FAQ | Cape Xtreme Adventure Tours


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General

Q: Why Cape Xtreme?
A: We aim to provide the best deals, the best experiences, and best customer service in the industry and we will make sure your needs are given top priority. We know that you will find Cape Xtreme remarkable value for money.

Q: Do I need vaccinations?
A: Visitors who are entering South Africa from a yellow fever zone must have a valid international yellow fever inoculation certificate. Only infants under the age of one year are exempt. Immunisation against cholera and small pox are not required and no other vaccinations are required when visiting South Africa.

Q: How much money do I need?
A: It is a good idea to order our local currency (South African Rand “ZAR”) for any extras you might want. We will be close to ATM's which accept visa and master cards, and we will also be close to Bureau de changes. Go Here for prices for general items.

Q: What travel documents do I need?
A: Non South African citizens: In your hand luggage you will need to carry a valid passport, please ensure that your passport is still valid for the duration of the trip. Remember to check whether you require any visas for travel to South Africa, as this is your responsibility. We strongly advise you to check visa requirements at the time of booking, as there can be delays in issuing visas.
For more information regarding visas, see our Useful Links.
South African citizens: No visas are necessary for South African citizens, but we ask that you bring some form of ID, be it your driver’s license, passport, or ID book.

Q: How much luggage can i bring?
A: We have very limited space on our tours so please ensure the maximum weight limit of your suitcase or backpack is 20kg’s. We cannot carry luggage in excess of this weight limit and would appreciate it if you could avoid bringing suitcases of excessively large dimensions.
If you struggle to lift it, don’t bring it! Please also ensure you allow extra space for any curios you might buy along the way.

Q: What should I bring?
A: Travel light, this make things a lot easier for everyone. The following list will help you remember the basic essentials you’ll need:
- Your confirmation email printed as proof of your booking
- Passport/ID with visa (if required)
- Insurance information (Compulsary to join any tour)
- Sunglasses
- Sun cream
- Water bottle
- Swimming clothes
- Warm jacket
- Hat/cap
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Towel
An emergency first aid kit is available with us at all times; any other medical items you require should be brought with you.
All bed linen is provided by our accommodation so there is no need for you to bring sleeping bags or pillows.

Q: What is the weather like?
A: See below for a chart of the years temperatures and rain based on an average for the past 30 years. (Please note we can have very cold and stormy weather in winter, so adequate clothing should be brought.)

Month Temperature (° C) Precipitation (mm)

January 26 15

February 27 17

March 25 20

April 23 41

May 20 69

June 18 93

July 18 82

August 18 77

September 19 40

October 21 30

November 24 14

December 25 17

Q: What is the time difference?
A: South Africa operates two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time throughout the year, making it an hour ahead of Central European Winter Time, seven hours ahead of Eastern Standard Winter Time and seven hours behind Australian Central Time.

Q: What happens if there is an accident?
A: In a great many medical disciplines, South Africa is a global leader. In fact, South African trained doctors are sought after all over the world, so this should give an indication of the standard of medical care available. There is a large network of public and private hospitals countrywide, offering excellent service. However, clients must have adequate health insurance to cover the fees private hospitals charge.

Q: Where do we meet to start the tour, and at what time?
A: Please arrange to be at one of the below meeting points at the times specified.
5 Day tour: Between 5:30 & 6:30
7 Day tour: Between 6:00 & 7:00
10 Day tour: Between 6:00 & 7:00
14 Day tour: Between 7:00 & 8:00

THE BACKPACK
Tel: (+2721) 4234530, (+2721) 4235555
Email: backpack@backpackers.co.za
Web: www.tiscover.co.za/thebackpack
Address:74 New Church Street, Cape Town

ASHANTI LODGE
Tel: (+2721) 4238721
Email: ashanti@iafrica.com
Web: www.ashanti.co.za
Address: 11 Hof Street, Gardens

Cape Town BACKPACKERS
Tel: (+2721) 4260200
Email: info@capetownbackpackers.com
Web: www.capetownbackpackers.com
Address: 81 New Church Street, Gardens

CAT & MOOSE
Tel: (+2721)4237638
Email: catandmoose@hotmail.com
Web: www.catandmoose.co.za
Address: 305 Long Street, Cape Town

Bookings

Q: How do the payments for bookings work?
A: If you are booking more than 4 weeks in advance for your tour, we require a 20% deposit (the rest will be charged 4 weeks before your tour). If you are booking within 4 weeks, we require the full amount to be paid to secure your booking.

Q: How do I pay for my tour?
A: We accept Visa and Mastercard credit cards, as well as Electron, Maestro, Diners Club and American Express Cards. We have put in huge effort to provide the most flexible and efficient booking system possible. Simply choose your tour and book online using your credit/debit card. Enjoy peace of mind as we use fully secure 128-bit SSL encryption from Thawte.

Q: Do the prices include flights?
A: Our prices are based on ground arrangements from the entry point (i.e. airport of arrival). We are however affiliated with some of the world’s best flight providers.
When booking your flight, make sure you arrive at Cape Town International Airport.
Go here for a list of our Travel Partners.

Q: Do the prices include insurance?
A: No, It is essential that you have insurance cover for your tour. You can arrange this through
your travel agent or through one of our Travel Partners.

Q: What is included in the price quoted?
A: 24/7 service from your expert tour leader who is there to make sure you get the most out of
your trip. Service of your qualified tour driver to get you safely between destinations. Modern air conditioned transport. Food as specified in 'Meals’ of each tour (drinks not included). Great accommodation with only the best hosts.First class Xtreme activities (which ones are up to you).

Q: What is not included in the price quoted?
A: International Flights and departure taxes, Visas, Travel Insurance (compulsory to join a trip, a copy of your policy will be collected by your tour leader)

Q: How do I book?
A: We have put in huge effort to provide the most flexible and efficient booking system possible. Simply choose your Tour and book online using your credit/debit card. Enjoy peace of mind as we use fully secure 128-bit SSL encryption from Thawte.

Q: Can I view my bookings online?
A: Not yet. This will be available soon however.

Q: How do i know I am confirmed for my tour?
A: You will receive email notification from us as soon as all is confirmed.

Accommodation

Q: How many beds are in the hostel?
A: Anywhere between 16 to 70, depending where we are staying.

Q: What if I don’t want to stay in a hostel?
A: The hostels that we will be staying at are all very comfortable and are easily on or above par with those you find throughout Europe. Dorm room accommodation is included in the tour price, but whenever possible an upgrade to a smaller private room will be on offer at an additional charge.

Q: Do I have to pay a damages deposit for my accommodation?
A: No, but at some backpacker hostels you will need to pay a key deposit which you will get back when returning the key when checking out.

Q: Do I have to bring my own bed linen?
A: All bed linen is provided by our accommodation so there is no need for you to bring sleeping
bags or pillows.

Q: Do you have internet access facilities?
A: Most of the backpacker hostels we will be staying at have internet access and public phones.

Q: Do you have washing facilities?
A: Most of the backpacker hostels we will be staying at have either washing facilities that you can use or pay someone working at the hostel to do your washing for you. Don't worry, you will always have a clean set of clothes to wear.

Activities

Q: What if I don't want to do all the Xtreme activities?
A: No problem, our tours are completely flexible to your needs. You can choose exactly what activities you want to do each day.

Q: What if the weather turns bad and we cannot do the activities?
A: The weather is unfortunately one of those things we can't predict. It is always possible that the conditions are unsafe or unfavorable for a specific activity. If this does happen - we have a back up plan for every day, something interesting or nice to do for every day.

Q: If I don’t feel up for the activity I paid for, can I do something else?
A: Where possible, your expert guide will do his best to sort everything out for you getting your money and getting yourself on another activity if you are really not up for it. However, sometimes there is nothing we can do about it.

Transport

Q: What time of day do we travel to the next destination?
A: We travel mostly in the mornings, but also in the late afternoons, leaving the day open for all the activities and giving you a chance to sleep on the bus after a good breakfast.

Q: Does Cape Xtreme pick up from the airport?
A: Yes, this option is available when you are choosing your tour.

Q: What about road safety?
A: We have very strict drinking and driving laws - with a maximum allowable alcohol blood content of 0.05%. Translated that means about one glass of wine for the average woman and perhaps 1.5 or two for the average or large man. Our speed limits are 120kmph on the open road, 100kmph on smaller roads and between 60 and 80kmph in towns.

Meals

Q:What kind of food do you serve?
A: Continental breakfast, sandwiches and fruit for lunch, and a Braai/BBQ with a vegetarian option for supper.

Q: Do you cater for vegetarians?
A: Tasty meals, with vegetarian options, are provided on all our tours and we make sure you will eat well. We try our best to provide a variety of meal options, however if you are limited to a specialist diet for any reason, such as food allergies, we ask you contact us immediately to discuss the best arrangements for you.

Q: Is the water safe to drink?
A:As a rule, tap water in South Africa is safe to drink as it is treated and is free of harmful microorganisms. In hotels, restaurants and nightpots, the standards of hygiene and food preparation top-notch. It is safe to eat fresh fruit and salads and to put as much ice as you like in your drinks - a good thing, too, after a day on the beach or in the bush.