Mombasa

[QUOTE=Charles Pooter]Wow! The info and advice is pouring in from you guys. I have a much clearer picture now, thank you.

So maybe I should look in Mtwapa rather than Bamburi Beach? And if hunting there, why not reside there to save time and money? I will have to think about that one.[/QUOTE]

Mtwapa looks like a big dusty town in the Far West, good to live only
in small centre where are the hotels (two stars and down), restaurants, bars.
Outside is a big slum. Sometimes there is a small urbanisation with
normal houses, but there you need a car of taxis to move to the centre.
During the day is nothing to do, maybe walk and stay at the beach.
The best is to have friends (Expats, female Kenyans). For a beginner
the combination of good hotel with pool (very important) and hunting in
Mtwapa is excellent. When you wish to come next time you can
organize yourself better.

[QUOTE=Taurus1]When you wish to come next time you can
organize yourself better.[/QUOTE]
I don't think there will be a "next time". I have accepted an offer for my house in England and, if and when the deal goes through o.k., I will be emigrating to the Dominican Republic (hopefully within the next two or three months) for what remains of my life. I will have enough money to live fairly comfortably but won't be able to afford to travel around the world. Haïti will have to be my substitute for Kenya. It is far more African than Latin American.

So this is likely to be my last chance to visit Africa. It could have been S.E. Asia, which I have also always wanted to visit, but given one choice only I am seduced by those round, black asses (or as we limeys say - "arses").

You have been very helpful, Taurus, and I hope I can wine and dine you at some future date in Puerto Plata to show my gratitude.

[QUOTE=Taurus1]As a veteran of Dominican Rep. You are a professional in Kenya. Kenya has some advantages over Dom. Rep. Cheaper beer prices, 0. 80 EUR in local bar, 1. 00 EUR in Expat bar, 1. 40 EUR disco. Disco mostly open air, not so loud music. Meals in expat restaurant 3. 4 EUR, local 1. 2 EUR. Outstandig expat 5- 8 EUR. Beers still cheap there at 1. 00 EUR. No small bottle, most 0, 5 lt. Soft drinks 0, 20. 0, 60 EUR. Taxis cheaper, Airport to Bamburi 1000. 1200 KES, Airport Mtwapa 1200. 1500 KES. Short ride 150. 200 KES. Middle 400. 600 KES. Long 800. 1000 KES. Otherwise Matatu Mombasa. Mtwapa 40 KES, Mombasa. Nakumatt 30 KES, Mtwapa. Nakumatt 20 KES, Mtwapa. Cheers 20 KES, short rides 10 KES. Ask expats for actual prices, they may have changed slightly. At Dom. Rep. More scams esp. At the beach, where they have skyrocket prices for tourists. Price level is less in Kenya as the wages are far less. Non-skilled workers, waters, service personnel makes 4000. 5000 KES per month, skilled 8000.10000 KES. 20000 KES is a very good salary. If you need clothes there are second hand sellers, 100 KES T-shirt, 200 shorts. Pirate CD/DVD for 100. 200 KES, rebate for more items (from 3 and up). Kenya has far less power outages than Dom. Rep. Food hygiene better in Kenya. Dom. Rep. Has very beautiful women in every shape, but a lot not accessible, in Kenya a lot of beautiful women are accessible, Dominican and Latin american music is very great, African music far behind, Dom. Beaches and tourist facilities far better than Kenia. Working girls in Kenia in better shape than Dom. Rep. , less drugs, less bullshit. Kenya less crime (except Nairobi).[/QUOTE]For 40 kes from town to Mtwapa. No way. 50kes is the minimum. Evry price wath taurus1 write is 20 procent up. Maby need new visit to now that kenya have inflation. Cd/dvd is now 300kes

Thanks for all the information guys. I am eager now to make the trip but it is only 50/50 that I will be able to do so. It depends upon there being a sufficient window of opportunity between my signing the house sale contract and actually vacating the house. I will be morally obligated to go straight to the Dominican Republic once out of the house as my friend has been patiently keeping a condo vacant for me in the DR and cannot be expected to wait still longer while I frolic in Africa. And I will also need a budget flight from London during that window. They are on offer now but tend to get snapped up fast.

But even if I don't make this trip I hope you guys and Jackson will forgive me because your answers make up a very convenient newbie's guide to the Mombasa North Coast on adjacent webpages which will be of great use to others.

In that spirit, and to make it even more complete, could anybody kindly answer the following questions?:

[QUOTE=Charles Pooter]When staying at a "middle price bracket" hotel like the Kahama, do you guys just march your girls in through the front door, or do you have an arrangement with security or other staff to enter by a side/back door? I am not worried about my being embarrassed (I am too old and thick-skinned for that) but I wonder if some of these girls off the beach look too scruffy to be seen in the lobby area and would offend the management?[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Charles Pooter]Given that so many hotels are side-by-side, need I book a room before travelling online, or would I get a better deal by just turning up (it would be in the middle of the day) and taking pot luck? If the Kahama were full I could try the next hotel, view the room, confirm is girl friendly, etc, until I found a suitable one. I have found I always pay top dollar when booking online whereas much better deals are available for the personal caller if they have vacancies. I don't know if this applies in Kenya as well or whether that would be too risky a strategy (in June)?[/QUOTE]

I understand that the power supply is 220 volts with British-style three-pin plugs (with rectangular pins). But I have also seen three-pin plugs with round pins mentioned. Anyone have any trouble with connections? (I know there are also two-pin sockets but I will have no need of those).

In the DR I always used ATMs for my money supply. But on my last two trips my cards wouldn't work. Probably this is a temporary problem peculiar to the DR but I cannot take the risk of running out of money. Are there banks in Bamburi or Mtwapa where I can draw cash using my card at the teller counter, or would I have to go into the city to do this? I don't want to have to carry around all the cash I need for 14 days stay so I like the idea of drawing (say) two days worth at a time.

I have been twice advised not to use matatus at night but to take a taxi. Is this because of the danger of getting robbed/mugged on the matatu itself, or just because of the problem of walking from the stop to my hotel in the dark?

[QUOTE=Charles Pooter]In the DR I always used ATMs for my money supply. But on my last two trips my cards wouldn't work. Probably this is a temporary problem peculiar to the DR but I cannot take the risk of running out of money. Are there banks in Bamburi or Mtwapa where I can draw cash using my card at the teller counter, or would I have to go into the city to do this? I don't want to have to carry around all the cash I need for 14 days stay so I like the idea of drawing (say) two days worth at a time.

I have been twice advised not to use matatus at night but to take a taxi. Is this because of the danger of getting robbed/mugged on the matatu itself, or just because of the problem of walking from the stop to my hotel in the dark?[/QUOTE]There is a Barclay's branch within walking distance from the Kahama . In addition there are 4 or 5 different local bank ATM's to choose from in the Nakumatt Nyali complex ( warning : they are likely to dock you for a fee , in addition to the "foreign ATM charge" by your own bank which you will find on your month-end statement ) .

You might not want to find out what all could happen to you in a matatu at night ( most likely : nothing ) but if you want to eliminate that risk , then take a cab after sunset .

[QUOTE=Charles Pooter]I don't think there will be a "next time". I have accepted an offer for my house in England and, if and when the deal goes through o.k., I will be emigrating to the Dominican Republic (hopefully within the next two or three months) for what remains of my life. I will have enough money to live fairly comfortably but won't be able to afford to travel around the world. Haïti will have to be my substitute for Kenya. It is far more African than Latin American.

So this is likely to be my last chance to visit Africa. It could have been S.E. Asia, which I have also always wanted to visit, but given one choice only I am seduced by those round, black asses (or as we limeys say - "arses").

You have been very helpful, Taurus, and I hope I can wine and dine you at some future date in Puerto Plata to show my gratitude.[/QUOTE]

Wanted to do the same as you in Dom.Rep. but after 10 years and 12
journeys there, some more than 3 month, I got tired. I had a blast time
during the Government of Hipolito Mejia when the currency plummeted.
Maybe had to have bought a house at that time. With the new Government
of Leonel the peso went up and also inflation. The official figures are a fake.
Crime also went up, I got fed up with the people there. Now I'm looking
around in the world for a place to retire in a 5 years delay. The world
crisis affected my investments (grrrrr...) but I still have enough.
Kenya surely is an option, also Uganda. I liked Entebbe at Lake Victoria,
lush tropical greenery, not so hot climate, no pollution. Kampala with
good night life is 1 hour drive away. The Kenyan Coast has a strong
German and esp. in Malindi Italian influence from the tourism. Upper
Kenya and Uganda are far more British oriented. In Kenya/Uganda
I can live in peace and liberty as an European. No assimilation pressure
as in other countries like Dom.Rep. There were expat people saying they
were Dominicans because they lived there for 10 years! How ridiculous!
When even a Dominican having lived abroad for a long time never will be fully integrated again.
Anyway at the begin of July I'm in Mombasa. Happy to buy you a drink and
make a tour to the places if you still are there.

I totally accept all you say about the DR. Rising crime fueled by drugs is a problem and I am not too crazy about the Dominican people and culture. Prices haven't altered too much in the 3-and-a-bit years I have been going there (8 months there spread over 8 trips lasting from 2 weeks to 11 weeks) so that is not an issue for me. Any price rises in that time have been countered by my getting more savvy and streetwise.

But I have my gringo friends and for girlfriends I turn to Haitians who, apart from an unpleasant hardcore clique in Sosúa who give all Haitians a bad rep, generally have a better attitude in bed and out of it. I generally like it there and at my age don't really want to start planning anew.

But I will not buy a property. As you say, you and I have missed the boat there. And I will only commit initially for one year. If things don't work out I will be free to try Africa instead, especially if this proposed trip is a success.

At present I am looking at being in Mombasa June 16th to 30th so would just miss you but it could well slip back a week or two. I have to synchronize the move with my ex-wife's purchase and our purchasers' sale so I cannot control things. It may not happen at all.

Would love to meet up as we seem on the same wavelength. Maybe because I am a Taurus too? Just joking, I don't believe in that stuff.

[QUOTE=Taurus1]Wanted to do the same as you in Dom.Rep. but after 10 years and 12
journeys there, some more than 3 month, I got tired. I had a blast time
during the Government of Hipolito Mejia when the currency plummeted.
Maybe had to have bought a house at that time. With the new Government
of Leonel the peso went up and also inflation. The official figures are a fake.
Crime also went up, I got fed up with the people there. Now I'm looking
around in the world for a place to retire in a 5 years delay. The world
crisis affected my investments (grrrrr...) but I still have enough.
Kenya surely is an option, also Uganda. I liked Entebbe at Lake Victoria,
lush tropical greenery, not so hot climate, no pollution. Kampala with
good night life is 1 hour drive away. The Kenyan Coast has a strong
German and esp. in Malindi Italian influence from the tourism. Upper
Kenya and Uganda are far more British oriented. In Kenya/Uganda
I can live in peace and liberty as an European. No assimilation pressure
as in other countries like Dom.Rep. There were expat people saying they
were Dominicans because they lived there for 10 years! How ridiculous!
When even a Dominican having lived abroad for a long time never will be fully integrated again.
Anyway at the begin of July I'm in Mombasa. Happy to buy you a drink and
make a tour to the places if you still are there.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Charles Pooter]
Would love to meet up as we seem on the same wavelength. Maybe because I am a Taurus too? Just joking, I don't believe in that stuff.[/QUOTE]

Not bad idea. Sent you a PM.

[QUOTE=Willyboy]For 40 kes from town to Mtwapa. No way. 50kes is the minimum. Evry price wath taurus1 write is 20 procent up. Maby need new visit to now that kenya have inflation. Cd/dvd is now 300kes[/QUOTE]

Yes, my prices are from mid 2007. For the CD/DVD and the clothes I payed
the higher range of expat prices. DVD prices are different, there are DVDs
that have 4 or 5 movies on one disc, so they are more expensive. In July
im again in Kenya, then I see the situation. Was informed that food prices
have jumped up a lot.

[QUOTE=Charles Pooter]
I have been twice advised not to use matatus at night but to take a taxi. Is this because of the danger of getting robbed/mugged on the matatu itself, or just because of the problem of walking from the stop to my hotel in the dark?[/QUOTE]

Walking from and to the hotel is the main danger. IMHO not worth to take the risk. Normally the robbers/muggers are two and wear machetes.
There have been robberies in the matatus but very very seldom. The route Mtwapa-Mombasa is the safest. Look also inside the matatu before you enter. I saw locals and it happened to me also one time that I did'nt enter the matatu because the people inside looked criminal. More dangerous are
the matatus going to inland suburbs like Kiembeni.
And all is relative, if you look at the post No. 365 of Lustyhombre on the
Barclays Bank Bamburi. There happended robberies too. They hided behind the
bushes and attacked the customer cashing money. Overall,
these are isolated cases that happen also in the safe countries of Europe.

The price in Mtwapa is only 50 for CD/DVD. But you need to know the price.

I just came back from mtwapa with many Video CD's and many ladies 4 free.

So cost is a relative term in Kenya.

What you could also try is use AfroIntroductions.com to get into contact with some girls. You can get a whole list of phonenumbers this way and once there all you have to do is call them and have them meet you at your hotel.

Mind you, you need to explicitly state your just interested in fucking, not romance, and don't mind paying. Some will flame you but the vast majority will gladly take you up on your offer.

Have fun, bro!

[QUOTE=Zipperhead]I will be working in Mombasa this summer and I would love to play with the ladies, but - my company has a policy of not going out in town alone, that is without another person tagging along from my company. Chances are high that the other person from my company will not be interested in mongering. Seems crazy but if I get caught going out alone I will lose my job.

So is there any way I get a lady in my hotel room via the hotel staff etc.? Is there a hotel that offer massages with extras? Can the beach boys be trusted to help? Please any useful suggestions would be greatly apprecriated!

Thanks and double thanks!!![/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Moronicus]What you could also try is use AfroIntroductions.com to get into contact with some girls. You can get a whole list of phonenumbers this way and once there all you have to do is call them and have them meet you at your hotel.

Mind you, you need to explicitly state your just interested in fucking, not romance, and don't mind paying. Some will flame you but the vast majority will gladly take you up on your offer.

Have fun, bro![/QUOTE]If you contakt afro girl end you say. It is NOT for love. Than your bill will by 5 thimes higher than disco girl. End evry mzungu go witl 25 telefon nummers to Kenya. For love. Big joke.

[QUOTE=Moronicus]What you could also try is use AfroIntroductions.com to get into contact with some girls. You can get a whole list of phonenumbers this way and once there all you have to do is call them and have them meet you at your hotel.

Mind you, you need to explicitly state your just interested in fucking, not romance, and don't mind paying. Some will flame you but the vast majority will gladly take you up on your offer.

Have fun, bro![/QUOTE]Notting is for free in Kenya. Only the sun end the smile of the girls. You must not thinking that afro girls open pussy for free. Lot of girls with say for you goodbay if you say only sex. If girl not go. Than shy will ask lot of money. For 2000kes I will not by liar for free sex (I love you end I invited you to my country) to have free sex.

I guess I should have made it clear that I told them that I don't mind paying. Thats 2000kes LT and 1000 ST. So no, I was never under the impression that it would be for free and the rare times where it does turn out for free, I'll probably still buy her something she likes.

You're right that Afro Pussy costs money but you know something? Pussy costs money by default. You take a girl on a date in any country in this world and who is expected to pick up the tab? Right, you are because you're the guy; a very indirect way of paying for the pussy. As simple as that. Only way to get some pussy for free is if the girl is really into you and for most that aren't too many women.

[QUOTE=Willyboy]Notting is for free in Kenya. Only the sun end the smile of the girls. You must not thinking that afro girls open pussy for free. Lot of girls with say for you goodbay if you say only sex. If girl not go. Than shy will ask lot of money. For 2000kes I will not by liar for free sex (I love you end I invited you to my country) to have free sex.[/QUOTE]