We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers: Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.

Mombasa

Free Newsletter

Interested in Mombasa?

We'll send you updates with the latest deals, reviews and articles for Mombasa each week.

Mombasa Forum: How to do this on a shoe string budget?

Tempe, AZ
200 forum posts
 How to do this on a shoe string budget? 

ok, so I read so much about Kenya's bad economy and poverty then i come to these forums and people are spending like $10,000 USD for a week there. Here's what i'm looking to do, not including flight whats my budget:

*Land in Nairobi, spend the first night in whatever 3 star or less hotel in a room where i wont be abducted.

*go on the safari 3-5 days, camping is fine, i can eat bread and drink water, i don't need nor can i afford these luxurious wine tasting outings that people seem to be promoting.

*hop on the overnight train to Mombasa-by the way i'm reading Mombasa is pro-Osama Bin Laden? I'm an American Firefighter, should i be scratching this off my list... if not, check into an affordable place as close to the beach as possible, willing to go a little upscale here. 1-2 nights then back to Nairobi, fly back to America.

What's my cheapest options? I dont need fancy meals, dont drink much, souvenirs are a minimal need as well.

thanks as always TA! you save me thousands of dollars, and hundreds of hours research on all my expeditions.

6 replies
UK
1,227 forum posts
1. Re: How to do this on a shoe string budget?
Destination Expert   What's this?
for Malindi, Ukunda, Kenya

BH

I've posted on your original thread re safari:

tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g294206-i9216-k318…

Personally, I don't think you'd need or want to spend any time in Nairobi on such a short trip.

As for Osama Bin Laden, as in many parts of the world, his image was slapped on a few T-shirts, but 7-8 years ago. . . And it never meant anything. I spent several days in Mombasa city earlier this year and encountered nothing but welcomes and politeness (oh, and one idiot traffic warden with a wheel clamp on a street corner with a worn-out double yellow line).

The overnight train to Mombasa only runs Mon, Wed, Fri. It's fun, cheaper than flying, and takes you to the centre of Mombasa island, rather than the airport in the suburbs (cheaper transport to beaches).

Good luck planning.

Richard

Washington
165 forum posts
2. Re: How to do this on a shoe string budget?

Braveheart - here is my suggestion:

NBI - heaps of safe guesthouses in Parklands residential area of NBI. Don;t stay in any guest houses in town for self explanatory reasons

Camping - Naivasha has some good choices of camping grounds e.g CrayFish, Fishermans, Cannelleys,etc... Best place for camping. Close to Hell Gates National Park

MBA - Stay @ Mwamba Centre (A Rocha. Christian Conservation Centre) in Watamu. Formerly known as Mr. Simpsons.

LAMU is also worth visiting.

Hope this helps- Stef

Atlanta...
57 forum posts
3. Re: How to do this on a shoe string budget?

Hey Brave,

I was in Mombasa City, not the beach area, for 3 days about a month ago. There is a trip report on here. I had read in Lonely Planet that in the Mombasa area you could expect to see pro Ben Ladin T shirts. I walked around a lot and never saw anything like that, and I looked. The people that I encountered were warm and welcoming and I completely enjoyed my stay there.

You can fly pretty cheaply on FLY540.

Jim

north...
1,132 forum posts
4. Re: How to do this on a shoe string budget?

Loved camping at Fisherman's on Lake Naivasha and visiting Hell's Gate but wouldn't call it a safari. If a safari is one of your main reasons for coming to Kenya then be prepared to go to somehwhere like Tsavo (en route to the coast?). I'm sure one of the experts can help with some budget suggestions. What is your in-Kenya budget (excluding international flights)?

Perhaps the OBL t-shirts are one of Richard's jokes?!

UK
1,227 forum posts
5. Re: How to do this on a shoe string budget?
Destination Expert   What's this?
for Malindi, Ukunda, Kenya

safarifiend

Osama Bin Laden T-shirts?

No, not a joke, but you won't see them any more. At least not likely to in Kenya.

http://shop.cafepress.co.uk/osama-bin-laden

Richard

Wales
303 forum posts
6. Re: How to do this on a shoe string budget?

Seen a few Osama t-shirts in East Africa, and in the past Sadam t-shirts but its been a while since I've seen any. At one time you might have found Osama shirts for sale alongside Chuck Norris and David Beckham t-shitrs.

I must admit I was once tempted with a natty red short sleeve shirt with pictures of Tariq Aziz on that I saw for sale in Mwembe Tayari in Mombasa.