Travel advice on Nairobi and Mombasa, Kenya

[Fallap]

I'm going to Kenya with my mom next month.

Nairobi - Mombasa - Watamu and back to Nairobi. We will be taking the train between Nairobi and Mombasa.

I was curious to know if there was anyone in here, who have been to Kenya. And could share som hints, tips and advice etc.

Like what to do and not to do and so on

And yes I have been to lonely planet forums and so on, but I always trust my fellow MP.netters.

Thanks in advance

[Flagg]

Nairobi's airport is kinda cr@p(at least from a 1st world perspective), it's like something out of the 1960s-70s.

But at least there's free WiFi at the cafe on the very end(far right facing terminal from tarmac) the last time I was there.

I saw a lot of guys tooled up working static security in Nairobi, which tells me crime is an obvious issue, so maybe maintain situational awareness.

In more rural settings I found east Africans(Kenyans/Tanzanians) to be quite friendly/helpful....just poor.

I felt much safer in Kenya/Tanzania than I did in South Africa.

Swap mobile phone SIM cards.......roaming costs(at least for me) were horrendously expensive.

[Fallap]

Thanks I've been to Cape Town back in 2009 alone, and one month to SE Asia alone back in 2011. So I know how to be aware of my surroundings.

Yes I've heard about the crime, but as long as we stay away from dark alleys etc. during the night or venture off in pirate taxis.

Did people contact you/offer their assistance to you if you looked like you were lost? I remember i Havana, Cuba. People would usually do that, and then hope to get a few $ out of it. (Understandable, as they were very poor. )

Where in Kenya did you stay? And did you take the train?

[Az_esm]

1) Condoms.

[greendzflash]

be careful at night in watamu...no strolls on the beach after dark.

if unlucky the least you can expect is muggings with machete or hand guns....we wont go up the scale.

nice and safe during the day though.

watch your stuff when on the train....i had stuff stolen out of my compartment when i was on the train doing an overnighter and i was asleep. not much, just my silva compass and notebook and notebook cover, but the b'stards got it anyway and i werent happy!!

[Mu-Meson]

Up the coast from Mombasa is a place called Malindi. Amazing beaches up that way. As for driving between Nairobi and Mombasa, I don't know what it is like now, but a decade ago rains had washed away all the bridges between the two cities. I have no idea how well they rebuilt them....

[Oneto15]

Have a look here....

http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-...-africa/kenya1

[GeroyiDnepra]

I suggest an PKM and about 5,000 rounds of Ammo. Also, many condoms.

[FlintHillBilly]

None of our Kenyan members have chimed in yet.

Quite surprised. They will be able to give you some really good advice.

[Soulman]

Like Flagg, I heard Africans were really friendly with strangers willing to spend time in their countries and learn about them. Have a good trip!

[Nyusu]

I suggest an PKM and about 5,000 rounds of Ammo. Also, many condoms.

1) Condoms.

I would suggest having celibacy all together. Safe is safe.

[Fallap]

Thanks everyone I don't have any intentions of having *** with the natives though :P

[Soulman]

Thanks everyone I don't have any intentions of having *** with the natives though :P

You won't be safer in the 2012 Amsterdam Gay Pride.

[Fallap]

You won't be safer in the 2012 Amsterdam Gay Pride.

I plan only to recieve.

[Keighley]

1. White people are made of money, people will try and scam you at every opportunity. Don't buy things from the street. The item you bought will be re-taken at the next corner. (only in cities)
2. Don't flash valuables in populated areas. Kids with feces in their hands or blood filled syringes will ask you to handover phones, watches etc.
3. Be alert, keep your documents safe in public areas. Pick pockets are common in buses, trains or any crowded places.
4. There is a price for Kenyans and wazungu (white people). Ask a local guide to buy stuff for you. Always bargain, even in shop. If you start walking away the price will drop by half
5. AIDS is a huge problem. No explanation needed
6. The police expect a bribe when they stop you at a "checkpoint". Just tell them you have traveller cheques and instead give them a sandwich or something. They're usually hungry and they don't get paid well
7. Everyone expects "kitu kidogo" meaning something small (money) for anything to be done. Even things like passport forms etc will be speeded up by kitu kidogo. Do not do it, its against the law. Buy them lunch instead. Only way to get things done unfortunately
8. Public transport is to put it kindly -dirty and cramped
9. Carjackings are common in Nairobi, your life is more valuable.
10. Kenyans are lovely people, lots of different tribes and cultures to learn about. If you get time visit Nothern Kenya, the nomadic tribes are one of Africa's tribes who still live the traditional way of life
11. Kenyan food is awesome but don't buy food from shady joints. You must try "nyama choma with ugali" or "ribs za mbuzi choma"
12. Enjoy the visit, if you get time visit national parks. Amazing wildlife

My mother is Kenyan