Transferring money to Gabon can be challenging. Most wire transfers are unsuccessful, resulting in the bank refunding your money. Services like Moneygram impose transfer limits, such as a maximum of $200 unless additional documentation is provided. Additionally, withdrawing money from ATMs in Gabon can be problematic unless you have a VISA card; many other cards are not accepted, and failures in dispensing cash necessitate contacting your bank for a refund.

However, there are reliable alternatives. Bringing cash and exchanging it at Libreville Airport is straightforward, secure, and highly recommended. Another effective method is using Remitly (info below) but make sure you choose option: transfer to family or friends.

For a backup, Mama Aline can facilitate transactions through PayPal or bank transfers via Europe, though this should be considered a last resort. For more details, please contact her directly.

To secure your spot at the retreat and cover the necessary preparation expenses, please ensure that 50% of the initial costs are transferred at least one month prior to the start date. The rest you can bring with you in cash. Cash always is the best option as this has the lowest exchange fees and no transfer fees.

The best season for ceremonies is the dry season as you can see in the section Schedule.

Remitly

This is the best way to transfer money into Gabon. Remitly is a digital payment service that enables users to send money internationally, focusing on providing fast, affordable, and convenient money transfer services. It allows customers to send funds from one country to another using a web platform or mobile app, offering various delivery options including bank deposits, cash pickups, and mobile money transfers.

MoneyGram

is a global money transfer service that allows individuals to send and receive funds internationally and domestically. It offers a variety of services including online transfers, in-person transactions at a gent locations, and transfers to bank accounts or mobile wallets. MoneyGram is known for its wide network of agent locations, making it convenient for users to access cash pickup services. It caters to individuals who need to support family abroad, pay international bills, or send emergency funds, providing a reliable and accessible option for cross-border transactions.

Once send, you have to send a message to papa Jean Claud so that he can pick it up in Libreville (Remitly) or Lamberene (Moneygram).

Cash

If all else fails, Contact mama Aline for a paypal option and / or wire transfer via Europe. Also bring cash with you and exchange it at the airport, that never goes wrong.

ATM machines in Gabon are not reliable as they sometimes do not dispense cash even though it is deducted from your account. Additionally, if you use a Mastercard, only one ATM at the Libreville airport accepts it. Bank cards like Maestro are not accepted. Therefore, it is advisable to bring cash with you.

The ceremony costs 1.500.000 CFA per person with a maximum of 5 people per ceremony and minimum 2.

If you want a private ceremony it will cost 2.000.000 CFA.

This price includes 8 day stay at our village with air conditioning (being installed at the end of 2024) and breakfast, lunch and dinner plus a Ngombi player (please write us who you like to invite, papa Nziengui or Bossengui) plus a translator.

Keep in mind that mama Aline's initiation covers your stay at her village, food and drinks, translator, music and all other items for a good initiation. But it does not cover your VISA application, also does not cover Chef O'Miel restaurant, Tropicana hotel and all the trips you want to do in Gabon.

Estimated total costs including travel (but no airline), hotel, food and drink, Visa and the initiation itself:

• Option 1: 1.700.000 CFA || private initiation 2.200.000 CFA
• Option 2: 1.850.000 CFA || private initiation 2.350.000 CFA
• Option 3: All depends on what you like to see and visit.

Option 3 is best to talk to mama Aline as she can arrange some amazing trips for very little money and she will join as well.

However if you prefer a professional tour through Gabon, the best tour operator is Anotnio from Spain: Gabon Untouched

If you like to go to Mont Crystal, contact Mbolo tours: WhatsApp: +241 07474708 or +241 77644999

It's important to consider health precautions, such as anti-malaria medication, yellow fevor vaccination, or any other medication that you require such as pro-biotics, which is a necessary safeguard against common health risks in tropical regions. Also we require you to buy biological degradable soap to preserve Gabon's nature. Lastly, carrying extra cash is advisable for personal expenses, souvenirs, or spontaneous adventures that enrich your journey. You can easily exchange your money at the Libreville airport.

In essence, while the heart of your trip is the spiritual retreat with Mama Aline, embracing the full spectrum of Gabon's offerings necessitates a broader budgetary outlook. These additional costs not only ensure your comfort and safety but also enhance your exploration of Gabon's rich cultural tapestry and natural wonders.