20s & 30s Asian Going Out Group
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South Africa is a magical and unforgettable destination!
Lively cities, stunning mountain landscapes, and world-renowned nature reserves teeming with the most remarkable wildlife awaits us in Africa’s southernmost country. Let's visit the land full of record-breaking animals! Elephants (largest land mammal), ostriches (largest bird), giraffes (tallest animal), cheetahs (fastest land mammal), elands (largest antelope), whale sharks (largest fish), and leatherback turtles (largest reptile), to name just a few. This action-packed tour of South Africa's highlights is perfect for the adventurer with limited time who wants to explore the region's diversity. We'll travel the scenic Panorama Route, experience an amazing safari at the iconic Kruger National Park, tour the spectacular Cape Peninsula (and much more). Our Adventure Tour Leader will help us find the secluded spots only the locals know. Does this sound like a fun and relaxing vacation to you?
Six Reasons to Book This Trip:
1. Affordable Adventure - Did you know that this trip INCLUDES a tour of the scenic Panaroma Route (to include Blyde River Canyon, Bourke's Luck Potholes, and the Three Rondavels), exciting safari excursions at the world-renowned Krugar National Park (at both the popular Satara and Lower Sabie camps), a tour of the stunning Cape Peninsula, a panoramic ascent via the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway to the top of the famous mountain, a tour of the rocky Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, a visit to the adorable penguin colony at Boulders beach, a trip to the award-winning Groot Constantia wine estate, an exploration of the amazing Cape wine routes, an Adventure Tour Leader for the full duration of our adventure, 8 hot breakfasts, 1 welcome dinner, transfers from and to the airport, all in-country transfers between cities, 8 nights in a hotel, 3 events in DC (2 dinners and 1 Embassy visit), plus a South Africa book discussion (book included) during the trip... all for less than $256 a day??
2. Shared Photos - As with all of our events, we can all upload our pictures to this website to share the best of our photos and multiply the memories!
3. Make New Friends - We are the ONLY Meetup group that offers us the opportunity to travel abroad with other globally-minded people from the DC area, PLUS arrange 3 more events for the group that take place in DC to make sure that we will make friends that we will continue to see in DC!
4. Leadership - I (J.T., your organizer) will be there every step of the way, making sure that the trip goes as smoothly as possible.
5. Book Discussion - We will each receive, read, and discuss sections of "The Elephant Whisperer: My Life with the Herd in the African Wild," a tale of one man's life devotion to animal conservation, protecting the world's endangered species, that will help give us a sense of the spirit, culture, and beauty of South Africa. Please note if new prints are unavailable, the best available condition used book will be obtained.
6. Unforgettable Memories - South Africa is truly is a magical and adventurous place. Let's experience it together and make some wonderful memories!
This 9-day exciting expedition through South Africa is crammed with all the energy and activities deserving of our group. We'll begin our journey in DC with a fabulous dinner at Blackfinn restaurant on I (Eye) Street in northwest. Then, before departing on our trip, we will have a private visit at the Embassy of South Africa featuring diplomats who will teach us about their country. Shortly after we return stateside, we'll reunite at Hard Rock Cafe restaurant on E Street in northwest for a recap of our travel experience for our reunion dinner!
To help us pass the time while traveling and to learn even more about this culture-rich society, we'll read the book "The Elephant Whisperer: My Life with the Herd in the African Wild" by Lawrence Anthony during our trip. At certain points during the trip, I (J.T., your Meetup organizer) will lead discussions of the book for anyone who wants to participate!
Please note this is a joint trip with the mainstream 20s & 30s Going Out Grouop, 30s & 40s Going Out Group, and the Global Adventurers Traveling Group. Our traveling group will likely consist of members with an average age in their 30s.
Questions? If you have any questions not answered on this page, please post a comment in the comment box below, message me through my Meetup profile, or call / text me at 703.470.4848.
We've got an early bird special for this trip of $2295! The first 20 paid sign-ups, or those who pay before Wed. Feb. 1st (whichever comes first) get the early bird price! After that, the trip price will go to $2395, then $2495, then $2595. Our past trips have always sold out quickly! We have a LIMITED number of spots so make sure to RSVP early AND make payment to secure your spot and get the early bird price! To make payment, please follow the steps in the Payment section of the event posting.
I hope you can join us on this amazing adventure!
- J.T.
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ITINERARY
Mon. Jan. 16th: Pre-Trip Dinner at Blackfinn
This delicious meal at Blackfinn restaurant (or similar) on I (Eye) street in northwest is open to other group members as a paid event, but is FREE for those attending the trip. It is wonderful way for all trip-goers to meet each other for the first time, and it's a perfect time for those who haven't yet signed up to ask any questions related to the trip. I will even refund the cost of the dinner to anyone who signs up and makes payment for the South Africa trip AFTER our dinner!
(Embassy of South Africa)
Thurs. June 29th: Pre-Trip Embassy Visit
We will meet with South Africa diplomats and receive an official country briefing including the history, geography, culture and tourism of South Africa (pending embassy approval). This event is organized exclusively for trip-goers and will NOT be open to other members of our group.
(Johannesburg)
Sat. Aug. 5th: Day 1, Johannesburg
Arrive at any time in Johannesburg, then check in and enjoy the city. Please try to arrive before 7pm for an important group welcome dinner where we'll meet with our Adventure Tour Leader and other group members.
With temperatures in the upper 60s during our visit, Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa, is one of the 50 largest urban areas in the world, and has so much to offer. There are wonderful restaurants, relaxed sidewalk cafes, laughter-filled shebeens, glitzy shopping malls, tranquil parks, unique emotive museums and monuments, thrilling casinos, busy townships, amazing galleries, funky nightclubs, and more.
(Nelson Mandela Square)
Must-do activities include the Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill to find out more about South Africa's turbulent past; drinks at The Westcliff hotel overlooking the green belt of Johannesburg while listening to the lions roar from the nearby Johannesburg Zoo; shopping up a storm at any of the many designer malls such as Sandton City, Nelson Mandela Square, Rosebank Mall and Soweto's Maponya Mall; and, as a fitting end to all the fun, a visit to one of many health and beauty spas, or a walk in one of the many parks.
Overnight: Africa Sky Lodge or similar. Estimated Travel Time: 10 minutes. Approximate Distance: 4 miles
(Panorama Route)
Sun. Aug. 6th: Day 2, Mpumalanga / Panorama Route
Jaw-dropping. This is probably the best word to describe the unspoilt nature of the Northern part of South Africa. Breathtaking views, plunging waterfalls, fertile valleys, raging rivers, soaring mountain peaks, looming rock formations, eagles flying above us, and a rich history (quite literally, as it includes the gold rush years) are the kinds of things we better get used to when we travel the Panorama Route, with numerous scenic stops along the way, in Mpumalanga (meaning "the place where the sun rises")!
(Blyde River Canyon)
We'll get to see and experience the world-renowned Blyde River Canyon, the most stunning part of the Panorama Route. Also known as Happy River Canyon (Blyde means "happy" in Dutch), this is the largest green canyon in the world, lush with vegetation, and the 3rd largest overall canyon in the world, behind the Grand Canyon and the Fish River Canyon, respectively. It is the only true canyon in South Africa, and it boasts numerous panoramic viewpoints and plunging waterfalls.
(Bourke's Luck Potholes)
One of those viewpoints is Bourke’s Luck Potholes, which marks the beginning of the Blyde River Canyon. A series of natural geological formations that seem nearer to art than nature, they are formed by centuries of water flowing through the landscape. This natural attraction is made up of inter-connected pools, interlaced with sandstone outcrops. The potholes occur where the Treur River joins the Blyde River. Named after prospector, Tom Bourke, who had hoped to find gold at this site. He was unsuccessful, but other prospectors had more luck in the area.
(Three Rondavels)
Another stunning viewpoint we'll get to experience is the Three Rondavels, an ancient geological wonder. Shaped like traditional African beehive huts, the Three Rondavels form three huge pinnacles of rock rising above the canyon below. Also known as the Three Sisters, and sometimes referred to as the "Chief's Troublesome Wives," with the flat-top peak representing the chief (Mapjaneng), and the rondavels representing his three wives, the view from the Three Rondavels lookout point is widely considered the finest in South Africa.
Overnight: Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate or similar. Estimated Travel Time: 8 hours. Approximate Distance: 270 miles
(Kruger National Park)
Mon. Aug. 7th: Day 3, Kruger National Park / Satara Camp
We'll depart in the morning for Satara Camp, stopping and sighting game and scenery along the route within the world-renowned Kruger National Park. We'll take a journey of exploration to find Africa's big five: elephant, lion, rhino, leopard, and buffalo. Steeped in legend and history, Kruger National Park offers the greatest variety of wildlife species on the African continent, and is South Africa's most exciting safari destination. The park is the size of a small country, spanning nearly 2 million hectares, as many of the surrounding private reserves have removed their fences, allowing wildlife to roam freely between reserves. Truly the flagship of South African national parks, it is home to over 150 mammals, 100 reptiles, 500 bird species, multiple archaeological sites, vast landscapes, and a stunningly diversity of trees and flowers.
(Kruger National Park)
Satara Camp has a firm reputation for being one of the best spots in the world for viewing large cats. Attracted by the herds of antelope that come to graze here on the fertile land of the plains, lion, leopard and cheetah are often spotted stalking their prey nearby the camp – a spectacular sight that we're unlikely to forget. General game includes blue wildebeest, Burchell’s zebra, waterbuck, giraffe, and the ubiquitous impala. Rhino, buffalo and elephant are also easily seen - of the smaller animals, the honey badger is something to look out for. The camp itself has a rustic charm, with the bulk of the accommodation set out in a series of circles, with the bush relatively open and the animals plentiful and diverse. The camp is well wooded and the daytime bird-life is prolific.
Overnight: Satara Camp or similar. Estimated Travel Time: 5 hours. Approximate Distance: 75 miles
(Sunrise at Kruger National Park)
Tues. Aug. 8th - Wed. Aug. 9th: Day 4 - 5, Kruger National Park / Lower Sabie Camp
We'll depart early for an incredible game drive at 5am for beautiful sights at sunrise when animals begin to stir, and return late morning for a hot breakfast and a rest, before departing for an exciting afternoon game drive. Lower Sabie Camp in the Kruger National Park is the most popular camp in all of Kruger, and for good reason. It overlooks the Sabie River and boasts a beautiful viewing deck as well as walkways along the river. Views of the Lebombo Mountains beyond form the natural boundary and act as a highlight of the Kruger National Park. Large numbers of game are attracted to the abundance of water, sweet grass, and foliage in the vicinity of Lower Sabie Camp, giving rise to a diversity of game, almost unequaled anywhere else in the park. The area is also rich in lion, cheetah, elephant, hippopotamus, rhino, herds of buffalo up to 800 strong, and is known for its high density of warthog.
(Sycamore Fig Tree at Kruger National Park)
Expansive green lawns are shaded from the sun by majestic Sycamore Fig trees, providing the setting for a breathtaking panorama. The Sycamore Fig tree provides generously for the livelihood of many animals, birds and insects. Not only do these giants produce fruit at least twice a year, but different trees produce fruit at different times, extending the gifts of life over many months.
Watching the endless procession of animals coming to drink at the Sabie River establishes a sense of our own place in the eternal cycle.
Overnight: Lower Sabie Camp or similar. Estimated Travel Time: 5 hours. Approximate Distance: 40 miles
(Cape Town)
Thurs. Aug. 10th: Day 6, Cape Town
In the morning, we'll transfer to the airport for our flight to Cape Town, stopping and sighting game and scenery along the way. Once we land, we'll then take a ride to our hotel. The rest of the day is free for us to explore South Africa’s most cosmopolitan and oldest city, with a long and rich history.
Name by Lonely Planet as the 2nd must-see destination in the world, on their Best in Travel 2017 Cities list, Cape Town is a coastal city in South Africa, and the second most populous urban area in South Africa, after Johannesburg. Nicknamed "Mother City," Cape Town has it all: golden beaches, soaring mountains, sweeping harbors, bountiful vineyards, and botanical gardens. From hiking up a mountain, to lazing on a beach, to exploring a vibrant inner-city area, to eating a meal prepared by Luke-Dale Roberts, to shopping on Long Street, we'll never fall short of finding something remarkable to do.
(Paragliding Option)
Located on the shore of Table Bay, Cape Town was first developed by the Dutch East India Company as a supply station for Dutch ships sailing to East Africa, India, and the Far East. Jan van Riebeeck's arrival on 6 April 1652 established the first permanent European settlement in South Africa. Cape Town quickly outgrew its original purpose as the first European outpost at the Castle of Good Hope, becoming the economic and cultural hub of the Cape Colony.
We can pick optional activities according to our interests. They include paragliding, bicycle tours, shark cage diving, hiking, camel rides, kayaking, whale watching, and much much more.
Overnight: Underberg Guest House or similar. Estimated Travel Time: 8 hours. Approximate Distance: 1200 miles
(Cape Peninsula)
Fri. Aug. 11th: Day 7, Cape Town / Cape Peninsula
Today we will embark on a spectacular journey around the Cape Peninsula taking in all the highlights and breathtaking beauty of this world-renowned region. It is a generally rocky peninsula that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean at the south-western extremity of the African continent. The peninsula has an unusually rich biodiversity and is 30 miles long from Mouille point in the north to Cape Point in the south.
(Table Mountain)
With a 5 star rating on TripAdvisor, we will ascend Table Mountain, South Africa's most famous landmark. A flat-topped mountain overlooking the city of Cape Town, it's part of a protected national park, and it has some remarkable features that make it a great destination for nature-lovers. Declared a Natural World Heritage Site, and Natural New 7 Wonder of the World, it is a haven of magnificent mountains plunging into crystal seas fringed with bleached white sands of the Cape Peninsula. We will be 3,500 feet above the city and here, in this unique location, we will find rock hyrax, lizards, butterflies, and the odd porcupine. There is also a wide array of birdlife from eagles to sunbirds flying above great patches of fynbos, the Cape’s indigenous flora.
(Table Mountain Aerial Cableway)
We'll ride the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, a state of the art cable car transportation system (only 1 of 3 in the world), to get to the top. It's a spectacularly scenic 5 - 10 minute ride we'll be sure to enjoy. The floor of the 65 passenger cable car rotates 360 degrees, for a complete aerial view, while traveling at a speed of up to 33 feet per second. In operation since 1929, the upper cable station offers views over Cape Town, Table Bay, and Robben Island to the north, and the Atlantic seaboard to the west and south.
(Cape of Good Hope)
We'll next make our way to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, a rocky promontory at the southern tip of the Cape peninsula, and in the past marked the point where a ship traveling south from Europe turned east. In 1859 the first lighthouse was completed; it still stands at 750 feet above sea-level on the highest section of the peak and is now used as the centralized monitoring point for all the lighthouses on the coast of South Africa. With its diverse habitat, ranging from rocky mountain tops to beaches and open sea, the Cape of Good Hope is home to at least 250 species of birds and there is a wealth of small animals such as rock hyrax, water mongoose, Cape clawless otter, white deer, and baboons. The strategic position of the Cape of Good Hope between two major ocean currents ensures a rich diversity of marine life. The area offers excellent vantage points for whale watching such as Southern Right, Humpback, Bryde's, and Killer whales.
(Penguin Colony at Boulders Beach)
After lunch, we'll visit the penguin colony at Boulders beach. Because it falls under a Marine Protected Area, the beach is always clean and safe (with it's squeaky-clean soft-white sand, massive granite boulders, and crystal clear warmish waters) and it is rarely crowded. The local inhabitants – and I’m talking about the cute little tuxedoed chaps here – African Penguins, are the only penguins found on the continent, and this is the only place in the world where we can get up close to them. We won't be able to resist these waddling wonder birds, but that’s a great thing because they need our attention. African Penguins were reclassified in 2010 from a Vulnerable to now Endangered status. From just two breeding pairs in 1982, the penguin colony has grown to about 3,000 birds in recent years. Let's have fun watching them them go about their daily business: preening and sunning themselves, guarding a nest, waddling along the sand like an old married couple, and then transforming into sleek black-and-white torpedoes as soon as they enter the water.
(Penguin Colony at Boulders Beach)
We'll end our day at Groot Constantia, the oldest wine estate in South Africa (founded in 1679) and a certified national monument, and get a tour of the cellar. Set in magnificent gardens with views over Cape Town, it has consistently produced top quality wines over the centuries. It was awarded 2016 Top South African Wine Producer by The South African Wine Index (SAWi). We'll wander through the beautifully restored Manor House (time permitting), arguably the finest surviving example of Cape Dutch architecture in South Africa, and the view from in front of this grand old homestead will most certainly put us in the perfect mind-set to experience what is easily the Cape’s finest estate. "Groot" in Dutch and Afrikaans translates as "great" (as in large) in English.
Overnight: Underberg Guest House or similar. Estimated Travel Time: 3.5 hours. Approximate Distance: 100 miles
(Groot Constantia Wine Estate)
Sat. Aug. 12th: Day 8, Cape Town / Cape Wine Routes
Today we'll explore the wine routes of South Africa. They trace not only the history and development of the country’s 350-year-old wine-making tradition, but South Africa’s maturation into a full-bodied, flavorful democracy. The wine routes of South Africa fall largely within the Western Cape province where the bulk of the country’s wine production takes place. The Cape Winelands, and beyond, offer a multitude of wine routes to explore, along with brandy routes and wine biodiversity routes. South Africa has the longest wine route in the world, the R62 wine route.
(Cape Wine Routes)
We'll get to experience the viticulture, restored Cape Dutch farmsteads with their distinctive gables and thatched roofs, and the mountains that form the dramatic backdrop to all of this. Just a half an hour outside Cape Town, we are already at the beginning of the Cape vineyards, where cultivation of grapes dates back to the 1600s. Today this is the largest winemaking region in South Africa. Estates are large, and every winery seems to offer cozy accommodation, fine dining, casual bistros, gourmet wine pairings, and elaborate tastings.
After our day exploring the Cape Wine routes, let's get together for dinner and head out for a final night on the town!
Overnight: Underberg Guest House or similar. Estimated Travel Time: 3 hours. Approximate Distance: 80 miles
(Orlando Towers Adventure Center in Johnnesburg)
Sun. Aug. 13th: Day 9, Johannesburg
We'll transfer to the airport for our return flight to Johannesburg. Depart anytime after 4pm (do not book onward travel until after this time in case of delays).
Estimated Travel Time: 5 hours. Approximate Distance: 1100 miles
TBD: Post-Trip Reunion Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe
Dates and details TBD. We will feast on a sumptuous meal at Hard Rock Cafe (or similar)! Dinner attendance will also be open to non-trip goers in our group.
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PRICE
Price below reflects double occupancy. For single occupancy, please add $550.
$2295 if booked before Wed. Feb. 1st (or whenever early birds sell out)
$2395 if booked before Sat. Apr. 1st
$2495 if booked before Thurs. June 1st
$2595 on or after Thurs. June 1st*
* Starting Thurs. June 1st, spaces are subject to availability. If booking on or after Thurs. June 1st, do NOT purchase your airline ticket until you have been confirmed on the trip by the Organizer.
DEPOSIT
Non-refundable deposit of $500 due at booking, full payment due by Thurs. May 18th or at booking, whichever is later. This deposit locks in a price per the "Price" section.
TRAVELER INFORMATION
The travel company needs the following information for final booking: 1. Full name as it appears on passport 2. Passport number 3. Passport issue date 4. Passport expiry date (as a general rule, passport must be 6 months valid beyond date of entry into another country) 5. Date of birth 6. Nationality 7. Existing medical conditions 8. Meal requirements 9. Emergency contact / next of kin. 10. Will you take advantage of the transfer to the hotel upon arrival? 11. Will you take advantage of the transfer to the airport upon departure? 12. Cell phone number 13. Will you be getting a single room for an extra $550? 14. Sex 15. Roommate's name (if you have one; otherwise, a roommate of the same sex will be assigned to you) 16. Arrival flight airline, number, and landing time (when you secure it). Please send me a message (through my Meetup profile, click "Send Message") with this information as soon as you've secured your spot by making payment.
ACCOMMODATION
Price is based on double occupancy. If you have a preference for a roommate, please let me know full first and last name. Otherwise, you will be assigned a roommate (same sex). Single supplement is $550 to stay in your own room.
PAYMENT
PayPal account not required. Please follow the instructions below for making payment (if payment by smartphone doesn't work, please try your computer). Your RSVP is not guaranteed without payment, and your email receipt is confirmation that we have received your payment (please check your spam folder and email settings). All of our trips have sold out in the past, so I recommend you secure your spot online early.
1. Select "Yes" under "Will you attend?" (or select "Change" RSVP to add more guests if you've already purchased ticket(s))
2. Enter the number of guests coming and click "Finish RSVP"
3. Click "Pay Now" (or "Pay Online Now") at the top of the event posting near the ticket price per person
4. Verify correct dollar amount for number of people you're paying for. Modify if appropriate, click "Pay Now" or "Check Out" button
5. If you don't have a PayPal account, click "Pay with a Debit or Credit Card"
6. If you have a PayPal account, simply log in, and pay as you normally would via PayPal
REMAINDER BALANCE PAYMENT
PayPal account not required. If you've already paid the initial non-refundable $500 deposit, please follow the instructions below for making the balance payment (if payment by smartphone doesn't work, please try your computer). Your email receipt is confirmation that we have received your payment (please check your spam folder and email settings). Balance payment must be made by Thurs. May 18th, otherwise you will lose your deposit and your spot on the trip. If you would like to pay your balance in installments, please message me through my Meetup profile.
1. Click on the appropriate link below
Double Occupancy:
• To pay the balance ($1795) for the $2295 price (to qualify, you must have made deposit before Wed. Feb. 1st), please click here.
• To pay the balance ($1895) for the $2395 price (to qualify, you must have made deposit before Sat. Apr. 1st), please click here.
• To pay the balance ($1995) for the $2495 price (to qualify, you must have made deposit before Thurs. May 18th), please click here.
Single Occupancy:
• To pay the balance ($2345) for the $2845 price (to qualify, you must have made deposit before Wed. Feb. 1st), please click here.
• To pay the balance ($2445) for the $2945 price (to qualify, you must have made deposit before Sat. Apr. 1st), please click here.
• To pay the balance ($2545) for the $3045 price (to qualify, you must have made deposit before Thurs. May 18th), please click here.
2. If you don't have a PayPal account, click "Pay with a Debit or Credit Card"
3. If you have a PayPal account, simply log in, and pay as you normally would via PayPal
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INCLUSIONS
• Pre-trip dinner at Blackfinn restaurant (or similar) in DC
• Pre-trip Embassy of South Africa visit with diplomats (pending approval)
• "The Elephant Whisperer: My Life with the Herd in the African Wild" paperback version and book discussions during the trip (please note if new prints are unavailable, the best available condition used book will be obtained)
• Accommodations as stated above (hotels 8 nights, based on twin-share rooms)
• 8 hot breakfasts, 1 dinner
• Tour of the scenic Panaroma Route (to include Blyde River Canyon, Bourke's Luck Potholes, and the Three Rondavels)
• Exciting safari excursions at the world-renowned Krugar National Park (at both the popular Satara and Lower Sabie camps)
• Tour of the stunning Cape Peninsula
• Panoramic ascent via the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway to the top of the famous mountain
• Tour of the rocky Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve
• Visit to the adorable penguin colony at Boulders beach
• Trip to the award-winning Groot Constantia wine estate and tour of cellar
• Exploration of the amazing Cape wine routes
• Group arrival and departure transfers to airport
• All transfers between destinations and to / from included activities (internal in-country flight, bus / minivan)
• English speaking travel guide
• Meetup group facilitation with book discussion by J.T. (Organizer)
• Local guides / representative assistance
• Post-trip reunion dinner at Hard Rock Cafe (or similar) in DC
EXCLUSIONS
• Entrance fees not listed
• International airfare
• Applicable tourist visas
• Incidentals
• Insurance
• Airport taxes
• Tips or gratuities (typically $10 per day for tour leader)
• Beverages
• Meals not mentioned above
• Excursions and activities listed as optional or suggestions
FLIGHTS, DAYS OFF, & AIRPORT TRANSFER
Please do not purchase your air ticket until this trip is confirmed (15 people have paid). You will receive notification by email when the trip is confirmed and I will also update the event posting at the top of this page. We can coordinate air schedules in the comment box of this page to try to get the same flights.
When buying your air ticket, make sure it arrives on Sat. Aug. 5th and departs on Sun. Aug. 13th after 4pm (do not book onward travel until after this time in case of delays... see Day 9 in Itinerary section). The airport is O.R. Tambo International Airport - (JNB). Also, depending on how many transfers you get, you may need to request off of work Fri. Aug. 4th - Mon. Aug. 14th. Please send to me your flight information through my Meetup profile.
Upon arrival on Sat. Aug. 5th, our free group transfer from the airport (O.R. Tambo International Airport - JNB) to the hotel will depart the airport at 11am, 2pm, and 5pm, so we can get to the hotel in time for our recommended welcome meeting at 7pm with our Adventure Tour Leader and other group members. If you'd like to take advantage of our free group transfer, please be sure to arrive before one of those times. Look for the person at the arrival gates with the sign that says "J.T.'s Washington DC South Africa Meetup Trip."
INSURANCE
You are required to purchase an all-inclusive insurance policy that covers emergency repatriation, medical, and evacuation for a combined minimum amount of $200,000. Trip cancellation, trip interruption, baggage loss and accidents should also be included. Costs vary by age, travel dates, and when you purchase, but an approximate quote is $100 for a 30-year-old. You should extend the insurance to cover your entire journey if you are arriving before or departing after our trip. I also recommend getting full coverage vs. coverage for covered reasons. You will need to book your air flights first before getting insurance coverage.
QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions not answered on this page, please post a comment in the comment box below, message me through my Meetup profile, or call / text me at 703.470.4848
REFUND POLICY
Since we paid in advance for this trip, all sales are final unless the trip is canceled or rescheduled. Thanks for understanding. =)
SUGGESTED ITEMS TO BRING
1. Passport, with photocopies (as a general rule, passport must have at least 6 months of validity beyond the date of entry into another country) 2. Yellow Fever Certificate (with photocopies) - if coming from a yellow fever endemic country (see link here... http://www.southafric...) 3. Travel insurance (with photocopies) 4. Airline tickets (with photocopies) 5. Credit / debit card / USD cash 6. Pre-departure information and dossier 7. Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required (please inform yourself if you are able to obtain visas at the borders, visa regulations changes often, therefore we cannot hand out information; here is a good resource for vaccine information... http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/...) 8. Fleece top 9. Windproof / waterproof jacket 10. Small towel and swimwear 11. Shirts / t-shirts 12. Sun hat 13. Shorts 14. Long trousers 15. Sport sandals / comfortable shoes 16. Sunblock 17. Sunglasses 18. Toiletries (biodegradable) 19. Watch or alarm clock 20. Water bottle 21. Headlamp or flashlight (with extra batteries and bulbs) 22. Money belt 23. First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, bandaids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, insect repellent, extra prescription drugs you may be taking) 24. Day pack 25. Camera with extra memory cards and batteries 26. Personal entertainment 27. Binoculars 28. Waterproof backpack cover 29. Pocketknife 30. Power adapter and converter 31. Cell phone (including charger) 32. Ziplock bags 33. Hand sanitizer
Washington, DC 20007 - USA
Saturday, August 5 at 12:00 PM
1
Price: 2,295.00 USD
https://www.meetup.com/20sand30sasiangroup/events/235923018/