Journeys — Borders — Encounters:
The Southern African Society for Medieval and Renaissance Studies (SASMARS) Biennial International Conference 2026

Dates: 3 to 6 September 2026

Venue: Mont Fleur Conference Venue, Stellenbosch, South Africa

Included in the Conference Fees

Please note that the conference will be held in person and that conference fees include the following:

  • Accommodation at Mont Fleur Conference Venue for three nights (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday)
  • All meals, from dinner on Thursday, to lunch on Sunday. Dinners are 3-course meals.
  • Mid-morning and mid-afternoon tea and snacks.
  • Coffee and tea are available throughout the day.
  • The conference banquet on Saturday evening.
  • A 2-year membership to SASMARS.
  • A guided walk in the mountains surrounding Mont Fleur, weather permitting.

Day visitors are welcome, and the different options for day visitor attendance are outlined in the table below.

Fees are payable via electronic transfer. The bank account information will be shared with delegates along with their acceptance letters.

Flights and Transport

Cape Town International Airport is approximately 45 minutes from Mont Fleur Conference Venue. Find out more about the airport here.

We are using a private shuttle service, that we have used many times before, to transport delegates from Cape Town International Airport to Mont Fleur Conference Venue on 3 September 2026 and from Mont Fleur to the airport on 6 September.

Delegates who want to use the shuttle service simply need to share their flight times and the shuttles will be coordinated accordingly. Delegates will be greeted at Arrivals by the driver and are then taken directly to the Mont Fleur Conference Venue (approximately 45 minutes).

Please note that the shuttle cost is not included in the conference fee.

About the Venue

Mont Fleur, a family-run conference venue, is situated in the Blaauwklippen Valley on the outskirts of Stellenbosch, nestled in the Stellenbosch and Helderberg Mountain ranges amidst fynbos and vineyards.

Because of the venue’s breathtaking views, natural beauty, and excellent food and service, it has become the unofficial home of the SASMARS Conferences, and we look forward to returning to this mountain retreat time after time.

Visas and Travel Documents

International delegates must please confirm whether they need a Visa to visit South Africa. Acquiring a Visa is their own responsibility and for their own account, but we can provide an official letter of invitation. A list of exempt countries can be found on this South African Department of Home Affairs website.

Weather

The 2026 Conference will take place at the beginning of spring, with temperatures generally ranging between 17°C and 24°C (65°F and 74°F) during the day, dropping to about 7°C (45°F) at night. There are chances of rain during this time of the year, and you can expect four seasons in one day.

What to Pack

Because the temperature and weather conditions can fluctuate radically during the day, wearing layers is the easiest way to stay comfortable.

If you’d like to go on the guided walk, pack sturdy walking shoes.