Mombasa

[Reiner Otto]

In early February, I am going to Mombasa. First time there, can any recommend a reasonable Airbnb or hotel close to a decent beach?

Was in Cowrie Shells Appartment (booking com) last year. Girl friendly, directly at beach, but at the end. Walked to BigTree, for girls, or Char-Choma, for excellent BBQ. Was also in AirBnB, for low price, about $20, in Bamburi. Although appartment was OK, the surrounding was not so pleasant. And several power outages, because no generator. Short trip via tutktuk or bike-taxi to BigTree.

Next time Cowrie Shells again, I guess.

[Slayer94]

In early February, I am going to Mombasa. First time there, can any recommend a reasonable Airbnb or hotel close to a decent beach?

[SeanBenz]

A word about health. Its true that condoms work better than PrEP to prevent HIV but don't prevent other diseases. But HIV is different than the other STDS. It can be prevented, but once you get it, it can be suppressed but not cured. Getting HIV is a forever illness and people still die from AIDS. In contrast, penicillin still works for syphilis and although gonorrhea requires a shot now, it's still a one time treatment. There is a vaccine to prevent HepB and HepC is now easily curable (at a large cost, however). So if you go bare, take your PrEP but get checked for the other diseases when you go home. There is far too much discussion on this site on the subject of BBFS (usually focused on infections but occasionally mentioning that PrEP doesn't prevent pregnancy), but getting the information on PrEP is easy enough if you read even a few pages on this site (or use google).

There is no malaria in Nairobi, but plenty in Mombasa, Kisumu, much of Uganda and Rwanda. There are a lot of drugs to prevent malaria available. The easiest to take (from the standpoint of side effects) is malarone, but it is expensive. Doxycycline doesn't go well with my intestines, causes rashes when sun exposed and mefloquine gives people nightmares (I have tried it and it is insanely toxic. I suppose it is fine for some people). I suggest you use your Western health insurance to purchase malarone before you leave Europe or the USA. Remember that Africa is famous for fake medicines when it comes to malaria. Buy your malaria drugs at a reliable pharmacy, and only purchase drugs that come in a box or package from a real pharmaceutical company, like Pfizer or Merck. If you actually get malaria, this is even more important as this is a bad disease in people who have never been infected before.

Your take on prep e and HIV is spot on. Every other shite is annoying and might be painful, one won't need to take a daily pill (s) for the rest of their live. Although injectables long acting ARV are now available I am told.

[MamaGuevos]

///

5. health. At the health level you find excellent facilities, many pharmacies, a good medical insurance will help you and it is not Cuba where with the dipirona cure both colds and cancer. I'll tell you what I think about Prep: an imbecility. Even if it really works, what do you care about covering yourself up for AIDS when there's syphilis, gonorrhea, hepatitis, clap, etc? Condom and go, no doubt. Of course, if you're an old man and you don't have an erection with a condom, I understand, but that's why I always wear it///

A word about health. Its true that condoms work better than PrEP to prevent HIV but don't prevent other diseases. But HIV is different than the other STDS. It can be prevented, but once you get it, it can be suppressed but not cured. Getting HIV is a forever illness and people still die from AIDS. In contrast, penicillin still works for syphilis and although gonorrhea requires a shot now, it's still a one time treatment. There is a vaccine to prevent HepB and HepC is now easily curable (at a large cost, however). So if you go bare, take your PrEP but get checked for the other diseases when you go home. There is far too much discussion on this site on the subject of BBFS (usually focused on infections but occasionally mentioning that PrEP doesn't prevent pregnancy), but getting the information on PrEP is easy enough if you read even a few pages on this site (or use google).

There is no malaria in Nairobi, but plenty in Mombasa, Kisumu, much of Uganda and Rwanda. There are a lot of drugs to prevent malaria available. The easiest to take (from the standpoint of side effects) is malarone, but it is expensive. Doxycycline doesn't go well with my intestines, causes rashes when sun exposed and mefloquine gives people nightmares (I have tried it and it is insanely toxic. I suppose it is fine for some people). I suggest you use your Western health insurance to purchase malarone before you leave Europe or the USA. Remember that Africa is famous for fake medicines when it comes to malaria. Buy your malaria drugs at a reliable pharmacy, and only purchase drugs that come in a box or package from a real pharmaceutical company, like Pfizer or Merck. If you actually get malaria, this is even more important as this is a bad disease in people who have never been infected before. I had a friend who told me that the first time he got malaria, he went from having a fever and chill to unconscious from cerebral disease in 6 hours. He was lucky to have survived. Of course, there is nothing for dengue, so you should avoid mosquitoes if you can; DEET is relatively effective.

I am curious about the dipirona comment. I tried to get sleeping pills in Nairobi, and there wasn't a single pharmacy that would sell me as much as a single Ambien for my plane flight home. I am doubtful that one could get a codeine tablet for a migraine or even a fractured foot in Kenya (as was the case for me when I was injured once in Brazil). Oiste, am I mistaken here, or is this simply a matter of needing to go to a doctor for a prescription? Will doctors actually prescribe restricted medications to a foreigner?

[MrJibb]

Yeah great. Then we probably shouldn't wear seat belts driving either as if you run off the road in to a lake you will drown and the seat belt is not going to help you either. So many other ways to get injured in a car accident so what's the point of using the seat belt then? Pretty much the same reasoning these additions made.

There was no "discussion", I merely asked about prep, which as I'm sure most know is for HIV. I don't see the point in then commenting that I won't do anything for other diseases. Oh wow, really?! Thanks. Stick to the topic instead.

The discussion was about prep and medicine to keep one safe in Africa, and he made a very relevant point that it will do nothing to prevent other sexually transmitted diseases. Seems pretty informative and on topic to me (and anyone else who values advice from actual medical professionals).

[Euphori]

I'm surprised to hear how naive and narrow minded people can be, especially here. As if "screwing" is the only way to contract HIV.

You really need to get your facts and numbers in order and possibly even mind your own business if you have nothing productive or constructive to add.

The discussion was about prep and medicine to keep one safe in Africa, and he made a very relevant point that it will do nothing to prevent other sexually transmitted diseases. Seems pretty informative and on topic to me (and anyone else who values advice from actual medical professionals).

[MrJibb]

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[SuperChuck]

What banner are you talking about? Can't see any regarding Prep.

Sorry to intrude, but it must be clear to everyone that Prep is a slice of ham on the eyes. Aids is just one of the problems. Syphilis for example. Hepatitis see. And all the company. There are so many nice diseases that can make you live very badly for so many years. Screwing without a condom using Prep and thinking you're safe, in Africa, is not very healthy. But it's my opinion.

[MrJibb]

What banner are you talking about? Can't see any regarding Prep.

5. Health: Anything I should bring in terms of medicine, vaccine or similiar? I understand there's pretty much everything going around, from malaria to dengue to HIV to yellow fever or whatever. What's this "Prep" medicine I hear about and where to get it? Food and water is generally consumable? I like to eat cheap, good, local food in the streets, when not going to a fancier place.

DM me if you need help to get Prep or simply click on the banner in this forum. You can purchase there Prep without any prescription.

[SuperChuck]

Nobody cares. First rule in Africa. Whatever you have paid is gone. Usually not recoverable. If you did not pay just leave. Of course for the night you have to pay. Tough luck for the owner. Walk away. All is good. Tourist police in plain clothes does not exist. Either an impostor. Irrelevant. Or an off duty police man. Also irrelevant. Tourist police on duty carries uniform and an ID. As this is a civilian dispute they have no leeway to intervene. That's just bullying. Did you make reservation in writing? Did you pay deposit? I'd just walk away. One more thing. Always whatever you rent or paid ask for a written receipt. If you don't have one. Some Africans are just lying. So if you have no proof of payment. Tough luck. Here in Kenya you can be accused of anything. So. Be very careful. But be also assertive. Don't take any bullshit. Ask for ID. If he doesn't have any tell him to fuck off. Africa is not for the faint hearted or pussy footed people. They'll be either constantly ripped off or taken advantage of..

Not being really a fool I preferred let things go, ask this ID and then pretend nothing has served everyone to take measures. I got another apartment in the same building at the same price. Basically I'm happy. The building is safe and comfortable. The owner greets me with more enthusiasm (also you can see that she is struggling). Then if in a couple of months I'm tired and I want to change I realized I can do it without drama or blackmail. For the rest everything as usual and Mombasa offers great opportunities for dating as usual.

[Neddy69]

Hi everyone,

I just got to Mombasa and I have a little problem. I do not like the apartment I booked and I would like to change it but the owner is not available and demands that in case I leave it I have to pay the full amount. How things work here in Kenya, I ask the experts. He sent me a booking confirmation form but no deposit.

In addition. "casually", indeed "very casually", that day was there with her a Tourist Police officer who intervened in the discussion. My other question is: do the Tourist Police officers have to show identification? Because he didn't have it.

Now I'm not really a moron but I always try to stay out of troubles.

Thank you everyone very much.

Nobody cares. First rule in Africa. Whatever you have paid is gone. Usually not recoverable. If you did not pay just leave. Of course for the night you have to pay. Tough luck for the owner. Walk away. All is good. Tourist police in plain clothes does not exist. Either an impostor. Irrelevant. Or an off duty police man. Also irrelevant. Tourist police on duty carries uniform and an ID. As this is a civilian dispute they have no leeway to intervene. That's just bullying. Did you make reservation in writing? Did you pay deposit? I'd just walk away. One more thing. Always whatever you rent or paid ask for a written receipt. If you don't have one. Some Africans are just lying. So if you have no proof of payment. Tough luck. Here in Kenya you can be accused of anything. So. Be very careful. But be also assertive. Don't take any bullshit. Ask for ID. If he doesn't have any tell him to fuck off. Africa is not for the faint hearted or pussy footed people. They'll be either constantly ripped off or taken advantage of.

Mwalimu.

[Slowalk]

Hi everyone,

I just got to Mombasa and I have a little problem. I do not like the apartment I booked and I would like to change it but the owner is not available and demands that in case I leave it I have to pay the full amount. How things work here in Kenya, I ask the experts. He sent me a booking confirmation form but no deposit.

In addition. "casually", indeed "very casually", that day was there with her a Tourist Police officer who intervened in the discussion. My other question is: do the Tourist Police officers have to show identification? Because he didn't have it.

Now I'm not really a moron but I always try to stay out of troubles.

Thank you everyone very much.

For me, I'd leave on principle. You're not committing any crime and Tourist Police won’t track you down. I doubt he was a police anyhow. Get a hotel then find an apartment finding agency to help you find an apartment.

[SuperChuck]

Hi everyone,

I just got to Mombasa and I have a little problem. I do not like the apartment I booked and I would like to change it but the owner is not available and demands that in case I leave it I have to pay the full amount. How things work here in Kenya, I ask the experts. He sent me a booking confirmation form but no deposit.

In addition. "casually", indeed "very casually", that day was there with her a Tourist Police officer who intervened in the discussion. My other question is: do the Tourist Police officers have to show identification? Because he didn't have it.

Now I'm not really a moron but I always try to stay out of troubles.

Thank you everyone very much.

[MedsBase1]

Hey fellas, thought I'd post something here with some questions as I'm visiting Africa and Kenya for my first time in January. I'm going down 2 months, for kitesurfing (renting a place in Diani) and have as base while moving around the area, coastal region, Mombasa, but also travel around Kenya, Nairobi, probably Uganda and Rwanda as well. I'm a very experienced traveller and adventurer, just came back from 2 months in Cuba and spent the last 20 years travelling around the world for work and fun. As it's my first time in Kenya I literally have no idea what to expect (well, I have some idea reading the previous posts) so here goes:

1. Money: Do I bring / carry cash USD / EUR to exchange to KES in Kenya, at the offices or in the street best? Used to the strange monetary situation in Cuba hence the question. Better to simply withdraw cash from the machine using my european debit / credit card? Restaurants / bars and such all accept credit cards? Any other tips regarding money?

2. Products: Also a bit damaged from Cuba, where you literally have to bring almost everything you want to be sure it's available. In Kenya, can you get "regular" products like shampoo, shower gel, sun lotion, moisturizer, deodorant, tooth paste and regular normal stuff (which can be difficult to find in Cuba) from regular brands like Nivea, Dove, Hawaiian Tropic, Colgate and similar? What about medicines, pain killers, other various medicines? I've also travelled a lot in Brazil and also there it can be difficult to find "quality products".

3. Safety: In Cuba I'm used to be able to freely move around anywhere, everywhere, any time. It's what I love, but is it possible in Kenya, and the other places mentioned? Can I walk or ride a bike freely without getting mugged, robbed, kidnapped? I'm a surfer and look like a bum, but I am Muzungu so obviously they know I could carry money or other items. Any input is appreciated.

4. Sex: The interesting part, hehe I've read A LOT in this forum about the situation there and seems very exciting and fun. I also did some "pre-swiping" on Bumble and Tinder in the region and literally within minutes have hundreds of matches with women writing me. The take initative, they are very charming and fun. Everything from 18-40 year olds, unemplyed to business women, wanting everything from a quick hook-up to making babies to getting married to offering other women, sisters, daughters, almost anything. Who are these women and how "true" is it? What are known scams one should avoid? I'm more for the daytime pickup, just walking around (hence the question about safety) talking to people, exploring and meeting "real" people (women) in the street to take them out (or home). I'm not for the strip-joints or full on WG places, it's not my style. Any input about this matter would be cool.

5. Health: Anything I should bring in terms of medicine, vaccine or similiar? I understand there's pretty much everything going around, from malaria to dengue to HIV to yellow fever or whatever. What's this "Prep" medicine I hear about and where to get it? Food and water is generally consumable? I like to eat cheap, good, local food in the streets, when not going to a fancier place.

I also read the "Eat F*ck Love: East Africa:" which is a great book, but I honestly think it's EXTREMELY spiced up, but I'm looking forward to finding out.

Any answers will be appreciated and any other input that can make my stay a bit more fun, free and safe would be greatly appreciated.

Aloha.

5. Health: Anything I should bring in terms of medicine, vaccine or similiar? I understand there's pretty much everything going around, from malaria to dengue to HIV to yellow fever or whatever. What's this "Prep" medicine I hear about and where to get it? Food and water is generally consumable? I like to eat cheap, good, local food in the streets, when not going to a fancier place.

DM me if you need help to get Prep or simply click on the banner in this forum. You can purchase there Prep without any prescription.

[SuperChuck]

I've never brought any dildos with me. However, as I've succesfully purchased dildos and all kind of sex toys from Jumia while in Kenya, I doubt there's much interest for such things by the police as selling such products seems perfectly legal.

I guess I'll do the same. How many days did you get it?