The 7th International Palaeontological Congress (IPC7)

30 November – 3 December 2026

Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town

Accommodation

Travel information

Cape Town International Airport



Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) is Africa’s most awardwinning airport. As Africa’s 3rd largest airport it processes over 8 million passengers annually with over 50 % of the country’s air passengers passing through the airport. It is the primary airport serving the city of Cape Town.





Located approximately 20 kilometres (12 mi) from the city centre, the airport has domestic and international terminals, linked by a common central terminal.


The airport offers direct flights from South Africa’s other two main urban areas, Johannesburg and Durban, as well as flights to smaller centres in South Africa.


Internationally, it offers direct flights to several destinations in Africa, Asia and Europe and many more via Johannesburg. Wesgro’s new Air Access division is currently in negotiation with several airlines based in Africa and Europe around new routes that will make it even more convenient to travel and trade with the Western Cape.

Public transport

MyCiTi is Cape Town’s safe, reliable, convenient bus system. It is the perfect wayto connect with the city from the airport and GROUND TRAVEL to explore some of the estinations Cape Town has to offer.

Walking

The city is ideal to explore on foot and this is the perfect way to experience the energy and vibrancy of the city.

Train

Cape Town Station is situated within walking distance of most of the city centre hotels. The Metro Rail system connects the city centre with the northern suburbs, southern suburbs and Cape Flats.

Car Rental

Cape Town offers a wide selection of car rental companies with good road systems. An international driver’s license is required and driving is on the left hand side of the road.

Cycling

The City of Cape Town is working to develop its bicycle infrastructure, and there are a growing number of safe cycling routes and places to ride in the city and surrounds as well as a number of bicycle hire shops.

Taxi Or Coach

Luxury air-conditioned coaches and shuttle buses usually transport delegates between the airport, hotels, Convention venues and the functions. Metered taxis are also available. The online travel service, Uber, is also a very popular and convenient way to travel around Cape Town.

Scheduled Tours

The bright red “Hop-on Hop-off” city sightseeing bus service comes complete with nine multilingual commentary channels, plus a “kiddie’s” channel. Tickets can be bought on board the bus or online by visiting www. citysightseeing.co.za or from the Cape Town Tourism Visitor Information Centre in Burg Street.

Travel advices:

Key visitor attractions

(Day tours)


These key attractions all lie within close proximity to the city centre.

Cape Point


Cape Point is the southernmost tip of the Cape Peninsula. The drive takes you via Chapmans Peak past steep mountains, secluded coves, beaches, villages and fishing communities. At Cape Point visit the Cape of Good Hope nature reserve – home of fynbos species found nowhere else in the world and a variety of wildlife including baboons, rhebok, Cape Mountain zebra, bontebok and the elusive eland. Return via the historical Simonstown naval base.

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Panoramic Cape Town City Tour


Visit the Castle, the oldest building in South Africa, then move on to another historic area of the city, the Cape Malay quarter situated on the slopes of Signal Hill. Imbibe its rich spiritual, musical and culinary heritage before diving down into the city centre itself. Drive along Adderley Street, the lively centre of town, past the historic Groote Kerk and St. George’s Cathedral, the Anglican Diocese of Nobel peace laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

Robben Island


Famous Robben Island, whose prison was once home to former South African president Nelson Mandela as well as many other black political freedom fighters, is now a World Heritage Site and provides stunning views across the bay with Table Mountain as its backdrop. A trip to the island is an unforgettable experience and offers a glimpse into the life and times of the apartheid era. Daily tours to the island, that take approximately 31/2 hours, include the ferry trip there and back, an island tour and a tour of the prison with a former political prisoner as your guide.

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Table Mountain


A cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain, a World Heritage Site, is a highlight of any Cape Town visit. The cableway takes you to the summit in under ten minutes whilst rotating gondola’s ensure a 360 degree view of Cape Town and Table Bay. At the top stroll along 2km of pathways and enjoy magnificent views from over 12 viewing sites and decks. Facilities on the mountain include a self-service restaurant, bistro, and a shop selling gifts and curios.

Winelands Tour


A visit to the Cape Winelands is an absolute must as the region is one of breathtaking vistas and majestic mountain backdrops while being steeped in rich culture and history. Rolling vineyards and quaint Cape Dutch homesteads await you, as well as award-wining wine farms offering some of the country’s best wines. Within an hour’s drive from the city centre, most popular and well-known regions are Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Wellington, Paarl, The Constantia Valley, that is just a 10-minute drive from the city centre.

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Kirstenbosch National Bontanical Gardens


The beautiful Kirstenbosch gardens cover an area of 528 hectares with 36 hectares of cultivated garden. The gardens are a celebration of South African flora – showcasing only indigenous South African plants. Fynbos, proteas, cycads and rolling lawns are intermingled with streams and ponds and well-laid out pathways for easy walking.

V&A Waterfront


This unique working harbor with scenic views of Table Mountain combines high-end shopping with entertainment, fine dining, boat trips and a world-class aquarium. Some of the City’s finest hotels are situated here.

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