Mombasa

[John Auro]

I would be able to cancel as they didn't require any deposit. In fact, I was a bit shocked that I was able to make a reservation with almost no information provided other than my name. I'm still on the fence about Big Tree though, the only complaint I've heard about it is that the rooms are only okay. My preference is good location and being close to the action. However, it would suck if it was nonstop noise until 4 am bleeding into my room. I'm only a month away from my trip also, so at this point in leaning towards Big Tree.

Big Tree is always full, that's why they don't bother of more details from you, if you show up or not, it does not matter, because there is always somebody to be happy if a room becomes unexpectedly free.

Auro.

[Albert9989]

Nowadays if you order a taxi with both Uber or Bolt it is very rare that you can get the ride for the price indicated on the app.

You will see a list of prices all of them higher than the indicated price.

Then the driver will call you and tell you the price he wants, so you can negotiate.

Especially in the night they will ask high prices.

There is not much left from the original idea of both Uber and Bolt that you will have a hassle-free taxi for a fixed price.

Now the drivers are also giving the recent hike in fuel prices as their reason.

That said the prices for a taxi ride are still low, compared to western countries. Especially the price for a taxi ride from the airport to Mtwapa is still a lot lower, compared to the pre Uber time, when you had to negotiate a lot with the crowd of taxi drivers waiting at the exit gate.

Ahhh, I never had to deal with many different prices. Last year was in Mombasa and Nairobi, and this year, 1st week of September was in Nairobi. When you call for a car, you see the prices of different options, small car, medium, bike etc.

You make a choice, usually I take the first one, small car, and if the driver agree you see it coming, taking you, and driving you to the destination, once arrived you just leave the car saying bye bye, that's all, the cost is already paid through the app.

No bargain or discussion.

Except the one I had at the airport, but was the only one, and refunded by BOLT immediately, at the end I paid 1600 Ksh by cash to the driver but the initial price in the app was 1700.

And yes, these costs are really low, I attach the list of some moves I did with Bolt in Westland area. Prices can vary a lot for the same distance or destination, but they stay low, all these where about 10 minutes around my stay. And during day or not late, I agree.

[Mombie75]

I would be able to cancel as they didn't require any deposit. In fact, I was a bit shocked that I was able to make a reservation with almost no information provided other than my name. I'm still on the fence about Big Tree though, the only complaint I've heard about it is that the rooms are only okay. My preference is good location and being close to the action. However, it would suck if it was nonstop noise until 4 am bleeding into my room. I'm only a month away from my trip also, so at this point in leaning towards Big Tree.

What is your budget per night?

[HappyFarang]

The police is just across the road from Cheers. They will try to nail you for some imaginative offences. Sex with minors is popular.

Wow this is extremely concerning. So stay away from the bridge after a certain hour of the day? And always check the girl's ID?

[Neddy69]

From Big Tree to Mtwapa and back, you have the local matatu plying the short route 24/7.

For little money.

Just be aware of pick pockets.

Are you nuts? Taking a Matatu late night? Never. Matatus have been robbed by passengers. Late night I only take a Bolt. If I move at all. During the day I take matatus frequently. Its fun. Bongo music blaring. Hilarious. I even go to Mombasa old town. The trick is only weekends. Saturday is a particular easy day. On weekdays I go to Caffesserie and Big Trees.

[Zimzam]

Nowadays if you order a taxi with both Uber or Bolt it is very rare that you can get the ride for the price indicated on the app.

You will see a list of prices all of them higher than the indicated price.

Then the driver will call you and tell you the price he wants, so you can negotiate.

Especially in the night they will ask high prices.

There is not much left from the original idea of both Uber and Bolt that you will have a hassle-free taxi for a fixed price.

Now the drivers are also giving the recent hike in fuel prices as their reason.

That said the prices for a taxi ride are still low, compared to western countries. Especially the price for a taxi ride from the airport to Mtwapa is still a lot lower, compared to the pre Uber time, when you had to negotiate a lot with the crowd of taxi drivers waiting at the exit gate.

[Rat Traveler]

Strange, I'm in your same condition but reading this forum gave me the opposite impression: stay in Mtwapa and visit Bamburi during the day. Can't you cancel?

I would be able to cancel as they didn't require any deposit. In fact, I was a bit shocked that I was able to make a reservation with almost no information provided other than my name. I'm still on the fence about Big Tree though, the only complaint I've heard about it is that the rooms are only okay. My preference is good location and being close to the action. However, it would suck if it was nonstop noise until 4 am bleeding into my room. I'm only a month away from my trip also, so at this point in leaning towards Big Tree.

[Rat Traveler]

I forgot to say that my girl in Mombasa has the car license, so she can now drive a car for you. You rent the car or she will rent for you and then she will drive everywhere you want.

And she will do far more, as she knows a lot of girls there she can find the girls of your taste, one or two or more when you want, organize health tests, and many other things like cooking, cleaning, etc.

No sex I think, but she is of a very good company.

And she is beautiful even if a bit strong body for me, I prefer small ones. But beautiful body.

So if you want to hire her pm me and I can ask her about your needs or give her contact directly if she agree.

That would be cool, just in case I get there and feel like I'm not finding enough to do. As you can probably tell by my initial post, transportation is one of my main concerns and it would be nice to have a reliable connection. I believe my newbie status on this forum prevents me from sending PMs at this time, however I would be grateful if you were able to PM me instead.

[Bajuni]

From Big Tree to Mtwapa and back, you have the local matatu plying the short route 24/7.

For little money.

Just be aware of pick pockets.

[Albert9989]

I forgot to say that my girl in Mombasa has the car license, so she can now drive a car for you. You rent the car or she will rent for you and then she will drive everywhere you want.

And she will do far more, as she knows a lot of girls there she can find the girls of your taste, one or two or more when you want, organize health tests, and many other things like cooking, cleaning, etc.

No sex I think, but she is of a very good company.

And she is beautiful even if a bit strong body for me, I prefer small ones. But beautiful body.

So if you want to hire her pm me and I can ask her about your needs or give her contact directly if she agree.

[Albert9989]

If I am in Big Tree, I go to Casourina in Mwtapa almost every night. I usually walked to Cheers and took taxi there. In front of Casourina there are always taxis ready to take you back to the Big Tree, they are fighting about you. So no worry. Big Tree has a regural taxi driver, Peter, not working for Big Tree but he is there in daytime and evening waiting for customers. Not at late night. You can make deal with him to take you there and back, or somewhere else. He knows all the places, and he is big guy, he can be considered as security guy also. Also taxi drivers in the Cheers, in walking distance, you can hire them to take you there and come to pick you, or even wait for you whole evening. Take their numbers. Just. If they say they are coming, they are on a way. That is not necessarily true, they may be far far away, they just don't want to lose your ride. Don't believe, take another taxi or motobike.

Uber is cheaper but I don't use myself. Motobike is cheaper, and faster, and you can get them everywhere immediately. I use them a lot, but I am always scared for my life in motobike, because of traffic.

In Kenya, Nairobi or Mombasa I use BOLT application similar to Uber and very efficient, even from Big Tree or Cheers I always got taxi quickly and for everywhere.

I just had an issue in Nairobi with the last one I took from Westland to Airport, the price displayed in the app was 1700 Ksh but when we arrived at the airport the driver asked me 1900 in cash!

Looks like a scam as with this app I always pay with the app and on a credit card I sue for that. Once agreed at start, the price is automatically taken from your card, nothing to do, just say bye to the driver, no prob at all except for this one.

After a long discussion on the parking of airport, I took all cash I had in my pocket, 1600 and gave it to him. The app took also the normal price which was 1700.

But I contacted the BOLT support immediately via the app and after 24 hrs they refund me the 1700 saying that they will deal with this driver immediately.

Another scaring issue is that they drive with tank empty or quite. One stopped 200 meters before destination because of no more fuel!!

And the one for airport had the empty tank warning lighting all the time, but he stopped at a fuel station and ask for 1. 5 liter of fuel! And we arrived at the airport!

Other issue is that BOLT taxis don't have access to parking like the one of train station, Mombasa or Nairobi, so you can find them waiting outside the parking, bit s cary as usually we arrive at light.

But I had my local girl friend with me for the train helping a lot in these situation.

[Leblon]

Long time lurker, first time poster here. After reading many posts on the Mombasa page, I decided that this was the best place for me to visit as I do like the darker ladies. This forum has been helpful to get an idea of things to beware of, but in all truthfulness I've been to a few other countries known for girls and I've seen my share of bullshit. But this page has taught me that the police are more of a concern than the girl in this location.

When I made my plans, older posts led me to believe that Big Tree was where I want to stay, so I immediately reserved a room for my entire three week stay. 28 euros per night to stay on the beach seems better than other places in this beach area. I started the process of talking to girls on dating sites. It's obvious that some are working girls, and when I tell them where I'm staying they all comment that the rooms and facilities there suck. Most insist I should have gone the Airbnb route. Airbnb shows some great apartments in south mtwapa which would be nice because ID like to visit the clubs there.

I'm still convinced though that Big Tree was a good choice. I guess my only concern would be that I want to visit the mtwapa clubs during the night time. If I decide to make mtwapa a nightly visit and use an app like Uber to get a motortaxi, is it reasonable to assume that I won't have any issues in the night time coming back and forth at late hours?

If I am in Big Tree, I go to Casourina in Mwtapa almost every night. I usually walked to Cheers and took taxi there. In front of Casourina there are always taxis ready to take you back to the Big Tree, they are fighting about you. So no worry. Big Tree has a regural taxi driver, Peter, not working for Big Tree but he is there in daytime and evening waiting for customers. Not at late night. You can make deal with him to take you there and back, or somewhere else. He knows all the places, and he is big guy, he can be considered as security guy also. Also taxi drivers in the Cheers, in walking distance, you can hire them to take you there and come to pick you, or even wait for you whole evening. Take their numbers. Just. If they say they are coming, they are on a way. That is not necessarily true, they may be far far away, they just don't want to lose your ride. Don't believe, take another taxi or motobike.

Uber is cheaper but I don't use myself. Motobike is cheaper, and faster, and you can get them everywhere immediately. I use them a lot, but I am always scared for my life in motobike, because of traffic.

[Mombie75]

Long time lurker, first time poster here. After reading many posts on the Mombasa page, I decided that this was the best place for me to visit as I do like the darker ladies. This forum has been helpful to get an idea of things to beware of, but in all truthfulness I've been to a few other countries known for girls and I've seen my share of bullshit. But this page has taught me that the police are more of a concern than the girl in this location.

When I made my plans, older posts led me to believe that Big Tree was where I want to stay, so I immediately reserved a room for my entire three week stay. 28 euros per night to stay on the beach seems better than other places in this beach area. I started the process of talking to girls on dating sites. It's obvious that some are working girls, and when I tell them where I'm staying they all comment that the rooms and facilities there suck. Most insist I should have gone the Airbnb route. Airbnb shows some great apartments in south mtwapa which would be nice because ID like to visit the clubs there.

I'm still convinced though that Big Tree was a good choice. I guess my only concern would be that I want to visit the mtwapa clubs during the night time. If I decide to make mtwapa a nightly visit and use an app like Uber to get a motortaxi, is it reasonable to assume that I won't have any issues in the night time coming back and forth at late hours?

I use bolt instead of uber. Use a car and not a bike, bikes are just too dangerous. Big Tree to Mtwapa in a bolt will only be a few euros.

Big Tree is ok. The rooms are basic but as you say you are on the beach. I stay on the beach myself when in Mombasa.

Police can not really bother unless you do something stupid. Even if your upset with a girl, just pay her and get rid of her, it is not worth any hassle for a few thousand shillings. Carry your ID its a Police favourite for a little shake down attempt if you do not have it.

[HappyFarang]

Long time lurker, first time poster here. After reading many posts on the Mombasa page, I decided that this was the best place for me to visit as I do like the darker ladies. This forum has been helpful to get an idea of things to beware of, but in all truthfulness I've been to a few other countries known for girls and I've seen my share of bullshit. But this page has taught me that the police are more of a concern than the girl in this location.

When I made my plans, older posts led me to believe that Big Tree was where I want to stay, so I immediately reserved a room for my entire three week stay. 28 euros per night to stay on the beach seems better than other places in this beach area. I started the process of talking to girls on dating sites. It's obvious that some are working girls, and when I tell them where I'm staying they all comment that the rooms and facilities there suck. Most insist I should have gone the Airbnb route. Airbnb shows some great apartments in south mtwapa which would be nice because ID like to visit the clubs there.

I'm still convinced though that Big Tree was a good choice. I guess my only concern would be that I want to visit the mtwapa clubs during the night time. If I decide to make mtwapa a nightly visit and use an app like Uber to get a motortaxi, is it reasonable to assume that I won't have any issues in the night time coming back and forth at late hours?

Strange, I'm in your same condition but reading this forum gave me the opposite impression: stay in Mtwapa and visit Bamburi during the day. Can't you cancel?

[Neddy69]

Long time lurker, first time poster here. After reading many posts on the Mombasa page, I decided that this was the best place for me to visit as I do like the darker ladies. This forum has been helpful to get an idea of things to beware of, but in all truthfulness I've been to a few other countries known for girls and I've seen my share of bullshit. But this page has taught me that the police are more of a concern than the girl in this location.

When I made my plans, older posts led me to believe that Big Tree was where I want to stay, so I immediately reserved a room for my entire three week stay. 28 euros per night to stay on the beach seems better than other places in this beach area. I started the process of talking to girls on dating sites. It's obvious that some are working girls, and when I tell them where I'm staying they all comment that the rooms and facilities there suck. Most insist I should have gone the Airbnb route. Airbnb shows some great apartments in south mtwapa which would be nice because ID like to visit the clubs there.

I'm still convinced though that Big Tree was a good choice. I guess my only concern would be that I want to visit the mtwapa clubs during the night time. If I decide to make mtwapa a nightly visit and use an app like Uber to get a motortaxi, is it reasonable to assume that I won't have any issues in the night time coming back and forth at late hours?

Don't underestimate the ladies. Many will steal given the chance. As for late night travel from Mtwapa to Bamburi there's the famous police check point on Mtwapa bridge where police will shake you down for a bribe. Take at least a copy of your passport. Although the interior secretary said that he wants to get rid of all police checkpoints. Make sure the girl carries an ID. Big Tree is for sure the cheapest place on North coast right on the sea. The rooms are renovated but basic. There's is always some girls for take out. In the evening. Be aware that there's a number of bad apples on North coast. They're working together with Bamburis finest. The police is just across the road from Cheers. They will try to nail you for some imaginative offences. Sex with minors is popular. Use of Sex Toys or taking nasty videos is no good idea. They fall under the sexual offences law. Fake or no IDs are very common. Drink spiking also goes on. Always take your beer with you to the loo. Smoking banghi is illegal.

I think that covered most.

Mwalimu.