CONGRESS INFORMATION FOR THE VISITOR
VENUE
The University of Cape Town, South Africa
CONGRESS DATES
Sunday 10th to Thursday 14th January, 1999
ABOUT CAPE TOWN AND SOUTHERN AFRICA
The city and landscape of Cape Town echo the themes of WAC4. The Cape is the meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans and its culture combines the traditions of east and west, the heritage of slaves brought from the East Indies, Asia and Africa, settlers from all parts of Europe, and the indigenous hunters, gatherers and herders who had lived on the peninsula for millennia before the Portuguese rounded Cape Point.
Cape Town is one of the world’s premier holiday destinations, and January is the height of summer, guaranteeing sunshine, hot beaches and cool surf, and warm evenings with good food. Further afield are spectacular archaeological and paleontological sites ranging from Great Zimbabwe to Swartkrans. Some of the richest rock art in the world is found in the Drakensberg, Cederberg and Brandberg – vast landscapes known also for their game and dramatic topography.
The timing of WAC4 offers the combination of conference and holiday, but early booking for additional tourist accommodation before or after the congress is essential. We will be happy to put you in touch with travel specialists who will make your WAC4 visit an experience to remember.
Please visit CAPTOUR for comprehensive information about travel and tourism in the region.
Cap: de bona Esperanza, Albrecht Herport, 1669
Cap: de bona Esperanza
by Albrecht Herport, 1699
ACCOMODATION
University Residence Accommodation (Single: US$30, Double: US$60)
The University of Cape Town (UCT) has a variety of residences, ranging from older buildings on its upper campus to modern tower-blocks close to Rondebosch shops. Delegates will be housed in single or twin rooms. Bedding and towels are provided and there are communal bathrooms on each floor. Breakfast is provided in self-service dining rooms; the residence can provide for most dietary requirements, provided they are notified in advance. Public telephones, commercial laundromats, tennis and squash courts, and a swimming pool, are available nearby. All residences are within 20 minutes’ walk of Congress venues, and a shuttle service will also be provided. Newlands Forest, immediately above the campus, has an extensive network of walking and jogging trails, all with spectacular views. There is a railway station close to the campus, with a regular service into the city, and to the beaches and villages along the coast.
Breakwater Lodge (Single: US$47/US$70, Double: US$62/US$87)
This hotel is situated at the famous Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, surrounded by restaurants, entertainment and tourist shops. The lodge, with its stunning views of Table Mountain and the harbour, has bedrooms with either en suite bathrooms or shared shower facilities. This economy hotel offers excellent value for money. It is approximately 20 minutes’ drive from the Congress venue, and within close proximity of the Central Business District. A morning and evening shuttle to and from the Congress venue will be provided at no charge.
Holiday Inn Garden Court Eastern Boulevard (Single: US$65, Double: US$70)
This comfortable hotel with views of Table Mountain and Table Bay is situated on the outskirts of the city centre. It is only a 10 minute drive to the Congress venue and the vibrant activities and attractions of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. This limited services hotel also offers excellent value for money. A morning and evening shuttle to and from the Congress venue will be provided at no charge.
Holiday Inn Waterfront (Single: US$100, Double: US$126)
This brand new hotel is close to the ever-popular Waterfront, and has all the amenities of a modern hotel of international standard. The Holiday Inn’s commitment to friendly, efficient service and value makes it the perfect choice for business and leisure travellers. A morning and evening shuttle to and from the Congress venue will be provided at no charge.
Hotel Bookings
January is a high season tourist month in Cape Town. Delegates are urged to book their hotels via the Congress Secretariat as early as possible to avoid disappointment. Deposits are required by 30 September 1998 to guarantee accommodation. After this date reservations are dependant on availability.
GENERAL INFORMATION FOR THE VISITOR TO WAC4
Air Travel
South African Airways (SAA) has been chosen as the official air carrier for the conference, and special discounted rates have been arranged for WAC4 delegates.
Please contact your nearest SAA office for a quotation. Please quote the following reference number when making your booking: AIR/MX.C/1172/97
Airport Transfers
Transfers will be provided between Cape Town International Airport, the university residences and listed hotels for arriving and departing delegates and accompanying persons at a cost of US$20 per person per trip. Note that it is important for you to organise your transport requirements prior to arrival in Cape Town as public transport is limited, not easily accessible, and can be very costly. This service will be provided from Friday 8 January through to Saturday 16 January 1999. Please indicate on the Registration Form if you will require transfers.
Backpacking
Before and after the Congress, delegates may wish to use some of the excellent backpacking establishments available in Cape Town. In addition to providing accomodation, these establishments can also make travel and tour arrangements. Please contact them directly regarding your needs.
Banking
Travellers’ cheques and currencies of most countries can be cashed at banks. Automatic Teller Machines accept many international bank cards. Contact your bank for information. International credit cards (VISA, Diner’s Club, MasterCard, American Express, etc.) are accepted at the majority of hotels, restaurants and shops. Normal banking hours are Monday – Friday 09:00 – 15:30 and Saturdays 08:30 – 11:00. Banks are closed on Sundays and public holidays. Travellers cheques can be cashed at the congress.
Car Hire
Special discounted rates have been negotiated for WAC4 delegates. Simply indicate on your registration form if you require further information.
Climate
Cape Town has a Mediterranean climate with generally warm, dry summers and cool wet winters. January is mid-summer. Daytime temperatures average at 25 C (77 F) with most days sunny. Away from the coast, temperatures may be more extreme.
Currency
The Rand is the South African unit of currency with 100 cents to the Rand. Prices are quoted in US Dollars
Day Care Facilities
Day care facilities have been arranged for delegates who are bringing children with them. For further information, simply indicate on the Registration Form.
Disability Access
We will arrange access to all Congress venues for delegates with a physical disability. We require information about these requirements in advance – please indicate these on the registration form so that we can make the necessary arrangements.
Dress
Dress for the conference and social functions is casual and informal. Tours and game reserves are also casual, but top city hotels may expect men to wear a jacket and tie after six in the evening.
Electricity
Standard city and town power systems are 200/230-volts, 50hz AC. It is best to purchase an adaptor or transformer to link in with local electrical power which is a three-point round pin system.
Food Requirements
We will attempt to cater for most dietary preferences (vegetarian, kosher, halaal, etc) for conference lunches and social events. Please inform us of your needs by 15 December 1998 so that the necessary arrangements can be made. The university residences, hotels and restaurants are also able to provide special dietary arrangements if details are forwarded to us in advance.
Immunisation
No international immunisation is required to enter South Africa, except a valid international yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers who enter South Africa within six days of leaving an infected country. Visitors who travel through or disembark in these countries are advised to be inoculated against the disease before visiting South Africa. Some areas within Southern Africa, including Zimbabwe, are subject to malaria and it is advisable for persons who visit these areas to take prophylactic medication. Cape Town is situated in a malaria free area. Please note that some Pre and Post Congress Excursions do take place in malaria areas and it is advisable to check whether you will need to take precautions or not when making your tour booking.
Indemnity and Insurance
While every care is being taken over all arrangements, please note that the organisers are not responsible for any mishaps during the conference period. Delegates must make their own personal travel and medical insurance arrangements.
Language
The congress language is English, which is understood throughout South Africa, especially in all the major centres and at tourist attractions. Officially there are eleven languages, reflecting the varied ethnic groups and regions of the country.
Medical Services
Medical services are of a high standard and most international prescription drugs (and generic equivalents) are readily available through retail pharmacies. All medical facilities available to international visitors are privately owned. It is suggested that you take out personal medical insurance for the duration of your trip.
Passports and Visas
To gain entry to South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland and Namibia, it is necessary to possess a valid passport. Travellers from certain countries also require a visa. Application for visas should be submitted to your nearest South African diplomatic or consular representative. Visitors who intend travelling to South Africa’s neighbouring countries and back to South Africa are advised to apply for multiple entry visas. Address any queries to the Congress Secretariat.
Public Archaeology
There will be a public archaeology programme, that will serve to bring the benefits of the Congress to a wide range of Cape Town’s people. If you would like to be involved, please contact the Congress Secretariat.
Taxation
Value-added Tax (VAT) is charged on most goods and services, except on goods purchased in duty free shops. The current rate is 14%. On presentation of the goods and tax invoices, VAT may be recovered on certain terms at international airports on departure. VAT is not refundable on hotel accommodation or tours. No VAT is claimable in the congress fees. Airport departure tax in South Africa is included in the cost of an air ticket.
Time Zone
Standard time in South Africa is two hours ahead of GMT. There is no daylight saving.
Tipping
Service charges are seldom added to accounts and tipping of waiters and taxi drivers is customary (5 – 10% of bill).
Tours
‘Specialized Tours’ have created a range of tours for visitors to WAC.
If you would like any additional information on South Africa or any aspect of the conference and its tours, please direct your enquiries to the Congress Secretariat. Remember, our aim is to make your stay a pleasure!