
General Travel Info
Our venue, Sun City, is located along the border of the Pilanesberg National Park, in the North West Province of South Africa – a premier conference venue with all that Africa has to offer. Conveniently situated just 2 ½ hours’ drive from Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport, it provides a serene atmosphere and contemporary style to the 17th Conference & Exhibition.
Justify Your Trip
Download and customise the letter to meet your needs, adding immediate problems you’ll be able to solve and long-term initiatives you’ll be able to implement. Click here for the ‘Justify Your Trip’ letter.
Visa Information
When planning to attend the SAGA Conference in South Africa, the following must be taken into consideration when applying for a visa.
- You must have an international return ticket to South Africa.
- You must have paid your registration fee and accommodation in full.
- Proof of payment must be sent through to the organisers of the conference. Once received we will issue you with a ‘letter of invitation’, which you will need in order to get your visa
- To enter South Africa you will need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you form part of the High-risk countries
Requirements for visitors’ visas differ from country to country (click here to see which countries are currently exempt), and the requirements are subject to change.
Please click here to visit the South African Home Affairs website. This website will let you know exactly what is needed to apply for a visa.
Letter of Invitation
All delegates requiring a letter of invitation for business purposes can contact Kathy at info@sagaconference.co.za.
Internet Access
There is free wifi available throughout the common areas of the venue and hotels. For those staying on site at one of the Sun City hotels, your wifi extends to the whole Sun City complex.
Plug Points
South African plug points are different to those found elsewhere in the world. Remember to bring along a universal adapter that you can use to charge your laptops, batteries etc. South African plug points are three-pin, rounded plugs. South African plug points take plug types C, D, M & N – although type N is not very common. Please click on the link below to see pictures of the South Africa plug point requirements. Click here to see SA plug points.
Climate
The average temperature in Sun City in November for a typical day ranges from a high of 91°F (33°C) and a low of 61°F (16°C). Some would describe it as pleasantly warm with a gentle breeze. With that in mind, most people would dress in something very light like a sleeveless shirt. Definitely pack your bathing suit for lazing at the pool, hitting the Valley of the Waves, or trying the Temple of Courage!
In Sun City in November, there’s a 23% chance of rain on an average day. And on the average day it rains, we get 0.1 mm of precipitation – so not rainy at all.
Sun City is somewhat humid with an average amount of 47% (relative humidity), which is comfortable.
The average day in Sun City during November has 13.3 hours of daylight, with sunrise at 5:16 am and sunset at 6:36 pm. These are important times to note if you plan on a sunrise or sunset Safari in the neighbouring Pilanesberg National Park.
What to Pack
Sun City is largely a casual but upscale destination and typical resort clothes – sneakers or trainers, sandals, jeans, sun dresses, shorts and T-shirts – are suitable for most areas. Because summer days are hot, please ensure you have ample sun protection, including caps or hats and a high SPF lotion.
If you intend on doing sunrise or sunset game drives (or hot-air balloon rides) add warm jackets and long trousers, as well as gloves, closed shoes, socks, scarves and beanies.
Restaurants at The Palace of the Lost City tend to be either smart-casual or semi-formal – men should wear long trousers, closed shoes (not trainers) and collared shirts (not T-shirts) with sports jackets but ties are not necessary. Silhouette Nightclub also has a smart-casual dress code (no peak caps, trainers or printed T-shirts permitted).
Golfers are expected to wear standard golf wear (appropriate shoes and collared golf shirts).
Should you find you have forgotten to pack a specific item, Sun City has a number of boutique stores as well as two surf shops selling swimwear.
So in summary, don’t forget the following:
- hat
- sunglasses
- sunscreen
- international plug point adapters
- light and cool clothing for the days
- warm clothing for the evenings and early mornings
- for pre- or post-conference tours, don’t forget your binoculars, camera, and walking shoes
- any personal medication
Currency
For current exchange rates please visit http://www.xe.com/. Unfortunately, foreign currency is not accepted at the registration desk for late payments. If you wish to change money, there are Bureau de Change at both the OR Tambo International Airport and Lanseria Airport (Johannesburg).
Other FAQs:
Yes, the Pilanesberg National Park is an easy 15km (9 mile) drive from Sun City. Trips can easily be arranged prior to travel or when you arrive at Sun City.
Yes, it has elephant, rhino, Cape buffalo, leopard and lion. It is also home to cheetah.
No, Sun City and the Pilanesberg National Park are completely malaria-free.
Yes, all guests can enjoy the facilities at the Valley of Waves. The Grand Pool, however, is only available to guests of The Palace of the Lost City
No, all arrangements can be made at the Registration Desk when you arrive. For accompanying persons, Kathy and Marcia will connect you and help with planning a fun itinerary.
The Cabanas is the most family-friendly accommodation but all the hotels welcome children of all ages. Soho hotel has interleading rooms.
Yes, all the hotels have rooms suitable for paraplegics that include specially adapted en suite bathrooms with necessary handrails.
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