IST-Africa 2016 Conference

11 - 13 May 2016, Durban, South Africa

Venue

The IST-Africa 2016 Conference will take place in the Southern Sun Elangeni Hotel, 63 Snell Parade (along the beachfront), Durban, South Africa.

All conference delegates need to be registered online and confirmed prior to the Conference.

Accommodation

Delegates can book accommodation in the Southern Sun Elangeni (conference venue) and Garden Court Marine Parade (5 minutes walk to venue) through online registration for IST-Africa 2016. It is necessary to pay in full in advance to secure the booking. Available rooms will be allocated on a first-paid basis.

Transportation

The Durban International Airport is located one hour by air from Johannesburg. Carriers that fly to Durban include South African Airlines, Emirates Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Air Mauritius, British Airways/Comair, Qatar Airlines and Ethiopian Airlines fly to Durban. Other airlines fly to Johannesburg and co-chair with another airline for the leg to Durban. Delegates are advised to book flights to South Africa and accommodation as early as possible.

The airport is situated 30 - 40 minutes drive from Southern Sun Elangeni Hotel.

Shared Shuttle services that stop at all main hotels in Durban are available outside the airport and depart approximately every 45 minutes. A single fare on the shared shuttle from the airport to your hotel in Durban is R80.

Durban

Durban is the capital of the Province of KwaZulu-Natal, located on the east coast of South Africa. Durban has a population of c 3 million people and has one of the busiest ports in Africa. Durban is one hour by air from Johannesburg with frequent flight schedules.

While in Durban, delegates and accompanying persons should visit the 'Golden Mile' (beachfront area), uShaka Marine World, City Hall and Botanical Gardens. Other places in interest around Durban include: Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve, Drakensberg Mountains, the Giant's Castle World Heritage Site and the Valley of 1000 Hills.

Climate

Facing onto the Indian Ocean, Durban has a subtropical climate ensuring warm winters and tropical summers. Average temperatures in Durban in May are warm, ranging from 14 - 25 degrees Celsius.

Currency

The currency in South Africa is Rand (ZAR). The exchange rate is quite changeable but is approximately 1 EUR = 15 Rand.

Hotels and larger restaurants will take payment by credit card but smaller items need to be paid for in cash.

All crafts vendors and smaller shops will expect to be paid in cash.

It is a good idea to have some local currency in small denomination notes if you wish to buy crafts and pay for taxis.

Security, Health and Safety

Please wear your name badge for all IST-Africa 2016 activities, as it is your identification and allows you access to the facilities on offer.

The organisers cannot accept any responsibility for losses incurred or for personal health and safety. It is necessary to take care of bags, personal computers and other personal belongings. Delegates should ensure that they have personal health insurance and take due care when exploring the city of Durban.

Any special needs or requirements should be notified to the Conference Secretariat as far in advance of the event as possible.

Vaccinations

Conference delegates travelling to Africa for the first time are recommended to have up to date Tetanus, Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines.

If you are travelling from a Yellow Fever zone or through a Yellow Fever zone to South Africa, it is necessary to a Yellow Fever vaccination.

It is a good idea to check with your personal physician or travel health clinic four to six weeks prior to travelling, outlining where in South Africa you intend to visit.