Logistics
Conference venue
The 27th International Microlensing Conference will take place in the Auditorium of the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) in Cape Town, which has the following address:
South African Astronomical Observatory
Observatory Road
Observatory 7925
The easiest option to get to the conference venue is to use a reputable e-hailing provider such as Uber.
Registration and conference fee
The registration deadline was 20 December 2024.
The conference fee for in-person attendance is ZAR 4000, or ZAR 2000 if you are a student. The fee includes lunch and refreshments on the conference days from 27 to 30 January 2025, as well as a conference dinner. Accompanying persons will be charged R600 for the dinner. An additional fee of ZAR 1000 is charged for the (optional) trip to the opening ceremony of PRIME on 31 January 2025, which includes the bus transfer, lunch and a snack. There is no cost for attending via Zoom, but you still need to register.
Please pay by 20 December 2024. You can generate an invoice with an online payment link at https://payments.saao.ac.za/.
Payment can also be made at the meeting venue for those experiencing difficulties with on-line payments, provided we are informed by the payment deadline.
Travelling to Cape Town
The easiest option to get to South Africa is to travel by plane, and you can reach Cape Town by direct flights from many international airports.
Depending on your country of origin, you might need a visa for entering South Africa. Applying for your visa as early as possible is strongly recommended. The Department of Home Affairs provides a page with more detailed visa information. We also recommend checking requirements with your travel agent, your local South African consulate or another reputable source. Please contact us directly if you require an invitation letter.
Even if you do not need a visa it is absolutely essential that you have two clean pages in your passport to receive the permit on arrival, or you might not be admitted to South Africa.
After arriving in Cape Town
After you arrive at the airport in Cape Town, there are various ways of getting to your accommodation:
- During the day, Uber is generally available. Please follow the signs for e-hailing. If you arrive early in the morning or late in the evening, this might not be an option, though. Only use an Uber booked through the Uber app.
- There are official airport taxis, which you can book from a desk in the terminal building.
- You may enquire with your accommodation whether they may offer a shuttle service.
You will likely be approached by people offering you a taxi service. It is advisable not to take up such offers.
Please note that the bus service from the airport is currently suspended.
Accommodation
You have to book your own accommodation. Cape Town offers a wide variety of hotels and guest houses, many of which are listed on international booking sites.
Travel Agent information
For secure bookings and to request a discounted government rate at one of the hotels listed below please contact one of these travel agents:
Heather Beadle <>
Jeanette Jwara <>
Nomzamo Lugongqo <>
The government accommodation rate is subject to availability. Unfortunately all rates are subject to the hotel’s final approval and are granted in accordance with what is available at the time of their request.
Hotel options
Below are four options for hotels, which you an book with one of the travel agents listed above. This is for informational purposes only and constitutes no endorsement by the conference organisers.
Protea Hotel by Marriott® Cape Town Mowbray
Fese Sona (Reservations Agent)
Phone: +27 (0) 21 442 5300 Protea Hotel by Marriott® Cape Town Mowbray
protea.marriott.com
Room Rate: R2 181 p/n
Hotel Sky Cape Town
Located in: Metropolitan Building
Address: 9 Lower Long St, Foreshore, Cape Town, 8000
Phone: +27 (0)21 879 5040
Room Rate: From R1 795 to R2 395
Southern Sun Cullinan Hotel
Address: 1 Cullinan Street, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Phone: +27 21 415 4000
Room Rate: From R4 320
City Lodge Hotel Victoria & Alfred Waterfront – Cape Town
Address: Corner Dock and Alfred Roads, Cape Town, 8012
Phone: +27 21 419 9450
Room Rate: From R2 055
The nearest hotel to the conference venue is the Protea Hotel Cape Town Mowbray, with the Wild Fig restaurant nearby.
