Emergency contacts and support details will be shared with all registered participants ahead of arrival.

Cape Town International Airport (CPT) is the main airport and is about 20–30 minutes from the city centre, depending on traffic. Air France, British Airways, Delta, Emirates, KLM, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Swiss, Turkish Airlines and United offer direct flights to Cape Town. Numerous other international airlines fly into Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) which offers seamless domestic flight connections to Cape Town.

Visitors from many countries (including the UK, US, Canada, and much of Europe) can enter South Africa visa-free for up to 90 days. Check with your local South African embassy or the South African Department of Home Affairs website for specific requirements.

The local currency is the South African Rand (ZAR). ATMs are widely available, and most major credit/debit cards are accepted. Currency exchange services are available at the airport and major hotels.

As with all international currencies, the exchange rate fluctuates. However a general, conservative rule of thumb is:

• Divide ZAR by ±22 to get GBP amount;
• Divide ZAR by ±20 to get EUR amount;
• Divide ZAR by ±18 to get USD amount;
• Divide ZAR by ±12 to get CAD amount.

View the most up to date exchange rates.

There is one time zone in South Africa, and Cape Town operates on South Africa Standard Time (SAST), which is UTC +2. No daylight saving time is observed.

Cape Town is a popular tourist city. Like any large city, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings, avoid walking alone at night, and use reputable transport services. GFF will provide guidance and optional group transfers. Beware of pickpockets and keep wallets and cell phones concealed.

South Africa boasts 11 official languages, but English is widely spoken, especially in Cape Town and in business settings.

December is summer in Cape Town, so expect warm, dry weather with daytime temperatures ranging from 22°C to 30°C (72°F to 86°F). Pack sun protection and light layers, as evenings can still be slightly chilly.

South Africa uses three plugs, but Type M plugs (three round prongs) are most common. Plugs have a voltage of 230V. Bring an adapter and check your device compatibility. In particular, note that US electronics expecting 110V are likely to be damaged when plugged into 230V plugs.

Yes, tap water in Cape Town is generally safe to drink, but bottled water is also readily available if preferred.

There are no mandatory vaccines for entry into South Africa, but it’s advisable to be up to date on routine vaccinations. Cape Town is not a malaria zone.

Yes, but check with your provider about international roaming rates. If your device supports eSIM, you can buy an eSIM data plan before you arrive using a service like Saily or Airalo. Alternatively, buy a local SIM card or eSIM on arrival for data and calls. The largest local networks are Vodacom and MTN.

Yes, comprehensive travel insurance (including medical coverage) is recommended for all international visitors.

Uber and Bolt e-hailing is widely available and convenient. GFF will also arrange group shuttles or transfers for key events. Most major international car hire outlets are available in Cape Town should you wish to self-drive. South Africans drive on the left hand side.

Cape Town is generally informal. For the forum, smart-casual attire is appropriate. The dress code for the dinners on night 3 and 4 is formal or traditional attire. For outings, comfortable shoes, light clothing, sunglasses and sun protection are recommended.

Cape Town is known for its world-class culinary scene. You’ll find award-winning restaurants, exceptional wines, and diverse international cuisine.

Be sure to try:

• Biltong (dried cured meat)
• Bobotie (spiced minced meat with an egg topping)
• Boerewors (a traditional spiced sausage)
• Bunny Chow (hollowed-out bread filled with curry)
• Cape Malay curry
• Chakalaka and pap (spicy vegetable relish served with maize porridge)
• Koeksisters (a sweet syrupy fried dough dessert)

Yes - 10% to 15% is customary in restaurants. Small tips are also appreciated for service staff, drivers and guides.

Here are additional ideas in Cape Town and surrounds:

• Hike up Lion's Head (1-2 hours) at sunrise.
• Take a surfing lesson at Muizenberg beach.
• Take a long stroll on the seaside promenade in Sea Point.
• Swim in Camp's Bay's tidal pool early in the morning.
• Attend a rugby or football match in the Cape Town stadium.
• Take a trip on the Franschhoek wine tram.
• Spend a weekend in Hermanus, a seaside leisure town. Be sure to drive there via Rooi Els to see the wonderful views from Clarence Drive. It's roughly a two-hour drive from Cape Town including time for a photo stop along Clarence Drive.
• Spend a weekend in Paternoster, a largely traditional South African West Coast fishing village. It's roughly a two-hour drive from Cape Town. If you're in the mood for a unique fine dining experience, be sure to visit Wolfgat, named the Best Restaurant in the World at the 2019 World Restaurant Awards.

If you're keen for trips further afield, these are our top recommendations:

1. Spend a few days in Wilderness and/or Knysna on the Garden Route. It's a five-hour drive from Cape Town or an hour-long flight to George and then a short drive to Wilderness.
2. Visit the quaint Karoo (semi-arid desert area) town of Prince Albert, as well as the Ostrich capital, Oudtshoorn. Prince Albert is a four-hour drive from Cape Town. Stop for lunch at Matjiesfontein on the way. Drive to Oudtshoorn via the scenic Meiringspoort, and be sure to visit the Cango Caves while in Oudtshoorn.
3. Fly to Gqeberha, rent a car, and spend two days in the Addo Elephant Park. The park is big enough to make for an authentic game-viewing experience, but small enough to cover in two days. Be sure to explore the beautiful Cape Saint Francis and surf capital Jeffreys Bay (or "J-bay", as it is affectionally known) nearby, too.