Africa, Guest Post

Do Australians Need a Visa for Kenya?

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To go to Kenya from Australia, you must first get a visa from the Kenyan government. If you are an Australian citizen seeking a visa to visit Kenya, the following information will assist you in learning how to apply for a Kenyan visa.

Do Australians Need a Visa for Kenya?

To enter Kenya, bearers of Australian passports are needed to get a visa from the Kenyan government.

Since 2015, Australian passport holders have been allowed to apply for a Kenyan electronic visa. It was created as a means of expediting the visa application process for Australians going to Kenya on official business.

It was because of the system’s ease and efficiency that the Kenyan government decided to withdraw the visa on arrival service and replace it with the eVisa system. As a result, by 2021, tourists and business travelers from Australia will be required to apply for their Kenya visas online.

Australians who want to stay in Kenya for a long amount of time to live, work or study are needed to apply for the appropriate kind of visa at the Kenyan embassy or consulate in their country of residence.

What are the advantages of obtaining a Kenyan online visa for Australian citizens?

Australian nationals may apply for the Kenya eVisa, which is a single-entry visa that allows the bearer to remain in Kenya for a maximum of 90 consecutive days with the opportunity to extend that time by an extra 90 days if wanted (once in Kenya).

In addition, Australians going to Kenya on an eVisa will be able to use their visa immediately once it is issued.

Kenyan eVisas are issued fully online, making them faster and simpler to get than conventional visas. They also eliminate the need to visit a Kenyan ambassador in person to secure a visa for the country.

What documents are required by Australians to get a Kenya visa online?

Travelers from Australia will need a few essential materials to complete the eVisa Kenya application process successfully. These are some examples:

  • An Australian passport with an expiration date that is at least 6 months beyond the holder’s intended entrance date into Kenya is required to enter the country.
  • A current color photograph that meets the size and picture criteria for a passport.
  • Proof of travel arrangements (flight reservations, hotel reservations, travel itinerary, invitation letter, etc.)
  • A valid email address to which you may send the PDF travel document will be required.

If you are an Australian citizen heading to Kenya, you should double-check that your passport has two blank pages on which you may acquire entry/exit stamps when you cross the Kenyan border.

If you are planning to visit Kenya, then we have curated a small itinerary for you so that you can plan your vacations hassle-free.

5 Days in Kenya

This eastern African country, which borders the Indian Ocean on its eastern shore, is home to several lakes, stunning rift valleys, and mountainous terrain. While in Kenya, you may see deserts, woods, beaches, animal reserves, and even climb a mountain.

If you like having a good time and exploring new places, then Kenya is the ideal location for you since it provides a seemingly infinite supply of things to do and places to see. Among the numerous thrilling pursuits on offer are safaris in search of wild animals, mountain climbing and scuba diving, golf, hiking, and hot air ballooning. The Maasai Mara Wildebeest Migration is one of the world’s natural marvels and one of the most well-known ancient heritage sites in Kenya.

What to do?

Day 1: Arrival in Kenya

To go to your hotel in Nairobi, you’ll be picked up at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by our agent. Everything else is completely up to you for the rest of the day. You may go shopping or explore the region around you. Stay at the hotel for the night.

Day 2: Explore Lake Nakuru National Park in the Great Rift Valley

Check into the hotel included and then enjoyed an afternoon wildlife drive. The Greater Flamingos rush to the lakeshores, literally turning the lakeshores a vivid pink. White Pelicans, Egrets, Plovers, and Marabou Storks are just a few of the 400 bird species that call this area home. It is one of the few areas in Africa where the White Rhino and the Rothschild Giraffe may be seen. You can also go on a safari in Kenya. Stay overnight at Naivasha.

Day 3: Appealing drive to Masai Mara National Reserve

Spending the night in Naivasha lets you see the lake’s birdlife awaken in the morning. After breakfast, we will drive for the Masai Mara National Reserve, for the breathtaking wildebeest migration that happens there every year. It is home to the Big Five: the Lion, the Elephant, the Leopard, the Buffalo, and the Rhinoceros.

After the morning trip, have lunch at your Mara lodge/camp before heading out for an afternoon wildlife drive. Lesser zebra, Thomson’s, and Grant’s gazelles are also habitats of the parks. 

Day 4: Appreciating the Heavenly Surroundings

After breakfast, travel through the Masai Mara National Reserve in search of the many types of animals that call it home. The thrill of a live kill can be yours if you’re fortunate. After a great lunch at your lodge, go on exhilarating game drives to see the Big Five.

Day 5: Time to say Goodbye

We will check out of our hotel or camp after breakfast and travel back to Nairobi in around five and half hours. Make your way to this location in time for lunch. Following that, you will depart for the airport to make your return flight home.

 

Wrapping Up

To go to the United States, visitors from Australia must now apply for an eVisa online. This is a huge improvement over the previous visa on arrival procedure in terms of speed, ease, and convenience. In addition, it saves having to wait in line to fill out visa papers and present documents at the border. So, get your visas and explore this amazing destination full of adventures and mesmerizing views.

Guest Post, United States

5 Best Snorkelling Spots in the US Virgin Islands

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The US Virgin Islands is home to some of the best snorkelling spots in the Caribbean. The abundant sea life and natural scenic beauty will keep you in awe for days.

If you’re looking to escape the tourist hot spots then head over to St. John island. For those who want to be in the centre of the action, St. Thomas is the place to be. St. Croix on the other hand offers you a laid-back atmosphere with loads of charm.

Be sure you include your underwater camera as part of your essential travel tech items when packing. You won’t want to miss a chance to capture some of the most picturesque sites on offer. Let’s have a look at the Virgin Islands’ top snorkelling spots for your next vacation.

 

Buck Island, St. Croix

Buck Island is Virgin Island’s only underwater national monument. It is located a few miles off the island of St. Croix. You can get there by either private or public boat.

For first-time snorkelers, this island is perfect as it offers shallow waters great for beginners. Some of the sea life you’re guaranteed to spot here are elkhorn coral, and hundreds of different varieties of fish. Bird enthusiasts can watch out for the brown pelicans and other local and migratory species of birds.

Buck Island is home to hawksbill sea turtles which can safely nest on the island’s coral sand beaches. 

Other activities on the island include diving, hiking one of the scenic trails, or sunbathing on the amazing white sand beach.

 

Coki Point Beach, St. Thomas

Located on the north side of St. Thomas, Coki Point Beach is known for its spectacular all-year-round snorkelling. This is a popular beach with crowds sometimes turning it into a party spot. If you don’t mind the action then Coki Beach has much to offer.

There’s a dive centre where you can rent snorkelling gear and plenty of vendors renting out beach chairs and umbrellas. It’s an awesome location for families to enjoy. Other amenities include a restaurant, bar, and taxi stand.

The snorkelling here caters to all age groups with plenty of shallow reefs. You can spot parrotfish, crabs, and other vibrantly coloured tropical fish.

 

Cow and Calf Rocks, St. Thomas

Rent a boat in St. Thomas and head off to Cow and Calf Rocks on the south side of the island, for a day of adventure. Spot the 2 large rocks that break the water surface and give this dive site its famous name. These rocks are often mistaken by drunken sailors to look like 2 whales, a cow, and her calf.

These rocks feature caves, canyons, and tunnels which make it one of the most interesting locations to explore. The site is 40 feet deep and has brilliant visibility. Here you can spot lobsters, elkhorn coral, and eagle rays.

Cow Rock is one of the most famous dive sites on St. Thomas. It’s part of a nationally protected park, which allows for a rich variety of marine life. 

 

Watermelon Cay, St. John

Watermelon Cay can be found in Leinster Bay on the north shore of St. John. A mere 25-minute taxi drive from Cruz Bay will get you to your own piece of paradise. Its secluded location ensures that the beach is never too crowded.

You will need to take a mile-long trail to get to Watermelon, so you can stay in shape while traveling.

Watermelon Cay is home to large cushion sea stars, so mind where you step. These calm and clear waters are host to a wide range of fish including barracuda, angelfish, and trumpetfish. You may even spot a green sea turtle enjoying a meal on the seagrass beds.

It’s a good idea to bring along your water shoes as the beach is quite rocky and has a lot of sea urchins. 

 

Maho Bay Beach, St. John

The iconic coconut palm-fringed beach of Maho awaits travellers to this gorgeous destination. Located on the north shore of St. Johns, the turquoise waters of Maho are shallow and calm, perfect for snorkelling.

Here you can spot much diverse marine life depending on which side of the bay you snorkel. On the east side, you can find all types of coral and schools of fish. On the western shoreline, you can spot nurse sharks, mustard corals, and Damsel fish. 

There are beach rentals available across the road as well as a beach bar. Another point of interest located on the west ridge of the beach is the America Hill Great House Ruin. The 19th-century ruins can be reached via the Cinnamon Trail and is definitely worth the visit if you’re up for exploring. Not to mention the view from the top which is simply breath-taking.

Australia, Australia and the Pacific, Guest Post

Eight Things to Consider When Planning an Aussie Getaway

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Borders are finally opening around the country and around the world – and we can get back to doing what we love again: getting away on a holiday! A lot of us have been itching to go somewhere for two long years, and now is the best time to plan. But where should you go? How will you get there? How are you going to pay for it all? In this extensive blog post, we give you seven tips for planning your next holiday getaway.

Deciding where to go!

The first step in how to plan your next holiday getaway is deciding where you want to go. If you’re looking for an adventure in Australia, this means picking a general region – the Mid-North Coast of New South Wales, Far North Queensland, Barossa Valley in South Australia – and so on. Some regions in NSW are prime destinations for weekend escapes, as we’ve shown here. Think of a few regions you’d like to visit and add them to a short list.

 

Looking for off-beat destinations

If you’re looking for adventure (and we can bet our bottom dollars that you are), looking for off-beat destinations should also be on your list. You can set up a base in a larger city and use it for day trips or overnighters to some of Australia’s best camping spots such as Daintree National Park in Queensland or Barmah Lakes in Victoria. There’s heaps out there – you just have to do a bit of research!

Setting your budget

An extended holiday can cost a bit of money – especially if you’re planning to purchase a new recreational vehicle or caravan as an investment in future holidays. Even extended trips can be a real drain on your finances. You should set a budget that takes travel, accommodation, food, activities, and a bit of spending money into account. Need help setting your budget? Our friends at Trip In A Van has handbooks and cheatsheets you can buy here.

 

Get your finances sorted

To help you navigate the costs, you can take out a personal loan. One way to find out how much you can afford is to use a personal loan repayments calculator.

To use one, you need to know the amount you intend to borrow, the interest rate, and the loan term. This will give you an approximate repayment figure – usually monthly or fortnightly. You can use this to determine your overall budget.

One tip you should heed is to look for comparison rates during your loan search. Comparison rates are interest rates plus most major compulsory fees added in, shown as one percentage per annum (per year.) These rates will usually have the phrase “comparison rate” written somewhere underneath. Comparing “bare” interest rates with comparison rates isn’t “apples to apples” – so keep that in mind.

 

When is the best time to visit?

The next tip is researching when is the best time to visit your chosen destination. Will you freeze your buns off in Victoria’s High Country if you go around June? Or swelter in Nimituk during the wet season in the Northern Territory? Make sure you do a bit of research about the weather – though sacrificing a bit of comfort for cheaper travel or accommodation isn’t altogether a bad thing!

 

How are you getting there?

Unless you’ve already made your mind up about caravanning or taking an RV, you need to figure out how you’ll get there. Will you take a plane for most of the journey and hire a car or 4WD? Will you take a plane and have a car you own shipped there? Is taking a relaxing train to your destination an option? Make sure you figure out what’s within your budget and what’s most practical for your destination.

 

Caravan parks, powered sites, or off the grid?

The next thing you need to plan is accommodation. Where you’re going to stay is a crucial element to any holiday getaway. Are you going to hitch your caravan to a powered site? Will you just go camping most of the time? With so many options such as hotels and AirBnB or Stayz for homestays or lodging now available, planning ahead not only beats anyone else to the punch, but could net you a bit of a bargain. Some homestay hosts offer discounts for extended stays – so why not make the most of it?

 

Plan (or don’t plan) your activities

We know you love adventure – but you may want a bit of a relax too! That’s all fine – but remember to plan your activities in advance so you aren’t left wanting when you find out something’s full up, booked out – or worse – closed for the season. Though you might be wary of border closures and other hang ups (and we don’t blame you) make sure there’s refunds for cancellations just in case you aren’t able to make it for whatever reason. You can also take out travel insurance for domestic trips – for lost or stolen luggage, travel delays, and rental vehicle excess.

Your next holiday getaway need not go awry – a bit of foresight and planning can go a long way in making your next trip memorable, affordable, and fun!

Tanzania

How to get a Tanzanian eVisa

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eVisa Requirements for Tanzania—What You Need to Know

Over the years, I’ve become something of a Tanzania expert. Not only have I travelled there several times, but I’ve also called the country home on two separate occasions. On top of that, I sell dozens of safaris to Tanzania each and every year in my role as a safari expert.

Tanzania is unquestionably one of my favourite countries in the world, and I’ve expounded its virtues previously in my 17 Reasons to Visit Tanzania post.

But if you’ve already been convinced to visit, you’ll need to get your hands on a visa. The easiest way? Getting a Tanzanian eVisa.

Image Credit: Hendrik Cornelissen, Pexels

What is a Tanzanian eVisa

The Tanzania e-visa is a PDF-formatted electronic document as a part of Tanzania entry requirements. When it was launched in 2018, it was the most popular visa category for Tanzania and Zanzibar tourism. This is because of the reasonable fees and the straightforward application process that is completed online. Travelers will no longer need to bring their passports to the Tanzanian embassy or consulate because the eVisa is delivered to you virtually.

An eVisa also saves you the hassle of waiting in a long, sweaty line to get a visa on arrival. Never fun!

Tanzania accepts eVisa applications from over 150 different countries. In order to visit Tanzania and Zanzibar, the holder of this online eVisa must first be accepted by the Tanzanian government.

For most eligible citizens, a Tanzania tourist eVisa is issued as a single–entry visa for a stay up to 30 days, with a total validity of 90 days from the date of arrival.

Online multiple-entry Tanzania visas are only available to citizens of the United States, allowing for numerous 90-day stays throughout the course of every 180 days. As of the date of entry, the validity of the eVisa for US citizens is one year.

eVisa applications can be completed in a few minutes with only basic information. Upon completion, the applicant will receive an email including a link to download their approved online visa. After that, they must print a copy of the Approved Visa Grant Notice as well as the Visa Application Notification letter.

In order to enter Tanzania, travellers must produce these documents, along with a completed Tanzania Entry Arrival declaration form and the passport used to apply for the visa, to Tanzanian immigration officials at specific points of entry.

What are the Visa requirements for Tanzania?

The first step in applying for a Tanzania eVisa is to find out if you qualify for one.

The following is a list of the common requirements for a eVisa Tanzania:

  •       Completed and accurate application form
  •       a copy of your passport 
  •       A digital copy of the passport
  •       Proof of visa fee payment

Some other essential requirements to follow:

  •       Your passport is required to be valid for at least another six months when you arrive.
  •       Your passport has at least one blank page.
  •       You already have a return or transit flight ticket to another country.
  •       You already have at least one overnight address in Tanzania.
  •       You are landing in Tanzania at one of the airports listed below:
  1. Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) in Dar es Salaam
  2. Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) in Moshi/Arusha
  3. Mwanza International Airport (MWZ/HTMW) at Lake Victoria
  4. Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (NZN/AAKIA) in Zanzibar City (Stone Town)
  5. Namanga border crossing – at Kenya
  6. Tunduma border crossing – at Zambia

How can I apply for Tanzania eVisa?

First, open the digital application form and enter your travel plans, contact information, and passport information. You can also include other travellers in the form to submit a group application. After paying the fees, each traveller must submit a passport scan, a recent passport photo (max six months old, no teeth visible), and a flight ticket for the return or transit trip.

What to do in Tanzania?

Due to its many world-class wildlife sighting possibilities, Tanzania is recognized as an ideal safari destination. With a plethora of Africa’s best and largest parks and some of the most diverse and unusual scenery in the world, Tanzania is a safari enthusiast’s dream. Tanzania’s diverse landscapes, which include everything from grasslands to woods, rock formations to mountain peaks, make it an ideal destination for sightseeing and photography.

In addition, these diverse ecosystems provide optimal circumstances for one of the most vital parts of a fantastic safari—African wildlife.

A safari wouldn’t be complete without a glimpse of some of the “Big Five” or the opportunity to view some lesser-known but still intriguing species. In this respect, Tanzania has proven to be a pleasant surprise. With the Great Wildebeest Migration passing through Tanzania every year, the country is home to tens of millions of animals. Wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle endure the rushing Mara River, which is teeming with crocodiles, to make the voyage even more challenging.

However, the great migration isn’t the only thing worth seeing in Tanzania. Predators aren’t far away when there are herds of grazing animals. Lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hunting dogs are just some of the animals you’ll see in Tanzania.

Guest Post, India
A dog rests its head on Candolim Beach, Goa during the sunset

What Are the Best Beaches in Panaji, Goa?

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What Are the Best Beaches in Panaji, Goa?

Panaji is the capital of Goa, although it is also known as Panjim in the local dialect. It is the largest urban area of this coastal state and the administrative seat as well. Due to its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife, it is a hugely popular tourist destination not only amongst Indians, but with tourists from across the world. 

Tourists wanting to visit Panaji/Panjim can buy air tickets online from Go Air and they can also check Go Air flight status online from their mobiles.

While Panaji is home to plenty of tourist attractions, including the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Goa Science Centre, Adil Shah’s Palace, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, Don Bosco Oratory, Mahalaxmi Temple, and Kala Academy, it is the beaches that bring people from across the world to Goa. With that in mind, we’ve highlighted a few of Panaji’s best beaches below. 

The Best Beaches in Panaji

Ozran Beach

An extension of Vagator Beach, Ozran Beach is located at a distance of 8 Km from Mapusa and 22 Km from Panjim.

The beach is perhaps best known for the sponge-like appearance of its rocky shore, with seawater rushing out of the pores of the rocks. Littered with palm trees and visually stunning, Ozran Beach is a popular picnic spot for local families and tourists alike. With many vendors set up along the beach selling food and beach essentials at cheap prices, it’s a lively spot and great for families.

Dona Paula Beach

Nicknamed “Lover’s Paradise”, Dona Paula Beach is named for the daughter of a Portuguese viceroy who fell in love with a local fisherman and ended her love when her father forbade their romance.

Located only 7km from Panjim, Dona Paula Beach is located at the point where the Mandovi River and Zuari River pour into the Arabian Sea, and boasts a beach that appears silver in the setting sun.

Many food joints and small shops selling local handicrafts are found along this beach.

miramar-beach-goa
Image Resource: unsplash.com

Miramar Beach

Formerly known as Gasper Dias Beach, Miramar Beach is located on an estuary of Mandovi River as it flows out into the Arabian sea close to Panaji city.

Since it is in the urban area, many local people flock here for morning or evening walks, as well as to practice fitness activities. This beach is also popular for birdwatching, as a variety of bird-life call the nearby estuary home. It is also a favourite sunset viewpoint of tourists.

Aguada Fort is located nearby as well, giving tourists an opportunity to view the statue of Late Dayanand Bandodkar, the first chief minister of independent Goa.

A dog rests its head on Candolim Beach, Goa during the sunset
Image Resource: unsplash.com

Candolim Beach

Counted among the longest beaches in Goa, Candolim Beach starts from the aforementioned Aguada Fort and runs to Chapora Beach. The nearby Candolim-Calangute Road is one of the busiest streets in this state, and is lined with shops, hotels, and restaurants. This beach is very popular among water sports lovers, who want to enjoy parasailing, water skiing, and banana boat riding.

People can also relax here, of course, and foodies can find a treasure trove of local cuisines in the numerous beach shacks found all along Candolim Beach.

The famous Goa nightlife is also very enjoyable on this beach, as people can go straight from the beach to enjoying the many bars, nightclubs, and restaurants in the area.

A kayak waits before the calm waters of Palolem Beachm, Goa
Image Resource: unsplash.com

Palolem Beach

Palolem Beach is in the Canacona  area of southern Goa, and is very popular among foreign tourists, who flock here during the winter months to admire the picturesque natural landscape of this place.

The northern end of this beach is perfect for swimmers, due to the calmer nature of the sea here. Tourists enjoy paragliding and they can ride kayaks, water scooters, and paddle boats as well. There are also plenty of cafes, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, tattoo studios, and shops along this beach where people can experience the vibrant nightlife of Goa.

Tourists can reach this Palolem Beach by bus or rental car, as it is within 1 – 2 hours of Panaji.

A sunset on Butterfly Beach, Goa
Image Resource: unsplash.com

Butterfly Beach

This beach is located to the north of Palolem Beach in South Goa. It is not a crowded beach and thus, it is the perfect place for those who prefer a serene environment. Its name is justified by the presence of numerous colourful butterflies flying all over this beach. It is also nicknamed Honeymoon Beach, as new couples wanting to spend quality time together can do so in this secluded place.

There is a dense forest adjacent to this beach where tourists can go trekking. Different marine creatures, like sea urchins, sea cucumbers, goldfish, and redfish, can be seen on the beach during the low tide of the sea.

Hansa Beach

Tourists can visit this beach in Marmagao, only 3 Km away from Vasco city in South Goa. This beautiful beach is kept spotlessly clean by the Indian Navy. Therefore, only naval staff and their families and friends are allowed to visit this beach. However, tourists may seek permission for visiting this place from the INS Hansa Naval Base, which is adjacent to the Naval Aviation Museum in Goa.