About CAPE TOWN
The beautiful city of Cape Town lies at the southern tip of Africa, in the shadow of the magnificent Table Mountain, a natural world heritage site. Cape Town is the oldest city in South Africa and is fondly referred to as the ‘Mother City’. It is a cosmopolitan city surrounded by nature and beautiful beaches, and offers world class accommodation, dining and shopping.
Table Mountain
One of the New7Wonders of Nature
Table Mountain towers 1082 metres above the city. Take the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway to the top of this or hike one of the scenic trails like Platteklip Gorge. The views from the summit offer a 360-degree panorama of the city, Robben Island, and the Cape Peninsula.
V&A Waterfront
A bustling harbour destination
A mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment. Visit the Two Oceans Aquarium, take a boat cruise, or explore the Zeitz MOCAA Museum of Contemporary African Art. The waterfront is also the starting point for tours to Robben Island.
Robben Island
A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Robben Island is where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. Guided tours, often led by former political prisoners, take you through the prison, showing you Mandela’s cell and sharing powerful stories about South Africa’s history.
Bo-Kaap
An historic neighborhood
This historic neighborhood is famous for its vibrant, colorful houses and rich Cape Malay culture. Visit the Bo-Kaap Museum, try traditional Cape Malay cuisine like bobotie and koeksisters, or take a walking tour to learn about the area’s history.
ACCOMMODATION options
Delegates are expected to book their own accommodation directly with providers. There are various accommodation options in the greater vicinity of the University of the Western Cape. These are some of the options available.
Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport
https://hotelverde.com/
Single room: R3015 per single room per night, B&B
Double room: R3415 per double room per night, B&B
Protea Hotel Tyger Valley
https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/cptla-protea-hotel-cape-town-tyger-valley/overview/
Single room: R1650 per single room per night, B&B
Double room: R1880 per double room per night, B&B
Excellent Guest House
Single guest: R950 per night
Two guests sharing: R970.00 per night
R130.00 per breakfast extra
R150.00 per dinner extra (dinner served from Mondays to Thursdays and has to be pre-booked)
Balmoral Lodge
Single occupancy: R1125 per person per night, Bed & Breakfast
Single occupancy: R1320 per person per night, Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
Sharing: R1315 per person, Bed & Breakfast
Sharing: R1705 per person, Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
TRAVEL INFORMATION for visiting Cape Town, South Africa
Below is basic information to help you prepare for your trip to the Smart Materials Conference in Cape Town in December 2025.
Weather in December
December marks the beginning of summer in Cape Town, characterized by warm temperatures and extended daylight.
- Daytime temperatures: Around 24°C (75.7°F)
- Nighttime lows: Approximately 16°C (61.3°F)
- Rainfall: Minimal, with an average of 6.4 days of rain totaling 16mm
- Sunshine: Approximately 11.1 hours per day
- UV Index: High (6), indicating a risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure
- Weather Atlas
Tip: Pack light, breathable clothing for the day and a light jacket for the cooler evenings.
Electrical & Connectivity
- Voltage: 220–240V, 50Hz
- Plug type: Type M (three round pins)
- Adapters: Essential for travelers from regions with different plug types
Note: Some hotels may provide dual-voltage two-pin razor sockets.
Visa & Entry Requirements
- Tourist Visa: Not required for stays of 90 days or less for most nationalities
- Passport Validity: At least 30 days beyond the intended departure date from South Africa
- Yellow Fever: Required if arriving from or transiting through countries with a risk of yellow fever
- Currency: Up to ZAR 25,000 may be brought into the country without declaration; foreign currency is unlimited if declared on entry
Tip: Ensure passports have at least two consecutive blank visa pages.
Safety & Security
While Cape Town is a popular tourist destination, it’s essential to exercise caution:
- Transportation: Use reputable services like Uber or hotel-arranged transfers.
- Personal Items: Avoid displaying valuables in public.
- Night Travel: Limit travel after dark, especially in unfamiliar areas.
- Local Advice: Stay informed about local conditions and follow guidance from local authorities and event organizers.
Accommodation & Amenities
Cape Town offers a range of accommodations suitable for conference attendees:
- Conference Venue: UWC (University of the Western Cape)
- Dining: Expect to pay around ZAR 250 for a restaurant meal
- Shopping Hours: Shops typically open between 08:00 and 17:30; malls may stay open until 21:00
Tip: Utilize hotel concierge services for local recommendations and assistance.
Travel Tips for International Delegates
- Health Insurance: Ensure comprehensive travel and health insurance coverage.
- Emergency Contacts: Familiarize yourself with local emergency numbers and embassy contacts.
- Local Currency: While credit cards are widely accepted, it’s advisable to have some local currency (ZAR) for small purchases.
- Language: English is widely spoken, but learning basic phrases in Afrikaans or isiXhosa can enhance cultural interactions.
© Smart Materials Conference 2025