near Simon’s Town for a delightful close encounter with the local African penguin colony. These beautiful seabirds are an endangered species, and Boulders is home to one of only two mainland colonies in South Africa. The protected boardwalks allow visitors to observe these charming creatures in their natural habitat whilst ensuring their safety and conservation.
\nMore information:\u00a0<\/i>www.sanparks.org<\/i><\/a><\/h4>\nCape Point National Park<\/h4>\n
Cape Point, part of the Table Mountain National Park, is located at the tip of the Cape Peninsula, 60 kilometres southwest of Cape Town. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers spectacular views, hiking trails, and pristine beaches. Home to a tapestry of endemic plants, antelope, baboons, and more than 250 bird species, Cape Point combines natural beauty with rich maritime history. Bartolomeu Dias named it the Cape of Storms for good reason – the point’s violent storms and dangerous rocks have claimed many ships, with wrecks scattered along the rugged coastline.
\nMore information:\u00a0<\/i>capepoint.co.za<\/i><\/a><\/h4>\nCape RADD (Research and Diver Development)<\/h4>\nCape RADD offers unique underwater research expeditions that combine diving adventure with citizen science, offering participants the opportunity to contribute to ongoing studies of South Africa’s marine ecosystems. Their expeditions focus on understanding ocean changes through detailed observations of marine life, from tiny nudibranchs to larger marine species. Perfect for conference attendees interested in hands-on marine research and contributing to ocean conservation whilst exploring Cape Town’s underwater world.
\nMore information:\u00a0<\/i>www.caperadd.com<\/i><\/a>\nMarine Dynamics Shark Cage Diving
\n<\/h4>\nCome face-to-face with the ocean’s apex predators on a world-class shark cage diving adventure in Gansbaai, approximately 2 hours from Cape Town. Marine Dynamics offers encounters with great white sharks, bronze whaler sharks, and broadnose sevengill sharks in their natural habitat. Using custom-built boats and experienced crews, this Fair Trade Tourism certified operator provides exceptional value whilst contributing directly to conservation through the Dyer Island Conservation Trust.
\nMore information:\u00a0<\/i>www.sharkwatchsa.com<\/i><\/a>\nAnimal Ocean Safari
\n<\/h4>\nExperience Cape Town’s marine environment from above and below the surface with Animal Ocean’s coastal adventures. Operating since 2009, this eco-friendly tour operator offers unique ocean safaris that provide in-depth encounters with Cape Town’s marine life, including playful seals, elusive sunfish, and seasonal marine visitors. These tours blend adventure with marine conservation education, making them ideal for ocean enthusiasts seeking to understand Cape Town’s marine ecosystem.
\nMore information:\u00a0<\/i>www.animalocean.co.za<\/i><\/a>\nCultural & Historical Sites<\/h3>\n
Robben Island UNESCO World Heritage Site
\n<\/h4>\nTake a ferry to Robben Island to learn about the dismal circumstances under which Nelson Mandela and many prominent anti-apartheid struggle heroes were incarcerated. Most tours are led by former prisoners, whose powerful stories will move you to tears and occasional laughter. UNESCO designated Robben Island as a World Heritage Site in 1999, recognising its significance in South Africa’s journey to democracy.
\nMore information:\u00a0<\/i>www.robben-island.org.za<\/i><\/a><\/h4>\nZeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art (MOCAA)
\n<\/h4>\nLocated in the V&A Waterfront, this architectural marvel is housed in a former grain silo that was once the tallest building in Sub-Saharan Africa. Designed by British architect Thomas Heatherwick, the museum features more than one hundred galleries spread over nine floors. Allow plenty of time to explore this wonderland of contemporary African art and culture.
\nMore information:\u00a0<\/i>zeitzmocaa.museum<\/i><\/a><\/h4>\nNatural Wonders<\/h3>\n
Table Mountain – New 7 Wonders of Nature
\n<\/h4>\nTable Mountain stands tall and proud as an iconic natural wonder in the heart of Cape Town. With its breathtaking views, diverse flora and fauna, and historical significance, it has captured the hearts of millions of visitors worldwide. Take the cable car to the summit or challenge yourself with one of the many hiking routes to experience panoramic views of the city, coastline, and surrounding mountains.<\/h4>\nBe warned, no matter how hot it is take a jacket it’s really cold. Tickets can be bought\u00a0 at the Cable Cars, we recommend the “skip the Q” tickets for prompt service otherwise you will be standing in line for hours.
\nMore information:\u00a0<\/i>www.tablemountain.net<\/i><\/a>\nKirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
\n<\/h4>\nLabelled as one of the most beautiful gardens in the world, this World Heritage site is home to over 22 000 different plant species, offering visitors the chance to see some of the rarest and most beautiful flowers on Earth. Kirstenbosch serves as a conservation hotspot, dedicated to protecting and propagating endangered plant species. The gardens are also a haven for bird enthusiasts, with more than 200 different species recorded in the park.
\nMore information: \u00a0<\/i>www.sanbi.org\/gardens\/kirstenbosch<\/i><\/a><\/h4>\nCulinary Experiences<\/h3>\n
World-class dining scene
\n<\/h4>\nCape Town boasts an internationally acclaimed food and wine scene that reflects the city’s diverse cultural heritage. From traditional South African braai (barbecue) and Cape Malay curry dishes to innovative fine dining restaurants, the city offers culinary experiences to suit every palate and budget.<\/h4>\n
Local specialities to try:<\/p>\n
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- Bobotie<\/b>\u00a0– South Africa’s national dish featuring spiced mince topped with egg custard<\/li>\n
- Biltong and dro\u00ebwors<\/b>\u00a0– Traditional dried meats, perfect as snacks<\/li>\n
- Cape Malay curry<\/b>\u00a0– Aromatic curries reflecting the city’s Malaysian heritage<\/li>\n
- Koeksisters<\/b>\u00a0– Sweet, syrupy plaited pastries<\/li>\n
- Fresh seafood<\/b>\u00a0– From snoek and kingklip to West Coast mussels<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Wine Routes & Tastings
\n<\/h4>\nThe nearby Cape Winelands, including Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl, are easily accessible for day trips. These regions produce world-renowned wines and offer spectacular vineyard settings with mountain backdrops. Many estates provide wine tastings paired with local cuisine, making for memorable afternoon excursions.<\/h4>\n
V&A Waterfront Food Markets
\n<\/h4>\nThe nearby Watershed and various food markets at the V&A Waterfront offer artisanal products, local delicacies, and international cuisine in a vibrant, accessible setting perfect for conference attendees with limited time.<\/h4>\n
\n\t\t\tJOIN US IN CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA\t<\/h4>\n\t
- Biltong and dro\u00ebwors<\/b>\u00a0– Traditional dried meats, perfect as snacks<\/li>\n
- Bobotie<\/b>\u00a0– South Africa’s national dish featuring spiced mince topped with egg custard<\/li>\n
- MyCiTi Bus:<\/b>\u00a0Regular services from the city centre and major hotels<\/li>\n
- If you need a support letter for your visa application, request it well ahead of time by applying on the website for your Visa letter.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n