Conference Venue & Travel

Air Force Base Waterkloof

– a historic and operationally active military installation in Pretoria, South Africa, 

and the home of the Africa Aerospace and Defence Exhibition.

Air Force Base Waterkloof

Air Force Base Waterkloof is one of South Africa’s premier military air bases, located in Centurion, Pretoria. As the host venue for the biennial Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) Exhibition, Waterkloof offers world-class facilities and a uniquely authentic backdrop for a defence and aerospace conference.

The base provides extensive conference and exhibition infrastructure, combined with the operational atmosphere and strategic significance befitting a premier defence gathering.

Further venue details and facility information will be published closer to the event.

Conference Dates

16, 17 & 18 September 2026

Venue

Air Force Base Waterkloof, Centurion, Pretoria, South Africa

Parking

Park-and-Ride: Complimentary parking is available at Armscor off Boeing Street. Shuttle buses will operate from 08h00 to transport delegates to and from the conference venue.

Catering

Refreshments will be served throughout each day, with a gourmet lunch pack included for all registered delegates.

Also Hosting

AAD 2026 Exhibition – Africa’s premier aerospace and defence show (16–20 September 2026)

Location & Directions

Air Force Base Waterkloof is situated in Centurion, approximately 30km south of Pretoria’s city centre and 40km from OR Tambo International Airport.

From OR Tambo Airport

Take the N14 west and then the R55 south toward Centurion. Follow signs to AFB Waterkloof via Voortrekker Road. Approximately 40-50 minutes depending on traffic.

From Lanseria Airport

Take the N14 east toward Centurion. Follow the R55 south and follow conference signage. Approximately 45–55 minutes depending on traffic.

From Pretoria CBD

Head south on the N1 highway, take the Centurion exit, and follow Voortrekker Road to AFB Waterkloof. Approximately 20–30 minutes from central Pretoria.

Accommodation

Multiple hotels in Centurion and Pretoria – accommodation details published closer to event

Security Clearance Requirements

As Air Force Base Waterkloof is an active military installation, all delegates are required to undergo a security clearance process prior to the event.

Please read the following carefully.

Register Early

Delegates are strongly encouraged to register as early as possible to allow sufficient time for the security clearance process to be completed before the event.

Clearance Submission

Upon registration, your delegate details will automatically be submitted to the relevant authorities for the required security vetting process for access to the base.

Full Refund Guarantee

In the event that security clearance is not granted or base access is denied, all conference registration fees paid will be refunded in full – no questions asked.

Security Clearance Notice

All attendees must hold valid security clearance to access Air Force Base Waterkloof.

Please ensure you register well in advance of the conference dates (16-18 September 2026) to allow adequate processing time.

Delegates will need to present valid identification (South African ID or passport for international delegates) at the gate on each day of attendance. Accreditation badges must be worn at all times.

For any queries regarding clearance, please contact us at nonthuthuko@defenceweb.co.za.

Accommodation

A range of accommodation options are available near AFB Waterkloof in the Centurion and greater Pretoria area.

Our recommended hotels and accommodation partners will be listed here as they are confirmed.

Conference Hotel

Official conference hotel to be confirmed. Preferential rates available for delegates.

Centurion Hotels

Various hotels in Centurion are within 10-15 minutes of AFB Waterkloof. Recommendations coming soon.

Need Help?

Contact our team for accommodation queries or to enquire about group bookings.

AAD 2026 Exhibition

The AAD Conference runs alongside the full Africa Aerospace and Defence Exhibition – Africa’s premier biennial aerospace and defence show, held 16-20 September 2026 at Air Force Base Waterkloof. Full Conference Pass holders receive complimentary exhibition access.