THE 25TH CONGRESS OF THE SOUTHERN AFRICAN SOCIETY FOR QUATERNARY RESEARCH
Southern African Quaternary Climates, Ecosystems and People – Perspectives from the Lowveld
31 August – 4 September 2026
IMPORTANT DATES
Conference dates: 31st August – 4th September 2026
Abstract submissions deadline: 31 May 2026
Financial support deadline: 31 March 2026
Registration deadline: 30 June 2026
CONFERENCE VENUE & ACCOMMODATION
The conference is being held at the Wits Rural Facility in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. The site offers a range of visitor accommodation, seminar and conference venues, a restaurant, and laboratory facilities, all located within a 350-hectare bushveld estate owned by Wits University.
Wits Rural Facility is located approximately 25 minutes from Hoedspruit Airport and 30 minutes from Kruger National Park. A range of other activities is also available in the surrounding area, and some popular options can be found here.
TRANSPORT TO THE VENUE
Hoedspruit Airport – Eastgate (HDS).
There are daily flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town to HDS. See Airlink to make a booking. Wits Rural Facility is approximately a 25 minute drive from HDS. A shuttle service is available upon request.
Private transport
Wits Rural Facility is located approximately 450 km from Johannesburg. The N4 via Schoemanskloof bypass provides a scenic and reliable route.
WEATHER:
The weather in Hoedspruit during September is typically warm and dry, with pleasant conditions ideal for outdoor activities and wildlife viewing. Average daytime temperatures are generally around 27–28 °C, with nights cooling to about 14–16 °C. September also tends to be one of the least humid months of the year, with plenty of sunshine and long daylight hours. This means you can expect mostly sunny, warm days and cool nights, with low chances of rain and comfortable conditions overall.
PRELIMINARY PROGRAMME
REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED.
Registration fees include:
- SASQUA will sponsor drinks on some evenings; otherwise, a bar will be available on site.
- Entrance to all conference sessions
- Accommodation (choice of single, sharing or dormitory)
- All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Entrance to Kruger National Park and full day safari
Payment details:
Please pay the fees by bank transfer or Credit Card (PayFast payment gateway using links below) before 31 May 2026 and send the proof of payment to: sasquacomms@gmail.com
| PAYFAST LINKS (FOR CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS) | |||
| Single | Sharing (twin beds) | Dormitory (4 per room) | |
| Local SASQUA Members | R13 500 | R11 500 | R9000 |
| Local Non-SASQUA Members | R15 000 | R13 000 | R10 000 |
| Int SASQUA Members* | EURO 850 | EURO 740 | EURO 580 |
| Int Non-SASQUA Members* | EURO 950 | EURO 850 | EURO 630 |
*International delegate payment note:
Registration payments are processed in South African Rand (ZAR) via PayFast. The Euro-equivalent amounts shown are approximate and may vary depending on exchange rates and bank/payment provider conversion charges at the time of payment.
Banking details
Bank: ABSA Bank
Account Name: SASQUA
Account Number: 9054912711
Bank Branch Name: Durban city, branch code: 632005
Swift Code: ABSA ZA JJ
Reference: (SASQUA2026 + YOUR INITIALS + YOUR SURNAME)
OPTIONAL EXCURSION
Thursday afternoon, the 5th September 2026.
Safari drive at Manyeleti Game Reserve (R1550)
This elective excursion must be booked via the registration form. The cost of this activity will be for the delegate’s own account.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR PRESENTERS
Oral presentations: 12 minutes talk with 3 minute question time
Posters: A0 size, portrait orientation
ORGANISING COMMITTEE
Chair: Prof Marc Humphries
Dr Lynne Quick
Prof Justin Parteger
Dr Lauren Pretorius
Ms Asithandile Ntsondwa
SASQUA 