East Africa

Big Five guide story

Kenya, Tanzania

Kenya vs. Tanzania Safari: A Couple Shares From Experience

In this article, we share our own personal and totally subjective opinion about Kenya and Tanzania having visited them both at least twice at different times of the year. We write this article out of our limited experience and if anyone disagrees, we totally respect that but then again, our experience is our truth and […]

9 mins read
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Kenya, Kenya Safari

Lake Naivasha: Walking Safari on Crescent Island

An ultimate tourist destination, Lake Naivasha is part of the great rift valley located northwest of Nakuru county, Kenya. It towers at an elevation of about 1890 meters and is bordered by acacia woodlands, papyrus swamps, forest, and spectacular geological features, which are reminiscent of the area’s volcanic past. Lake Naivasha is a RAMSAR site […]

5 mins read
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Kenya

A Tour of Our Kenya’s Safari Accommodation

Almost synonymous with the word “safari”, Kenya conjures images of unique outdoor adventures and romance with nature There are lots of places to see in magical Kenya and the diversity of things to see and do continues to dazzle travelers from all over the world. And don’t worry about accommodation either, as the country is […]

5 mins read
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Tanzania

Zanzibar: Getting There, Getting around, and What To Do

Zanzibar is an archipelago around 25 miles off the east coast of Africa. Aside from its extraordinary beauty, it’s known for being a former hub of the spice trade, which earned it the nickname The Spice Islands. The main island in the archipelago is Unguja, also known as Zanzibar Island. Here lies the capital, Zanzibar […]

7 mins read
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Ethiopia

Experience Ethiopia Like A Local

If you travel to Ethiopia with a tour operator, you can expect to follow the standard tourist routes. You’ll see the same things as everyone else and will miss out on the “real” Ethiopia. To experience Ethiopia like a local, make sure to try some of the following experiences. If you’re committed to booking with […]

7 mins read
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Tanzania

Spending a Day in Dar Es Salaam

Dar Es Salaam is a huge metropolitan port city with more than 4 million inhabitants. Although, while it is the biggest, most populous and prominent city in Tanzania, it is not the capital. That honour falls in a smaller city in the center of the country called Dodoma. Despite its size, it has still somehow […]

9 mins read
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Experiences, Tanzania

How To: Dar Es Salaam to Zanzibar by Ferry

It’s easy to travel to Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam by Ferry. I recommend that you buy the ticket in person at least a day before your intended departure. Having that ticket in hand will save you time and hustle from having to go buy your ticket first, luggage on one side and fending off […]

4 mins read
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Tanzania

Best Wifi Spots in Arusha, Tanzania

We stayed in Arusha for 2 months in an average local neighborhood where internet signal was weak. Our home also didn’t have a working table or similar space of any sort so we often go out on extended coffee sprees to catch up with work. So overall, here are some places in Arusha for digital nomads or for those where wifi is an integral part of their lives.

4 mins read
Big Five guide story

Visa Guide

East Africa Visa Guide

East Africa Tourist Visa guide (EAV) for Philippine Passports and most others This is a joint tourist visa that entitles holders to travel to and within the Republic of Kenya, Republic of Rwanda and the Republic of Uganda for tourism. East Africa Tourist Visa is valid for 90 days, multiple entries. ELIGIBLE PERSON: • A […]

3 mins read
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Ethiopia

How is Ethiopia as a Travel Destination

Ethiopia. One of those countries that we all have heard but knew very little about. The mention of this country brings an exotic sound where one might imagine well-fashioned and accessorized tribes in a mountainous backdrop. That’s how it was for me at least. Luckily, that daydreaming had come to an end. The nature of […]

11 mins read
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Ethiopia

Top Places to See in Ethiopia

Very few countries can manage to wow their visitors in the way Ethiopia does. It is unlike anywhere else on the planet; breathtaking natural beauty, peerless history, diverse culture, soulful people, delicious cuisine, and fantastic wildlife. What’s not to love? Its fascinating history stretches back 3,000 years to the reign of King Solomon and the Queen of […]

11 mins read
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Ethiopia

What to Do While in Gondar

We had the pleasure of visiting this amazing city in the North of Ethiopia. It’s a city rich with cultural heritage and amazing historical sites. It has quite a handful of churches and castles built by emperors around the 12th to 20th centuries. This treasure chest of royalty makes it one of the most visited […]

6 mins read
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Experiences, Plan a Trip, Tanzania

Zanzibar Beach Recommendations and Activities

Watch our Zanzibar Video trip to see our video about the best beaches in Zanzibar before you read this article 🙂 Zanzibar went above and beyond our expectations. But that’s also because we didn’t expect much. I’ve only seen it in photos and didn’t have the chance to do any research before coming as we […]

12 mins read
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Sustainable Travels, Tanzania, Tanzania Safari

Eco-Friendly Safari Lunch Boxes In Tanzania

Lunch Box for Safari One thing Erika and I have felt strongly about when on a safari in Africa is the lunch boxes. More often than not, the food is not very tasty, it’s not very healthy and it’s full of plastic wrapping and plastic containers. Actually, on my first safari in Tanzania about 2 […]

7 mins read
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Crossing Borders, Kenya, Uganda

Crossing Borders from Nairobi, Kenya to Kampala, Uganda

Here is my guide for how to travel from Nairobi in Kenya to Kampala in Uganda by land and cross the border, all based on my experience.  Ticket Fee: 3400 Kenyan Shillings for a VIP seat (highly recommended) Travel Time: Around 13 hrs. depending on traffic and the number of people in line in passport control. Travel […]

5 mins read
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Crossing Borders, Rwanda, Uganda

Crossing Borders from Kampala to Kigali

Here is how I crossed the border from Kampala in Uganda to Kigali in Rwanda by land.  Ticket Fee: 60,000 Ugandan Shillings for a VIP seat (highly recommended) Travel Time: Around 13 hrs. depending on traffic and number of people in line in the passport control Travel Schedule: I took the 7:30 pm bus because I prefer overnight […]

5 mins read
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Tanzania, Visa Guide

Tanzania Visa Guide

Process for Tanzania Visa upon Arrival From Dar Es Salaam, Julius Nyerere International Airport and official land borders From Kilimanjaro International Airport From Zanzibar International Airport This is based on my experience as a Philippine…

3 mins read
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Kenya, Kenya Safari, Tanzania, Tanzania Safari

Why Kenya and Tanzania is the Perfect Combo Safari

When you hear the word safari, it is without a doubt that either Kenya or Tanzania deserve the spotlight. I bet you’ve heard of these countries halfway through your African trip planning and since they are primarily big game destinations, you’ve probably found yourself torn between the two. Well, why not visit both? They are […]

7 mins read
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Kenya, Visa Guide

Kenya Visa Guide

As of September 2015, the Immigration of Kenya now requires a visa before entry into The Republic of Kenya including Philippine passport holders. As this can now be done online, it is best to secure your visa to avoid any inconvenience. This will only take 1-3 days. Note that if you are visiting two or […]

2 mins read
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Uganda, Visa Guide

Uganda Visa Guide

A Philippine passport holder can apply for a visa upon arrival in Uganda international airport or major land borders. Note that if you are visiting two or all of the following countries: Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda- it is best to acquire the Class T12 East Africa Tourist Visa. This is a joint tourist visa that entitles […]

2 mins read
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Rwanda, Visa Guide

Rwanda Visa Guide

Given bilateral agreements, nationals of the following Countries may visit Rwanda without a visa for a period of up to 90 days: Hong Kong, Philippines, Mauritius, Singapore and the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, the following documents still need to be presented upon arrival at Rwanda port of entry: Duly filled out and printed application […]

2 mins read
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Visa Guide, Zambia

Zambia Visa Guide

Philippine passports need a visa BEFORE arrival in Zambia, see reference here. The good news is you can apply for it online. In 3 to 5 days, you will receive your visa approval notice, which you should print and present to the Immigration of Zambia upon your arrival. Zambia Department of Immigration Email: pro@zambiaimmigration.gov.zm Immigration […]

4 mins read
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Crossing Borders, Kenya, Tanzania

Crossing The Border from Arusha to Nairobi

Updated as of May 2019 Ticket Fee: 30 USD Travel Time: 7 to 9 hrs. depending on traffic and number of people in line in the passport control Travel Schedule: 7 am and 2 pm every day except on holidays Border to cross: Namanga (2 hrs. away from the take-off point in Arusha) Road Profile: Mostly concrete so not very […]

5 mins read
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Tanzania

A Taste of Tanzanian Life

Highlights This was my first time in Africa and maybe like other foreigners who have never been to this continent before, I was a little bit paranoid too. First, because fellow travelers have warned me of the likely chances of getting raped or robbed. Second, the media is doing a great job in highlighting and […]

9 mins read
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Rwanda, Uganda

Rwanda vs Uganda – A Destination Comparison

There are so many activities to do while in Africa. The most famous of all is safari game viewing. While that once-in-a-lifetime experience is truly remarkable, there is one other must-try thing that’s equally exciting: Primates trekking. Whether you aim to see endangered mountain gorillas, clever chimpanzees or unique golden monkeys, East Africa got a […]

12 mins read
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Experiences, Kenya

Layover Day Trip in Nairobi

On my way back to Cyprus from Tanzania, I decided to take a day tour in Nairobi – and I’m so glad I did. You can get in touch with nature right in the heart of the city, and not only the usual parks or string of trees scattered in the city center. I’m talking […]

7 mins read