Tips on how to get your Tourist South African visa as a Filipino

 Hello Guys, welcome to my blog. 

I am writing this blog to help you get in the game and keep your adventure spirit on the go.

As a Philippine passport holder and at the same time, an expat working in East Africa, obtaining Tourist visa is possible as long as you have valid documents. 

South Africa is a country on the southernmost tip of the African continent. The country boosts several distinct ecosystems like inland safaris (national parks), beautiful beaches, lush winelands around Stellenbosch, the famous Table Mountain in Capetown and many other places.

The weather in Capetown specifically is very good but also it depends on the time of visit. 

Here are the required documents to obtain prior to the  submission to VFS  office:

1. Completed and signed Application form BI-84 (black ink only)
2. Letter from the applicant confirming the purpose and duration of visit
3. Confirmed hotel reservations showing the dates of travel and contact details of your hosts e.g. contact numbers, email address and the address of the hotel.
4. A 3-month Bank statement up to the current date of submission accompanied by a bank letter, confirming account name, account number and account balance.
1. For local bank, A personal or company 3 months bank statement up to current date of submission stamped by the bank.
2.  For all Foreign bank statements they have to be stamped by the bank and certified by commissioner of oaths. (For that particular country). It should be a 3 months bank statement up to current date of submission.
5. Signed letter of introduction from the employer/organization
6. A photocopy of valid yellow fever certificate 
7. Work Permit at least 6 months validity & must be Certified (CTC) by Internal Affairs/Immigration office
8. Fill and submit the checklist document
9. A valid passport with at least 2 clear pages and should be valid for at least a period of 1 month from date of return.
10. Two passport size photograph

Payment/Charges 

1) Non-Refundable Visa fee of USD 36 (for countries that are not fee exempt)

2) Non-Refundable VFS Service fee USD 90 to be charged in UGX (collected based on daily forex rate)

Please note: that applicants should submit in person. 

If you are planning to visit soon, send us an inquiry at

Kendashian Travel Services

ktctravelco@gmail.com

DISCOVER FORT PORTAL, WESTERN UGANDA

 Hello

Welcome to my travel journey.

I have been around east Africa a number of times and the beauty of these countries is a must-see and discover. So I hope to help my fellow travel enthusiasts. I will be sharing some places to visit here in Fort Portal, the Western part of Uganda.

1. Lake Nyinambuga (Mother Ground)

No Entrance Fees/Charges

2. Mahoma Waterfalls

Prepare a small 10,000 ugx  ($3) per pax and also don't forget to Tip them.

I would say, I was surprised and hesitant at first sight. The location is not protected by UWA and its situated on private property.

A good walk  (8-10 mins) all the way down to the falls thru caves, bringing a small child is not recommendable.

You will need to have a car to visit this place from the town center. 

The water was cold and yet its fun to be in nature so we tried and swam there. 

3. Lake Katanda

No Entrance Fees/Charges

Another beautiful lake! Its a must-see, there are no cottages or lodges overlooking this place which makes it raw and virgin. Just a beautiful, clean, fresh, and green. 

4. Amabere Caves 

Foreigner/Residents UGX 47,000 (12$); Locals UGX 13,000 (3$)

Amabere waterfalls and campsite offer not only the famous amabere caves which means breast but also give you a spectacular view of the mountain Rwenzori and a dried lake uphill.

A good walk exercise with an amazing view of nature. 

Take a walk to the crater lakes and  slope down to a cold amabere caves.

Its a great nature walk and the weather is amazing. 

5. Kigere Lake

No Entrance Fees/Charges

It's a nearby lake about 15-20 minutes walk from Amabere campsite. The lake as usual has a spectacular view of nature, lush green surroundings, and wonderful weather. 

6. Lake Albert 

No Entrance Fees/Charges

Driving thru Semuliki National Park, at the tip is a village called Ntoroko. 

7. The Female  Hot Springs, Semliki National Park

Park Fees :

Foreign Resident USD 25

Resident UGX 15,000

Payment via Mobile money preferably MTN. no cash payments.

8. The Male Hot Springs, Semliki National Park

9. Foot Hills of Rwenzori Mountains

No Entrance Fees/Charges

Places to visit in Uganda!

 Africa is home to the best places in terms of beautiful nature.

Uganda, a country situated in East Africa is one of them.

So here are the lists of places you can visit.

1. Aruu Waterfalls, Pader District 

2. Water Rafting at Nile River, Jinja

3. Commonwealth Speke Hotel, Lake Victoria

4. Nile River Sunset Cruise, Jinja

5. Source of the Nile River

6. Equator 0'0 Latitude

7. Crocodile Farm

8. Arra Fishing lodge

9. Murchison Falls National Park (Largest N.P .)

10. Lake Nyinambuga, Fort Portal

11. Mahoma Waterfalls, Fort Portal

12. Lake Katanda, Fort Portal

13. Amabere Caves /Kigere Lake, Fort Portal

14. Lake Albert, Fort Portal

15. The Female /Male Hot Springs, Semliki National Park, Fort Portal

16. Foot Hills of Rwenzori Mountains, Fort Portal

17. Mt. Otce, Moyo District Northern Uganda

18. Lira City, Northern Uganda

19. Sipi, Kapchorwa District

1. Aruu Waterfalls, Pader District 

As of re-writing (Sept. 4,2022) Today was my 3rd-day visit to this magical place. 

First, My German colleagues took me here, Jasmin and Finn. It was during Apr 2022 and it was a dry season. 

(June 26,2022) The second time was a bit wet, not rainy season but the road to the main falls was a bit of a challenge and was also my first time to go out with my dog named Skye.

And today (Sep 4,2022), my 3rd visit to the waterfalls and we are extremely fortunate to have witnessed 5 waterfalls in one setting.

The view of today was fantastic, something I did not expect. 

It was very tough to cross to get to the main hidden waterfalls but we did it cause I know the main big one is hidden there. It was tougher cause I brought my dog, Skye and we need to lift her. Imagine the agony here, everything comes with a price, Indeed!

2. Water Rafting at Nile River, Jinja

The most extreme and life-threatening adventure of my life. So what we are talking about here is the first ever experience at the Nile River, THE LONGEST RIVER IN THE WORLD.

I am lucky enough to be working here in Africa and enjoy this masterpiece. 

3. Commonwealth Speke Hotel, Lake Victoria

We woke up pretty late to our first itinerary so we end up having a nice lunch with Victoria LAKE VIEW AND IT WAS FANTASTIC. 

4. Nile River Sunset Cruise, Jinja

After our life-changing 2 times capsized water rafting, we hastily moved to Jinja for our scheduled Sunset cruise again. You will not be disappointed

The Morning View is amazing !

5. Source of the Nile River

I am so lucky to have the opportunity to visit the SOURCE OF THE NILE RIVER. The current was strong so you have to be totally careful. 

6.Equator 0'0 Latitude

Always IN for the firsts. Another first time visiting this equator. N/S. It is not very picturesque, but just give it a try. 

 

7. Crocodile Farm

Have you tried crocodile meat for lunch?

Well, I did.

IT WAS HARD AND Taste like chicken. 

8. Arra Fishing Lodge

9. Murchison Falls National Park

10. Lake Nyinambuga (Mother Ground)), Fort Portal

Check your 20,000 Uganda shillings note and noticed that the below picture is depicted on the money bills.

11. Mahoma Waterfalls, Fort Portal

12. Lake Katanda, Fort Portal

13. Amabere Caves /Kigere Lake, Fort Portal

14. Lake Albert, Fort Portal

15. The Female /Male Hot Springs, Semliki National Park, Fort Portal

16. Foot Hills of Rwenzori Mountains, Fort Portal

17. Mt. Otce, Moyo District Northern Uganda

18. Lira City, Northern Uganda

LIRA CITY MAIN MARKET WITH JOSHUA & JEREMIE

19. Sipi, Kapchorwa District, Eastern Uganda

So keep your self camera ready and enjoy traveling the world.