Whether it's for Detty December, AfroChella, or another continent-based event. From Thanksgiving to New Year, instagram feeds are filled with photos and videos of the hottest parties. Since Ghana dropped the "Year of the Return" and Lagos gave us Detty December, the holidays are peak "let's go to Africa" time. Over the last 6 years, there has been an influx of travelers going to the continent of Africa during the winter months. Which mean higher prices, and fewer accommodations. Making logistical questions quite difficult if you do not know who to ask. Luckily for you (if you are reading this), I've had the pleasure of visiting two of the most popular countries on the continent. Nigeria, in the West (My Ghanaian friends, I am coming, I promise) and one of the most popular countries in the East (Kenya). So, I will break down my behind-the-scenes preparation process for two countries on the continent.
First, Know Your Destination
There are 54 countries in Africa, and they all have different requirements for each country. Knowing this is VITAL for planning. Because as much as people act like it requires extensive planning, it really depends on the destination. Planning is required but there is a difference between planning for 2 months vs 5 months. And since you cannot get your visa until you get your flight. You need to know where you are actually going so you can know what the requirements are, so you know how far in advance you need to get your flight. It doesn't make sense to get a flight in September for a November trip when it takes 8 weeks for the visa. That’s not smart, and who is spending all that money to possibly not even be able to enter?
Visa Requirements
Please check with each individual country about their visa requirements. While many may offer Visa on arrival, I do not play those games and I want to have my visa before I touch down.
Nigeria: When I went to Lagos, the visa process was extensive. I had to start in September to guarantee that I had my visa for my December 26th flight. The Nigerian Visa was $160 for a multiple entry visa and to obtain one Tourist / Visitor Visa: Steps:
Passport valid for at least 6 months
Completed visa application form
Two recent passport size photographs
A Letter of Invitation from a company/host in Nigeria accepting immigration responsibility
Visitors/Tourists are required to show evidence of sufficient funds
Nigeria Immigration Service Visa Payment Receipt and Visa Acknowledgement Receipt
Proof of a Yellow Fever vaccination shot.
Kenya: The visa process was simple. This is also why I chose Kenya for my birthday. Simple Visa and no Immunizations.
Visitors must apply for the eTA via eTA Kenya and pay a processing fee of USD 30.
Recommended that travelers apply for the eTA at least 3 days prior to their travel to Kenya to ensure adequate time for receiving authorization.
The visa was sent to my phone like a concert ticket. I was able to save it to my Apple Wallet, which was fascinating.
Housing
Nigeria: As I mentioned before in my previous blog, that was a group trip. So housing was covered by DiscoverGidi.
Kenya: I did something I don't usually do. I worked backwards. I spent a few days scouring the internet for activities to gauge what part of the country they are in. It made no sense to look at excursions 5 hours away by flight. I looked at the top 3 things I wanted to do, then went to Google Maps to look at the area. Then, I went to Airbnb and put that area into the search field. From there, I looked at reviews and thoroughly Googled. I lucked up with a property that served as a boutique hotel that came highly recommended by solo travelers and guests, so I was in a central location. Word of mouth reigns supreme, so being centrally located makes it easier to meet locals and find out what's happening.
Tips on finding housing:
Look for accommodations near your planned activities.
Use reviews and recommendations from other travelers.
Consider central locations for ease of access to various points of interest.
Immunizations
Every country does not require immunizations, so check.
Nigeria: Required the yellow fever shot and malaria medication.
Kenya: Did not require the yellow fever shot or malaria medication (recommended only if spending time by the coast and in the bush).
Parties
Social media: Stop trying to reinvent the wheel. TikTok exists; search "XYZ Nightlife" and when you find a venue you like, see if they exist on IG. Boom, you have an accidental itinerary.
Nigeria: With DiscoverGidi, activities were planned. I just showed up with my activated liver.
Kenya: Our Airbnb host was plugged in, so she told us what sections and clubs to go to. On the last night, she coordinated a section at Ibiza for us. Like I mentioned in my Pour Decision Recap, Don Julio Reposado was $60 a bottle at one of Kenya's best night clubs. I can only imagine the bottle deals at the others.
Getting Around
Nigeria: They say they have Uber, but logistics for Nigeria were out of my control as it was a group trip.
Kenya: We had a driver coordinated through our Airbnb. Uber is also popular in the area. I used Uber to get my hair braided. The driver preferred cash payments as card payments do not reach drivers until later. So, if you have cash, check in with the driver before they accept payment or select the cash option on the app.
I personally recommend a personal driver because it’s easier to communicate with one person for the duration of the trip. Ubers can take a while to reach you, and they don't wait for you at your destination like a driver would. Our driver was also our bodyguard in the club. As a group of women, I felt extremely safe knowing there was someone ensuring we made it home safely every day.
Overall Tips
Pick your destination and google the entry requirements.
Gather your documents (so once you purchase the flight, you can go directly to the visa application and submit it).
Pay the necessary fees and follow the required next steps. For some countries, this means biometrics; for others, nothing but patience.
Once you get your visa, you can enter the country, and the time for enjoyment has commenced.
So now you have an idea of where to start. The process isn't difficult; it just requires planning. And to know me is to know I plan as little as possible and have the greatest time. I know how I am getting there and where I am staying. Everything else will fall into place as long as those fall into place. So hopefully, this guide also helps you.
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