Mombasa

[LustyHombre]

just some experience i have to share and maybe a feedback and suggestions from some of you:

i was in contact with kendas (oceanview) some weeks back after being recommended by friends and blogs. booked an apartment with them for my 2 weeks stay at the end of february and transfered 50% deposit to their bank account. received somewhat of a confirmation that the money has arrived and that my apartment was confirmed, no a very formal one though. now, since time closing up to my arrival, i have several times tried to get a re-confirmation, being a bit suspicious at this point. not a peep, not a sound back from them.

ok, i admit, misstake to send money in advance, but the deed is done and the sum mentally declared a loss.

now, to make sure i wanted to book a room at kahama hotel being informed that they require a 100% deposit in advance! another international bank transfer without security? i'm a bit reluctant to do so. what would you guys do, any other hotel which does not require deposit?

anyway, the outcome of this story: be cautious with kendas and kendas ocenaview, i might just have lost a few thousand kes.

1. i would only pay a deposit to secure an advance booking during peak season (christmas / ny). for the other 11. 5 mos of the year a phone call should do bcs they all have some empty rooms which they are eager to fill.

and if they are truly fully booked upon your arrival, you bet another establishment close by will be happy to check you in.

2. now that you have pre-paid already, relax. kenda's oceanview does really exist and will still be there when you arrive. just make sure you carry proof of your wire payment in case they dispute having received it.

you'll be happy with their amenities and location if they meet your expectations (they do for me as a discreete afternoon nookie kind of guy) but if they don't then you are on the hook for whatever you prepaid them!

[Bide59]

Ok, thanks everybody for your feedback. As you guys say, it's not uncommon of hotels to charge a deposit, but I freak out a bit more when it comes to Kenya. After a long flight showing up in a city never been before I would rather have a secure booking than searching for a hotel all afternoon with all luggage.

Anyway, I will do as most of you suggested. Show up at Kendas Oceanview first. If this was a scam I will continue to Kahama and continue with Estate Gate Lodge and last Ogalis or Kerstin's apartment.

You will hear from my endeavor when back again.

Thanks again!

[Expat Kenya]

Will your booking be secure still? Well, probably not, but just as secure as if you had been scammed into paying the so called "deposit".

Just curious, did anyone ever get conned by a Mombasa hotel in paying a deposit? I never heard of that but I am curious if someone else was conned.

When booking a hotel anywhere on the world its common the hotel asks a deposit.

Opinions maybe be different, but going to Mombasa the first times, than shifting hotels can be a real pain in the ass, and it is high season yes. Try Estate Gate Lodge, Ogalis hotel or something. Kendas Arcade is a shit hole indeed. Girls there are very keen and professional. I wouldn't ever sleep at the same place as where I'd pick up a lady. They know the staffs, the surroundings, their "friends" hang around the same places. Even for as little as 1500 shilling a night you can have a simple, new, secured, clean, double room in Mtwapa.

[LondonDelBoy]

Hello, guys, just joined ISG so a bit backward with the terminology. I am however, experienced with the ebony beauties. I have had 2x great trips to Gambia in the last few years & would love to share my adventures on another thread. Now, I wish to try Mombassa. I have noted some really useful things from all the postings. Most of them positive thankfully. If anyone is in Mombassa during the last 2x weeks in March, I would love to meet up for a beer or two. What I have learned is :

1. Bamburi seems to be the best place for action, clubs, beach & restaurants etc.

2. Serena seems to be one of the safest bets for a 1st timer.

3. Going rates around 50 Euros per night hotel.

4. Going rate for action 1000 ksh. 2000 ksh per night.

5. Good selection of clubs = Casablanca, Tembo, Casarine.

6. Ok to bring girls to hotel.

I will probably go for a package tour as I dread the thought of landing ooo's of miles away without a place to stay. If however anyone can give me some guidance on the best & most cost effective way to enjoy Mombassa. I am all ears! Even better if I can make contact with a fellow hunter when I get there?

You have probably gotten enough feedback about this already, but this is common for Mombasa hotels, or Africa hotels in general that they have a try to hit you up for a substantial deposit in advance to "secure your booking".

The thing to say: "I don't have a credit card". Then keep calling them until your booking time approaches to show you intend to show up. Will your booking be secure still? Well, probably not, but just as secure as if you had been scammed into paying the so called "deposit".

[Fun And Sun]

just some experience i have to share and maybe a feedback and suggestions from some of you:

i was in contact with kendas (oceanview) some weeks back after being recommended by friends and blogs. booked an apartment with them for my 2 weeks stay at the end of february and transfered 50% deposit to their bank account. received somewhat of a confirmation that the money has arrived and that my apartment was confirmed, no a very formal one though. now, since time closing up to my arrival, i have several times tried to get a re-confirmation, being a bit suspicious at this point. not a peep, not a sound back from them.

ok, i admit, misstake to send money in advance, but the deed is done and the sum mentally declared a loss.

now, to make sure i wanted to book a room at kahama hotel being informed that they require a 100% deposit in advance! another international bank transfer without security? i'm a bit reluctant to do so. what would you guys do, any other hotel which does not require deposit?

anyway, the outcome of this story: be cautious with kendas and kendas ocenaview, i might just have lost a few thousand kes.

you have probably gotten enough feedback about this already, but this is common for mombasa hotels, or africa hotels in general that they have a try to hit you up for a substantial deposit in advance to "secure your booking".

the thing to say: "i don't have a credit card". then keep calling them until your booking time approaches to show you intend to show up. will your booking be secure still? well, probably not, but just as secure as if you had been scammed into paying the so called "deposit".

[Willyboy]

Chill.

Stop sending people money.

You will be there during a not terribly hectic tourist season, I think.

When you arrive, go to Kenda's Oceanview. Not much of an experience, BTW.

If they have stolen your money, take a tuk tuk to Kahama (shouldn't cost you more than 250 shillings) and see if they have a vacancy (VISA or cash, no MC).

If they don't, fuck them.

Go to Kenda's Arcade (maybe 300 shillings by tuk tuk or 400-500 by cab from Kahama) and spend your first night on the cheap in a bit of a noisy shithole, but located in the middle of Mtwapa's fun.

Drink some beer, relax and plan your next lodging move in leisurely fashion.

Book notting in advance. Ring the bell if you are in mombassa. Pay days by day.

[Member #4148]

just some experience i have to share and maybe a feedback and suggestions from some of you:

i was in contact with kendas (oceanview) some weeks back after being recommended by friends and blogs. booked an apartment with them for my 2 weeks stay at the end of february and transfered 50% deposit to their bank account. received somewhat of a confirmation that the money has arrived and that my apartment was confirmed, no a very formal one though. now, since time closing up to my arrival, i have several times tried to get a re-confirmation, being a bit suspicious at this point. not a peep, not a sound back from them.

ok, i admit, misstake to send money in advance, but the deed is done and the sum mentally declared a loss.

now, to make sure i wanted to book a room at kahama hotel being informed that they require a 100% deposit in advance! another international bank transfer without security? i'm a bit reluctant to do so. what would you guys do, any other hotel which does not require deposit?

anyway, the outcome of this story: be cautious with kendas and kendas ocenaview, i might just have lost a few thousand kes.

chill.

stop sending people money.

you will be there during a not terribly hectic tourist season, i think.

when you arrive, go to kenda's oceanview. not much of an experience, btw.

if they have stolen your money, take a tuk tuk to kahama (shouldn't cost you more than 250 shillings) and see if they have a vacancy (visa or cash, no mc).

if they don't, fuck them.

go to kenda's arcade (maybe 300 shillings by tuk tuk or 400-500 by cab from kahama) and spend your first night on the cheap in a bit of a noisy shithole, but located in the middle of mtwapa's fun.

drink some beer, relax and plan your next lodging move in leisurely fashion.

[Expat Kenya]

just some experience i have to share and maybe a feedback and suggestions from some of you:

i was in contact with kendas (oceanview) some weeks back after being recommended by friends and blogs. booked an apartment with them for my 2 weeks stay at the end of february and transfered 50% deposit to their bank account. received somewhat of a confirmation that the money has arrived and that my apartment was confirmed, no a very formal one though. now, since time closing up to my arrival, i have several times tried to get a re-confirmation, being a bit suspicious at this point. not a peep, not a sound back from them.

ok, i admit, misstake to send money in advance, but the deed is done and the sum mentally declared a loss.

now, to make sure i wanted to book a room at kahama hotel being informed that they require a 100% deposit in advance! another international bank transfer without security? i'm a bit reluctant to do so. what would you guys do, any other hotel which does not require deposit?

anyway, the outcome of this story: be cautious with kendas and kendas ocenaview, i might just have lost a few thousand kes.

don't worry too much. you can give them a call, usually works faster than email. paying a deposit in advance is a normal practice in kenya. some decide not to pay and see where they'll end up, other wand to assure a room. take a print from the confirmation in your email and payment for checking in the hotel. let us know if all was good after all.

[Bide59]

just some experience i have to share and maybe a feedback and suggestions from some of you:

i was in contact with kendas (oceanview) some weeks back after being recommended by friends and blogs. booked an apartment with them for my 2 weeks stay at the end of february and transfered 50% deposit to their bank account. received somewhat of a confirmation that the money has arrived and that my apartment was confirmed, no a very formal one though. now, since time closing up to my arrival, i have several times tried to get a re-confirmation, being a bit suspicious at this point. not a peep, not a sound back from them.

ok, i admit, misstake to send money in advance, but the deed is done and the sum mentally declared a loss.

now, to make sure i wanted to book a room at kahama hotel being informed that they require a 100% deposit in advance! another international bank transfer without security? i'm a bit reluctant to do so. what would you guys do, any other hotel which does not require deposit?

anyway, the outcome of this story: be cautious with kendas and kendas ocenaview, i might just have lost a few thousand kes.

[Willyboy]

Hi,

Can it be that the Hotel Kahama was Octopussy Apartments? I've seen my old vacation photos and they look exactly like the current photos on the website from Kahama Hotel. At this time (already determined her 10 years) that was a pretty run-down dump and the chef was an indian. No Airkondition, dirty and so on. But now it looks pretty good on the Pictures, seems they have made a complete renovation.

Greetings.

Wenzman

Yes kahama. Octopussy (same place)

[Wenzman]

Hi,

Can it be that the Hotel Kahama was Octopussy Apartments? I've seen my old vacation photos and they look exactly like the current photos on the website from Kahama Hotel. At this time (already determined her 10 years) that was a pretty run-down dump and the chef was an indian. No Airkondition, dirty and so on. But now it looks pretty good on the Pictures, seems they have made a complete renovation.

Greetings.

Wenzman

[Bengt66]

I have to say thanks to both Satyr and Expat Kenya for your replies.

It will probably be Kahama as a hotel, have not found this (even if I have absorbed) before so that was great info.

I will probably rent a car for a couple of days to go around a little.

Now I only hope that I can go soon, it will either be now in February or in the middle of March but it depends as usual on my work. Going to stay in Kenya for about 10 days, looking so much forward to it.

I will do a report as soon I am done.

Thanks agin for your inputs.

[Expat Kenya]

Possibel to rent taxi in Mombasa. 2000ksh for 12h or 2500ksh for 24h. The benzine price is for the klient.

An old taxi, Yes!

New taxi probably without driver fees and fuel 2500ksh a day.

Hi fellow mongers. I have been reading posts here about Mombasa and have now got interested in going there, planning my trip now sometime in the middle of February to taste som nice "roast beef" (dark and tender on the outside and pink and juicy on the inside).

This is not my first trip to Africa, have been in SA, Mocambique, Botswana and Zimbabwe but it is my virgin trip to Mombasa so I need som tips and input from you all.

1. Arriving at the airport, is there a taxi stand outside or just to grab one? The price is as I understand around 2000 ksh for example going to Mtwapa or Bamburi beach, yes?

2. Hotel or apartment: I would like to stay on the beach between Mombasa and Mtwapa, the price range around 50. 60 euro any suggestions / recommendations for hotel or apartments? Or is it better chance of good lodging and stay in Mtwapa?

3. If staying in Mtwapa how far is it to the beach and the action and how to go there?

4. Is it possible to rent a small motorbike to go around with during daytime instead of taxi?

I thank you in advance for helping me out on my questions and hope that I can post a good report after my trip.

Satyr9 already gave all the right answers.

You can stay cheap in Mtwapa, but a place like Kendas I never understand why people stay there. It is noisy, cheap, not save as some have lost valuables there. Kahama is good value near the beach and swimming pool, the live band may be annoying if you wand to rest.

For Mtwapa hotels http://www.mtwapa.info/apps********s...-hotels-lodges

[Willyboy]

Possibel to rent taxi in Mombasa. 2000ksh for 12h or 2500ksh for 24h. The benzine price is for the klient.

[Member #4148]

Hi fellow mongers. I have been reading posts here about Mombasa and have now got interested in going there, planning my trip now sometime in the middle of February to taste som nice "roast beef" (dark and tender on the outside and pink and juicy on the inside).

This is not my first trip to Africa, have been in SA, Mocambique, Botswana and Zimbabwe but it is my virgin trip to Mombasa so I need som tips and input from you all.

1. Arriving at the airport, is there a taxi stand outside or just to grab one? The price is as I understand around 2000 ksh for example going to Mtwapa or Bamburi beach, yes?

2. Hotel or apartment: I would like to stay on the beach between Mombasa and Mtwapa, the price range around 50. 60 euro any suggestions / recommendations for hotel or apartments? Or is it better chance of good lodging and stay in Mtwapa?

3. If staying in Mtwapa how far is it to the beach and the action and how to go there?

4. Is it possible to rent a small motorbike to go around with during daytime instead of taxi?

I thank you in advance for helping me out on my questions and hope that I can post a good report after my trip.

You say you have read. And yet it seems you have not absorbed.

1. 1500 to Kahama.

2. Kahama is 3950 kenyan shillings per day for a double. Mtwapa lodging can be had for 1/3 the price.

3. The beach is a brisk 20 minute walk from Kenda's Arcade, a brisk 10 minute walk from Kirsten's. Mtwapa is not the place to go to be near the beach. The action, on the other hand, is all around you.

4. Motorbikes available through Uziel (the owner of Uziel Apartments) for 400 Kenyan shillings a day. About five dollars.