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  • Your Guide to Visit East Africa This Summer

    Vika
    May 27, 2021

    Travelling to East Africa this summer - a great idea and a wise conclusion!

    To realize your great idea support your wise conclusion with updated information on pros, cons, and of course the latest Covid regulations. Daily updated and thoroughly checked information will surely help you to get an informed decision.
    Pros surely include fewer visitors, curious animals, a higher standard of service for a lower price, easily maintained social distancing, and more profound contact with nature.
    Cons may be different Covid protocols when entering each country.

    1. Tanzania


    The undisputed queen of African safaris, Tanzania, is home to the Wildebeest Migration for ten months of the year, it is where the World Heritage-listed Ngorongoro Crater shows off the unique wildlife, where Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's tallest mountain protrudes from the average, and the gorgeous island paradise of Zanzibar is being caressed by the sea.
    One of the advantages is "front row seats" for the great migration spectacle - dare to fight the croc for its bite? Pre-covid times witnessed rows and rows of cars waiting to catch a glimpse of nature's wonders, now great views are on display.

    Covid-19 regulations:
    All travellers are now required to show a negative PCR Covid-19 test certificate not older than 72 hours. Upon arrival, all travellers will be subjected to rapid Covid-19 testing. The cost of this test is 25 USD and will be paid by the traveller on location. You are required to fill in the health form, available online, before travelling.

    2. Rwanda


    This green heaven in the heart of Africa invites with its unparalleled treasures. Gorilla and chimpanzee trekkings are always on the top, you can spot all of the big five here, and don't forget the amazing birdlife as well.
    Volcanoes national park, Akagera, Nyungwe, or the newest Gishwati Mukura national park all have lots to offer, Lake Kivu shares a different perspective, just as a visit to the sombre Rwanda Genocide Museum in Kigali.

    Covid-19 regulations:
    All arriving travellers are required to have a negative PCR Covid-19 test certificate conducted within 72 hours before departure. Before arrival, you are required to fill in the Public Health Passenger Locator Form online and attach the PCR certificate. All passengers are required to stay 24 hours in quarantine, while passengers from India are required to complete 7 days in mandatory quarantine upon arrival at a designated quarantine hotel at their own cost.
    All travelers departing from Rwanda must test negative for Covid-19. A PCR test must be performed within 72 hours before departure. The Covid-19 test is not mandatory for accompanied children under 5 years.

    3. Uganda


    No country in Africa can offer quite what Uganda does: world-class gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, terrific game drives, all big five, bustling birdlife, and the majesty of the mighty Nile.
    Winston Churchill fondly called Uganda The Pearl of Africa, and we certainly agree with that sentiment, adding our cognition - Uganda's wild charm and variety of activities make it a great place to plan a safari.

    Covid-19 regulations:
    Arriving passengers will be subject to temperature checks and will be screened for infectious diseases by the Port Health Authorities. If a passenger shows signs or symptoms of any infectious disease they will be taken by ambulance to a local isolation center to undergo a COVID-19 test at their own cost. Test results will be returned within 24 to 48 hours; passengers will be expected to remain at the isolation center until the test results are returned. Passengers coming from India or being there less than 14 days ago, are not permitted to enter Uganda. Passengers from certain countries will have to undergo PCR testing on the border /airport at their own costs.
    Departing passengers are required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate, issued no more than 120 hours before travel. The 120 hours begin on the day the sample is collected for testing.

    4. Kenya


    Often referred to as "Africa's safari capital", home to the world-famous Maasai Mara and hosting the famed Wildebeest Migration in August and September as well as boasting the best views of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Kenya is also an affordable and well-developed tourism market that is great for families or people traveling on a budget. Many different options to choose from in every rank, for every taste.

    Covid-19 regulations:
    All arriving passengers must take the PCR test 96 hours before departure from the first embarkation point and present the negative test. You must complete the “Travelers Health Surveillance Form” online before departure.
    Currently, flights from the UK and India to Kenya are suspended until June 2021.
    Passengers who have been to or transited through India in the past 14 days are not allowed to enter Kenya.

  • Covid-19 Test in Tanzania & Zanzibar

    Vika
    May 6, 2021

    Getting a Covid-19 negative certificate for your return flight from Tanzania is a simple process. There are several locations in Tanzania where you can have a sample taken. All samples (except those, taken at Mount Meru Hospital in Arusha, which has its own lab) are sent to Dar es Salaam for processing in the national laboratory. The results will be delivered to you by email 48 hours after your sample has been taken.

    There are 4 easy steps - below you will find more information per step:

    • Register online
    • Pay
    • Take Sample / Swab
    • Get the result

    Registration for your Covid-19 PCR test

    In both, Tanzania and Zanzibar, tests must be registered and paid for in advance. Online registration for a test in the mainland of Tanzania can be done via this link: https://pimacovid.moh.go.tz
    For a test on Zanzibar go to this link: https://zanzibarcovidtesting.co.tz

    It is best to register 5 days in advance - with your phone number and passport in hand.

    Pay

    It is best to pay for a test in advance to a “wakala” based on the control number that you received by telephone or email during registration. The payment can also be made in the hospital itself, but the process will take longer. There are many officially registered “mobile money” or “wakala” points in Tanzania. Your Shadows of Africa guide will assist you, making a short stop of about 10 minutes during your safari to complete the payment. Cash payment is preferred.

    After payment you will receive proof of payment, which is also a necessary document when leaving the country, so don't lose it!

    Taking a Covid-19 PCR test in Arusha

    In Arusha, it is best to have a test taken at Mount Meru Regional Hospital or Arusha Lutheran Medical Center. The Mount Meru Hospital has its own lab, which means that the tests do not have to be taken to Dar Es Salaam. This means that results can be expected as early as 24 hours after taking the sample.

    Taking a Covid-19 PCR test in Zanzibar

    The Zanzibar Ministry of Health has currently designated three sites for Covid PCR testing:
    Emergency Operation Center in Lumumba
    Global Hospital in Vuga
    North Valley Hospital in Nungwi

    Taking a Covid-19 PCR test in the Serengeti

    There is even a test site in the Serengeti - this is located at the airport in Seronera; so in the heart of the Serengeti! Your guide will take you to the special testing station in the morning and then you can continue on a safari. With a test in the Serengeti, you can combine the pleasant with the necessary.

    Sample taking

    When you arrive at your test location, you register and show your proof of payment, and provide your personal and flight details. You should bring your passport. You will then be given a control number and when it’s your turn, your sample will be taken. The samples are taken from both, the nose and the throat.

    Test results

    It takes up to 48 hours to get the results as the samples are sent to Dar es Salaam for testing (except at Mount Meru Hospital). If your airline has strict rules regarding the validity of the certificate, make sure you take your sample in the morning so that it can be sent to Dar es Salaam the same day as the collection. The date printed on your certificate is the date the certificate is issued, not the date the sample was taken. At the airport, you will occasionally be asked for a printed version of the test - so ask your hotel if they can print it for you.

    In short, you can meet all requirements.

    Latest update / Rapid test before departure

    Since January 26, 2021, KLM requires a Rapid Covid-19 test as an additional requirement to the PCR test. This rapid test must be taken no later than 4 hours before departure. Rapid tests are performed at all airports KLM flies to and from: Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar, and Dar es Salaam.
    The cost for this test is USD 25 per person per test and is payable in cash at the airport. Allow enough time for this test to avoid any problems and arrive at the airport at least five hours before departure.

    If you fly with KLM, you must do this rapid test in addition to a classic PCR test - and you must therefore have a Covid-19 negative certificate + the rapid test before you can board. This is no longer applicable to passengers who only transfer in the Netherlands.

  • Personal Information for Your Safari Booking

    Vika
    February 18, 2021

    On the 1st of January 2021 TANAPA — the Tanzanian safari parks authority — has implemented new administration rules. The updated regulations require that a copy of the passport of every visitor is digitally registered before visiting. This regulation is aimed at minimizing corruption and increasing efficiency.
    This requirement is at odds with European laws on privacy and personal data — which do not allow you to send full passport copies. But of course, we want to spare you administrative delays at the park entry. Who wants to be stuck right at the edge of a National Park waiting for paperwork - while you could already enjoy a game drive?
    So, therefore, we ask only the demanded information - with unnecessary information blocked out, to spare you delays at the gate of your chosen safari park — while not jeopardizing your privacy.
    Tanzanian authorities require the following information to be visible:

    1. Passport number
    2. Age (birthdate)
    3. Name
    4. Photo

    persoonlijke-gegevens-safari

    You can make a standard copy at home and blacken all the additional data and then scan & send that in a pdf to us.
    Alternatively, we recommend this app, that works on Android supported phones:
    KopieID.
    With this app you can take a photo of your identity document, cross out privacy-sensitive information. In the picture you can indicate who the copy is intended for and for what purpose. This text and the date are added on the copy as a watermark. You can now send the copy, print it or save it safely for later use. Saving the copy is only possible if you have crossed out something.

    We want to thank you for your cooperation, and we are looking forward to welcoming you in Africa!

  • Get Your PCR & Rapid Covid Test in Arusha, Zanzibar and the Serengeti!

    Vika
    February 3, 2021

    Latest update!

    Since 26th of January 2021 KLM requires a Rapid Covid-19 test as an additional obligation to the PCR test. This rapid test must be taken no more than 4 hours before departure. Rapid testing is performed on all airports that KLM flies from and to: Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam.
    The cost for this test is 25 USD per person/test. To be paid in cash at the airport.
    Reserve enough time for this test to prevent any issues, and arrive at the airport at least five hours before departure.

    Where to get a PCR test in Arusha

    A PCR test can be taken in Mount Meru Regional Hospital

    and in Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre

    Where to get a PCR test on Zanzibar

      The Ministry of Health Zanzibar has currently designated three locations for Covid PCR tests:

    • Emergency Operation Centre in Lumumba
    • Global Hospital in Vuga and
    • North Valley Hospital in Nungwi

    What's the cost

    The cost of the test is 100 USD.
    In Zanzibar private hospitals charge 150 USD.
    In the Serengeti the cost are $100 for the test and $17 for the handling fee

    Where to get a PCR test in the Serengeti

    To be able to get the PCR test in the Serengeti you also have the register via the normal website: https://pimacovid.moh.go.tz
    After registering, a control number will be generated. Pay the test fee, which is equivalent to 100$ in TZS, following the instructions provided when the control is generated.
    For taking a test in the Serengeti there is a small extra handling fee covering the extra cost with taking a test in the Serengeti. Pay the handling fee via Mpesa, through Vodacom pay ‘Number 5106362 Tanzania Association of Tour Operators’. Shadows of Africa can assist with this. The handling fee is 40,000 TZS or roughly $17
    Go to the Testing Center in Seronera between 8AM and 12AM. No appointment needed.
    The test will travel to Dar es Salaam for the physical testing. The results take 48 hours to be delivered to you via email, WhatsApp - like with tests taken in Arusha & Zanzibar.

    How to take a PCR test in Arusha or on Zanzibar

    Since 4th of January 2021 new rules have been implemented by the Tanzanian government.
    You need to register on the official test site: https://pimacovid.moh.go.tz, with your passport and telephone number. You should do this 5 days before you plan to take your test.

    Choose a hospital, pay and get tested.
    Roughly, this is the procedure on arrival in the hospital:
    Get in a line to pay for the test. Cash is preferred, although cards are accepted. Using cards to pay might cause some trouble or delay. After paying, you'll receive a receipt, which is also a necessary document when leaving the country, so don't lose it!
    You'll then proceed to another line. You'll present your paid receipt and submit your personal information and flight details. In the third line, you will then declare how you want to get the results, on-line via WhatsApp or email or a printed copy. We suggest the latter since you will need a printed result to present at the airport.
    You will then receive a control number, and when it's your turn, you get tested. The samples are taken from your throat and nose.

    How long does it take to get the result?

    It will take up to 48 hours to get the results since the samples are sent to Dar es Salaam for testing. If your airline has strict regulations regarding the validity time of the certificate make sure you perform your sample taking in the morning - so it can be sent to Dar es Salaam the same day of the sample taking.

    Will I get the results on time to comply with the requirements of the airline or the country I'm travelling to?

    The date stated on your certificate is the date the test was performed in Dar es Salaam, not the date the sample was taken. So in short, yes you can meet all requirements

  • Shadows of Africa Honored with Certificate of Excellence

    Chris
    June 3, 2019
    For a fifth consecutive year, Shadows of Africa has been honored with a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for outstanding customer satisfaction.
  • How to Apply for a Tanzanian eVisa

    Chris
    February 22, 2019

    The Tanzanian eVisa

    Visitors to Tanzania have two options when it comes to getting a visa:

    • You can arrange this on arrival and deal with airport queues;
    • You can get an -visa from the comfort of you home and skip an extra line at the airport

    Let the Shadows of Africa team walk you through the simple process of applying for your Tanzanian eVisa.

    What is required for an e-visa application?

    • A JPEG pic of your passport’s biometric page.
    • A JPEG pic of yourself (smaller than 300KB). Don’t worry if you don’t have an official passport photo – a clear image of yourself against a plain background will do.
    • Your round-trip flight ticket – either PDF or JPEG will work.
      Tanzania, Arusha
      Shadows Of Africa Ltd - Tanzania
      Mateves, Arusha, TZ
      +255 768 133 331
      info@shadowsofafrica.com
    • Your mother’s and father’s names and nationalities.
    • Make note of the security question you choose, as it will be required to check your visa status later.
    • Where it asks for ‘host details’, write ‘Self’, as this will save you having to complete the rest of that section.
    • A valid Visa or MasterCard for online payment

    #1 - Go to the Tanzanian eVisa website

    First thing's first. Go to the Tanzanian Visa website. It should look like this:Tanzania Visa 1

    You're going to scroll down to the box in the lower left corner: New Application.

    Go ahead and click that.

    #2 - Set Up An Account

    On the next page, you'll be prompted to enter your email address as well as selecting a security question and answer.

    You'll also need to complete a CAPTCHA form to prove you're human. If you are not human, you can't get a visa, I'm afraid.

    On the next page, you'll be presented with your application information: an application ID and the date. You'll want to write both of these down!

    #3 - Fill Out Your Application

    The next few pages will have you fill out the meat and bones of your application.

    • Page 1: Fill out your personal information such as name, date of birth, and nationality.
    • Page 2: Provide contact information, your present and permanent addresses, and your employment information.
    • Page 3: Provide your passport information as well as information on your parents. Weirdly, you are required to provide information on your legal guardian. Just put your own name or your parents' name here.
    • Page 4: This one is a little trickier, so we'll cover it in the next section!

    Tanzania Visa 2

    #4 - Travel Information

    Up until now, this has all been pretty straightforward, but the fourth page of your application gets a little more complicated.

    1. You'll be asked to list the country in which you are applying and the nearest embassy. There is a limited selection of embassies here, so choose the one in your country or, if all else fails, select immigration headquarters.
    2. When asked for your Type of Visa, you'll need to select Ordinary (or Multiple Entry, if need be). For Purpose of Your visit, select Leisure and Holiday.
    3. If you have visited Tanzania previously, you'll need to provide the date of your last entry as well as your visa number from that visit.
    4. For your travel plans, select all that apply. Be sure to select the correct Port of Entry - the airport or land border crossing. If you aren't sure, ask your Shadows of Africa Safari Expert!
    5. When asked for your Local Host, select: Host: Company/Organisation
      Full Name: Shadows of Africa
      Mobile Number: Enter the contact number provided in your booking contract
      Email: Enter the email address of your contact at Shadows of Africa
      Company: Shadows of Africa
      Relationship: Tour Operator
      Physical Address: Mateves, Arusha, Tanzania
    6. Lastly, it will ask you for your accommodation. Ask your Shadows of Africa contact for the address of the first hotel in your itinerary and enter this.

    #5 - Travel Companions

    On the following page, you'll be asked two questions:

    • Are you traveling as part of a group or organization?
    • Are you being accompanied by minors?

    If the answer to either of these is 'yes', you'll be prompted to provide additional information.

    #6 - Documents

    On the next page, you'll be asked to upload a passport sized photo, a copy of your passport's photo page, and an invitation letter.

    An invitation letter is not actually needed for a tourist visa, but the system is set up to require one.

    Your booking contract will work in place of a formal invitation letter.

    #7 - Final Steps

    On the next page, you'll be asked to review the information you've submitted and agree to a Declaration Statement.

    Make sure everything is 100% correct, as you can't change it after this.

    You'll then make payment for your visa and be provided with confirmation.

    Visas are $50 USD (or $100 USD for US citizens), just as they would be at the border or airport upon arrival.

    You're done!

    Checking the Status of Your Tanzanian eVisa Application

    To check on the progress of your application, return to this website.

    You'll find a Visa Status button in the bottom right corner. Enter the details you were provided in step two and you're all set!

    How long does it take to process an e-visa?

    The website says 10 days, but to be on the safe side, we recommend applying 2-3 weeks in advance of travel.

    I’ve applied – now what?

    Log into the system and check the status of your application any time between 10-14 days after applying. With a bit of luck, it’ll be approved and ready! Print out the confirmation document: though you might have it on your phone/device, the paper
    version will be required on arrival, so have this ready.

    What if I decide to get a visa on arrival instead?

    This is still possible for many nationalities, but just make sure you have the following:
    • At least 2 hours to spare (bear this in mind if you have a connecting flight).
    • The correct amount of US Dollars to pay in cash.
    • A pen to complete the forms.
    • Shadow’s contact information (see above) or details of your first hotel.

    Shadows provides you with information on the covid entry requirements. Such advice is provided as a guideline only. Shadows will not be liable if any information regarding the entry requirements provided by us is incorrect.

    Please also check:
    https://www.ggdreisvaccinaties.nl/land/tanzania
    https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/tanzania

    Shadows provides you with information on the visa process. Although we make every effort to keep this information updated this advice is provided as a guideline only. Shadows will not be liable if any information regarding the entry requirements provided by us is incorrect or outdated.

  • Wildebeest Migration in Seronera! Two more successful safaris!

    Lesia
    June 9, 2017

    The Wildebeest migration is beginning to capture the imaginations of travelers from around the world at this time of year.

    Our guide, Musa has just shared his experience with his client, Benjamin.

    First, they had a wonderful trip to Lake Manyara National Park where they saw lots of elephants, hippos, zebras, and impalas. After an overnight in a wonderful Serena Lodge, they headed to the famous Serengeti National Park where they observed the movements of wildebeests and zebras.

    After the calving and green seasons have finished, the animals are slowly moving to the north of the Serengeti to cross the Mara River into Kenya’s Maasai Mara. Before that, they still need to cross one more obstacle– the Grumeti River.

    Besides wildebeests, Benjamin and Musa were lucky enough to spot lions, buffalo, antelopes, giraffes, and even leopards in the Serengeti. They also spotted rhinos, baboons, and some more hippos in Ngorongoro. In the end, they saw all of the Big 5 and more!

    __________________________________________________

    Our clients from Slovenia, Anja, Miha, Ester, and David had a full six days of safari and it was incredibly exciting.

    Our driver, Alex shared some pictures from their trip so we can prove it! They started in Tarangire and it was a perfect park to see herds of elephants. Tarangire is most famous for its huge population of these African giants.

    The Serengeti treated our travelers even better because they had a chance to meet lots of predators including lions, cheetahs, and a gorgeous leopard in an acacia tree.

    As if trying to one up the Serengeti, in Ngorongoro a pride of male lions was so close to the car that they didn’t need to use any binoculars! While not as close,  they also saw the rarest animal from the Big Five – the endangered black rhino. Completed with buffaloes along the way, our travelers had the Big Five done. 

    Their trip continued to surprise, as they were extremely lucky to see the famous tree climbing lions in Lake Manyara National Park.

    Just look at the pictures how they are relaxing on acacia tree!

    This rare behavior you can see only in only two world famous parks – Lake Manyara National Park in Tanzania and Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda.

    Though from our driver’s experience, we can say that sometimes you can spot them in some other Northern Parks of Tanzania and this is even rarer and unique! Tanzania can always surprise guests with its stunning and unpredictable wildlife.

  • TripAdvisor launches “No Touching of Wild Animals” Policy

    Lauren Smith
    November 14, 2016
    It’s been just over a month since TripAdvisor banned ticket sales to attractions that allow contact with wild animals, and we thought it was about time that we put our two cents in.
  • Do's & Don't's on Safari

    Chris
    September 12, 2016
    A safari is the ultimate vacation experience, but there are a few do's and don't's you need to know to ensure you stay safe and have fun.

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