Travel Information
Venue -- Cape Town International Convention Centre
While the CTICC is still relatively young as far as international convention centres go, much has happened in the five or so years since it first opened its doors.
The idea of the centre was first conceived in the late 1990s when it was recognised that a truly international convention centre would fill an obvious gap in the city of Cape Town’s tourism infrastructure, and have the potential to deliver a phenomenal impact on the local, provincial and national economy.
As a result, the CTICC was born, with the City of Cape Town and the Provincial Government of the Western Cape as its largest shareholders - effectively putting ownership of the centre in the hands of the people of the city. And in a few short years, this exceptional centre has grown into a shining example of the power of effective partnerships
Hotels
Hotel bookings can be made through the Hotel Service Department of the Cape Town International Convention Center (CTICC), or by contacting hotels directly through their websites or telephone numbers available online.
A list of accomodations that are offered at a discounted rate to delegates attending the 2011 ISCB Africa ASBCB Conference on Bioinformatics from 9th to 11th March, 2011 is included in the Booking Form. Please complete this BOOKING FORM and submit it per the instructions on the form in order to reserve your hotel accommodations as early as possible (each hotel has limited availability and rooms are confirmed on a first come first served basis).
Participants may prefer to invesitgate hotel rates and availability outside the group blocks held through the CTICC by using any of the travel search engines on the internet. In many cases the cancellation penalties are less restrictive when bookiing direct, although the rates may be higher or rooms outside the group block may no longer be available.
Flights
Delegates are responsible for booking their own flights to and from Cape Town. In most cases, booking airline tickets via the internet is a cost-effective option. The main carrier in South Africa is South African Airways, but many other airlines such as British Airways, Virgin, Delta Airlines, KLM, etc. fly directly into Cape Town International Airport or via Oliver Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.
Passport and Visas
As for all international travel, visitors to South Africa should be in possession of a valid passport. Passports must meet the following requirements:
- It should not be less than 6 months from the date of expiry.
- There should be at least 1 full, free page in the passport for stamping by officials.
- Citizens from countries that require visas for the Republic of South Africa (RSA), who arrive without visas, will be refused entry into the RSA and placed on return flights in terms of legislation.
- Delegates are responsible for making their own visa arrangements. Travel agents and South African diplomatic missions will provide you with relevant information. Information and visa application forms can be found on the website of the South African Department of Home Affairs: www.dha.gov.za. Visas are NOT issued on arrival at South African ports of entry.
Climate
To visit the South African Weather Service, for temperatures in Cape Town, South Africa.
Currency
The South African currency is the Rand (ZAR). The rate of exchange against international currencies is variable so foreign delegates are advised to check the daily published rates, or use the currency converter at: www.oanda.com
Health
A yellow fever vaccination is required for entry into South Africa from various countries in Central, East and West Africa – please confirm these requirements with the South African diplomatic mission in your country.
Insurance
The conference organisers cannot accept liability for personal injuries sustained, or for loss or damage of property belonging to participants or their accompanying persons. It is therefore recommended that delegates and accompanying persons arrange for appropriate travel and health insurance before travelling.
Language
South Africa has 11 official languages. English, however, is spoken throughout the country.
Safety
While vigilance and common sense will ensure a trouble-free and enjoyable stay in South Africa, it is advisable to take the following precautions: do not leave luggage, mobile phones or valuables unattended; use the safety deposit boxes provided by most hotels; do not carry large amounts of cash, and keep cash, credit cards and identification documents in a secure place on your person.
Tourism
Though one of the most stunning locations in the world, Cape Town and the Western Cape remains surprisingly affordable and has many great attractions, including Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town's markets, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, Cape Point Nature Reserve, the winelands, or the many beautiful beaches.
For further information on the city’s attractions and accommodation, visit www.tourismcapetown.co.za or www.capetown.travel or call +27 (0)21 487 6800
Several companies offer different length tours in and around Cape Town, an example is provided below.
The Grand Cape Peninsula Tour
This tour visits several attractions in the Cape Town and peninsular area, including:
- Clifton beaches
- Hout Bay & Mariners’ Wharf
- Boat ride to view seals (optional)
- Chapman's Peak Drive (if open)/ Ou Kaapse Weg
- Cape Point & Nature Reserve
- Penguin colony at the Boulders (optional)
- Historic Simon's Town
- Groot Constantia Wine Estate OR
- Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
Contact: Amatikulu Tours on: + 27 (39) 9732534 / www.amatikulu.com