Month: May 2018

How To Apply for A Rwanda Visa

May people would like to travel to Rwanda. This may be for business, leisure or to visit relatives and friends. If you are planning to visit Rwanda, you should have a valid passport. In other cases, any other internationally acceptable travel documents including Rwanda Visa is acceptable. Other documents would be regional identification documents that are agreed upon between countries.

Does Everybody Need a Rwanda Visa?

Not all visitors travelling to the land of a thousand hills will Rwanda Visa. However, they must have passports valid at least for 6 months or other travel documents. People from the following countries do not need Rwanda Visa for a period of between 30 to 90 days. They include:

South Africa
the United States of America
Uganda
Canada
Democratic Republic of Congo
United Kingdom
Mauritius
Sweden
Germany
Burundi
Sweden
Tanzania
Hong Kong
Kenya

Requirements You Need for a Rwanda Visa

All those applying for Rwanda Visa should present a passport. The passport must have a validity for at least 6 months before expiry.
The aapplicants must present an appropriately completed one (1) visa permit application form. You can download the Rwanda Visa permit application form here. Fill the form in your own hand writing or one that is in type.
One applying for the Rwanda Visa must present two passport photos. The photos must have a white background showing both ears clearly.
One must present a signed associated letter detailing the reason for your entering Rwanda.
You will need to present an invitation letter together with / or confirmation of your hotel accommodation reservation.
Provide a copy of your yellow fever vaccine Certificate. Note that only a copy can be submitted along with application as a requirement.
For exceptional cases for applicants with no yellow fever shots a doctor’s recommendation must be processes. This is often the case with senior citizen and people whose health conditions do not permit this vaccine.
There must be a proof that you made payment to the High Commission’s Bank Account. The fee is not refundable or neither is it transferable.
One will need a stamped or prepaid, registered as well as self addressed envelope. This should come together with an application if it was submitted through mail. On the other hand, an applicant could organize to collect their passport through a courier.

Rwanda Visa Types and Validity

TYPE OF VISA	Code	ENTRIES	VALIDITY	PRICE
Transit Visa	Q1	Single	72hrs	$30.00
Entry Visa	V1-S	Single	30 Days	$30.00
Entry Visa	V1-M	Multiple	30 Days	$50.00
Tourist Visa	T2	Multiple	30 Days	$50.00
Family Visa	T3	Multiple	30 Days	$50.00
Diplomatic/Official Visa	T4	Multiple	30 Days	GRATIS
Conference Visa	T6-1	Single	30 Days	$30.00
Conference Visa	T6-2	Multiple	30 Days	$50.00
Business Visa	T7	Single	30 Days	$30.00
Business Visa	T7	Multiple	30 Days	$50.00
East African Travel Visa	T12	Multiple	90 Days	$100.00

How to apply for a Rwanda Visa

There are two ways for which you can apply for your Rwanda visa

The first option is:

You must download a Visa application form from the link given above.
Fill in the Rwanda Visa permit application PDF
Present the fully filled application form to the mission in person or through post

Option Two. You may apply online for a single-entry visa on this link.

how-to-apply-for-rwanda-visa In order to obtain a Visa to Rwanda, you are required to submit your applications. This is at the Embassy of Rwanda or Diplomatic missions in your country of residence. This will enable the processing of your Rwanda Visa to start straight away.

For those coming from countries where Rwanda has an Embassy or Diplomatic Mission, the work is made easier. You should request for an entry facility on line. This will be used to obtain a visa on any official point of entry in Rwanda.

The Rwanda visa should not used for employment.

Most Rwandese High Commission and Embassy no longer accepts hard cash. Postal orders or even cheques are no longer acceptable for the visa applications.

Whoever is applying for a visa must pay or transfer online the money. This is into the account of the Rwanda High Commission, embassy or consular. You will then submit in person or post the documents showing proof of payment.

Rwanda Visa fees

It is important to note that in case one’s application is refused, or withdrawn by the applicant, fees are no refundable.

In view of bilateral agreements, nationals of the following Countries may visit Rwanda without a visa. This is for up to 90 days: Hong Kong, Philippines, Mauritius, Singapore and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Rwanda Visa Exempt countries

All the East African Community countries are Rwanda Visa Exempt. This include holders of EAC Partner states passports including Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi and Uganda. They shall be issued with 6 months renewable visitors pass upon arrival at no fee.

Rwanda Visa issued Upon arrival

A Rwanda visa valid for up to 30 days on arrival without prior application will be issued to nationals of all African countries. Others on this list include Australia, Germany, Israel and New Zealand. Also, in this list is Sweden, United Kingdom, and United States of America. The fee for this is US $ 30 payable up on arrival.

Holders of US Travel Document

Applicants with the United States travel documents must obtain visas before traveling to Rwanda. Failure to obtain visas from the Embassy or online will result in refusal to board the plane to Rwanda.

New Rwanda Visa Regime

As of the 16th of November 2017, a new visa regime for the Republic of Rwanda was established. The Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration would like to inform the public of the following New Visa Regime:

Reciprocity – Rwanda will grant visas free of charge with 90 days validity. This is to the following countries on a reciprocal basis: Benin, Central African Republic, Chad, Ghana, Indonesia, Haiti, Senegal, Seychelles and Sao Tome and Principe. This is in addition to the Democratic Republic Congo, East African Community Partner States, Mauritius, Philippines, and Singapore. This takes immediate effect.
Rwanda Visa waiver for Diplomatic and Service Passports – The Government of Rwanda has entered into a Visa Waiver Agreement for holders of Diplomatic and Service Passports. The countries under this category include Djibouti, Ethiopia, Gabon, Guinea, India, Israel, Morocco and Turkey.
30 Days visa upon arrival – Citizens of all countries to get visa upon arrival without prior application. This came into effect starting the 1st of January 2018. Before that, only nationals of African countries and a few others were getting a visa upon arrival.
COMESA Member States to get 90 days visa upon arrival – Citizens of COMESA member states to get 90 days visa on arrival. This is up on payment of the prescribed fee. This is provided by Article 4 of the COMESA Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, Labour, Services, Right of Establishment and Residence. Rwanda ratified the protocol on the 13th of July 2016. Currently, citizens of COMESA member states were getting 30 days on arrival as other holders of African Passports.
Rwandans living abroad with dual nationality allowed to use national IDs on entry. Waive visa fee to Rwandans travelling on foreign passports in possession of a Rwandan Identity Card for countries that permit dual nationality only. Initially, Rwandans travelling on a foreign passport in possession of a valid Rwandan passport were the only ones granted a visa free on arrival.
Foreign residents to use their Resident ID cards for entry. Returning residents holding valid residence permits with corresponding resident cards will be allowed to use them on entry. This include using electronic gates (Automated Passenger Clearance System) at Kigali International Airport.

WORK PERMITS FOR RWANDA

Most nationals are required to apply for a visa in order to enter and stay in Rwanda. You can find an overview of the different types of visas, from tourist to job seeker ones, on the website of the Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration.

As an expatriate planning on working in Rwanda, you also need to apply for a (work) permit. This is in addition to your Rwanda visa, as the latter only allows you entry into the country.

Permits for working in Rwanda are split into a number of different categories. They are as follows; first, they are split between temporary and permanent work permits. There are various different types of permits available, depending on the reason for your stay in Rwanda. For example, there are five types of different temporary permits that describe different natures of employment:

A skilled worker on an occupation on demand (H1)
A skilled worker sponsored by an organization (H2)
Journalist or media (H3)
Semiskilled or artisan workers (H4)
International Organization employees (H5)

In addition, there are many more permit categories available for different purposes, from student passes to investor or entrepreneur permits.

A set of relevant documents in either French or English is required to complete the application and gain your work permit.

May 25, 2018

Best African Safari Tours

Are you thinking of an African safari? Planning a safari to Africa can be hectic. This is especially true when you do not have any information. One may feel overwhelmed and clueless. It is thus, so important to have someone to help with doing the hard work for you. We are able to present to you some of the best African safari tours and packages.

We have had over the 20 years of putting together great African safari trips. Over the years, we have had a feel for what works and what doesn’t on all matters African safaris. We have also been able to pair different destinations to know what works well. This has enabled us to coordinate and ensure that all logistics run well. Thus, so when we talk about best African safari tours and packages, trust our experience.

This article is about top rated African safari tours. We are looking at the most selected tours from all the countries that we operate in. This is a list of selected top African safari tours. These are the best African safari tours and packages that rate most popular. The rating is by our customers and African safari experts.

Wide Range of Experience from Our Popular African Safari Tours and Packages

It is important to note that our most popular African safari tours offer a range of experiences. We have the multi generation family love of our Namibia and South African holidays. But, there is something for honeymooners and their kin the romantics. They will definitely, fall for our blissful wilderness and beach combos. The adventurers will not waste time going up the roof of Africa or conquering the Mountains of the moon.

Our best African safari tours and packages feature some of Africa’s most iconic destinations. Don’t be surprised to find Cape Town voted one of the most beautiful cities in the world in the list. there are wilderness areas teeming with animals are also in the list. They include the Masai Mara, Kruger National Park and the Serengeti. This list cannot complete without having the stark desert beauty of Namibia. We also have the remote and exclusive corners of Botswana and the iconic Victoria Falls.

Best African Safari Tours and Packages: Our Top 10 Selection

Best African Wildlife Safari Tours and Packages

1.       Best Kenya Safari Tour

Kenya is home to the big five. This is the original home of safari adventure. There are many big names that have been to Kenya for safaris including some of the world’s presidents.

Making it at the top of the best African safari tours and packages is the best Kenya safari tour. This is a 12 days Kenya safari holiday to some of the world’s premium Parks. On the list of parks that you will tour here include:

·         Masai Mara National Reserve – Theatre to the Annual wildebeest migration

·         Tsavo National Park – Known for the largest herds of elephants

·         Lake Nakuru National Park – Home to both the black and white rhinos

·         Aberdare National Park – Queen Elizabeth II learnt of her father’s death

·         Samburu National Reserve – Home to the Grevy’s Zebra and the Beisa Oryx

This is among the few African safari tours that allow you to see animals on both sides of the hemisphere.

One is also able to combine this safari with a beach holiday in Kenya. It is for those who are looking for adventure, family, honeymoon or a romantic safari to Africa. This is a 12-day Kenya safari tour experience. It is among the best African safari tour packages that you can never want to miss.

2.       Madagascar Wildlife Safari

Making it to the top of our best African safari tours and packages is the 16 days Madagascar wildlife safari. This is a 16 days of wildlife pleasure looking for different wildlife species. They include the lemurs, reptiles among others in the Madagascar forests. This tour takes you to some of the greatest national parks and game reserves. You will visit Northern, Eastern and western Madagascar. Your adventures will include hiking the Marojejy National Park.

This is popular with the Sifaka. Other parks that you will visit include:

·         Tsingy of Beramaha National Park

·         Andasibe -Mantadia National Park

·         Ankanin’ny Nofy

3.       9 Day Uganda Gorilla Tour Experience

This tour is an all-time stunner hence making it to this list of the best African safari tours and packages. On this 9 days Uganda gorilla tour experience, you will be following on the tracks of the primates.

This is a 9 days of mountain gorilla trekking and chimp tracking safari experience in Uganda. The mountain gorillas are only in 3 countries of the world. That is Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Uganda has more than 50% of the less than 1000 individual mountain gorillas in the world. You will combine the tour with the search for the tree climbing lions in Ishasha as you track 4 of the big five. Parks that yu will visit on this tour include:

·         Kibale Forest National Park – One of the best places to track chimpanzees

·         Queen Elizabeth National Park – Home to 4 of the big five including tree climbing lions

·         Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – habitat to 50% of the mountain gorillas

Best African Honeymoon and Romantic Packages

1.       6 Day Garden Route Tour

One of the top honeymoon and romantic escapade tour package. This is the 6-day Garden Route tour in South Africa. It is for this reason that this trip makes it to the list of best African safari tours and packages. The Garden Route is a 300-kilometre stretch of the south-western coast of South Africa. The stretch extends from Mossel Bay in the Western Cape to the Storms River in the Eastern Cape.

The 6-day Garden Route Tour allows you to visit the Ostrich Feather capital of the world. You will not only be able to taste ostrich meat but a ride on one will not hurt. Other places that you will tour include the Cango caves and the Outeniqua Pass. Here you will enjoy the panoramic views of the Outeniqua Mountain range.

2.       Mozambique Island Hoping Tour

Just imagine 3 to 4 nights on a dhow! Let your imagination become reals as Mozambique Island hopping allows you to do so. This Mozambique tour package lets you hope between remote islands. You will visit and camp on undiscovered romantic beaches. This adventure also allows you to mingle with marine animals. You will go to sleep to the sound of the surf and gaze in awe the star filled African sky.

The Mozambique island hopping tour allows you to explore some of the 32 islands. This is in this remote part of the African coastline region. This is a 7 nights’ island hopping by dhow. It gives you a perfect romantic adventure experience in Mozambique. It is the reason why it makes it to the list of the best African Safari tours and packages

3.       Victoria Falls Romantic Safari Holiday

Also, to make it to the list of Top African safari tours is this safari in Zambia. Victoria Falls Romantic Safari is a deluxe African romantic vacation in Zambia. The Victoria Falls Romantic safari in Zambia takes couples on a romantic journey. You’ll be on an exclusive private hideaway on the banks of the Zambezi River.

You’ll celebrate the natural majesty of the Zambezi River. You’ll also have the mystical Victoria Falls in an ambiance of pure romance. You will have your accommodation in an open-fronted cottage. You’ll enjoy the tranquility of two exquisite Zambia safari lodges.

You’ll stroll along to the thundering echo of the Victoria Falls. This is as you relish under the refreshing showers of this natural phenomenon. You’ll have time to explore the historical town of Livingstone. This will give you a reason to fall in love with Zambia. The same reasons that the famous explorer, David Livingstone fell in love here too.

Best African Family Safari Tours and Packages

1.       Namibia Family Safari

A family is a source of joy and having them around is one of the best things you would not want to miss. Family safaris are to strengthen the family bonds together. That is why you have Namibia Family safari among the best African safari tours and packages.

This is a budget conscious tour, a 10-day camping family adventure in Namibia. The budget Namibia family safari is designed for families. It is for those traveling with children in Africa to Namibia. There is a least age of 5 years for children on this Namibia family safari. Driving distances on the budget Namibia family safari have been kept to a least. The sites visited on budget Namibia family safari are well chosen. This is to ensure that they appeal to both adults and children.

2.       Botswana Family Safari

This is another family safari that makes it to the list of best Africa safari tours and packages. This is the 4 days Botswana family safari. This is a child-friendly safari tour in Botswana. This safari offers families discover African wonders together. Activities are well planned with your whole family in mind.

The young ones will learn African bush tricks. This will include tracking and hunting skills. Accommodation is in twin-bedded Meru tents with a bucket shower and bush toilet. You’ll also have daily laundry service on this African safari in Botswana. A chef will prepare delicious meals for the whole family to enjoy. It’s time to enjoy your Botswana family safari.

Best African Outdoor Safari Tours and Packages

1.       Kilimanjaro Serengeti Zanzibar Holiday Package

This is an outdoor adventure combo with beach holiday. This Tanzania safari also makes it to the best Africa safari tours and packages. This Kilimanjaro Serengeti Zanzibar holiday offers the ultimate African safari holiday. Imagine climbing the highest mountain in Africa. You will also be searching for the big five in Serengeti and a beach holiday vacation in Zanzibar!

Kilimanjaro Serengeti Zanzibar holiday is a 20-day safari in Tanzania. This Kilimanjaro Serengeti Zanzibar holiday starts from Moshi and ends in Zanzibar. This African safari in Tanzania lets you hike Mount Kilimanjaro.

You will also have an opportunity to look for the big five. The 20-day Kilimanjaro Serengeti Zanzibar holiday then heads to Zanzibar. It is here that you will tone everything down with some relaxation.

Best African Historical and Religious Safari Tours and Packages

1.       14 Day Northern Ethiopia Safari

This is a combination of historical, cultural and architectural safari in Africa. This tour offers some of the best Africa safari tours and packages and this is one of them. This 14 days Ethiopia safari tour explores the rich Christian heritage of Ethiopian churches. You will also visit various monasteries and holy sites within Ethiopia.

You will enjoy culture on this 14 days Northern Ethiopian safari tour. It also offers some perfect spots to admire its breathtaking mountainous landscape. You should be on the lookout for the authentic villages of the region. You will enjoy a boat ride on Lake Tana, the main source of the Blue Nile.

Best Multi African Countries Safari Tours and Packages

1.       13 days Ethiopia – Kenya Safari

Making it to the list of best Africa safari tours and packages is the Ethiopia, Kenya Combo. Ethiopia Kenya tour safari is a 13-day African safari to Ethiopia and Kenya. This is a historic, scenic, wildlife and cultural safari in Eastern Africa. The Ethiopia Kenya safari starts in Addis Ababa and ends in Nairobi. You will enjoy the best of Cushitic and nilotic colorful cultures on the Tour. Look forward to the big five safaris in Masai Mara National Reserve. There is also birding in Lake Nakuru National Park. Amboseli National Park is also home to the big five and great Kilimanjaro views.

2.       14 days Mt Kenya Kilimanjaro Climb

This is a Kenya Tanzania safari combination. The 14 days Mt Kenya and Kilimanjaro sits on both adventure and combo tours. Imagine hiking 2 of Africa’s highest peaks?

Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in Africa. This is the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. Mt. Kenya is the second highest mountain in Africa. The tour allows you to go up two snow capped African mountains near the Equator. It is for the above reason that we have it among the best African safari tours.

We love to custom make each trip to our customer’s tastes. It is but worth having a look at our best African safari tours and packages. There are also iconic destination combos that have been tried and tested. All the above trips are the top choice from our experts and customers. They are good value for money as well as a great source of travel inspiration.

We have often offered itineraries based on our client’s bucket list. We also consider comfort requirements, energy levels, travel dates and of course budget. We have been through the years perfecting our African jungle skills. This is in creating and designing different programmes. They include quality safari camps and lodges that we have selected. This enables us to give you fantastic wildlife experiences. This will WOW you with life long special memories. with us, you are sure of unique once-in-a-lifetime moments in Africa.

May 23, 2018