Thursday, July 23, 2015

Migration update 2

The concentration of wildebeests in the Mara has gone up even more since last week. The Loita herds have almost tripled up in number, and the Serengeti herds have doubled and are now beyond the main Keekorok/Mara bridge road. The zebras are still leading the way as usual and some have already got to lookout hill and started crossing west int the Mara triangle. The long grass in their way is still keeping them from moving fast across the plains.
Although generally cooler, its starting to get dry and this has caused a higher concentration in northern Serengeti as the southern herds keep pushing north. The western front of the migration is also said to be north bound around fort Goma, north of Grumeti. Should they keep the same pace as the eastern front, they will put more pressure not eh herds already in the Mara and northern Serengeti. However the concentration in southern Mara is already breath taking.

The Loita herds, besides increasing in number, has also pushed westwards across Olorukoti and now heading to paradise plains to the Mara river. This has mainly consisted of zebras who were also the first to get this area as they lead the rest of the migratory herds. These crossing however, were not as dramatic because there is not much water in the river, but the crocodiles gave some life to the scenario as they try to grab one of the zebras swimming across in the shallow water.


Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Kenya introduces mandatory online visa application



Starting from 2nd July 2015, the government of Kenya will introduce electronic visa application. Tourists wishing to visit Kenya need to apply as follows:

  • Visit the electronic visa page at www.ecitizen.go.ke
  • Select Register as a Visitor
  • As part of this process, you will receive a confirmation email that you need to click on to verify and confirm your registration
  • At this point, you will be asked to UPLOAD A DIGITAL PASSPORT PHOTO (Maximum size 500 px by 500 px)
  • Once logged in, select Department of Immigration Services
  • Select Submit Application
  • Select Kenyan Visa
  • Select the type of visa (visitor) and read the instructions carefully

Complete the application form – please note that incomplete applications will berejected and you will lose your processing fees
You will need a scan of the main page of your passport (with your name, date of birth and other information)
You will need to re-upload your passport photo
Pay using your Visa card, MasterCard or other debit card
Await your approval which will be sent to you by email. This could take up to 7days so ensure that you plan in advance
Once you have received the email advising that your visa is approved, log back into your ecitizen account and download your visa.
Print a copy of your visa to present to the immigration officer at your point of entry into Kenya

Some things to remember:
The visa process takes up to one week and must be completed in advance
You will need a scan of your passport and passport photo
Approval and issuance of the visa does not guarantee entry into Kenya
Any form of business or employment on a visitor’s visa is an offence
As the introduction of this visa process was only announced a few days ago, there is a two month grace period whereby visas can still be purchased on arrival. This grace period expires on 31 August 2015.
Effective 01 September 2015, you will be denied boarding of your flight to Kenya or denied entry to Kenya if you do not have your printed copy of your e-visa with you.
The new service goes live on 2nd July 2015.

Popular Posts