Venue

The IST-Africa Week 2017 will take place from 30 May - 02 June in Safari Hotel Conference Centre, Corner of Auas and Aviation Streets, Windhoek 9000, Namibia. Safari is 4 kms from Windhoek city centre and 40 kms from the International Airport.

All conference delegates (31 May - 02 June) need to be registered and confirmed prior to the Conference.

All participants in the IEEE ETAP Forum on 30 May need to be confirmed in advance. If you also intend to participate in the IST-Africa conference (31 May - 02 June) separate payment registration is required.

Transportation from airport to hotel

Windhoek International Airport is c 40km from the city.

The Safari Hotel does not provide a shuttle. Delegates can book a shuttle directly with Shuttle Namibia: Mr. Manfred and Mrs. Evy Henckert, Cell No. +264 61 122-8888 or Cell No. +264 61 81-240-6788, Tel No. +264 61 302-007, Fax No. +264 61 302-456 and E-mail: shuttlenamibia@iway.na

All participants are responsible for their own transport costs.

Participants staying in other properties may wish to ask the venue where they are staying what rate is in place for transportation from the airport.

Windhoek

Windhoek is the capital of Namibia. The city centre is quite compact and it is possible to walk to all major sites. Walking Tours are available from the Tourist Information office.

While in Windhoek, delegates and accompanying persons should ensure they visit the Christuskirche; St Georges Cathedral, Das Reiterdankmal, Tintenpalast, Alte Feste, Zoo Park, Independence Avenue and Clock Tower, the Namibian Craft Centre and Daan Viljoen Game Park (20km east of Windhoek).

After the conference, delegates should also try to visit Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, Skeleton Coast and Etosha National Park.

Climate

Average temperatures in Windhoek in May are temperate, ranging from 12 to 23 degrees Celsius.

Currency

The currency in Namibia is Namibia Dollars (NAD). The exchange rate is approximately 1 EUR = 15 NAD (variable).

South African Rand are also accepted in Namibia.

Hotels and larger restaurants will take payment by credit card but smaller items need to be paid for in cash. All crafts vendors will expect to be paid in cash and will normally take Namibia Dollars, South African Rand or US Dollars.

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 2017 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 Windhoek.

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.

Conference delegates who intend to travel to Etosha National Park are recommended to bring malaria tablets with you. Whatever tablets you use, remember to complete the course as directed after leaving the malaria area.

Delegates travelling from East Africa and other Yellow Fever regions who are transiting through South Africa are required to have 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 Namibia and Southern Africa you intend to visit.