The 4^th ICRBM Local Organising Committee looks forward to welcoming and hosting you with true South African hospitality and introducing you to the wide diversity of cultures and wildlife found in the Free State Province and the rest of our country.

While the official program already includes exposure to our cultural diversity, we would like to make it possible for you to have a “complete” experience while visiting South Africa (see Other social activities below).

Official program (costs included in registration fees)

* Welcome cocktail party: Sunday-evening 11 April 2010

* Mid-week tour: Wednesday 14 April 2010, from 12h00. Includes luncheon, a game drive, braai (barbecue) and leisure activities.

* For accompanying persons: registration includes admission to the welcoming cocktail function, mid-week tour and “braai” (barbecue), pickup from and return to the airport (on the specific days mentioned under Registration), and free transport to specially planned attractions and/or historical sites during times when the academic program is in session. Where applicable a guide will receive the “ICRBM4 accompanying persons group” on arrival. The specific outings and times/dates will be communicated to those interested and will be announced at a later stage. Possible venues include a variety of museums, the Florisbad Quarternary Research Site, a nature reserve and/or zoo, the 2010 World Cup stadium, historical buildings, the Bloemfontein Waterfront and the Mimosa Mall. No teas, coffees or lunches are included, but ample time will be allowed for persons to plan and enjoy these on their own.

• Post-Conference Field Trip (for those interested after the conference; (costs not included)     

Other social activities (costs not included in the registration fee)

We anticipate that the many vibrant restaurants, coffee shops and bars at the Bloemfontein Waterfront, Mimosa Mall and in Second Avenue will be popular venues for informal social gatherings (important to keep in mind when selecting your accommodation).

• Thursday night visit to a shebeen

For your convenience we also offer the following advice, information and links:

Bloemfontein is a relatively small, quiet city with most theatres and social and sport facilities concentrated around the Waterfront. Although it is considered as one of the safest cities in South Africa, we advise delegates to move around in small groups after dark, or make use of a taxi to return to their accommodation.

For those interested in other activities (e.g. theatre, art, sport, history, agriculture, hunting, photography, camping, canoeing and other outdoor life) or those who want to attend a church service of a specific religious denomination, we will put you in touch with the right program, person or group.

For those who want to travel further in the Free State Province or elsewhere in South Africa, we are proud to introduce you to our National and Provincial Parks and Routes: e.g.

http://www.sanparks.org/;

Map: Sanparks in South Africa

http://www.natureconservation.co.za/index.html?id=8;

http://www.kznwildlife.com/;

http://diamondroute.co.za/.

Interesting tourism sites are:

http://www.southafrica.net/sat/content/en/za/home;

http://www.safarinow.com/;

http://tourisminfo.wetpaint.com/;

http://www.safarinow.com/destinations/drakensberg/articles/Drakensberg-Travel-Guide.aspx;

http://www.deat.gov.za/.

Travel from Bloemfontein to most other areas in South Africa is made easy by:

plane (http://www.flysax.com/; http://www.flymango.com/) or

bus (http://www.greyhound.co.za/; http://www.intercape.co.za/; http://www.translux.co.za/; http://www.southafrica.to/transport/Busses/SA-Roadlink-bus/SA-Roadlink-bus.php5).

Travel to neighbouring countries in Southern Africa is made possible by:

plane (e.g. South African Airways http://www.saflights.co.za/airlines/south-african-airways.html) or

bus (see http://www.southafrica.to/transport/Busses/SA-Roadlink-bus/SA-Roadlink-bus.php5).

Other useful sites for travel in South Africa are:

South African Weather Service (http://www.weathersa.co.za/);

the South African Railways

(http://www.spoornet.co.za/SpoornetWebContentSAP/html/passengers.htm;

http://www.bookingsouthafrica.com/train_travel.htm);

car hire (http://www.mycarhire.co.za/; http://www.tempestcarhire.co.za/; http://www.avis.co.za/; http://www.europcar.co.za/; https://www.hertz.co.za/)

Other

Bloemfontein: 2010 Soccer World Cup Host City

• The ICRBM4 local organizing committee is willing to assist you in planning a hassle-free extended stay in South Africa, making the most of your time and funds. Contact navenant@nasmus.co.za.

Photos: 1&2 strong Grant, 3. W. Lubbe