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Infacon XV

Infacon XV: International Ferro-Alloys Congress

Cape Town, South Africa, 25-28 February 2018


The list of registered participants in the Companion Tours is available here.


Welcome Cocktail Function

On the Rocks On the Rocks On the Rocks On the Rocks

There will be a welcome cocktail function on Sunday night, 25 February 2018, at 'On the Rocks' in Bloubergstrand. The venue is right next to the beach, and has a spectacular view of Table Mountain. It is also possible to see Robben Island across the water. There is no additional charge for delegates and their companions to attend this function. A bus will take delegates from the Century City Conference Centre to 'On the Rocks' and back again. The bus from Century City Conference Centre will depart at 4:30pm.


Dinner at Kirstenbosch

Kirstenbosch Kirstenbosch Kirstenbosch
Moyo's Kirstenbosch Moyo's Kirstenbosch

On the Tuesday evening, 27 February 2018, there will be a social function at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. There will be time to walk around the gardens before dinner at Moyo's Restaurant, with a varied multicultural entertainment programme. There is no additional charge for delegates to attend this function, but tickets for additional accompanying persons or visitors will cost R600 each. The bus from Century City Conference Centre will depart at 4:30pm.


Companion Programme - Monday

Cape Point Cape Point Penguins

Scenic day tour by bus to Cape Point and the penguin colony at Boulders Beach

Departure time: 8:00am, from Century City Conference Centre
Duration: ~9 hours
Cost: ~R1250 per person
Drive along the scenic Atlantic seaboard coastal road, passing the beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay. See the Twelve Apostles mountain peaks, Hout Bay, and the Sentinel. Visit the craft market at the harbour, and shop for souvenirs. See Chapman's Peak. Visit the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, home to 'fynbos', wild animals, and birds. Option of lunch at the restaurant with views of Table Bay. Walk or take the optional funicular (own account, ~R80) to the lighthouse. Visit Boulders Beach to see the African Penguins. Drive through Simonstown. Return to your hotel.

Register your interest for the Monday Companion Tour by sending e-mail.
(Don't forget to press Send in your e-mail program.)


Companion Programme - Tuesday

Robben Island

Boat trip to Robben Island

Details to follow soon.
Departure time: ~10:00am, from Century City Conference Centre
Duration: ~5 hours
Cost: ~R500 per person

The tour includes a return ferry trip across Table Bay, a visit to the Maximum Security Prison, and a bus tour of the Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years (of the total 27 years that he was in prison). For more information go to www.robben-island.org.za. The actual tour starts at the Nelson Mandela Gateway where the ferry is taken to the island. The tour takes between 3.5 and 4 hours, including the return boat trip (but excluding the time for the bus from Century City). You will then disembark at Murray’s Bay Harbour, situated on the eastern side of the island, and take a short walk to the buses that will transport you to all the historical sites around the island. Alternatively, a walking tour to the prison is first undertaken, followed by the Island Bus Tour. You will meet your tour guide when you have boarded the buses. The full tour route includes the graveyard of people who died from leprosy, the Lime Quarry, Robert Sobukwe’s house, the Bluestone quarry, the army and navy bunkers, and the Maximum Security Prison where thousands of South Africa’s freedom fighters were incarcerated for years. Cameras are allowed to be taken to the island, but tripods are not allowed. Pictures and videos may be used only for non-commercial purposes. We recommend that you wear comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and sun protection cream. If you are prone to seasickness, it is advisable to take sea sickness pills / medication an hour prior to boarding the boat. Proof of identification is required when booking and boarding. This can be done using your ID document, drivers licence, passport, or birth certificate, or copies of these.

Register your interest for the Tuesday Companion Tour by sending e-mail.
(Don't forget to press Send in your e-mail program.)


Companion Programme - Wednesday

Bo-Kaap District Six Museum Table Mountain cablecar

Cape Town City Tour, Noon Gun, and Table Mountain

Departure time: 7:45am, from Century City Conference Centre
Duration: ~7 hours
Cost: ~R800 per person

Drive through Camps Bay, Clifton, and Sea Point, past Cape Town Stadium, and the the V & A Waterfront. See the city centre and Green Market Square. Walk through the Company Gardens. Drive past Houses of Parliament, City Hall, the Castle, and Slave Lodge. Visit the brightly coloured Bo Kaap / Malay Quarter to hear about the interesting history of this area. Join the Diamond and Tanzanite experience at Jewel Africa to discover these African treasures and the history of these sparkling gems. Ascend Signal Hill and witness the firing of the Noon Gun. Apart from hearing and seeing the cannon fired, you will find out why this cannon is here and what it is used for, while enjoying spectacular views of teh city, Cape Town Stadium, and the whole of Table Bay. This is a great photo opportunity. Continue to Table Mountain cable station to admire the views from the lower cable station, before returning to your hotel.

Optional extra: Cable car ride up Table Mountain, Additional cost ~R300 return

Table Mountain view

A cable car ride up to the top of Table Mountain is a unique experience. Table Mountain is one of the new 7 Wonders of Nature, and two world heritage sites can be seen from the top (Robben Island and the Cape Floral Kingdom). If you wish to travel to the summit by cable car (weather permitting), tickets can be purchased in advance through www.webtickets.co.za. Tickets are valid for 7 days from the chosen date. A variety of food and refreshment options are available for purchase, both at the lower cable station and on top of the mountain.

Register your interest for the Wednesday Companion Tour by sending e-mail.
(Don't forget to press Send in your e-mail program.)


Copyright © 2017-2018, Rodney Jones, rtjones@global.co.za, Randburg, South Africa (Last updated on 17 February 2018)