“I have HIV. You Have To Use A Condom.” These are the words that potentially saved Zainab Oladehinde’s life during what was supposed to be a birthday trip of a lifetime in Zanzibar, Tanzania.
Her dreams of the perfect 23rd birthday were shattered. And a year later, she’s opening up about her experience with a tale of caution for solo travelers.
The Tanzanian island of Zanzibar is seeking private investors to develop and manage nine of its smaller islands. According to the East African, the goal is to create high-end activities that will boost the economy and create jobs.
Zanzibar has already approved 30 new investment projects over the past 10 months. These projects are expected to bring over $172 million in revenue to the island and create more than 1,800 jobs for locals.
“This decision is based on the need for diversification to attract very high-end investors,” said the Zanzibar government, as reported by the East African. “Small islands surrounding Zanzibar are major assets that investors can capitalize for a win-win potential.”
The islands include the Unguja islands of Bawe, Pamunda A and B, Kwale and Chumbe, as well as the Pemba islands of Njao, Misali, and Matumbini.
Also available for development is Changuu Island. Commonly known as Prison Island and Tortoise Island, it is a top Zanzibar attraction that formerly functioned as a quarantine station and coral mine, and today is home to more than a hundred giant land tortoises.
Through the Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (ZIPA), interested investors are invited to submit proposals by September 16 for the prospective development and management of one of the islands or a plot of land on one of them.
The agreement would be a long term lease. Information provided should include data supporting the interested party’s experience and skills in developing and managing investment projects. Applicants should also demonstrate experience in environmental and biodiversity conservation as well as the preservation of cultural heritage.
The Yaaku, a name which translates to the hunting people, migrated from Ethiopia to the caves and hills of the Mukogodo forest in Kenya’s Rift Valley more than a century ago.They were known to keep bees and began trading with the Maasai, the country’s largest pastoral people. The Yaaku eventually assimilated into Masai culture, adopting the Masai tongue over their own Cushitic language.
As the world slowly recovers from the coronavirus pandemic, some countries are planning to lift the travel restrictions that have been imposed to control the spread of COVID-19 in time for summer. Other countries, meanwhile, will remain closed to foreign visitors.
With many people around the world aching for a summer vacation after a difficult start to 2020, it is important to know which destinations will be possible to travel to in June, July, August, and September.
We’ve created a comprehensive list of what’s open and what’s not.
The Caribbean
Popular destinations, including Antigua, Jamaica, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and St. Lucia are already open.
The Bahamas and Bermuda have opened their borders to travelers who comply with certain safety measures.
Aruba will welcome residents of Canada, Europe, and the Caribbean islands (excluding the Dominican Republic and Haiti) on July 1. Americans can join on July 10.
Puerto Rico will open its borders on July 15. Travelers can head to Turks and Caicos later this summer on July 22.
As far as Grenada, the country announced on social media that they would consider a June 30 reopening.
Some islands, including St. Lucia, Bermuda, and Jamaica are requiring negative Covid-19 tests at least 48 to 72 hours before entering.
Europe
For now, the European Union has banned Americans from traveling to Europe, citing the way the United States handled the coronavirus pandemic.
The United States has reported more than 2 million cases of coronavirus and over 120,000 deaths – more than any other country.
The New York Times added that the list of acceptable countries would be revised every two weeks, so the US could be added later on.
Asia
There are widespread closures across Asia with some hope that countries will start opening as early as August.
Thailand has reportedly announced a potential reopening for Aug, 1. Thailand’s draft plan includes three phases of reopening:
- Phase One: Business travelers, investors, skilled workers, people with Thai family members, teachers, etc.
- Phase Two: Medical tourism travelers
- Phase Three: General tourists
Bali is said to be reopening in October but there are no reported dates just yet.
The Maldives are is resuming commercial flights on July 1 but the country has testing and visa protocols that require at least a 14-day quarantine.
Sri Lanka is preparing to reopen its borders to all nationalities on Aug. 1, if individuals can produce proof of medical insurance, plan to stay at least five nights, and can show a negative Covid-19 test taken less than 72 hours before departure.
Cambodia announced foreign travelers could enter upon paying a $3,000 deposit to cover a mandatory Covid-19 test, hotel stays (pending results or for as long as 14 days should anyone on your flight test positive), necessary treatment fees, and even a funeral.
5 Black Travel Podcast To Satisfy Your Wanderlust
French Polynesia
French Polynesia announced tourists from all countries can arrive from July 15. That includes Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora
If you’re planning to go, you will be required to have either a negative Covid-19 test (administered 72 hours before departure) or an “immunity certificate” that proves you’ve recovered from a previous infection.
North America
Mexico is opening state by state. Quintana Roo, where Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, and Tulum are located, has opened.
Los Cabos has officially opened as well,
Meanwhile, in the United States, the popular destination Hawaii may forgo its 14-day quarantine requirement with its new pre-testing program.
Canada has two-week quarantine requirements. The border closure for nonessential travel between the U.S. and Canada has been extended through July 21.
The Middle East
The Middle East is not open for travel yet with the exception of Dubai, which is aiming to reopen between July and October.
Africa
Popular African tourist destinations, such as Morocco and South Africa, have not announced plans to loosen border restrictions yet but South African officials hope to open as early as September with 2021 being the worst-case-scenario.
Seychelles opened to tourists in mid-June arriving on a private jet, chartered flight, or yacht. Plans to resume commercial flights are set for July.
Tanzania welcomed tourists from all nations in May, one of the earliest countries to do so. The country has been criticized for a lack of transparency regarding infection rates, as well as statements by President John Magufuli that the coronavirus could be cured by drinking ginger and lemonade, as reported in CNBC.
South America
Many South American countries, including Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, and Peru, remain closed to travelers.
Colombia banned all passenger flights until the end of August and Argentina has a flight ban through September
Travel Advice for Summer Holidays 2020
Many people are asking “will coronavirus be gone in summer?”. In the majority of countries, COVID-19 has not been completely eradicated, although the number of cases is dropping and the likelihood of catching it is falling at the same time.
A number of countries will insist that visitors take precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the virus and even in locations without such rules, it is a good idea to follow these safety tips:
- Practise social distancing — maintain a distance of at least 2 m between yourself and strangers.
- Wash your hands frequently and when returning from outside.
- Wear a protective face mask when in public.
- Cover your mouth if you sneeze or cough.
- If you experience symptoms of COVID-19, isolate yourself until you can be tested and alert the local medical authorities.
In addition to checking the travel restrictions for the destination, travelers should consult global visa information and check if they require any travel authorization to enter the country.
Why Visit Tanzania? It is a country of natural splendour, astounding wildlife, seductive beaches, charming ancient towns, archaeological sites and geological wonders.
Africa’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, rises from lush, grassy plains and towers over the land. Its snow-capped peak is a sight to behold. Climbing Kilimanjaro is surprisingly easy and standing on the roof of Africa is a life-changing experience. The ideal bush and beach destination, visitors can witness the mighty herds of the Great Migration thundering across the Serengeti plains and end their unforgettable safari with a serene beach holiday on Zanzibar, the intoxicatingly beautiful and exotic Spice Island.
This week MoyoAfrika has selected for you the dopest sounds on the continent that you must listen to, to be up to date on your playlist, let’s go!
A continent of 54 countries, 2000 languages and over 3000 tribes, Africa has a staggeringly diverse array of cultures. It’s no surprise that Africa is home to some of the best cultural festivals on the planet
The wide variety of music, cultural, harvest, and religious festivals in Africa is almost as unique as the continent itself. Some of these festivals are well-known and attract people from around the world, but all offer a distinctive form of celebration that highlights the wide array of African cultures and customs.
