Cape Town's name originated from the term 'Cape of Good Hope' when Bartholomew Diaz and other seafarers looked forward to the sight of Table Mountain, like an inn that promised hospitality and prosperity. The oldest city in southern Africa, Cape Town is regarded as one of the most beautiful on earth The city, with its imposing backdrop -Table Mountain is often draped in a flowing "tablecloth" of clouds, while pristine sandy beaches line the cliff-hugging coast. Cape Town with its rich history is a cultural melting pot with its diverse and vibrant character being derived from Khoisan and other African tribes from the North, and Indonesian, French, Dutch, British and German settlers.

Bustling and beautiful, the cosmopolitan nature of Cape Town means that one never tires of the multitude of experiences it has to offer. From pristine coastlines and a magnificent countryside offering a unique floral kingdom sustaining a botanic kingdom with some 9,000 species, to the many shopping malls, restaurants, jazz cafes, fleamarkets and theatres, Cape Town appeals to the nature-lover and the nightcrawler!

Situated in the country's far southwestern corner, Cape Town is physically separated from the rest of the continent by a barrier of mountains. The hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters are Mediterranean, while the Atlantic Ocean is as frigid here as it is off the coast of Maine. The Cape's architectural heritage -- Cape Dutch homesteads, neo-Gothic churches, Muslim minarets, and English-inspired Georgian and Victorian buildings physically displays the influences of its colonial past.

August to October is the season to visit Namaqualand and endless fields of colourful flowers. Whale watching is also a popular pastime from various coastal areas in the Cape, as the Southern Right whales move inshore to breed.

. Climate:
Cape Town's long summers are warm and dry. They begin in mid-October and continue until March. The daytime temperatures in Cape Town vary between 19 and 25 degrees Celsius or 66 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit.

. Travel Information for International Visitors:
Currency: The local currency is the South African Rand and will be the official currency used at the conference. The approximate exchange rates are: 1 EUR = R9,59 and 1 USD = R7,15 (April 2007)

. Electricity:
South Africa's electricity is standard: 220 volts, 50Hz AC. However, as plugs have three cylindrical pins, an adaptor is essential for foreign appliances.

. Language:
The official language of the conference is English.

. Medicine:
South African pharmacies carry international prescription medicines.

. Time Zone:
South Africa is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +2)

. Tipping:
Service charges are rarely included. Tipping waiters and taxi drivers is customary (approximately 10% of the bill or fare).

. Value Added Tax:
VAT is currently 14% in South Africa and is levied on all goods and services. VAT paid by a tourist on certain categories of goods is refundable on departure.

. Visa:
All visitors must have a valid passport. Please consult your nearest South African Embassy well in advance regarding visa requirements or visit the following web page: http://home-affairs.pwv.gov.za/visa_detail.asp. 


Tour Operators recommended:

Nthuseng Tours

Ilios Travel