5 Things to note before visiting Kenya

Kenya is a developing East African country known for its wildlife and national parks. The capital city is Nairobi. The second largest city is Mombasa, It’s a wonderful place for tourists, and individuals, looking to get in touch with the ancient African cultures. Here are some tips on how to make your trip to Kenya interesting, safe, and an all round success.

  • Try some street food
kenyan-food

Trying new foods is half the fun of traveling, and Kenya’s cuisine won’t disappoint you. Traveler favorites include nyama choma, or roasted meat, and matoke, which is plantain stew. Goat and beef is often used for nyama choma and matoke is made with a delectable mix of onions, garlic, chilies, and lemon juice. These dishes and others are served non-stop at the Kenyatta market in Nairobi.

  • Go to Kenyan Safari
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As the birthplace of the African Safari, Kenya is the perfect place to see wildlife in their natural habitat. Africa’s famed wildebeest migration takes place at Maasai Mara, the continent’s most popular nature reserve. Other parks in Kenya are perfect for seeing elephants, flamingos and other kinds of unique and rare wildlife.

  • Kenyans are friendly
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Kenyans are known for being friendly and open. The majority of the population–98 percent–are native to Kenya; Asians, Europeans and Arabs make up less than one percent of the population. Nearly three-quarters of working Kenyans are in the agriculture industry, and some Kenyans in rural areas live nomadic lifestyles.

Traveling to Kenya is an experience you’ll never forget! Are you ready to start planning your Kenya adventure?

  • Bring US Dollars with you
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Although Kenya’s official currency is the Kenyan shilling, it’s best to bring some US dollars along since prices are sometimes quoted in USD. Bargaining is a common practice in Nairobi and other Kenyan cities. As a traveler, you’ll often be invited to see what local vendors have for sale in markets and street stalls.

  • Consider carrying your Passport
international-passports

Some sources say it’s best to carry your passport (or a copy of it) on you during your stay in Kenya. If you are stopped by authorities for any reason, they may ask to see identification, and as a traveler you’ll need to present your passport. Be sure to secure all valuables while out in public, including your passport.

Why you need an international passport

An International passport is one of the best forms of ID one should have. Even if it sounds a lot more official, getting a passport is not too different from the university or financial aid application process—except that there’s no essay required, less decision-making involved, and fewer chances of getting a rejection letter.

Every country has specific requirements, but in general it’s as simple as:

  • Filling out a passport application
  • Submitting the required payment
  • Getting (flattering) passport-approved photos
  • Proving your identity with some ID photocopies
  • Dropping off the signed bundle at an approved passport facility near you (or via mail, depending)

Regardless of if your passport is red or blue, if northern lights appear under UV light (Norway), or an animated moose hops through the pages as you flip them (Finland), the benefits of getting a passport are many. Here’s a brief list of some of our favorite perks:

  • It’s a formal government-issued ID

Not only is a passport a legal proof of ID, but it’s recognized across the globe as such. Sure, it’s handy to have a passport as back-up when entering bars if your driver’s license has been lost, but it’s even more useful to get you out of trouble with the police abroad in Peru or to apply for a monthly metro card in Poland.

School ID’s or DL’s don’t get you very far abroad, but passports are universally respected. Plus, a passport is now required for some domestic flights as well! (And remember that Canada or Mexico are still foreign countries.)

  • It’s your ticket to the world

Some passports give you more freedom than others, but for Americans, Europeans, and Aussies, a passport opens the door to a majority of the world. That’s around 170 countries to visit, enjoy, get lost in, learn from, and go back to. In other words, 170 additional reasons to have a passport.

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  • Peace of mind

Surprise birthday trip? Wedding invitation? Funeral? Work relocation? Spring semester abroad? Caribbean cruise raffle winner? There are endless reasons to hop on a plane, many of them last-minute and unexpected. Having a passport in your bedside drawer means that you are ready for any adventure, anywhere, anytime.

Remember to renew when needed (at least six months before expiration).

  •  Improved legal safety around child laws

On another, more serious note, obtaining passports for children minimizes the risk of losing them in child custody battles or kidnappings from ex-partners. Furthermore, if you are interested in adopting a child abroad, you will need a passport to go visit, apply, and bring them back home safely. Plus, the application for a children’s passport is a lot easier, and it’s better to apply for it sooner rather than later!

  • Easy proof of citizenship

Whether at home or abroad, a passport proves that you have the right to be in your home country (or temporary access to another country). Pretty straight-forward reason to own a passport, but definitely worth mentioning and very important!

As cool as airports are becoming, no one wants to recreate The Terminal…

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  • More work opportunities

Whether you want to earn some extra pocket money with a fast’n furious seasonal job abroad or you got a promotion that requires international travel, a passport lets you seize many more professional business opportunities.

Things to know before visiting Zanzibar

Zanzibar a partly self-governing state in Tanzania; it’s not an independent country. The archipelago was once the separate state of Zanzibar, which united with Tanganyika to form the United Republic of Tanzania. Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous within the union, with its own government.

  • Food
Tanzanian-food

Food may not be your major reason for visiting this city, but what goes into your stomach can greatly impact your overall experience. Not only is Zanzibar a melting pot of diverse cultures, it is also a city that buzzes with delicious cuisines. So, if you love to try new meals, Zanzibar’s food culture will dazzle you with its rich blend of European, Indian, Middle Eastern and Portuguese influences.

So, expect popular delicacies like Biryani, Pilau rice, Octopus Curry, Urojo, Mandazi and the famous Zanzibar Pizza. If you enjoy the smacking feel of meat snacks, go for a few brochettes of Mishkaki.

  • Salutations and Language
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In Zanzibar, I must warn you, greetings matter a great deal. Yes, it’s important to say hello when you come across locals. If you are already used to the mind-your-business attitude that abounds in major cities like Lagos, you may need to adopt a friendlier approach to the way you relate to people in this city. The reason is that local people in Zanzibar are very warm to strangers, and generally like to acknowledge your presence.

You will have to learn to say a few “Jambos” and “mambos” to locals. And for the elders, it’s advisable to use “shikambo” which shows respect, and you will be amazed how the locals appreciate that.

  • Special spot for honeymooners
Honeymoon

Zanzibar is a city burning with romance – whether for couples who want to ignite the flames of their love story or newly-weds just discovering the amazing power of passion. So, if you have just said “I do” before the world, make your romance story a bit more idyllic, a bit more magical with a stay in one of the exotic resorts in Zanzibar.

For beach lovers, consider spending a few days at the famous Langi Langi Beach Bungalows seated at the heart of the beautiful Island of Zanzibar. It offers a clear view of the Indian Ocean and a myriad of deep sea fishing and diving opportunities.

  • Cheap vacation packages
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The question on your mind would be is Zanzibar expensive?  One of the major things to know before you travel to this amazing city is that you don’t have to break the banks to have your dream vacation here. Unlike most destinations that cost an arm and a leg, you can enjoy a budget getaway in this archipelago. For a start, consider some of these cheap vacations in Zanzibar.

Requirements for the Zanzibar Visa vary from country to country. To know the requirements for your country kindly click HERE to contact us.

Reasons To Live And Work In Bahrain

Bahrain is he second best option to Dubai, for someone looking for a country to live, work, and earn well. Bahrain is the most desirable country in the world for different nationalities to live in, due to the coexistence of people in an atmosphere of security and tranquility that makes the Kingdom an incubator for all. If you are still thinking about taking the decision of moving to and living in Bahrain in the future, we will give you some assistance to help you settle this issue by displaying unquestionably and convincing reasons to make you live in Gulf’s pearl.

  • Finding residency is easy

Let’s start first with humans’ most basic need, which is shelter. The residential options found in the Kingdom of Bahrain are divergent, diverse, and overall, accessible to meet the demands of all social sectors.

Prices for renting apartments in the Bahraini kingdom are among the cheapest among all other GCC states; sales prices also are convenient.

Moreover, the Bahrain government has opened the door for foreign real estate investors to purchase properties in what is known as freehold areas.

  • Amazing Job opportunities

A person working in Bahrain typically earns around 1,480 BHD ($3,936 )per month. Salaries range from 370 BHD ($984) (lowest average) to 6,600 BHD($17,553) (highest average, actual maximum salary is higher). This is the average monthly salary including housing, transport, and other benefits. Salaries vary drastically between different careers.

  • Low cost of living

Living in Bahrain is affordable; to find out more about the detailed main costs you might think of, check an article on the cost of living in Bahrain.

The government subsidies all substantial commodities to be affordable for all people including gas, meat, and others. The cost of basic services like electricity, water, and the internet is also relatively low to make the services accessible to everyone.

  • Modern State

In another respect, building and construction activities are taking place in full swing all around the kingdom to improve infrastructure, enhance the quality of services offered, and extended the road network.

The change happening in Bahrain’s real estate landscape became evident. Towers are rising side by side in the central areas, also work is developing on sea reclamation projects like Diyar Al Muharraq islands and other similar developments.

Bahrain tops the list of countries that foreigners prefer to live in, not only due to its high salary rate but also due to a variety of other factors that affect people’s lives positively, such as its lifestyle, its privileged location, the mild weather, and its friendly people. Many expats also see the opportunity to find work in Bahrain, in addition to the ability to balance personal life and work. Numerous statistics have proven that Bahrain is one of the best countries for expats to work and live in.

  • Taxes would not affect your salary

There is no income tax system as is the case in other countries. However, the government recently introduced a “Social Insurance Tax”, which is just 1% of your gross salary during 12 months of work.

  • Friendly Community

You will never walk alone in Manama, it’s very easy to find friends. The community is very warm and caring, there are also many activities to do with family members and friends like venturing out in the desert to have a fine grill and sit down around a fire, going to the beach, hitting malls, and many others.

You will feel real compassion from the heartwarming conversations in these gatherings, people really care about each other. The small island is a quintessential mixing pot where many nationalities live peacefully together with nothing to differentiate between them.

Requirements for the Bahrain Visa vary from country to country. To know the requirements for your country, kindly contact us via our Whatsapp contact icon at the bottom right.

5 PLACES YOU SHOULD VISIT IN SOUTH AFRICA

  • CAPE TOWN

Cape Town has something for everyone – and every experience has a uniqueness about it… I suggest having a traditional lunch at an “off the beaten track” Cape wine estate, and if you’re feeling fit, climb the 1087 metre high Table Mountain, take the cable car down, and then have a famously sweet koeksister to replenish your energy!

  • MOSSEL BAY

with its lovely beaches and pounding waves making for some great surfing, Mossel Bay is a great city to visit if you love the outdoors. From here, you can enjoy the soft sands, hike along the coast, or even go skydiving if you feel like it. While the town itself is quite unattractive due to its industrial sprawl, the range of things to see and do and the laidback vibe make it a great stop off point when you’re traveling along the Garden Route.

Mossel-bay

  • Johannesburg

With around ten million residents, Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa and is the economic heart of sub-Saharan Africa. Tellingly, however, almost half of the population live in townships such as the famous Soweto.

For a revealing and eye-opening look into South Africa´s tragic past, the Apartheid Museum is a must, and there are many other great museums to visit. While the city does have its issues and its massive sprawl can be a bit overwhelming, it is a surprisingly welcoming place; its infectious energy will encourage you to keep exploring all of the great shopping, sporting spectacles and vibrant urban culture.

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  • Durban

The third largest city in South Africa is a bustling place, thanks in part to its gigantic port – the largest in Africa. Much has changed in recent decades – the end of apartheid saw the city welcome many nearby Kwa-Zulu residents, who now make Durban one of the most African cities in the country. In addition to this, its huge Indian population also gives it an Asian flair, as demonstrated by the streets, markets and restaurants which you´ll come across.

Lying on the Indian Ocean coast, Durban has a picturesque harbor as well as a lovely waterfront lining the expansive public beaches that many Jo´burgers come to enjoy. Although there is a slightly gritty feel to the city due to the port, recent developments have seen Durban much improved and even better to visit than before.

Durban image

  • Kimberley

Located amidst the Diamond Fields, Kimberley is where de Beers started out, and the city will forever be associated with these glittering gems. Visit the Big Hole and the accompanying recreated mining settlement to step back into the past and experience how Kimberley used to be. Located in the Northern Cape, it has some great museums and fine old buildings which are steeped in history, as well as a scattering of decent hotels and restaurants.

Kimberley
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