Stayed on Nyali beach about 10 mins north of Mombasa, not the best area for beaches as it was small and narrow but the surrounding area was lovely.
Probably the best advice I could give to you, particularly if you're connecting in Nairobi as I did, is just keep an open mind. Some people I travelled with let the fact that you are approached and asked for money or constantly asked if you need help spoil their holiday.
Kenyans are extremely poor and this is reflected in their every day life. In truth, this makes them somewhat more welcoming, they are honestly the most friendly people I've ever come across.
quote:Originally posted by micky: I've been, went last September.
Stayed on Nyali beach about 10 mins north of Mombasa, not the best area for beaches as it was small and narrow but the surrounding area was lovely.
Probably the best advice I could give to you, particularly if you're connecting in Nairobi as I did, is just keep an open mind. Some people I travelled with let the fact that you are approached and asked for money or constantly asked if you need help spoil their holiday.
Kenyans are extremely poor and this is reflected in their every day life. In truth, this makes them somewhat more welcoming, they are honestly the most friendly people I've ever come across.
You'll love it, I know I did.
Hi Micky,
Thanks for the advice. I have been told to take paper and pens/pencils as they do small tours to the local schools, so I will be taking some for them. We are staying in Bamburi Beach about 12 miles from Moi International Airport in Mombasa so we wont be going to Nairobi.
Ive also heard that the 'Beach Boys' are a bit of a pain trying to sell lots of stuff, but as you quite rightly point out they need the money and really its their job.
I am really looking forward to it and thanks for answering!
Take care
I just want to misbehave, I just want to be your slave, Oh you ain't never had nothing I wanted, but I want it all, I just cant figure out...Nothin'
Its 20 years since I visted Mombassa, spending 4 weeks in Kenya whilst backpacking the length of Africa from Lesotho in the south up to Egypt - it took 6 months. Most of my information will be out of date but agree with other posts - the coastline in absolutely wonderful. If you transfer from Nairobi, you will go through a national park where you should see a good selection of animals from the bus (much cheaper than an organised safari!). Kenyans are hospitable, open, friendly people so take the time to speak to and know them. Most importantly, don't forget your snorkelling gear. I'm afraid pick-pockets were rife in Mombassa back in the olden days (!), especially around the bus station and the railway station, too, was pretty dreadful, but this may have changed. Midnight walking on the beach was amazing when I was there there - bright moon, clear sky, white sand, crabs scuttling down to the sea - a nice bit of eye candy on your arm --- hmm - wont go there!
quote:Originally posted by MissyC: I have been told to take paper and pens/pencils as they do small tours to the local schools, so I will be taking some for them.
We are staying in Bamburi Beach about 12 miles from Moi International Airport in Mombasa so we wont be going to Nairobi.
Ive also heard that the 'Beach Boys' are a bit of a pain trying to sell lots of stuff
In reply to your first comment, good idea! We visited a local school and between us we paid about £15 and had a desk made. To see the children's faces when we returned a couple of days later with the desk gave you a feeling that would never be repeated in your life!
Heard good things about the beach at Bamburi, I believe it is south of Mombasa (?) which is where all the best beaches are really.
Lastly, the beach boys. They can be a pain, I bought something from one of them and for the whole fortnight then he was more like a friend. If I went on the beach he wouldn't hassle me to buy but just chatted away to me, and this seemed to make the other beachboys less of a nuisance!
Mombasa is a great town and a good base to reach a few safari parks. Shimba Hills and Tsavo being close. We lived there for a couple of months. Cental Mombasa can be a real hoot at night, though most of the tourist stay in there resorts and the expat community live to the north. Le Bisto on Moi Ave does great food (or did)and is about 100m from the Giant Tusks. Have a great Trip. Richard. p.s. I have a few photos of Kenya on my website.
quote:Originally posted by string bean: Its 20 years since I visted Mombassa, spending 4 weeks in Kenya whilst backpacking the length of Africa from Lesotho in the south up to Egypt - it took 6 months. Most of my information will be out of date but agree with other posts - the coastline in absolutely wonderful. If you transfer from Nairobi, you will go through a national park where you should see a good selection of animals from the bus (much cheaper than an organised safari!). Kenyans are hospitable, open, friendly people so take the time to speak to and know them. Most importantly, don't forget your snorkelling gear. I'm afraid pick-pockets were rife in Mombassa back in the olden days (!), especially around the bus station and the railway station, too, was pretty dreadful, but this may have changed. Midnight walking on the beach was amazing when I was there there - bright moon, clear sky, white sand, crabs scuttling down to the sea - a nice bit of eye candy on your arm --- hmm - wont go there!
Say hello to Africa for me - I miss it
Have fun
Hi Stringbean. Thanks for your advice, comments. One of the reasons I decided to go to Mombasa is that my Dad was based there in the Navy a while back. He had actually been to the place we are staying at! I have noted all your comments, but we are flying direct to Moi Airport, which is a real shame as I would have like the trip through the national park
The one off putting thing I have read, and after reading what you said about the moonlit walks along the beach, you are advised NOT to walk or go to the beaches at night, not safe apparently. I will have to wait and see when I get there I suppose.
Anyway thanks for the advice, very useful and I shall say 'Hello' for you.
I just want to misbehave, I just want to be your slave, Oh you ain't never had nothing I wanted, but I want it all, I just cant figure out...Nothin'
quote:Originally posted by MissyC: I have been told to take paper and pens/pencils as they do small tours to the local schools, so I will be taking some for them.
We are staying in Bamburi Beach about 12 miles from Moi International Airport in Mombasa so we wont be going to Nairobi.
Ive also heard that the 'Beach Boys' are a bit of a pain trying to sell lots of stuff
In reply to your first comment, good idea! We visited a local school and between us we paid about £15 and had a desk made. To see the children's faces when we returned a couple of days later with the desk gave you a feeling that would never be repeated in your life!
Heard good things about the beach at Bamburi, I believe it is south of Mombasa (?) which is where all the best beaches are really.
Lastly, the beach boys. They can be a pain, I bought something from one of them and for the whole fortnight then he was more like a friend. If I went on the beach he wouldn't hassle me to buy but just chatted away to me, and this seemed to make the other beachboys less of a nuisance!
Got to say I'm well jealous, I so wanna go back!
Hi Micky,
What an excellent idea re the all chipping in for the desk !! I will participate in that too if I can.
You know I thought the same about the 'beach boys' ! Either that or promise you will buy a token something before you leave etc if they leave you alone. Thing is this goes on all over the world doesnt it ! lol when I was 17 I had my first girlie hols to Tenerife and the men on the beach there were constantly hassling us to buy fruit, vouchers for parties etc. And more recently other half has been working in Azerbaijan and he was 'hassled' by 'street urchins' as they are known !!
So basically I will not let that put me off !
I will try, lol, if I can to enjoy myself, and im even thinking of going back next year, even though I havent been yet. Just seems like a place I would like to go back to already !
Thanks and take care
I just want to misbehave, I just want to be your slave, Oh you ain't never had nothing I wanted, but I want it all, I just cant figure out...Nothin'
quote:Originally posted by rdkr: Mombasa is a great town and a good base to reach a few safari parks. Shimba Hills and Tsavo being close. We lived there for a couple of months. Cental Mombasa can be a real hoot at night, though most of the tourist stay in there resorts and the expat community live to the north. Le Bisto on Moi Ave does great food (or did)and is about 100m from the Giant Tusks. Have a great Trip. Richard. p.s. I have a few photos of Kenya on my website.
Hi Richard,
Just been on your webiste, love the photos ! That poor baby elephant without a trunk ! Aww dont get me started !! I have noted your comments on Le Bisto, and will try that out or at least look for it. So the giant tusks are in Mombasa then??? I thought they were in/near Nyrobi. I must definately look out for those.
I will have a fab trip, im sure of it !
Thanks, and your website looks great !
I just want to misbehave, I just want to be your slave, Oh you ain't never had nothing I wanted, but I want it all, I just cant figure out...Nothin'
MissyC "The one off putting thing I have read, and after reading what you said about the moonlit walks along the beach, you are advised NOT to walk or go to the beaches at night, not safe apparently. I will have to wait and see when I get there I suppose"
As I said, its 20 years since I was there - things change - go with the most recent advice and be safe!
SOME THINGS YOU NEVER GET USED TO
