The experience with eBilbiz travel
Introduction
Traveling is an experience that everyone should have at least once in their lifetime. From my desk to two magnificent tourist destinations, I was able to experience firsthand the products I have been offering to my clients for several years now. I am Ursule, a travel consultant at eBilbiz Travel Service, and throughout this article, I will tell you all about my familiarization trip from Douala to Nairobi and then Zanzibar, two destinations offered by my agency.
Preparation for the trip
The visa procedure
For some time now, unlike Zanzibar, the visa for Kenya is no longer obtained on arrival in Nairobi, but through an online procedure. The duration of this procedure varies between 3 and 5 days. Thanks to the eBilbiz visa service, I was able to obtain mine in 72 hours.
The Covid Test
I did not take a Covid test because I am fully vaccinated. I presented my vaccination card and filled out a health form upon boarding. For all those who are not vaccinated, a PCR test of less than 72 hours is required.
The plane ticket
The choice of the airline was made on the basis of a few criteria, namely the cost and the number of stopovers. The airline that met these needs was KENYA AIRWAYS, which offers a direct flight from Douala to Nairobi and then from Nairobi to Zanzibar.
Depending on the travel period, plane tickets should cost between 550,000 FCFA and 750,000 FCFA.
Accommodation
Everything was booked in advance. Let me remind you that I had to spend 3 days in Nairobi and 4 in Zanzibar. For my stay in Nairobi, the Cloud Hotel & Suit offered a night for 49 USD, including breakfast. It is a 4-star hotel with a sublime decoration. Located in a mall, this accommodation is practical because in the same building, you will find shops and restaurants among other things. Thank you again for your warm welcome.
During the preparations, I made arrangements for shuttles and some attractions. Before arriving in Nairobi, I had already written to John my guide, I also informed Ali (the Zanzibar guide) of my arrival.
And as John and Ali do for all clients, they were waiting for me with a sign with my name on it.
On my arrival in Zanzibar, I was very tired, it was Ali who took care of checking out, checking me in at reception and carrying my luggage to my room. I am infinitely grateful to him, because on my own, I really doubt that I would have gone out.
The trip
Stay in Nairobi
After my night’s rest, I started with the activities on site. I had the opportunity to visit the Giraffe Center, Elephant Orphanage, Safari National Park and take a city tour. From my hotel to the Safari National Park, the journey took 20 minutes by car and my guide was in front of the hotel at 7am. At the entrance to the park, tourists have to pay a fee (60 USD), but as I had organized my activities with eBilbiz in advance, I didn’t pay a penny. The guide took care of all the formalities and we joined the park enclosure. It was really beautiful. I had the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of African wildlife.
I was able to observe lions, giraffes and elephants. Here, tourists have the opportunity to pet the animals and feed them.
You will agree with me that I am talking about herbivores. Lions are really appreciated from a little further away. Already, even with the barrier, you have the impression that they are just in front of you. It was a pretty interesting experience all the same.
After the park, I went to a souvenir shop on John’s recommendation to buy a few.
I started the city tour which I couldn’t finish because of lack of time. My departure for Zanzibar was scheduled for that evening.
eBilbiz agency offers trips to Kenya for individuals or couples:
Activities in Zanzibar
The first activity I did was the Nungwi, which consists of swimming with sea turtles. I was outside and just taking pictures, I was lucky enough to meet another eBilbiz Travel traveler from Ivory Coast, with whom I shared this experience. At first I was just outside, putting my feet in the water and touching the turtles, after a few minutes, I had the courage to go in to take some pictures. But honestly, I wasn’t at ease, even though turtles don’t have teeth.
The second activity was the sunset cruise. It is an activity that I highly recommend especially if you like the festive atmosphere. I went around the island in a boat with several other tourists. There were also locals who played traditional instruments accompanied by quite special dance steps. I promise you that African culture is a joyful and festive