uShaka Marine World

www.ushakamarineworld.co.za

Please click here to view the expected 7 / 15 day weather forecast you may experience while in Durban.

South Africa operates two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time throughout the year, making it an hour ahead of Central European Winter Time, seven hours ahead of Eastern Standard Winter Time and seven hours behind Australian Central Time.

Nationals of some countries will require a visa to enter South Africa. To find out if you need a visa and how to go about getting one, please visit the official South African Government visa website: www.home-affairs.gov.za, or to contact your local South African consulate/own government authority.

Should you require a letter of invitation for a visa, we ask that you submit a request to the conference organisers.
The letter of invitation will then be sent to you within 2 working days, provided that the full registration fee has been paid.

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 – please check with your travel agent.

You can also click here to find out if you require a visa to travel to South Africa.

The seasons in the Southern Hemisphere are directly opposite to those of the Northern Hemisphere. For summer months, lightweight (cottons and linens), short-sleeved clothes are best, although a light jersey/jumper might be needed for the cooler evenings. Warmer clothes are needed for the winter months.

The currency unit is the Rand, denoted by the symbol R, with 100 cents making up R1 (one Rand). Foreign currency can be exchanged at local banks and Bureaux de Changes. Most major international credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa and their affiliates are widely accepted.

Please consult www.xe.com to do an exchange rate conversion.

The electricity supply in South Africa is 220/230 volts, AC 50 Hz.  Please ensure that you bring the correct converter for your electrical equipment.

Most restaurants do not add a service charge to bills - thus it is customary to leave a 10-15% tip. Parking and petrol station attendants should be given whatever small change you have available. This is always appreciated, even though it may seem a small amount.

Value-added-tax (VAT) is charged on most items. Foreign tourists to South Africa can have their 14% VAT refunded provided that the value of the items purchased exceeds R250.00. VAT is refunded at the point of departure provided receipts are produced.

An increasing number of accommodation establishments have wheelchair ramps and bathroom facilities for the disabled. Almost every national park has at least one accessible chalet and many accommodation establishments have one or two wheelchair-friendly rooms. Most of our sports stadiums have accessible suites, stands or areas for wheelchairs near accessible parking as well as special toilet facilities. Most public buildings also caters for wheelchair access.

Many foreigners are unaware that South Africa has a well-developed infrastructure, high standards of water treatment and medical facilities equal to the best in the world. Here we address any health and safety questions you may have:

Hospitals and Medical Care
In a great many medical disciplines, South Africa is a global leader. In fact, South African trained doctors are sought after all over the world, so this should give an indication of the standard of medical care available. There is a large network of public and private hospitals countrywide, offering excellent service. However, clients must have adequate health insurance to cover the fees private hospitals charge.

Malaria
Malaria is found only in the far north-east of the country. Malaria is not much of a risk in the winter months from May to July. Although the incidence of malaria is rare, it would be best to take adequate precautions if you choose to visit these areas. The cheapest, safest and most effective measures against malaria are physical barriers such as a mosquito net, and the use of a good insect repellent. If you decide to take malaria prophylaxis, it is essential that you take the medication according to the directions on the package insert. It is advisable to consult a medical professional before embarking on a course of malaria prophylaxis. Note that expectant mothers should avoid malaria medications.

Personal Safety
For tourists, South Africa is as safe as any other destination in the world. South Africa boasts a vast array of cultures, communities, sites and attractions. Most parts of the country can be safely visited by tourists provided they take basic common-sense precautions (for example not walking alone in deserted areas at night and being circumspect about how much photographic equipment or flashy jewellery you carry).

Food and Water
As a rule, tap water in South Africa is safe to drink as it is treated and is free of harmful micro-organisms. In hotels, restaurants and nightspots, the standards of hygiene and food preparation is top-notch. It is safe to eat fresh fruit and salads and to put as much ice as you like in your drinks - a good thing, too, after a day on the beach or in the bush.

Road Safety
Our transport infrastructure is excellent and our roads are in good condition.

We have very strict drinking and driving laws - with a maximum allowable alcohol blood content of 0.05%. Translated that means about one glass of wine for the average woman and perhaps 1.5 or two for the average or large man. Our speed limits are 120kmph on the open road, 100kmph on smaller roads and between 60 and 80kmph in towns.

Driving
All visitors intending to drive are required to obtain an international drivers permit, visitors found driving without a permit will be fined and not permitted to continue on their journey. Visitors will also not be able to rent a car without a valid driver's permit. The wearing of seatbelts is compulsory and strictly enforced by law.  Speaking on mobile phones whilst driving is only allowed via a hands-free kit.  South Africans drive on the left hand side of the road.

Vaccinations
Visitors who are entering South Africa from a yellow fever zone must have a valid international yellow fever inoculation certificate. Only infants under the age of one year are exempt. Immunisation against cholera and smallpox are not required and no other vaccinations are required when visiting South Africa.

By Road

An excellent network links all major points within the Durban region and surrounds.

Speed limit is 120km/h on open freeways, 80km/h on urban freeways and 60km/h in built-up areas.

Drive on the left side of the road. Road signage is in accordance with international codes. Foreign tourists require an international driver's licence, or one from their country of origin that has been certified by their Consulate.

It is against the law to make use of your cellular phone (mobile) while driving, and use of seat (safety) belts is compulsory.

*Legal blood/alcohol limit: 0.05mg per 100ml (approx. one tot).

 

By Coach

Elwierda: 021 418 4673

Greyhound: 083 915 9000

Intercape Mainliner: 0861 287 287

Translux: 0861 589 282

 

By Train

Blue Train: 012 334 8459

Metrorail: 080 065 6463

Rovos Rail: 021 421 4020

Shongololo Express: 086 177 7014

Shosholoza Meyl: 086 000 8888

 

By Air

FlySafair: 0871 351 351

Kulula.com: 0861 585 852

Mango: 086 100 1234

SA Airlink: 0861 359 722 / 044 801 8448

SA Express: 0861 606 606 / 044 801 8448

South African Airways: 0861 359 722

 

Metered Taxis & Car Hire

Budget Car Rental: 0861 016 622

Car Hire 4 U: 082 818 0030

Europcar Rental: 0860 011 344

First Car Rental:  0861 011 323

Hertz Rent a Car: 0861 600 136

Tempest Sixt Car Hire: 0861 836 7378

5*Car Rental: 082 783 2592

Metered taxis can be hailed at taxi ranks, however they are often crowded and operate along set routes, so you may prefer a private taxi.

 

Trips & Tours

Take a guided walking tour or set off on your own after collecting a 'Stellenbosch on Foot' brochure from the Stellenbosch 360 office at 36 Market Street.

For that special experience, enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through the vineyards.

Self-drive is recommended for venturing farther afield. There are several guided tours of the town, winelands and outlying regions.

The Congress Organisers have taken all reasonable care in making arrangements for the Congress, including accommodation.  In the event of unforeseen disruptions, neither the Congress Organisers nor the Society can be held responsible for any losses incurred by delegates.  The Congress organisers act as agents only in securing hotels, transport and travel services, and shall in no event be liable for acts or omissions in the event of injury, damage, loss, accident delay or irregularity of any kind whatsoever during arrangements organised through contractors or by the employees of such contractors.  Hotel and transportation services are subject to the terms and conditions under which they are offered to the general public.  Delegates should make their own arrangements with respect to personal insurance.  The Congress organisers reserve the right to make changes as and when deemed necessary, without prior notice to the parties concerned.  All disputes are subject to resolution under South African Law.