Mombasa

[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?

[Oiste]

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?..

Hello, I speak to you from personal experience since I have been living in Cuba for 20 years as a resident and I know very well what we are talking about.

1. money. In Kenya all the Cuban bullshit does not exist, money is exchanged in offices, banks and shops (there is one in Bora Bora, ask for Jhon). I always carry cash and some of it I transfer to Mpesa using Sendwave software but you can do it directly in one of the many Mpesa stores. You can pay for the matatu. But all the Cuban credit card crap to buy even a miserable bottle of water is not here. It seems strange but Africa is more civilized than Cuba.

2. Products. As for all kinds of products and medicines in Mombasa find anything without problems, forget about the Cuban Locura.

3. Security. In Cuba security is overrated because in Santiago assaults are at the order of the day and I doubt Havana is different. In Mombasa the situation is calm if you do not go looking for troubles, if you do not get drunk at night and go to Casaurina or Hypnotica at 3 in the morning, if you use drugs or do not give importance to the age of the ladies. I think even in brothels you may have problems, in brothels go the tourists more "weak", those who have the obsession of pussy, and therefore more attackable in my opinion. So in general a quiet situation but we are always in Africa boy, here life has a different value than in your country. Being a seasoned traveller is relative. I have traveled all my life from the Americas to Australia, Asia and then stopped in Cuba. I come to Mombasa to disconnect a little. I do not know if my experience is greater than yours but I, however, I never feel really safe and therefore I am careful.

4. Sex. There is little to say. If in Cuba some inexperienced can still have the illusion of having met a "good girl" here the story is different. They are all, I say all, well disposed to open their legs after a few minutes. Just pay of course. If you are blind, deaf, lame, toothless and dying, they will all fall in love with you. Students, workers, teachers, policewomen, nuns. Even death does not back down. And yet there are still those who marry them but ok, their problem.

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.

These are just my considerations, it is not said that I am right but I think so. So take these words just as a cue and and forgive me if I speak and write badly in English but you studying it has never served me so much. Have fun boy.

[Neddy69]

I read Jiggi Browns book. Let me tell you one thing about Africa. Nothing is "spiced up". The gospel is the truth nothing but the truth. This is Africa. Further. Kenya is a DEVELOPED country. Just draw money from the ATM. It's of course not as safe as Cuba. Read my security Tipps. People get drugged and robbed here on a daily basis. Karibu Kenya. Bring sun tan cream from home. Darn expensive. Everything else you get here.

Mwalimu.

[MrJibb]

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.

[Slowalk]

These "gossiping old men" , are they muzungus, or africans. ?

So who cares. ?

I have never been interested in meeting muzungus here, even when I understand most of their languages.

Especially the crowd gathering at 6 am in the bakery and in the Berchtesgaden Bar in the afternoon.

Yes Zim, you nailed it. I think the area is known as Posta. What old wazunga say and do is irrelevant to me also and my response is not meant to offend anyone. However, I shared my impression as a visitor. During my travels, I like to meet other travelers and exchange knowledge. I feel I can learn something from everyone. In Mtwapa, I felt the presence of cliques, something I dislike about NA and EU. I only explored other areas of Mtwapa briefly. The rains were heavy and the bridge washed out north of Mtwapa causing me to focused on preparing for my motorcycle ride the dirt roads and trails through the swamps, hills and jungle to get to the C107-C111 intersection near Kololeni. Another story for another forum.

[Zimzam]

I never said there's nothing to do or complained about cost. I can find things to do in the Western region where I'm the only mzungu and Mtwapa and the coast offers much more opportunity than those remote places. The exchange rates have made all of Kenya cheap. However, I felt I was as being "watched" by boring old gossiping men and Mtwapa wouldn't be my first choice. I felt the beach area was much better than Mtwapa town area.

These "gossiping old men" , are they muzungus, or africans. ?

So who cares. ?

I have never been interested in meeting muzungus here, even when I understand most of their languages.

Especially the crowd gathering at 6 am in the bakery and in the Berchtesgaden Bar in the afternoon.

[Slowalk]

I never said there's nothing to do or complained about cost. I can find things to do in the Western region where I'm the only mzungu and Mtwapa and the coast offers much more opportunity than those remote places. The exchange rates have made all of Kenya cheap. However, I felt I was as being "watched" by boring old gossiping men and Mtwapa wouldn't be my first choice. I felt the beach area was much better than Mtwapa town area.

[Zimzam]

I believe it's not that bad in Mtwapa, there are still a lot of things " to do" and I am coming here for almost 18 years now.

And for those complaining about the costs: you have to realize that after the devaluations of the kenyan shilling 20 euro equals instead of 2000 before now 3000 shilling and today even more.

[Slowalk]

I made a 2-HR bike ride from Malindi to Mtwapa late November where I was able to meet with Neddy. My observations were similar to his. Although I prefer not to find ladies at night in nightspots but just doing normal daily activities, we visited some of his old nighttime haunts and secret hideaways. These places have deteriorated over the years according to Neddy. Mtwapa has an abundance of worn out women and gossiping old men. During the day, I could still get numbers from attractive ladies working their day jobs. But these ladies were much more "needy" than the ladies in Western and even Malindi. The deterioration may be due to the road construction but as of now, Mtwapa wouldn’t be my first choice. South of the bridge from Mtwapa, Big Tree was too crowded with wazunga for my taste. I regret not visiting Pirates.

[DzikaBomba]

I herewith pronounce the patient dead. Actually not dead. The body is decomposing already. Gone are the days where you could snipe at girls in broad daylight. Upper posta road is dead. Most joints closed. And the ones which are left are almost empty. Kenyan nightlife shifted to Bamburi town. Gone are the days of 24/7. Can you get laid? Absolutely. If you prefer aged hard core hookers past their prime? Some still ply their trade. It's different times now. Different generation. Kenya has changed dramatically. To get laid go to the countryside. Gone are the days where girls flocked to Mtwapa in search of a muzungu husband. Why? Lack of Wazungu. The long term residents on tourist visa all have GFs of course. Don't come here for 2 or 3 weeks holiday. Unless you have contacts prepared or deep pockets. Since COVID times have changed dramatically. Plus super dumb government policies like introduction of eVisa. Now too little too late. Mtwapa became another booming boring middle class suburbia of Mombasa. The bright side. To live here is DIRT cheap. But to get high quality girls you need to spend now a lot of more time and effort. In tinder or Badoo. As I said sniping days here gone here. Try your luck in one of the middle class joints like the very fancy upmarket Screenshot where the middle class hands out on Saturdays. My take is. Kenya is getting too rich and boring and westernized. At least Mombasa and Nairobi. I'd try second tier cities. Or get the hell out. Uganda is still good. So is Rwanda. Even Dar es Salaam was good to me.

My conclusion. Don't come here for 3 weeks unless you have quality contacts prepared. There's no shooting in the barrel any more. If you have 3 months you can find gems.

Mwalimu.

Nice try to keep the Asia-Tourists away. We will see if it works.

There are aleardy many many overpayers around and arriving more and more in Kenia.

You are right this is not an good development.

[HappyFarang]

I stay on Bamburi beach, either Sai Rock or Indiana beach. I find it it much more pleasant than dusty Mtwapa. I just keep a few numbers and call the girls in to me. The odd trip to Mtwapa over my few weeks is enough to find new faces.

How much per night in Indiana beach (is this the name of a hotel) or Sai Rock? Do you have to take transport to reach a super market?