TRAVEL AND TOURISM INFORMATION
USEFUL WEBSITES
CAPE TOWN TOURISM: http://www.capetown.travel/; http://tourismcapetown.co.za/leisure-travel;
STELLENBOSCH TOURISM: http://tourismcapetown.co.za/leisure-travel/town/stellenbosch;
CITY SIGHTSEETING: www.citysightseeing.co.za;
APPLYING FOR A SOUTH AFRICAN VISA: http://www.home-affairs.gov.za/index.php/applying-for-sa-visa;
CAPE WINELANDS: http://www.winelands.co.za/;
THE GARDEN ROUTE: http://www.gardenroute.co.za/;
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS TO AND FROM CAPE TOWN and JOHANNESBURG SOUTH AFRICA – ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
Delegates to Cape Town mostly arrive and depart by air. Cape Town is easily reached from all major cities using South African Airways (SAA) and other international carriers. International flights terminate in either Cape Town or Johannesburg (the main airport), from which there is a two-hour flight to Cape Town. Once on the ground, getting around is relatively simple and convenient, with taxi and hire-cars (and hotel shuttles) being the preferred modes of transport for international travellers. Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town have modern airports with facilities to match. Apart from shops and restaurants, international arrival halls have banks and foreign exchange outlets. Lounges are available for business-class travellers. All of the airports offer wireless Internet (WIFI) access throughout the building or designated ‘hot spots’ where coverage exists.
There are WIFI facilities at both the International and Domestic Terminals at Cape Town International Airport. Public telephones, which operate with either coins or phone cards, are found in all terminals. In the International Terminal there are cellular (mobile) telephone rental outlets. There is one outlet in Domestic Arrivals. Cellular telephone coverage is available across the Western Cape. The Cape Town International Convention Centre and other conference venues and hotels in the Cape Town central business district are a 20-minute drive from Cape Town International Airport. While a number of international and national carriers service Cape Town International Airport direct with the bulk of international carriers flying into Johannesburg. Cape Town is a two-hour domestic flight from Johannesburg and on average there are flights every half hour between the two cities with a variety of domestic carriers. Departing passengers should allow at least two and a half hours check-in time for all international flights. An hour and a half is normally adequate for domestic check-in and this will allow for sufficient time for parking and check in processes. Foreign visitors leaving South Africa may claim back Value Added Tax on purchases from the VAT refund administrator at Cape Town International Airport. The goods and proof of purchase receipt have to be shown to the administrator before check-in.
CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Frequent travellers to Cape Town will know that substantial progress has been made with the new terminal development - known as ‘Terminal 2010’ at Cape Town International Airport, completed in 2009, the construction formed part of the preparations for the FIFA World Cup which was held in South
Africa. The final cost of the terminal was estimated at R1.5 billion. Among other obvious upgrades with a 2010 focus was an elevated roadway similar to OR Tambo International Airport, a 4,000 bay multi-storey parkade, new aircraft parking stands, air-bridges, a retail shopping mall and a new, state-of-the-art CCTV
system, enabling improved security and safety at the airport. The airport’s drastic facelift was part of a R5.2 billion cash injection into the infrastructural developments of the country’s airports.
BANKS
There is an ABSA bank, a bureau de change and an ATM in the International Terminal accessible to both arriving and departing passengers with another ABSA bank and Master currency located in the international departure lounge at the airport.
EXECUTIVE LOUNGES
International Departures
- South African Airways (Star Alliance)
- British Airways – Terraces (One World)
- The Premier Lounge
The Premier Lounge is an executive lounge that is open to any passenger, no matter the airline or ticket class. You can pay per visit or buy a pre-paid card for six or more visits.
INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES FLYING INTO CAPE TOWN:
- Air Mauritius
- Air Namibia (Regional)
- British Airways
- Emirates
- KLM
- Lufthansa
- Singapore Airlines
- South African Airways
- Virgin Atlantic
- Turkish Airlines
- Qatar Airways
- SA Express
In addition, domestic carriers also service Cape Town, with frequent scheduled onward services to other centres in South Africa including Johannesburg, George, Durban, Port Elizabeth, East London, Kimberley, Bloemfontein, Upington and Nelspruit.
- British Airways/Comair
- 1Time
- Kulula
- South African Airways / Airlink / Express
- Mango
- Interlink Airlines
GEORGE AIRPORT
Servicing the Cape Garden Route and Klein Karoo, George Airport is conveniently located within 10 minutes drive from the Cape Garden Route’s principle town of George and within an hour’s drive of the popular tourist and incentive destinations of Mossel Bay, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and Oudtshoorn. George airport is serviced by regular scheduled flights from Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, East London, Durban and Johannesburg. The airport provides a variety of car hire options and automated bank teller facilities.
GETTING AROUND
By Taxi or Coach
Luxury air-conditioned coaches or shuttle buses will move delegates between the airport, hotels, the Conference venue and their functions. Metered taxis are also available.
By Train
Cape Town station is situated within walking distance of the Westin Grand South Africa Arabella Quays Hotel, and the functional Metro Rail system connects the city centre with the northern suburbs, southern suburbs and Cape Flats.
By Bus
The new Integrated Rapid Transit (IRT) System offers international visitors a scheduled bus service between the city centre, the airport, and select suburbs in Cape Town. By consolidating existing rail, bus, minibus and metered taxi services, the IRT will provide an efficient and robust transport network. The first phase of transformative development will focus on offering a safe high-quality bus-based ( Bus Rapid Transit) system that delivers fast, comfortable, and cost-effective urban mobility in the city centre with competitive prices. CCTV surveillance cameras and security personnel are available to ensure commuter’s safety and security is prioritised. Infrastructure is wheelchair friendly. A staggered development will see the completion of the network in 2018, an initiative that will dramatically improve customer experience.
MyCiTi bus service
The MyCiti airport-to-city service runs between the newly completed Cape Town International Airport and the Civic Centre bus stations via the N2 and Eastern Boulevard. This service operates between 20 and 24 hours a day at a cost of R53.00 one-way. It departs every six to 30 minutes, depending on demand. The MyCiti inner-city bus service provides convenient transport to hotels, accommodation nodes, restaurants, entertainment areas, parking areas, and places of interest. Each journey costs R10.00 and buses depart every 10 to 30 minutes and operate between 20 and 24 hours a day.
Topless tours
This service visits the major attractions around the city and is a convenient way to experience Cape Town’s many varied attractions. The bright red “Hop-on Hop-off” city sightseeing service comes complete with nine multilingual commentary channels, plus a “kiddie’s” channel and is an ideal and convenient method of travelling to and viewing the most popular attractions in and around Cape Town. Tickets can be bought on board the bus or online by visiting www.citysightseeing.co.za or from the Cape Town Tourism Visitor Information Centre in Burg Street.
Bus charters
Should a tourist group want to visit any area that is not on a normal bus route, a bus or coach may be chartered to drive the group to and from the destination. This should be planned well in advance and information is available from www.satsa.com.
FAST FACTS
Population
• The Western Cape holds a population of 5.2 million
Climate
- The Cape boasts typical Mediterranean climate – warm summers and mild and cool wet winters.
- Summer temperatures range between 15 °C (59 °F) and 27 °C (80.6 °F)
- Winter temperature ranges between 7 °C (44.6 °F) at night and 18 °C (64.4 °F) by day.
Water
- The region’s superior water supply infrastructure guarantees some of the best water in the world
- Bottled Spring water is available
Time
- South African Time is set at GMT +2.
- There are no time zone differences within South Africa and there is no daylight saving system in summer.
Language
- English is widely spoken and understood.
- Most South Africans are bilingual; Afrikaans and Xhosa are two official languages most spoken in the Western Cape
Visas
- Visas are issued by the South African missions abroad and must be affixed in the applicant’s passport before departing for South Africa.
- Visas are not issued on arrival at South African ports on entry.
- Many nationalities do not require a visa to enter South Africa, it is best to check with your travel agents.
Currency
• Foreign currency can be exchanged at commercial banks and at various Bureaux de Change. The Rand is the official currency in South Africa.
Banks
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday banks typically open between 9am and 3pm
- On Saturdays opening hours are between 9am and 11am
Driving
• An international driver’s licence is required when driving around South Africa. Driving is on the left and speed limits are in kilometres.
Electric Current
- 240 volts AC
- For small appliances, a plug adaptor may be needed for three pin sockets.
Shopping Hours
• Monday to Sunday typically open between 9am - 5.30pm, although the V&A Waterfront and Canal Walk shopping centers are open until 9pm.
Medical Organisation and control
Cape Town CBD is served by METRO EMS ambulance service and three private ambulance services. They are Netcare 911, er24 and Life. The city is served by two state run level one trauma centres (Groote Schuur Hospital and Tygerberg Hospital). There are also 9 regional emergency centres in the city. The New Somerset Hospital has a 24 hour emergency centre run by qualified Emergency Physicians.
Communicable and tropical diseases management
Cape Town has no risk of tropical diseases. It is not a malaria area. In early 2010 a measles outbreak was identified in South Africa. The number of new cases diagnosed in Cape Town in the last few months is minimal. A national immunisation rollout for children under 16 is underway. There are no current vaccine recommendations for the general public (adults) and tourists.
Hygiene and environmental issues
Cape Town is a modern city with clean drinkable tap water.
Visa Application
Visas are issued by the South African Department of Home Affairs. The Local Organising Committee will provide assistance for visa applications by issuing a letter confirming the conference and/or confirming that the particular delegate has registered for the conference.
Once the Department has been informed of the conference taking place, a blanket approval will be sent to all South African representatives abroad authorising them to issue visas to delegates, provided all the visa requirements are met. This procedure will assist the delegates when applying for their visas. The applicant will be required to submit this letter of invitation along with other documentation (refer to South African Visa – www.home-affairs.gov.za/visa).
Passport / Travel Document Holders Who Are Exempt from Visas for South Africa
The citizen who is a holder of a national passport (diplomatic, official and ordinary) / travel document of the foreign countries / territories / international organisations listed below are not required to hold a visa when reporting to an immigration officer at a South African port of entry, subject to the terms and conditions set out in this list, including inter alia the intended period of stay in the country.
1. The holder of a South African passport, travel document and document for travel purposes.
2. The citizen who is a holder of a national passport (diplomatic, official or ordinary) / travel document of the following countries/ territories / international organisations is not required to hold a visa in respect of purposes for which a visitor’s permit may be issued for an intended stay of 90 days or less and when in transit:
- Argentina
- Ecuador
- Liechtenstein
- Singapore
- Australia
- Finland
- Luxemburg
- Spain
- Austria
- France
- Malta
- St Vincent & the Grenadines
- Belgium
- Germany
- Monaco
- Sweden
- Botswana
- Greece
- Netherlands
- Switzerland
- Brazil
- Iceland
- New Zealand
- United Kingdom *
- Canada
- Israel
- Norway
- Uruguay
- Chile
- Italy
- Paraguay
- USA
- Jamaica
- Portugal
- Venezuela
- Denmark
- Japan
- San Marino
*United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, British Islands Bailiwick of Guernsey and Jersey, Isle of Man and Virgin Islands and British Overseas Territories.
Note that a national of the following countries does require a visa: British Dependent Territories, including Anguilla, Bermuda, British Antarctic Territory, British Indian Ocean Territory, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, Pitcairn, Henderson, St Helena, Ducie and Oeno Islands, the Sovereign Base Area of Akrotiri and Dhekelia and the Turks and Caicos Island.
3. The citizen who is a holder of a national passport (diplomatic, official and ordinary) / travel document of the following countries/ territories / international organisations is not required to hold a visa in respect of purposes for which a visitor’s permit may be issued for an intended stay of 30 days or less and when in transit:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Malaysia
- Barbados
- Malawi
- Belize
- Maldives
- Benin
- Mauritius
- Bolivia
- Mozambique
- Cape Verde
- Namibia
- Costa Rica
- Peru
- Cyprus
- Poland
- Gabon
- Seychelles
- Guyana
- Slovak Republic
- Hong Kong*
- South Korea
- Hungary
- Swaziland
- Jordan
- Thailand
- Lesotho
- Turkey
- Macau**
- Zambia
* [only with regard to holders of Hong Kong British National Overseas passports and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passports]
** [only with regard to holders of Macau Special Administrative
Region passports (MSAR)]
All citizens of countries not listed above require visas to enter South Africa.
Kindly note the Visa requirements are valid as at the date of submission of the bid document and may change in the interim.
CAPE TOWN: A Safe City
Despite perceptions to the contrary, Cape Town is as safe as most international cities, and this is in no small measure due to the efforts of the Central City Improvement District (CCID). One of the main drivers behind the establishment of the CCID in 2000 was to make Cape Town’s Central City the safest in the country. The vision was to set up effective preventive and reactive security measures through highly visible police officers, mobile vehicles and a bicycle squad twenty four hours a day.
This public/private partnership collects more than R27 million a year from property owners in the city, half of which pays for extra security on the streets of Cape Town’s CBD. Altogether, 200 security officers keep the streets of the CBD safe, day and night, for all those who work in, live in or visit the city. The dedicated team of security managers and foot officers, who are highly visible, patrol the streets on a 24-hour basis.
Multi-lingual officers
All officers are fluent in English. The other languages spoken are Afrikaans and Xhosa.
A CCTV surveillance network, paid for by the City of Cape Town, assists in keeping crime at bay. In addition, Cape Town now also boasts a municipal police force. Three hundred and fifty officers have already been trained, 35 of whom are allocated to the central city specifically. CCID security officers work in a close partnership with the private sector and all law enforcement agencies by communicating on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. The CCID officers work regularly with the SAPS in special operations related to illegal activities in problem buildings, illegal trading, fraud, drug trafficking and prostitution. This unique partnership has seen a consistent decrease in the crime rate – and to date, since 2000, the CBD has experienced an astounding 85 percent decrease in crime.
A mobile Safety Kiosk, set up last year by the CCID Security Department, which provides visible security in a range of locations, has made a huge contribution to security in the city. The kiosk provides visible policing in key locations, events, hotspot areas and problematic locations. The CCID Security Department is expanding the Safety Kiosk programme, with a second kiosk expected shortly and a planned expansion to five kiosks by June 2013.
TOP TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
1. Table Mountain
South Africa’s world-renowned icon, Table Mountain, was afforded National Park status in May 1998. Table Mountain offers something for everyone – magnificent views, cable car rides, mountain-biking, hiking, serious rock climbing, cross country running, fascinating botany, birding and for the more adventurous, abseiling and paragliding. Visitors are treated to a spectacular view during the ride to the top of Table Mountain aboard a modern cable car with a revolving floor.
2. Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Cape Town’s Victoria and Alfred Waterfront has established itself as a leading world-class waterfront. The unique working harbour with scenic views of Table Mountain combined with entertainment options like shopping, street musicians, museums, an aquarium, boat trips and cinemas promise to make any visit an unforgettable experience.
3. Robben Island
Robben Island is one of South Africa’s four World Heritage sites. This barren windswept island was the prison home of former President Nelson Mandela for 18 years. Here you can experience the view that kept Nelson Mandela’s dream of freedom for his country alive.
4. Winelands/Wine Routes
South Africa and the Western Cape produce some of the world’s best wines. The first wines in South Africa were produced at Steenberg in 1695 and Groot Constantia is the oldest productive wine estate in the country situated within the city of Cape Town.
5. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
Kirstenbosch is internationally acclaimed as one of the great botanical gardens of the world. Situated on the south eastern slopes of Cape Town’s magnificent Table Mountain, the estate covers 528 hectares and includes a cultivated garden and a nature reserve. Indeed the tiny Cape Peninsula has more floral diversity than the whole of Europe combined.
6. Cape Point
The Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point form part of the Cape Peninsula National Park and are managed by South African National Parks. Visitors can enjoy the 7 750 hectares reserve of indigenous flora and fauna and over 150 bird species and can also travel with the only funicular in Africa to the viewing platform 678 metres above the sea.
