From the vibrant wildlife to its beautiful beaches and nightlife, Africa is a magical adventure for any family.
A trip to Africa will bring you in contact with nature at its finest, and produce memories that will last a lifetime.
And on a luxury service trip to Africa you will able to make a difference with people in need, which magnifies the memories and enriches the whole family travel experience, as you bond closer together.
On your journey to Africa, help conserve the wildlife in Namibia, teach English in Rwanda, renovate daycare centers in South Africa or build homes for families in Zambia, to name a few. Create the experience of a lifetime for yourself, and touch someone’s life in the process. Then explore the mountains, go on safari, sample find cuisine, or just relax on an idyllic beach. On a luxury custom-made family volunteer adventure, all this is possible, and much more.
If this sounds like the perfect mix of service and adventure, then here are some tips to help you get started on your journey to Africa.
Visas
A US passport will gain you entry into any of the countries available for a Hands up Holiday in Africa. Here are the specific requirements for your country of choice:
· Kenya: Kenya has a strict visa policy and visitors should obtain their visa through the country’s online system. Visas are also available on arrival at all international points of entry in Kenya, but Kenyan immigration plans on discontinuing this service. You should check with the embassy before arrival to determine if this option is still available. Requirements for entry into the country include a passport valid for at least six months after arrival into the country and two empty passport pages. You must also have proof of yellow fever immunizations, or you could be sent back home.
· Malawi: Americans can stay in Malawi for a maximum of three months. The fee is $75, which is paid on arrival into the country. You must also declare all foreign currency on arrival and you are only allowed to leave the country with more foreign currency if you have the approval of a bank. If you conduct any activities outside of the realm of your visa, it will lead to deportation.
· Morocco: With a valid passport that has at least one blank visa page, Americans can stay in Morocco for up to 90 days. If you stay beyond the time limit, you must appear before a judge before you can leave the country. This usually results in a fine, but be sure to contact the US embassy if this happens.
· Mozambique: US citizens must have a visa prior to arrival to enter Mozambique. Those without visas on arrival have been turned away. If you enter the country without a valid visa, or overstay your welcome, you will be fined for each day you were in the country illegally. To obtain a visa, your passport must be valid for six months after arrival into Mozambique and it must have at least three empty visa pages.
· Namibia: The maximum visa limit in Namibia is three months. You will simply need a passport that is valid for at least six months. It is important to note the visa stamp on your passport to make sure it is correctly dated for your visit.
· Rwanda: Rwanda allows Americans to buy a visa on arrival for $30 granted the citizen has a passport valid for six months. This will allow you to stay in the country for 30 days. If your trip is longer than this, you must contact the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration in Kigali within 15 days of your arrival to extend.
· South Africa: A 90-day visa is available to Americans with a passport that is valid for at least 30 days from arrival. The passport must also have two blank visa pages.
· Zambia: A passport that is valid for at least six months and with at least two blank visa pages is required for an entry-visa in Zambia.
Vaccinations
It is important that you are up-to-date on your vaccinations prior to your travel. It is recommended that you have current Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccinations. These diseases can both be contracted through contaminated food or water and therefore the vaccinations are highly recommended for tourists. If you are visiting Kenya, it is recommended that you receive a Meningitis vaccine, and in sub-Saharan countries malaria vaccinations are preferable. Also, in some African countries, it is compulsory for you to obtain your Yellow Fever vaccine and proof can be a legal requirement for entry.
Article courtesy of Jackie Edwards, a freelance travel writer.
