The XLIV Symposium of the International Society of
Dermatopathology (DermPath 2025) will take place at The Westin Hotel, Cape Town, South Africa.

To learn more about the venue, click on the venue tab in the menu.

International & Domestic Air Travel

A number of international carriers operate direct flights to Cape Town International Airport. Cape Town is also easily accessible by air from OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, as there are several daily flights between OR Tambo International Airport and Cape Town International Airport. Please contact your local Travel agent to arrange flights to Cape Town International Airport.

For a list of international carriers/airlines operating directly out of Cape Town International Airport use the following link: https://capetown-internationalairport.co.za/flights/international-routes.html

For a list of international carriers/airlines operating out of O.R Tambo International Airport following link : https://ortambo-airport.com/flights/international-routes.html

PLEASE NOTE: South African Airways (SAA), the country’s national carrier, was recently placed under business rescue, and has since been forced to reduce flights along certain routes or cancel them entirely. Please be mindful of the airline’s precarious financial position when planning your trip. Should you choose to fly SAA, please ensure that you are fully informed of your rights as a passenger, and check if you are sufficiently covered by your travel insurance for unforeseen circumstances such as flight cancellation, etc.

Weather
Although much of South Africa is blessed with glorious sunny spring weather during the month of October, this is not necessarily true of Cape Town. The average temperature in October is 16°C (61°F), and visitors can anticipate that the warmest time of day will be at an average maximum temperature of 21°C (70°F). October sees an average of nine rainy days, but these are generally associated with overcast skies rather than much by way of precipitation. A jacket and a small umbrella are useful items to bring along. Should you be going on safari to the Kruger National Park or elsewhere prior to or after the meeting, however, cool clothing for the day, a light jacket for night game drives, a hat and sunscreen are essential items.

Malaria Advice
For those visiting the Kruger National Park and environs, please be aware that the Kruger National Park is regarded as a moderate risk area for falciparum malaria. SanParks has issued the following statement on their website: “Please note:

As of late September 2017 we have noticed an increase in the amount of Malaria diagnoses in Kruger National Park. We therefore advise all travellers to cover themselves by taking chemoprophylaxis whilst visiting the Park. Your family physician will be able to advise you on the most suitable medication.
The risk of contracting malaria is often a concern when visiting the Kruger National Park. The Kruger is one of the two South African National Parks that are situated in malaria risk areas. The other park is Mapungubwe National Park. It is important to note that the risk of malaria in both of these parks is usually low, even in the summer months.
Malaria is mosquito borne disease transmitted exclusively through the bite of the female Anopheles mosquito. The highest risk period is between November and April – the end of the summer rainy season. Following the bite of an infected mosquito, an individual may remain asymptomatic for 12 – 35 days, depending on the species of malaria. This is known as the incubation period.
Malaria should be suspected in patients with any unexplained fever after visiting an area where malaria is endemic. The symptoms of malaria include:

Fever
Chills
Sweating
Headaches
Body aches
Tiredness
Stomach problems – These can include: Loss of appetite
Nausea and vomiting
Belly pain
Diarrhoea
Skin that looks yellow – This is called “jaundice”
Cough
Fast heart rate or breathing
When malaria becomes severe, it can cause symptoms such as:
Confusion
Hallucinations
Seizures
Dark or bloody urine

Most types of mosquito that are encountered will not carry the malaria parasite and if an individual is bitten it does not mean that they will contract malaria.
The risk of malaria can be reduced by preventing mosquito bites. Mosquitoes most often bite between dusk and dawn. People are advised to stay indoors during this period, or cover exposed skin with light clothing or insect repellents. Remember to spray one’s ankles. Burning anti-mosquito coils and ensuring netted screens are kept closed will significantly reduce your risk for contracting insect bites. All of the accommodation available in Kruger is fitted with netted screens.
Malaria prophylactic drugs can be taken that will further decrease the chances of contracting malaria. It is a difficult decision whether or not to take malaria prophylactics when visiting the Kruger National Park. The risk of contracting malaria needs to be weighed up against the side effects of the malaria prophylactic medication, and all the drugs available have various side effects. The choice of the appropriate drug that an individual should use is a decision that should be made in consultation with a medical doctor. There are three types of malaria prophylactic medications available for the strains of malaria occurring in South Africa, namely Doxycycline, Atovaquone/Proguanil and Mefloquine.

It is also important to know that taking malaria prophylaxis does not guarantee that an individual will not contract malaria, it decreases the risk of contracting the disease. Malaria should be excluded in anyone who presents with unexplained fever within 12 to 35 days after entering a malaria area. A blood test is the most accurate, although rapid tests are available that are also very accurate.”

The map is provided highlights the regions of South Africa where malaria is known to occur.

Entry
requirements for South Africa
Although citizens of the United States of America, Canada, the United Kingdom and many European countries do not require a visa to visit South Africa, citizens from certain countries do. For the latest information on South African entry requirements, please select this link: Department of Home Affairs for
the Republic of South Africa. Should you find that you do indeed require a visa, please be mindful of the following:

Apply early! South African embassies frequently require appointments and/or in-depth biometrics, which can add weeks to the visa application process. The recommended visa application processing time is 4 to 6 weeks. However, this is subject to change.
South Africa does not process visas upon arrival. Only select countries are able to enter without visas, and you must check with your local embassy or consulate to determine your individual entry requirements.
Contact your local South African Embassy or Consulate for current information. For a list of locations, please select the following link: South African Representation Abroad.
DermPath 2025 is not responsible for assisting with visa processes. A Letter of Invitation can, however, be requested during the online registration process. Please note that members of the DermPath 2025 Organising Committee cannot contact an embassy or consulate on your behalf.

Obtaining your “Letter of Invitation”

XLIV Symposium of the International Society of Dermatopathology (DermPath
2025) Letter of Invitation.

Your letter of invitation is sent upon request during the online registration process for XLIV Symposium of the International Society of
Dermatopathology (DermPath 2025).

Should you require an official Letter of Invitation, please feel free to direct your request to the following e-mail the Dermpath 2025 Team. Please include your registration confirmation number when doing so. Alternatively, the request can be made via the Registration for Content Access tab once you have registered to attend the Symposium. Kindly ensure that your full name, passport number and the name of the S.A. consulate are provided if the letter is required in support of a visa application.

Accommodation

DermPath 2025 has pre-arranged accommodation at the congress venue (The Westin Hotel, Cape Town) at a negotiated preferential rate. Since there is a limit on the number of rooms that are available, delegates are encouraged to reserve their accommodation as soon as possible. Please click here to book your accommodation.

Airport Transfers

Transfers to and from Cape Town International Airport can be arranged directly with the Transport Desk at The Westin Hotel, via the following e-mail address: westincapetown@jarottours.co.za Alternatively, taxi and Uber services are available from the Airport.

Airport Transfers:
1-3 pax @ R 695 per way per vehicle

Please note that we do offer individual and group tours.
Our highly qualified team and guides will ensure your experience a memorable and special one. We utilize the latest generated luxury air conditioned vehicles, whilst upholding the LQA standards to ensure that our guests are comfortable, safe and enjoy their time.

All our drivers are Leading Quality Assurance (LQA) trained.

To book kindly forward the completed form to, or contact us directly :
Shameela: +27 71 471 2271 | MK: +27 82 336 (Whatsapp) | MK: +27 82 786 8054 (calls) Email: info@mktours.co.za

Waterfront
Shuttle
A free shuttle service to/from the nearby Cape Town Waterfront with its plethora of shops and restaurants and the excellent Cape Town Aquarium is available for guests staying at The Westin Hotel.

Tours
A variety of exceptional day tours and pre- and post-Symposium tour packages and safaris are available. Simply click on the Tour Packages tab for further information and to secure your booking(s).

Attire
Conference attire is business casual for all days.

Internet
Access
WiFi and internet access will be available at the Symposium venue and for guests staying at The Westin Hotel.

Meals
Morning and afternoon tea breaks, along with lunch, are provided. The Gala Dinner is open to fully registered delegates. Accompanying non-delegates may attend the Welcoming activities and Gala Dinner for an additional fee, payable during the registration process.

Currency
The local currency is the South African Rand (ZAR).

Safety and Security
Cape Town, like many big cities the world over, is not free of crime. The City of Cape Town Tourism Information Bureau has made the following recommendations:

Keep your valuables such as jewellery and mobile phones hidden whenever possible.
Keep high-tech equipment such as cameras on your person at all times.
Try to walk in groups as far as possible, especially at night.
Pickpockets usually operate where there are large crowds. Be sure to keep your valuables safely tucked away on your person.
Try to follow main routes when travelling and stay in well-lit areas at night.
Hitch-hiking is dangerous. Do not pick up strangers or accept rides from people you don’t know.
When driving, stow your bags and other valuables out of sight, keep your doors locked and be vigilant when stopping at intersections.

Disclaimer:

The DermPath 2025 Organising Committee and participating societies accept no liability for any damage, injuries and/or losses of whatever nature incurred by participants and/or accompanying persons.
Arrangements for travel insurance and international health cover are the sole responsibility of the delegate.