IZE Conference 2026

Things to do in Cape Town

Wildlife Experiences

Boulders Beach Penguin Colony
Visit Boulders Beach near Simon's Town for a delightful close encounter with the local African penguin colony. These beautiful seabirds are an endangered species, and Boulders is home to one of only two mainland colonies in South Africa. The protected boardwalks allow visitors to observe these charming creatures in their natural habitat whilst ensuring their safety and conservation.
More information: www.sanparks.org

Cape Point National Park
Cape Point, part of the Table Mountain National Park, is located at the tip of the Cape Peninsula, 60 kilometres southwest of Cape Town. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers spectacular views, hiking trails, and pristine beaches. Home to a tapestry of endemic plants, antelope, baboons, and more than 250 bird species, Cape Point combines natural beauty with rich maritime history. Bartolomeu Dias named it the Cape of Storms for good reason – the point's violent storms and dangerous rocks have claimed many ships, with wrecks scattered along the rugged coastline.
More information: capepoint.co.za

Cape RADD (Research and Diver Development)
Cape RADD offers unique underwater research expeditions that combine diving adventure with citizen science, offering participants the opportunity to contribute to ongoing studies of South Africa's marine ecosystems. Their expeditions focus on understanding ocean changes through detailed observations of marine life, from tiny nudibranchs to larger marine species. Perfect for conference attendees interested in hands-on marine research and contributing to ocean conservation whilst exploring Cape Town's underwater world.
More information: www.caperadd.com

Marine Dynamics Shark Cage Diving
Come face-to-face with the ocean's apex predators on a world-class shark cage diving adventure in Gansbaai, approximately 2 hours from Cape Town. Marine Dynamics offers encounters with great white sharks, bronze whaler sharks, and broadnose sevengill sharks in their natural habitat. Using custom-built boats and experienced crews, this Fair Trade Tourism certified operator provides exceptional value whilst contributing directly to conservation through the Dyer Island Conservation Trust.
More information: www.sharkwatchsa.com

Animal Ocean Safari
Experience Cape Town's marine environment from above and below the surface with Animal Ocean's coastal adventures. Operating since 2009, this eco-friendly tour operator offers unique ocean safaris that provide in-depth encounters with Cape Town's marine life, including playful seals, elusive sunfish, and seasonal marine visitors. These tours blend adventure with marine conservation education, making them ideal for ocean enthusiasts seeking to understand Cape Town's marine ecosystem.
More information: www.animalocean.co.za

Cultural & Historical Sites

Robben Island UNESCO World Heritage Site
Take a ferry to Robben Island to learn about the dismal circumstances under which Nelson Mandela and many prominent anti-apartheid struggle heroes were incarcerated. Most tours are led by former prisoners, whose powerful stories will move you to tears and occasional laughter. UNESCO designated Robben Island as a World Heritage Site in 1999, recognising its significance in South Africa's journey to democracy.
More information: www.robben-island.org.za

Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art (MOCAA)
Located in the V&A Waterfront, this architectural marvel is housed in a former grain silo that was once the tallest building in Sub-Saharan Africa. Designed by British architect Thomas Heatherwick, the museum features more than one hundred galleries spread over nine floors. Allow plenty of time to explore this wonderland of contemporary African art and culture.
More information: zeitzmocaa.museum

Natural Wonders

Table Mountain – New 7 Wonders of Nature
Table Mountain stands tall and proud as an iconic natural wonder in the heart of Cape Town. With its breathtaking views, diverse flora and fauna, and historical significance, it has captured the hearts of millions of visitors worldwide. Take the cable car to the summit or challenge yourself with one of the many hiking routes to experience panoramic views of the city, coastline, and surrounding mountains.
More information: www.tablemountain.net

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Labelled as one of the most beautiful gardens in the world, this World Heritage site is home to over 22 000 different plant species, offering visitors the chance to see some of the rarest and most beautiful flowers on Earth. Kirstenbosch serves as a conservation hotspot, dedicated to protecting and propagating endangered plant species. The gardens are also a haven for bird enthusiasts, with more than 200 different species recorded in the park.
More information: www.sanbi.org/gardens/kirstenbosch

Culinary Experiences

World-Class Dining Scene
Cape Town boasts an internationally acclaimed food and wine scene that reflects the city's diverse cultural heritage. From traditional South African braai (barbecue) and Cape Malay curry dishes to innovative fine dining restaurants, the city offers culinary experiences to suit every palate and budget.

Local Specialties to Try:

• Bobotie – South Africa's national dish featuring spiced mince topped with egg custard
• Biltong and droëwors – Traditional dried meats, perfect as snacks
• Cape Malay curry – Aromatic curries reflecting the city's Malaysian heritage
• Koeksisters – Sweet, syrupy plaited pastries
• Fresh seafood – From snoek and kingklip to West Coast mussels

Wine Routes & Tastings
The nearby Cape Winelands, including Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl, are easily accessible for day trips. These regions produce world-renowned wines and offer spectacular vineyard settings with mountain backdrops. Many estates provide wine tastings paired with local cuisine, making for memorable afternoon excursions.

V&A Waterfront Food Markets
The nearby Watershed and various food markets at the V&A Waterfront offer artisanal products, local delicacies, and international cuisine in a vibrant, accessible setting perfect for conference attendees with limited time.

Attractions Beyond Cape Town

Wildlife & Safari Experiences

Kruger National Park – Mpumalanga Province
The flagship of South African national parks, this enormous and magnificent park is one of the most popular public-entry game reserves in the world. Established in 1898 to protect the wildlife of the South African Lowveld, Kruger offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa and is unrivalled in the diversity of its life forms.

Few visitors leave South Africa without experiencing Kruger or one of the private reserves along its borders. The park is accessible to all budgets – you can drive yourself around in your own vehicle and stay overnight in one of the many public rest camps, or indulge in exclusive private lodges with concessions within the park. Kruger features 12 main rest camps, 5 bushveld camps, 2 bush lodges, and 4 satellite camps to suit different preferences and budgets.
More information: www.sanparks.org

Urban Wildlife Experiences

Johannesburg Zoo – Johannesburg, Gauteng
One of South Africa's most popular attractions, situated in the leafy northern suburbs of Johannesburg. Founded in 1904 when land was donated for public recreational use, this 55-hectare zoo has grown into a world-class facility housing over 320 species and approximately 2,000 animals.

Open 364 days a year, the internationally accredited Johannesburg Zoo maintains high standards of animal welfare, nutrition, and ethical conduct to ensure the physical and psychological wellbeing of all its animals. The zoo serves as both an educational destination and conservation centre, making it perfect for families and wildlife enthusiasts visiting the economic hub of South Africa.
More information: www.jhbcityparksandzoo.com

National Zoological Garden of South Africa – Pretoria, Gauteng
Visit South Africa's largest zoo! Pretoria Zoo runs various programmes emphasising the value of a healthy environment and offers unique infrastructure for world-class research, facilitating studies that benefit the international research community. With its focus on education, research, and conservation, the National Zoological Garden provides an excellent complement to your Cape Town conference experience for attendees interested in conservation education and environmental stewardship.
More information: www.pretoriazoo.org

Western Cape Adventures

Cango Wildlife Ranch – Oudtshoorn
Home to over 90 species of amazing animals, including the world's first Croc-Cage Dive experience. This proud edu-tourism and conservation destination has been celebrating 30 years of conservation efforts, guaranteeing a fantastic experience for all ages. Open 365 days a year, a visit includes full day access and an informative guided tour of the facility, making it an excellent addition to any Garden Route itinerary.
More information: www.cango.co.za

Cango Caves – Oudtshoorn
A 20-million-year-old cultural and natural landmark that stands as one of South Africa's most spectacular underground experiences. These caves consist of a series of hidden chambers cut deep into thick limestone rock layers and are frequently described as one of the great Natural Wonders of the World. The intricate formations and vast chambers create an otherworldly experience that complements the wildlife attractions in the Oudtshoorn area.
More information: www.cango-caves.co.za

Coastal Marine Experiences

uShaka Marine World – Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
Africa's largest aquarium and a world-class marine destination operated by the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR). This 16-hectare site features an extensive underground aquarium and marine mammal facility with sophisticated life support systems. The facility combines education, research, and conservation with family-friendly attractions along Durban's Golden Mile beachfront.
More information: ushakamarine.com

Human Heritage

Maropeng – Cradle of Humankind, Gauteng
Journey to humanity's origins at Maropeng, the Cradle of Humankind UNESCO World Heritage Site, located just 50km northwest of Johannesburg. The name "Maropeng" means "returning to the place of origin" in Setswana, perfectly capturing this site's significance as home to the largest known concentration of human ancestral remains anywhere in the world. The interactive exhibition takes visitors on a remarkable journey through 3.5 million years of human evolution, featuring an underground boat ride and 2,500m² of engaging displays from the Big Bang to the present day. The site includes access to the world-famous Sterkfontein Caves, where iconic fossils like "Mrs Ples" and "Little Foot" were discovered, providing tangible evidence supporting the "Out of Africa" theory that human ancestors originated from this region.
More information: www.maropeng.co.za

Planning Your Extended Stay

These attractions offer excellent opportunities to extend your South African experience beyond Cape Town. Kruger National Park and the Garden Route (including Oudtshoorn) are popular multi-day excursions, while Johannesburg and Durban can be easily accessed via domestic flights for weekend trips. Many international visitors combine their Cape Town conference attendance with safari experiences or coastal explorations, making the most of South Africa's incredible diversity in a single journey.