South Africa
Why should a discerning traveller visit South Africa? Is it our excellent climate, our dazzling sunshine, our wild life and our breathtaking scenery? Is it our remarkable history and fascinating culture? Is it the lure of the great outdoors? Or is it our First World quality of life amidst the wild beauty of Africa? South Africa has all of this, but there is so much more – a rich and diverse selection of experiences combining exciting Africa with facilities and entertainment that meet the highest international standards. The Republic of South Africa is at the tip of the African continent and is surrounded by both the Atlantic and the Indian Oceans. The country has a generally temperate climate due in part to this fact as well as its location in the climatically milder Southern Hemisphere and due to its average elevation, which increases steadily towards the North (towards the Equator) and further inland. Due to this varied topography and oceanic influence, a great variety of climatic zones exist.

Cape Town
Cape Town is located in the Western Cape Province, forming part of the metropolitan municipality of the City of Cape Town. It is the Provincial Capital of the Western Cape, as well as the legislative capital of South Africa, where the national Parliament is located. Cape Town is famous for its harbour as well as its natural setting in the Cape floral kingdom, including such well known landmarks such as Table Mountain, Cape Point and Robben Island. Regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful cities because of its geography, Cape Town is one of the most popular tourist destinations. Cape Town has a population of 3.5 million people.

Climate
South Africa has a perennially sunny climate and is a pleasure to visit all year round. Mid-winter occurs in June and July, mid-summer in December and January. The climate ranges from Mediterranean in the Cape Peninsula to subtropical on the Kwazulu-Natal coast and in the North-Eastern province of Mpumalanga; temperate conditions prevail on the Central Highveld (Gauteng Province).
Average maximum temperature in June (Cape Town): 18ºC.
Average minimum temperature in June (Cape Town): 8ºC.

Currency
The South African currency unit is the Rand (ZAR), denoted by the symbol R1 = 100 cents. Most businesses, tour operators, airlines and hotels accept major credit cards and traveler’s cheque.

Electricity
City and town power systems are generally 220/230 volts, 50Hz. Plugs have three cylinder pins and it is essential to have an adaptor or a transformer for foreign appliances.

Entry Requirements
As for all international travel, visitors to South Africa are required to have a valid passport. Travelers from certain countries also require a visa. Visitors to South Africa should have a valid return or onward ticket for travel, sufficient means of support for the period and valid entry documents for the next destination. Enquiries can be directed to the South African diplomatic representatives abroad. Visitors planning to travel to South Africa’s neighboring countries are advised to apply for multiple entry visas. Please contact the IPA Congress Secretariat to request a letter of invitation for visa purposes. An accurate complete registration form must be provided in order for the request to be processed.

How to get there
The national carrier, South African Airways, and several international air and shipping lines link the country to the rest of the world. South Africa has three international airports in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town. Estimated travel times to Cape Town are:

Time differences
Throughout the year, standard time in South Africa is GMT +2, one hour ahead of Central European Winter Time and seven hours in advance of Eastern Standard Winter Time

Value Added Tax
Value Added Tax (VAT), currently is at 14%, and is included in the marked/quoted price of all goods and services. Foreign nationals may claim refunds of VAT paid on goods, which they take out of South Africa. Information leaflets on claiming VAT refunds are available
from VAT refund administration officers at the airports.

Water
Tap water is purified and safe to drink. South Africa is reputed to have the cleanest tap water in the world.

What to pack
Clothing is generally casual, especially at holiday resorts and game reserves, but beach wear is not acceptable in restaurants. Don’t forget to bring a hat, sun screen,a
camera and a pair of binoculars for game viewing.