Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes, you will need a passport to enter South Africa
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Please be sure your passport is in good condition, is valid for 6 months or more from the return date and that you have at least 2 unused pages.
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if you are departing with the group on March 23, please be sure your passport is valid until at least September 24, 2024.
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American Citizens will be issued a 90 day tourist visa upon arrival.
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There are no mandatory vaccinations when traveling from the US to South Africa.
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We do recommend that consult with your healthcare provider prior to travel for any specific medical needs.
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Please note, if you have any serious medical conditions, please consult with your healthcare provider as this will be a very active retreat.
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This trip is designed for individuals, couples, groups of friends and/or family that are looking for an escape from the norm of everyday life - inviting new experiences, pushing and/or challenging personal boundaries, exploring with like minded individuals, reconnecting with yourself & nature, living in the moment, enjoying equal parts relaxation and adventure with a whole lot of good vibes.
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Travelers should be of average fitness and able to regulate self boundaries during wellness activities.
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Travelers should be in good health prior to and during the trip. While there are good medical & emergency facilities available within relatively close proximity to the accommodations, this is still Africa and is not suitable for those with extreme medical conditions.
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Yes, all travelers must be at least 18years of age with proof of passport.
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While we love our children dearly, unfortunately, we do not allow children on this escape. Please inquire about other child friendly escape packages.
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All prices listed are per person
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All deposits are non-refundable as these are used immediately to support the planning and prepping process of the retreat. If you must cancel after making your final payment, we can only offer you a refund if we are able to fill your space with another attendee. We are responsible for paying our venues + vendors for your space regardless of whether you join. The sooner you can let us know of your cancellation, the more likely we will be able to fill your space and therefore work with you on a possible refund or transfer to a different retreat.
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If the escape rate inclusive of flights is purchased,
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flights included are roundtrip economy tickets from the traveler's closest MAJOR airport to meet the group flight
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group flight will be at the discretion of Ubulhe Escapes - a nonstop flight on delta or united airlines:
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Delta 210 - 835p depart ATL & 615p arrive CPT / Delta 211 - 1055p depart CPT & 830a arrive atl
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United 2222 - 640p depart IAD & 310p arrive CPT / United 2223 - 850p depart CPT & 650a arrive IAD
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flights must originate and return to the same city in the USA
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no additional stopovers are permitted
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no extended stopovers are permitted
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flights can be upgraded at the traveler's cost
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arrival & departure dates outside of specified travel dates may be requested by traveler but are not guaranteed
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If the escape rate exclusive of flights is purchased, flights to/from Cape Town International Airport are the sole responsibility of the traveler.
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We recommend flying with the group on the same flight. Once you book your spot, our travel agent will send you flight details for booking.
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You should fly into Cape Town International Airport (CPT) which is approx. 1hrs drive from the accommodation
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We recommend all guests to travel on the same flight. Upon arrival at Cape Town Airport, a van will transfer the group together to Scarborough. This cost will be included in the escape rate.
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The return transfer from Franschhoek to Cape Town Airport will also be a group transfer in a van which is included in the cost of the escape rate.
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The travel time from/to the airport/accommodation is approx. 1-1.5 hours.
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If you plan on traveling on different flights or dates, once you have booked your plane ticket please send us your itinerary so we can help you make arrangements for ground transportation at your own cost.
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You can reserve your spot directly on our website or by emailing us. A reservation requires a non-refundable 50% deposit.
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Cancellations are non-refundable.
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The remaining balance is due prior to February 15th, 2024.
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Credit card payments will incur in a 3.5% additional fee. To avoid this fee, other payment options include Venmo, and direct deposits.
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Reservations are not considered confirmed until Full Payment, Proof of Travel Insurance and a Signed Indemnity Form has been received.
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Answer here
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Yes, we require proof of Travel Insurance prior to your final confirmation of booking. Unexpected things can happen while traveling, especially when you travel Africa. Lost/damaged luggage, lost phone/camera, slip/fall, unexpected doctor visit, etc. Travel Insurance protects you. It's very affordable and you'll be glad you have it. Travel Insurance is different than flight insurance.
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Visa/Mastercard are the only credit/debit cards that work in South Africa.
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Discover and American Express ARE NOT ACCEPTED ANYWHERE.
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Debit cards (like from a Credit Union or smaller bank) do not work at restaurants/shops or ATM's. The debit card has to have a Visa/Mastercard logo on it. Your debit card will work at ATM's only if it has a Visa/Mastercard logo on it (and cash is king).
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Make sure you call and inform your bank/credit card companies the dates you will be in South Africa (and the country you layover in if you plan on using your card in the airport). That way your bank and credit card companies will put a fraud warning on your account when they notice your transactions in another country.
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You'll should have some cash on you to pay for personal items. ATM's are everywhere.
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All meals will be curated by our house chef and local restaurants. Please let us know your dietary requests when confirming your booking and we will do our best to accommodate your requests. Our chefs are experienced and comfortable accommodating all dietary needs including vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, dairy free, etc
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Please note that our retreats do allow for attendees to eat meat and/or drink alcohol up to your own discretion and as far as is respectful and mindful of the group.
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The Int'l leg of the flight from the US to Cape Town will be approx 14hrs to/ 16hrs from on a nonstop flight. This does not include flight times to/from originating cities outside of the international departure.
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6hrs -9hrs depending which Time Zone you are in
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March is the end of summer and heading towards fall. The days will likely be in the 70s-upper 80s. There may be some rain days and we will be staying at the tip of Africa on the coast so the days can also be very windy. The nights will cool off after sunset to low 60s to 50s.
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Bathing Suits, Yoga/Workout clothes, shorts, tshirts – comfortable lightweight clothing,
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flip flops or sandals, sneakers or hiking shoes, long sleeves/jacket & long pants for chilly nights.
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Bug Spray, Sunscreen & a Hat
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Plug adapters
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All props & equipment for wellness activities will be provided
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Cape Town can experience all 4 seasons in 1 day so wearing layers is ideal. The sun is extremely strong at the tip of africa, even on overcast days.
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The short answer is YES. While we are not going on safari and we will be staying in luxury accommodation, you are still in Africa where wild life roams free. You will encounter spiders, bugs, maybe snakes and likely baboons and penguins, possibly ostriches and various species of Bok.
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When you are in close proximity to wild animals, it is crucial to your safety that you respect their space and do not approach them for photos or to feed them. They may look cute and may visit the local coffee shop with you but please remember that these are WILD ANIMALS.
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