Hi, its a foreign card issued abroad. We tried three cards, two Nigerian naira cards and one Nigerian dollar card, none of them worked.

jobaadedire:
Good day to you,i really apreciate this Information.would like you to explain more on the international credit card,is it a dollar card issued by a Nigerian bank or a foreign credit card issued abroad

So many factors are responsible for African's not exploring Africa, one of which is the visa struggle. Well, Namibia is trying to put a stop to that. Can I get an AMEN?? I was particularly excited to read that Namibia is working towards abolishing visas for all Africans!

"The Cabinet last week approved the introduction of a visa-on-arrival policy as a first step towards abolishing the pre-entry pass. The southern African country will join a dozen African countries that offer liberal access (visa-free or visa-on-arrival) to Africans. The continental bloc, African Union, has set a 2018 deadline for the removal of visa requirements for all African citizens in all African countries. Namibia has however not indicated when it expects to have attained the visa-free status. African leaders are expected to approve for adoption a draft treaty establishing free movement around the continent at the AU Heads of State summit in January next year." - The East African Online

When I saw this, my first reaction was "Yes!!!". Namibia is finally joining Rwanda, Seychelles, Mauritius and co. The movement for free trade and travel within African Union is gaining momentum and at this rate we Africans might not have to wait till the year 2020 for visa-free travel for African citizens within our own continent.

As exciting as this may sound to African lover's of travel, we still have other bottlenecks to deal with on the continent. There's still a lot of work to be done to make traveling within the continent easier/easy. For example its easier to travel to some African countries from Europe than from Africa itself. Two years ago, we featured a story on the blog. A guest nomad visited Cape Verde and shared her experience. Her journey was quite something. She had to fly to Dakar first (with numerous stops along the way) before heading to Praia on Royal Air Maroc. I've also heard stories of people who had to fly to Casablanca then back into Praia simply because there's no other route.

In spite of the other challenges faced when traveling the continent, everyone is ecstatic with the Namibia news.

MY TOP 5 THINGS TO DO IN NAMIBIA

In no particular order, here are the top 5 things I'll love to do in Namibia. I aim to visit in 2018, hopefully the visa policies would have been put in place. If you are coming with me just say "AYEEE" in the comments!
NIGHT OR TWO AT THE NAMIB DESERT

I've had my fair share of desert sleeping in Morocco but I feel Namibia will be really different. I mean what other desert has the highest dunes in the world, desert elephants, rare animals and 900 year old trees?

VISIT ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK

Unlike other parks in Africa, where you can spend days looking for animals, Etosha’s charms lie in its ability to bring the animals to you. Just park your car next to one of the many waterholes, then wait and watch while a host of animals – lions, elephants, springboks, gemsboks etc – come by not two by two but by the hundreds. - Lonely Planet

GET ACQUITTED WITH THE HIMBA COMMUNITY

Even as an African, I'm always fascinated when I see photos of the Himba people. How have they been able to maintain their culture and way of life in spite of all the modernization? I've always wanted to visit the community and get first hand information on how they live.



TAKE A TRIP TO THE GHOST TOWN OF KOLMANSKOP

Photo's of Kolmanskop will make you feel like you are on the set of a western (cowboy) movie waiting for the director to yell ACTION! The cowboys gaze at each other, take 10 steps away from each other and then POW! POW! (those are gunshots btw) lol. The only difference is its not a set, its a real ghost town. When I visit this place, I'm going with a cowboy hat and a toy gun, haha.

Some fun facts for you:

In 1908, diamonds where discovered in this town and they were in such large supply that people picked them with their bare hands
In 1912, the area produced one million carats or 11.7 per cent of the world’s total diamond production.
The town had the first X-ray machine in the southern hemisphere. But this machine was not only used to diagnose medical issues. It was also used to investigate and uncover any diamonds thefts.
The decline in the price of diamonds after WWI affected the city and richer diamonds were found in the South, The city was abandoned in 1954. - See more details here

HOT AIR BALLOON/FLIGHT ACROSS NAMIB DESERT

I'm clearly not done with hot air ballooning and I'll love to do it again and again! Apart from Capadoccia, the Namib desert has always been on the list of potential locations for hot air ballooning. Imagine cruising over one of tallest sand dunes in the world. I'll particularly love to see where the desert meets the ocean!

Aren't you excited Namibia is scrapping visas for all Africans? Even if the visa ends up being visa-on-arrival, we'll take it! I really cannot wait to see this come to fruition. Thinking of visiting Namibia? What attractions are on your list? I'll love to read from you, maybe my top 5 will change!

For more, visit http://naijanomads.com/destinations/naija-nomad/namibia-visas-free/

lonlytroy:
How will you get the visa after paying online
Will they mail it to you or you pick it up at the embassy

Hi, You get your visa in your email which you'd have entered while filling the online form. You can either print it out or show them a copy on your phone at the airport. I did the latter.

You don't get the visa before arrival....you print a slip from their self service machines and tender the slip to the immigration service when leaving the airport.

Either way, you don't get a sticker on your passport.

Hi, this is not the case anymore. We are not able to get visas via their self serve machines. The visa is sent to your email immediately after payment

Rolly83:
I have taken note!

LMAO. Glad you found the post useful.

Tedious visa application processes are struggles Nigerian passport holders are awfully familiar with. As a Nigerian, applying for visas can be so stressful. The struggle begins right from downloading and filling the visa forms. I remember researching the procedure for obtaining an Indonesian visa. After seeing what it entailed, I immediately put my EAT.PRAY.LOVE dreams on hold. It almost seems impossible to live your best travel life with this passport. People say the reason for this is our international reputation. I agree that our international reputation isn’t one to emulate however, some of these visa processes are just plain ridiculous!

My personal visa struggle experience was with the Canadian embassy. I got my first rejection. Here I was, working as an associate in reputable law firm in Nigeria with a good travel history. I had lived in England as a student for over a year and never breached any visa conditions. It was shocking to say the least and it burnt a hole in my heart. The ground for rejection was “no ties with my home country”. It was so strange because this application was a family one. I applied with my parents and my sister. While my parents’ application was granted, my sister’s application got rejected as well (though she had visited Canada the previous year).

A country becomes more attractive when the visa process is easy and Turkey is one of such countries with an easy visa process. It’s even better when all we need to do is show up and get the visa on arrival! These days, most Nigerians will opt for destinations with less visa struggles than their counterparts with tedious processes. A visa process should be a prerequisite and not a barrier to entry.

My first visit to Turkey was in 2012. I flew to Istanbul from London via Turkish Airlines and I got my visa on arrival. It was exciting as this was my first visa on arrival country. Back in London, prior to my trip, I visited the embassy physically in spite their website having all the relevant information. I was (still am) a Nigerian passport holder and I did not want to take any chances. I imagined a scenario where after paying for my ticket, booking accommodation and relevant tours I get told at the airport “this visa on arrival option is not applicable to Nigerian passport holders”. Haaaaaaaaaaaa! This clearly had me shook and I headed straight to the Turkish embassy! After I heard from the “horse’s mouth” aka embassy officials, I was more comfortable. Subsequently, I prepared for my trip and ensured I met all the necessary requirements.

Five years after my first visit, I got invited for a Thermal Tourism Conference in Pamukkale and I discovered the visa process had changed. Nigerian passport holders can no longer obtain visas on arrival. You are now required to get an E-visa before departing Nigeria. Side Note: It’s important to stay up to date with the visa processes because things change quickly. I applied for my E-visa here www.evisa.gov.tr/en/. and it’s the easiest visa I’ve had to obtain to date.

Though the visa on arrival option is not open to Nigerians anymore, the E-visa process is very easy. Here are a few things to note before you begin.

Have all your information handy; passport details, address, phone number, etc.
You’ll require an international debit or credit card to make payment for the visa.
You’ll need to have a valid U.K., USA, Ireland or Schengen visa. These visas must be multiple entry.
Your flight must be on Turkish Airlines, Onur Air, Atlasglobal or Peagasus.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months and have free pages for stamping.

APPLYING FOR YOUR TURKISH E-VISA

STEP 1
Your application begins on www.evisa.gov.tr. You’ll be required to select your country of your travel document and the type of document i.e Diplomatic passport, Special Passport, Ordinary Passport.


STEP 2
Once you select your arrival date in Turkey, the platform automatically works out 180 days which is your validity period. However you can only stay for a maximum of 30 days. Additionally, your visa is a single-entry visa i.e you can only enter the country once on that visa.

STEP 3

There are prerequisites for obtaining this e-visa and you have to meet these conditions to be eligible.
- You are traveling for the purpose of tourism and business
- Valid supporting document (valid visa or resident permit) from one of the Schengen countries, USA, UK or Ireland.
- Valid passport for at least 6 months from the date of your arrival into turkey
- Return ticket, hotel reservation and at least 50 pounds per day throughout the duration of your stay.
- Round trip ticket with Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, Onur Air or Atlasglobal Airlines.

STEP 4 & 5

Enter all your personal information and ensure you verify this. Once you click on verify, you’ll receive an email.


PAYMENT

Finally, you’ll be required to pay for your E-visa via the link sent to your email. Unfortunately, Nigerian cards don’t work here. I tried using three different cards and they just did not work. You’ll need an international debit or credit card to pay for your E-visa.

Unfortunately, you’ll need an international card to pay for your Visa.

YOUR E-VISA IS READY

Most times, visa processes determine my destination of choice and you are likely to see me explore countries with an easy visa process. What has been your easiest visa process yet? As a Nigerian passport holder, visa struggles are so close to home; though we might not have experienced any, someone around us has! I’ll love to read your visa experiences good or bad.

For more information check out the full post on http://naijanomads.com/destinations/naija-nomad/turkey-trip/

Hi Nairalanders!

We have put together a list of possible places you can take the little ones to, in Lagos, this Children's Day and beyond. Trust me, you'll love our suggestions so here it goes:

SPEND THE DAY AT THE KIDS BEACH GARDEN: The kids beach garden located at Elegushi, Lagos, is a kids friendly beach with a goal to connect kids to nature. When I spoke to Doyin, the founder, she shared her vision with me. She set up the kids beach garden as there were no kids friendly beaches in Lagos. However, the place is not strictly for children. They host private family events from time to time. The beach garden is having a Caribbean themed party for Children's Day and the kids are required to dress up in their Caribbean costumes. For enquiries on the party or joining the kids beach club, contact via their Instagram page here @kidsbeachgarden.


TAKE A TRIP TO THE MINDSCAPES MUSEUM IN LEKKI: Just like the name "mindscapes" this museum is a place for kids to let their imaginations run wild! Mindscapes Museum prides itself as an environment to nurture creativity, play and lifelong learning. Sometime in April, I visited the museum and I was blown away. The creative hub had various sections such as the book nook, food rite, the vet clinic, the energy lab, a bank, grocery store and so on. For more information on opening times and entry fees kindly check out their website http://mindscapesmuseums.org/


TAKE THEM ROLLER SKATING WITH FRIENDS: Earn yourself some brownie points and take the kids roller skating with their friends. You will be the coolest mum ever! I had mentioned this as an alternative thing to do in Lagos here but it's also perfect for the kids. And like they say "Life is better on Roller Skates" (just kidding! no one says that). D-Cube Skating Rink is located at the Funderland Mall in Chevron, Lekki/Epe expressway and it costs N2,500 for a one hour skating session. They also offer private lessons for skating newbies and can be contacted on 08033042917


A SPA DATE WITH FRIENDS: Spa robes, massages, facial masks, cucumbers and mani-pedis! Kids these days love the glitz and glam and Loola's kids spa is available to cater to their needs. Their services are 100% fun focused and they use only natural products for your kids. They do not use sharp objects either so you have nothing to worry about! Treating your kids to a spa date with their friends is an experience they will definitely not forget. Give Loola's kids spa a call on 08178625853


BE AT ONE WITH NATURE AT LUFASI PARK: The Lekki Urban Forest Animal Sanctuary Initiative (LUFASI) is a nature park where the kids can visit and learn about the eco system, climate change and nature conservation. Located along the lekki/epe expressway, Lufasi houses a play park, football pitches and a beautiful butterfly sanctuary. It's a great place to have a family picnic.

TRAIN RIDE AND RAILWAY TOUR: Believe it or not, the trains in Nigeria have undergone a proper face lift and they are all fully functional. Haha, I hope you are not expecting bullet trains. Baby steps people...baby steps. It still takes over 50 hours to get from Lagos-Kano but I digress as you would not be taking your kids to Kano for Children's Day. Anyways, train rides are a good way to entertain the kids. Train rides on the London Underground is nice and a regular way of life, but train rides in Nigeria is a totally different experience. Children are curious and they can learn all about the Nigerian railway system on this tour. The Legacy Group are doing a fantastic job with identifying historical buildings and monuments all over Nigeria that can help contribute to the evolution, history and culture of Nigeria. One of such buildings is the Railway Compound at Ebute-Metta and this is where the railway tour takes place. You can find the Legacy Group on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pg/Legacy1995NG/about/?ref=page_internal

LEARN ABOUT NIGERIAN HISTORY AT THE AWOLOWO MUSEUM: You cannot talk about Nigerian history without reference to "Awo The Great". Tucked away 45 minutes outside Lagos Island lies the Awolowo museum and private beach. It's a two in one offer i.e. you learn about the founding father of nationalism and you can relax by the beach right after! That is definitely a WIN -WIN!


BONUS PLACES: THEME PARKS (Apapa Amusement Park, Hi Impact Planet, Dream World Africana, Omu Resorts), BADAGRY SLAVE ROUTE, THE AQUARIUM GALLERY.

Do you think we missed any places that might interest the little ones? Which of these places will you be taking your kids to this Children's Day?

Direct link to this story is on our blog http://naijanomads.com/articles-and-features/7-ways-to-entertain-your-kids-this-childrens-day/

scarr:
Naijanomads could you do something like this for Abj?
Merci

Will definitely look into this! Thanks for your comment

ImaIma1:


Poster i am.interested ina night at the cabin. Please details

Hi! The Cabin is located at Tarkwa Bay and it costs N60,000 to spend the night on a weekend. Now the cabin sleeps up to 6 people (it's pretty big) so you can share with your friends or family. The manager is Eniola and her contact details are 08102987616.

legendsilver:

Oga, must we visit ur blog? Stop lying and post us the address jawe.

Oh yes you must. Don't worry you'll be inspired by other posts there.
http://naijanomads.com/articles-and-features/alternative-lagos/

marylandcakes:


Armenian? I'm even more worried. Their human rights and safety are as bad as Nigeria. I would feel much better if it were run by a Nigerian than an Armenian.

Hahahaha! Totally understandable

marylandcakes:
No offence intended. Most of these activities are good apart from the scuba diving. The only countries I will try this in is America and Western Europe. Not Nigeria. Reason being human life has no much value in Nigeria and there is the tendency to cut corners in safety to maximise profits.

None taking and we do not blame you at all. That's the Nigerian way and it's pretty sad. We also don't have any organizations that do periodic checks with people that offer such services. You do eveberything at your own risk. If it makes you feel better the scuba Lagos (scuba diving school) is run by Armenian guy, lol.

Jbleenk:
Pic or idontbelieveit

See link to the original post

http://naijanomads.com/articles-and-features/alternative-lagos/

oyienootieno:


Op this your writing don stylishly become marketing oh.. which one be do let "US" know. Who are the "US" abi you take style become tour agent?

Hi Hi. It's "us" because naijanomads is a team and not an individual. We do plan one of a kind travel experiences for groups from time to time but that comment was not in anyway marketing strategy. She/he seemed interested in the Tarkwa Bay cabins and we simply told her/him we could give her/him details of the property manager whenever she/he was ready to go. We just got back from planning a trip there and we have details on the place. We blogged about it too. Marketing will be "let us know when you are ready to go. We can plan a trip for you "

That number 10 surprises me.
With my several visits to takwa, I still wonder why i didnt notice there is a spend-the-night cabin in there.

That would have been fun...[/quote]

Yes it would have! You can still go and If you need contact details of the manager at the cabin do let us know

Realdeals:
You can buy fresh oven baked bread from hawkers at 2am in Lagos.

Hahaha o yes you can!

ephi123:
Great thread OP.
More details - location, costs, timings etc for each item on the list would have made it even better.

Thanks for your comment. Here is the link to the original post with details http://naijanomads.com/articles-and-features/alternative-lagos/

daamazing:
Sorry o..
OP please which of the Lagos are you talking about? Because me no know all this ones wey you post and you no put where we can find them

Apologies! Here is the link to the original post http://naijanomads.com/articles-and-features/alternative-lagos/

asdfjklhaha:
What about things one can do in Abakaliki Must everything be centered around lagos

Lmao! When we are explore Abakaliki we will share what to do there.

kayjee101:
Are you for real, all those places aforementioned, here I come, just want to get the moolah ready first.

Yes they are right here in lagos! Awesome yes? Let's know if you eventually get up to any of these things

SafeDavid:
Nice dating ideas coming thru.

Thank you very much! Let's know how your awesome date goes

Justdare:
Really cool. Funny I don't know these places exists in my Lagos.
Thanks for the pointers. Lasgidi just got more interesting.

Thank you so much. We are glad we could be of help

Papiikush:
You can help by dropping the locations from the above places

Hi hi,
So sorry tried to put the entire post on here but it was too long. The full details are on the blog. naijanomads.com and the post is called "alternative Lagos". Everyone's details are on there.

fernandobush:
I will definitely checkout these places!!

Looks like an adventure and me don tire to stay indoors!!

lalasticlala make we go flex!!

Haha! Thank you for reading and yes you should! Lagos has soooo much to offer!

Hi Daniella,
Lagos has so much to offer and you are sure to have a swell time. Apart from the tips you've gotten, we will add that you ensure you haggle when you go into the market and be ready to always "give something". Everyone is literally asking you for tips. We made a list of fun things you can get up to in Lagos. You can visit our blog and let us know if you need any help when you get in. http://naijanomads.com/articles-and-features/alternative-lagos/

Hello Nairalanders!

Tired of doing the same old things in Lagos? Naija Nomads has put together a couple of things to make our Lagos more exciting. Some you may have heard of, others you probably aren't aware can be done in Lagos. Please feel
Free to suggest and give us more options of things you think we might have missed. We will update the list from time to time! Enjoy! For more travel inspirations visit the blog naijanomads.com

1. SECRET CINEMA : This is an outdoor cinema company organizes MovieNics (Movies + Picnics) in various locations around Lagos for N1,000. All you need do is bring a bottle, food and a blanket! This is definitely a fun alternative to going to a regular cinema

2. SOCIAL PAINTING: Social Painting requires no artistic skill or creativity as there is an instructor to guide you every step of the way. It's a perfect way to relax after a stressful work day.

3.ROLLER SKATING: When I found D-cube roller skating rink on the internet, I was so excited. Located at the Funderland Mall, 16-18, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lagos, this first of its kind roller skating rink is and you pay a fee to use their facilities.

4 KAYAKING: Kayaking in Lagos is relatively new and everyone seems to have caught the bug. It's really refreshing and your upper body is in for a work out. Ditch the gym one Saturday morning and go kayaking instead.

5. SCUBA DIVING: Scuba Lagos got registered an official PADI Dive Resort on 10th August, 2016. It's the first dive resort in Nigeria and they take diving lessons.

6. PAINT BALL/BUBBLE SOCCER: Looking for team bonding activities, Nigeria ultimate paintball at Magodo is the perfect place to go.

7. SURFING: I discovered Godspower on CNN African voices and I couldn't contain my excitement when I watched his interview. He is a man with big dreams and has opened up a surfing school for people interested in surfing to learn.

8. FISHING TRIP: Fishing requires great patience and if you do not have this virtue then it's best not to trying this. Big fishing game Lagos will take you to the south of Lagos, maximum 20 miles off shore, for a full day fishing adventure.

9. VISIT THE AQUARIUM: the aquarium gallery at Olosa street in Victoria island is the perfect place for lovers of sea life. The aquarium houses various type of fishes, birds and turtles.

10. SPEND THE NIGHT AT CABIN: I discovered this cabin on my last trip to takwa bay. If you are looking for an outdoor experience, this is definitely the perfect place for you.

http://naijanomads.com/articles-and-features/alternative-lagos/