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Mtwapa is a city north of Mombasa in Kenya.
background
People who spend their vacation on the wonderful beaches of Kenya and want to go on a safari tour must decide whether to go to South coast or to North coast go, which simply means south or north of Mombasa. While the south coast (Diani Beach) and the north coast from Kilifi bis Malindi the more beautiful beaches and more unspoilt nature, the coast around Mombasa and Mtwapa offers many more sights, sports and nightlife.
Mtwapa is a dusty place about 15 km north of Mombasa and one of the fastest growing communities in Kenya with approximately 50,000 residents. This is partly due to the lack of modern public transport (trams, metro) combined with the chaotic traffic in Mombasa and the associated development from urban suburbs to new centers. On the other hand, many Europeans settle there and use their money and the resulting increased reputation of the place to initiate further development. Mtwapa center is not a tourist place, but a typical Kenyan small town with noise, dust and chaotic traffic. The touristic parts are along the coast in a north or south direction.
Mtwapa is known as "the village that never sleeps". Even long after midnight, the streets and pubs are full and even street vendors are out and about. It is the hub of nightlife and prostitution in the Mombasa area. Because of the many Europeans who build houses for retirement or just spend the winter there, the place is now also trendy for Kenyans and real estate prices and construction activity are growing steadily. The increasing number of German-speaking long-term guests meets in the Wellfit Bakery, the Eagle Nest Restaurant and a pub on the opposite side of the Eagle Nest, which occasionally plays German music. Another popular German meeting place is the Safari Inn Pub in Shanzu behind the Serena Beach Hotel.
getting there
By plane
Dynamic cardsYou can get there via Mombasa airport, from where you can take a taxi for 25-30 euros. Immediately after leaving the airport building in Mombasa, many eager young men want to carry their luggage to the waiting vehicle. Do not accept these offers, as some of these porters try to cheat the newcomers with far inflated prices. It's only a few meters anyway, and you can take a free luggage trolley from baggage claim.
Anyone with a coastal vacation safari in the Masai Mara National Reserve want to combine can over Nairobi travel to Kenya to save the high cost of flying from Mombasa to the Mara and back. Or you start the safari tour from Mombasa and drive by car to Tsavo, Amboseli, Nairobi, Mara (possibly also Naivasha, depending on the time) and then back to the coast by plane or train. Then you can also travel directly to Mombasa.
By train
The nearest train station is in Mombasa. In May 2017, the railway line renovated by Chinese companies was completed and now has a journey time of 4-5 hours from Mombasa to Nairobi (ticket prices: 3rd class: around € 7, 1st class: around € 30) Timetable and prices. You should also be at the terminal very early because the controls are very complex.
By bus
Long-distance buses run from Mombasa out towards Nairobi (9 hours, 18 €) and Malindi (1.5 hours, 10 €). You can get on the bus after Malindi also get on from Mtwapa. To Lamu it is advisable to take a flight as the roads in the north are not really safe.
In the street
Mtwapa is on the main road going north, and it takes about 30 minutes by car from Mombasa, depending on the traffic. During rush hour, in the morning and in the afternoon, when the shops, banks, authorities etc. close, the journey can take well over 1 hour.
By boat
The port of Mombasa is the largest in all of East Africa. Many cargo ships and also cruise ships land there. If you want to sail the coast of Kenya with your own or rented boat, you must obtain the appropriate permits from the authorities.
mobility
The cheapest way to get from Mombasa to Mtwapa is by minibus (Matatus) and costs around 1-2 euros (2016). Mtwapa is the terminus of the matatus from Mombasa to the north. You drive from the center opposite the main post office and via the suburb "Nyali" towards the north coast. With the taxi you need about 25-30 euros from Mombasa to Mtwapa, within Mtwapa they are Motorcycle taxis the fastest and cheapest means of transport. The costs are around 0.25 euros / km. Taxis cost around 1 euro / km. Tricycle taxis (Tuktuks) are a little cheaper than taxis. The driving services are a much cheaper alternative to regular taxis Over[1], Taxify[2], Little[3], Mondo Ride[4], MaraMoja[5].Car rental companies there are some in Mtwapa and Mombasa. The prices are around Ksh 3500 per day for cars, 6500 for SUVs. You can also hire a driver, which is highly recommended if you have problems with left-hand traffic or if you generally want to be more relaxed on the road.
Tourist Attractions
- 1 Mtwapa Creek. The creek is a bay with beautiful tropical flora and fauna and with some small moorings for boats. The occurrence of many species of birds and monkeys and the small harbor as a starting point for deep-sea fishing tours are of tourist interest. Some good restaurants (Moorings, LaMarina, CobbaCabana) along the creek offer very tasty fish dishes. You sit there on terraces with a view of the bay in the middle of tropical vegetation. The atmosphere there is completely different than in the tourist clubs on the beaches. Easily accessible by taxi from the beach resorts, they are safe and a good experience.
- 2 Jumba ruins (Jumba La Mtwana Ruins).
.The ruins are about 5 km from the center of Mtwapa towards the sea. The Jumba Ruins are a dilapidated village (around 600 years old). The remains of houses and mosques lie in a picturesque tropical forest landscape near the coast. There is also one of the best restaurants in the area, right by the sea. The wonderful beach here is the most beautiful in Mtwapa. Since there is no shade, you have to take a parasol with you if you want to stay longer.
- 3 Mamba Village. Luna park and crocodile farm with around 20,000 crocodiles of all ages and sizes, crocodile feeding, riding opportunities for children, terrarium, botanical garden and other small attractions. You can also eat crocodile meat there. The complex, although not particularly well-kept, is well worth seeing. Expectations shouldn't be too high for any attraction.Price: 800 Ksh.
- 4 Haller Park.
(Bamburi Nature Trail) is a nature park about 10 km from Mombasa in Bambouri, with a large number of plant and animal species. It serves as a resort for tourists and locals alike. A large number of wild animals such as hippos, giraffes, buffalo, antelopes, monkeys as well as smaller mammals and birds live in Haller Park. The variety of vegetation is considerable, from mangrove palms and majestic native shade trees to typical coastal forests. entry: Ksh 1400. feeding: Giraffes 15:00, hippos 16:00, crocodiles 16:30.
- 5 Nguuni Sanctury. Mobile: (0)700 337 068. There are giraffes, oryx, an ostrich and a waterbuck in this park. There is also a barbecue area, and giraffes and co. Are "driven there" when you make a barbecue there. You can also book the barbecue area for 2,000 KSH and then have it to yourself. A wonderful place for a nice afternoon with friends or family or just for a long walk followed by a sundowner. The wetlands with small lakes are interesting for bird lovers who have the opportunity to observe many different species of birds. Large dump palms with leopard orchids in the crowns are another attraction in this small park. Since there is no catering, you have to bring food and drinks with you. Water and grill grates are available. For Ksh 1200 you can also have a safari vehicle drive you through the park for 1-1.5 hours to observe animals. Transport entrance to the picnic area: Ksh 250. Entry 500 ksh.
activities
- Most of the tourists visit Mtwapa because of its unique Day and night life (see also: whats-on-mombasa.com). Mtwapa is known as the "village that never sleeps" with all kinds of entertainment tourists seek, such as discos, bars, restaurants and, last but not least, prostitution. Mombasa and especially Mtwapa are for Sex tourism known. The nightlife starts at around 9:30 p.m. and lasts until the morning. During the day, there is more in this regard on the beaches of Bamburi and Shanzu, especially in front of the large hotels and beach bars. Individual men and women are approached very quickly by the "beach boys" or "beach girls", whether on a stroll on the beach or at the beach bar.
- Boat trips in the creek and Deep sea fishing and Sailing trips start in the immediate vicinity of Moorings Restaurant on the Creek.
- Mountain bike tours around the creek [6]
- Go Kart: The Swiss-run ropeway is located at Bamburi Beach 5km south of Mtwapa.
- Paint ball: Information at the go-kart track in Bamburi
- water sports: Surfing, diving, snorkeling, etc. on the beaches of Kanamai or Shandzu
- Glass bottom boat-Ride with snorkeling in Mombasa Marine Park[7]. Admission: USD 17, tour cost Ksh 1500-2000
- safari: there are also some safaris providers in Mtwapa. The addresses are available in all hotels. Visitors who are not so familiar with the English language can also contact organizers [8] under German management. The Tsavo National Park are easy to get to by car from the coast, and you can basically find all animals here. The Tsavo East National Park is more open, with lots of animals. The Tsavo West National Park is rocky with many shrubs and fewer animals in an interesting landscape. The Amboseli National Park is quite flat, often dusty, with a large swamp area and a spectacular view of Kilimanjaro, lots of elephants. Rather recommendable in combination with the Tsavos, but then you should plan several nights. in the Masai Mara National Reserve Fly-in safaris are mostly offered, i.e. short distances to find all animals, mostly even easier than in the other parks. You can also use the in every park own car or drive a rental car. This is cheaper than guided safaris, but there are also fewer game sightings. But there is also the possibility to bring a guide into the vehicle for the game drives. You can ask for guides at the park entrances and hotels. The main routes in the parks are usually well signposted, but you can quickly lose your bearings on the small slopes if you don't know the area.
- hike: Mtwapa itself is way too loud and chaotic to go for a walk. A good alternative is a beach hike along Kanamai-Kikambala Beach. It is a picturesque beach with the typical palm trees and white sand that is only visited by a few tourists. So you can go for a walk on the beach undisturbed without being bothered by beach boys or souvenir sellers. Otherwise there are some nice paths west of the KARI (Kenya Agricultural Research Institute) to the creek. You walk there along the fields and palm plantations with typical agricultural settlement. Here you can look at African life in peace.
- Wild Waters. Adventure pool and fair at Njali Golf Club. It's a great place for kids to have fun swimming and water slides.
- golf. A private club in Nyali. Beautiful 18-hole par 71 course.
beaches
- The place also offers beautiful beaches, some with beach hotels or beach bars, which are perfect for relaxing as they are not overcrowded:
- 1 Jumba Ruins Beach. a rarely frequented very picturesque white sand beach.
- 2 Beach Africa. a small beach between mangroves, less suitable for swimming than for walking. At low tide you can walk to Cobba Cabana Beach.
- 3 Cobba Cabana Beach. It is almost only used by locals for swimming. Good for walking and relaxing at the beach bar there.
- 4 Shanzu Beach. long white sand beach, with hotels and beach bars. One of the best beaches for swimming. A popular German-speaking meeting point here is the Safari Inn Pub behind the Serena Beach Hotel for the draft beer.
- 5 Bamburi Beach. The liveliest beach between Mtwapa and Mombasa, accessible with Matatu. Popular with locals for walking and swimming, especially on Sundays; many hotels, pubs, beach bars, beach boys, beach girls, souvenir stalls and much more. The Big tree The restaurant and pub is particularly popular with German tourists to get in touch with locals of the opposite sex. Here you can also rent a locker for 100 KSH (which you get back at the end of the day). This is a great way to enjoy the beach without things getting stolen while in the water. Between the Pirate Beach Bar and the Big tree the beach is best for swimming. At low tide you can walk around two rocks at the northern end to Shanzu Beach. Bamburi Beach also has a good night life. The tidal range between ebb and flow is very pronounced on the Kenyan coast!
- 6 Kanamai Beach. Formerly a center of tourism, it now makes a deserted impression and is almost only frequented by locals. It is a picturesque beach with the typical palm trees and white sand.
- 7 Vipingo Beach. A number of beautiful and almost natural beaches are lined up in this area, about 20 km north of Mtwapa. They are best reached by car. In the area around Vipingo there are still remnants of the coastal forest that used to be everywhere on the coast, which is an important refuge for the now rare typical flora and fauna of the coastal forest species. In and between this forest there are old graves and mosques and other sites of the ancient culture of the coastal inhabitants. If you are in the area, it is also worth making a detour to Vipingo Ridge, a modern and stylish hotel complex that includes an 18-hole golf course and residential buildings.
- 8 Kuruwitu Beach. It is very quiet and almost natural with remnants of coastal forest and palm trees that line the beach. Kuruwitu Beach is part of a marine and nature reserve. The beach and the surrounding coastal area are protected and cared for by a local initiative, and the underwater world particularly benefits from this. The coral reef is in good condition and in the clear water you can discover the impressive, colorful diversity of flora and fauna while snorkeling and diving or from a glass bottom boat. There's also a good chance you can spot dolphins and sea turtles here. Boat trips to the reef are offered. However, at low tide you can take part in a guided hike to the reef instead.
shop
Souvenir: Again and again you get things offered, their trade and export after Washington Convention on Endangered Species such as claws of lions, certain sea animals, butterflies, clams, starfish etc. Even if you find clams, starfish or cowrie snails on the beach, they can be protected species. If in doubt, just leave it where it is. The penalties are very high. Woodwork, clothing, handicrafts, etc., on the other hand, can be bought without hesitation. As in all of Africa, bargaining is common in small shops. Especially if you are a foreigner, the first price is usually higher than what is usually paid for the goods.
There are stalls at all the hotels along the streets and on Bamburi and Shanzu Beaches Handicrafts and local dress etc. is offered. Intensive action is even expected here. Nobody will end up selling anything below price. The prices and supply of this item is in the old town of Mombasa far better.
The best shopping option, especially for international ones Food, is the mall Naivas in Bambouri 12 km south of Mtwapa or Carrefour in the City Mall, Nyali. German bread and edible rolls are available in the Wellfit Bakery. You can also enjoy a delicious coffee with a German cake there. The café or bakery is diagonally opposite the "Catholic Church" in Mtwapa and is a popular meeting place for German-speaking long-term guests. If you have problems in Mtwapa, you can get advice here. The biggest supermarket in Mtwapa is the Halal in the center on the main street. For the purchase of vegetables and Fruits there is a small market and many stalls along the main street. The prices there are, however, quite high and for larger purchases of fruit and vegetables it is worth the trip to Kongowea Market just before the bridge to Mombasa. An den Pharmacies, which there are in large numbers along the main street, is not Pharmacy but Chemist!
kitchen
In many restaurants you should bring enough time with you, as it is not uncommon for an hour to pass from the order to the delivery of the food, as everything is always freshly prepared. If you are very hungry, it is advisable to take a starter.
- 1 Jumba Ruins Monsoons.
very good restaurant (Italian, seafood) next to the ruins by the sea under Italian management. High price level, very quiet in particularly beautiful surroundings.
- 3 La Marina.excellent restaurant (international, seafood) with a beautiful view of the bay. High price level. The restaurant has a floating boat where guests can also be served.
- 4 Moorings. very good restaurant (international, seafood, vegetarian, pizza) on a floating boat on the creek. Very nice environment. Medium to high price level.
- 5 Eagle nest.Popular meeting place for German-speaking residents of Mtwapa. Also meat loaf, white sausage on offer.
- CAFE A&G. Very simple restaurant but with good pepper steak at low prices. Located directly under Eagle Nest Restaurant.
- 6 Bahari Gates.Nice beer garden and restaurant with pool, guarded parking lot and manicured lawns.
- 7 Maridadi.Restaurant and bar: Very good restaurant in an idyllic location that offers international as well as special variants of African cuisine, located directly on the beach of Kanamai-Kikambala as part of the Salama Beach Resort, under German management.
- 8 Safari Inn.Restaurant and Bar: Behind the Serena Beach Hotel. International and Swiss cuisine with a good price-performance ratio. Popular meeting place for German-speaking tourists.
- 9 Mumtaz. simple inexpensive local dishes, also to take away.
- 10 Porini. A good place to have a truly African lunch and combine it with a visit to the Aldabra giant tortoises. The restaurant is about 4 km after Mtwapa Mall towards Kikambala on the right-hand side. The waiting times for food are very long there (> 1 hour) but you can shorten the time with the giant tortoises or a garden tour. You shouldn't go to this restaurant hungry.
- 11 Fast food. The well-known Kenyan fast food chains (Chicken Inn & Pizza Inn) have a branch at the "Kenol filling station" on the main street.
- 12 Mtwapa Paradise. Very popular restaurant for German tourists in the center, good prices, large portions, but relatively unclean and lots of flies.
- 13 Yuls. Nice restaurant located directly on Bamburi beach. Excellent international cuisine (fish, meat, pasta and pizza). The absolute highlight is the homemade ice cream. Prices are more European,
- 14 Big tree.Nice bar right on the beach. Food is okay, drinks cold, prices decent. A good place to go to the beach, especially for people looking for adventure. Many female locals are waiting for the tourists. The club can get pretty crowded over the weekend. Here you can also rent a locker for 100 KSH so that you can enjoy the beach without anything being stolen while in the water.
- 15 Animo County Reatreat.Guest house and simple restaurant in a quiet rural atmosphere away from the hectic center.
nightlife
- 1 Cobba Cabana.simple beach bar with international visitors, loud music and tropical flair, located right by the sea. Saturdays: bonfire with music. Sundays: music and partying from the afternoon.
- 2 Beach Africa. Simple beach bar and hostel. The view and the location (right by the sea) are worth seeing and the food is i.a. Well. The relaxed atmosphere makes it a special place. However, the accommodation is adventurous (including an open tree house to sleep in). It's a backpacker spot, so don't expect too much comfort. The environment is not really safe!
- 3 Casaurina.Party and beer is the order of the day and night in this club. The Casaurina is the largest pick-up club for old Europeans and young Kenyans. Usually locals (of both sexes) try to seduce the guests on the dance floor.
- 4 railway station.A meeting place for locals and foreigners living there for drinking beer and simple food. Not touristy. Located opposite Casaurina. Open 24 hours.
- Naiz.Opposite the Casaurina on Mombasa-Malindi Street. Good music, good vibes, cheap drinks. Popular with locals from the region.
- 5 Club Lambada.International: great music, bikini pool dances, good service, easy parking.
- 6 Big tree. is just a few kilometers south of Mtwapa on Bamburi Beach. Dance club right by the sea with a very good atmosphere and super sexy dance competitions.
- 7 Cheers Club.popular bar on Bamburi Beach. Here you can Saturday Bundesliega watch!
accommodation
For normal beach tourism, both Mombasa-Bambouri / Shandzu Beach (5 km to the south) and Kanamai-Kikambala Beach (7 km to the north) are the more pleasant places to live than Mtwapa town. It's a party place for people who care more about nightlife than the perfect beach or quiet environment. Many Europeans prefer Mtwapa over luxury beach hotels, as it is cheaper, e.g. to escape the winter cold in their countries for several months.
The prices for apartments start at 20 euros / month for cottages without any comfort outside the center up to around 300 euros / month for comfortable apartments in a beautiful setting. Apartments are usually brokered through real estate agents. The prices for hotels are listed on the well-known internet booking sites.
There is in Mtwapa too Accommodation under German managemente.g. 1 Kama Paradises,2 Sunlive Bodoi, 3 Kerstina's Apartments & Lodges, 4 Salama Beach Resort,* 5 Boko Boko, 6 Hibiscus Lodge, where you can get good information and some German food. The accommodations are particularly interesting for people who do not speak the English language very well, or who are interested in settling in the area and looking for advice.
Very good Resorts near Mtwapa include:
- For all accommodations, valuables and cash should never be left in the room, but should be kept in the hotel safe!
- The large all inclusive hotels do not allow any local guests at the hotel. Those who value this must therefore switch to smaller hotels without a “joiner fee”, in which companions can stay overnight at no additional cost. Such hotels are called "Girlfriendly" or "Guestfriendly" in Kenya. If you want to spend pleasant hours with your 'hottie', you should always rent an extra room anyway, as it often happens that the 'guest' also leaves the hotel with valuables. There are many tricks that the often inexperienced tourists do not know. 'The delusion is short, the regret is long' (Schiller). Going along as an alternative to the accommodation of the 'nice company' is a high risk. Here avarice is not cool, but stupid reckless. Many bargain hunters have already landed on the police stations, blank and with a complaint for rape, which is then only withdrawn against payment of a higher sum.
health
- Drinking water: Tap water for drinking should be avoided and bottled water should be used for it.
- At eat Particular care is required from street stalls. Under no circumstances should salads or cold dishes be consumed. In case of doubt, the old English saying applies to all tropical regions: "Cook it, peel it or forget it" (cook it, peel it, or forget it). Hardly anyone stays during a tropical trip from diarrhea spared. It is seldom the result of someone else's food, but mostly the pleasure of too cold Drinks. As a rule, European drugs are of little help. In almost every pharmacy in Kenya there is "Slide stop". These tablets help immediately and reliably. Take them with you on safari as a prophylactic.
- Likewise, never fail to take the usual precautionary measures against HIV infections Vaccinations against Tropical diseases. Mtwapa is not yet a yellow fever area.
- Emergency numbers: Police, fire, ambulance: 999. Tourist Police Mtwapa Sub Base (across from Jesus Celebration Center, Malindi Rd) 254 720 344901, Mtwapa Police station (by the bridge over the creek, across from Kendas Hotel, 254 20 Malindi Road 3509958. Das Tourist Safety and Communication Center has a 24-hour tourist helpline (02-604767) where you can seek help if you are in any type of difficulty. Emergency number at Snakebite: 254 718 290 324
- Health insurance. If you stay longer than 6 weeks, you may have to take out insurance in Kenya, as travel insurance often allows a maximum of 6 weeks. Insurance that tourists like to use are: UAP Old Mutual, AAR, National Hospital Insurance Fund - NHIF .
- snakes. In case of snake bites, but also if you want to have snakes that you have seen in the house removed, call here: For Kilifi County (to which Mtwapa belongs): 0734600055 (Dudley Lucas) or for the entire coast: 254 718 290324 (Bio-Ken).
There are several in Mtwapa Health centers and a hospital (Agakan Hospital) near Mtwapa Mall
Practical advice
- security: Mtwapa is a relatively safe place, even at night. Because of the large number of foreigners, there are more police on the road than usual in other places. So you can go from one club to another at night if you observe the normal precautionary measures (e.g. no valuable jewelry, watch, wallet in the back pocket). For all Accommodations The rule is that valuables and cash should never be left in the room, but should be kept in the hotel safe !! Things to do on Beach left unobserved are gone. Frequently, employees of the tour operator warn to leave the hotel on their own. So you miss a lot of typical impressions. It is completely unfounded, and one can often not get rid of the suspicion that these warnings only serve to ensure that travelers take advantage of the often overpriced safari offers, the poor exchange rates and the usually only modest but always far too expensive offers of the hotel shops. Apart from the very occasional handbag theft, it is no more dangerous than in any city in Europe. At night however, one should exercise caution always take a taxi from your accommodation to pubs, restaurants and back. Any restaurant will order a trustworthy taxi for you upon request.
- Taking your passport with you: Identification is required for checks by the police. A copy is also sufficient. Therefore, you should have a copy made at the hotel on the first day, which you can always take with you without fear of losing your ID. The important thing is the first page and the visa in the passport, which you receive on entry.
- Beach boys: On the beaches of Bamburi or Shanzu there are always quite a few who want to sell something. Even if the majority are very friendly, you soon feel very annoyed. You should always just ignore them when you are spoken to on the beach, do not answer "no thanks" or anything else. That is rude, but it will soon leave you unmolested. On the beaches of Cobba Cabana, Beach Afrika or Kikambala there are almost no ones on the move and there you have peace and quiet and can go for a walk or lie in the sand.
- Invitations and meetings: If you go to a pub or restaurant with Kenyans as a white man, you are expected to pay. A man who invites a woman to dinner or to a club must also cover the transport costs, even if she comes to the meeting separately. Not doing this is an insult. If you do not want to do this, you must clarify beforehand! If you are invited home to Kenyans, then the gift should be appropriate for the occasion. When meeting for tea, you bring a little something with you, and more if you are invited to dinner, such as wine and sweets for the children. Bringing nothing is offensive! It is better to give a gift generously than to be stingy. Of course, this only applies to family visits. Visits to "beach boys" or "beach girls" are a different matter anyway.
- Before you photos wants to do by people, you should always ask for permission beforehand. Photos of military and public facilities such as banks, ferries, etc. are forbidden. Strict action is taken here, so be careful!
- Swimming: Depending on the tide level (see web links), the sea can sometimes have high waves. Currents and undercurrents are not to be underestimated. Gerade bei ablaufendem Wasser sollte man nicht zu weit hinaus schwimmen. Nudism as "oben ohne" Baden ist in Kenia grundsätzlich verboten. Die Polizei versteht hier wenig Spaß und greift hart durch.
- Strandschuhe : Bei Ebbe kann man am besonders am Kikambala Beach wunderbare Wanderungen auf dem dann freiliegenden Korallenriff unternehmen. Da das Korallengestein recht scharfkantig ist, sind Schuhe vorteilhaft. Einfache Strandschuhe aus weichem Kunststoff sind dabei allerdings völlig ungeeignet, da auf dem Korallenriff auch Seeigel leben, deren lange und spitze Stacheln problemlos die Kunststoffsohlen durchbohren. Alte Sandalen mit dicker fester Sohle sind geeigneter.
- money: Es gibt viele Geldautomaten (ATM) an denen alle gängigen deutschen Karten problemlos funktionieren und Banken bei denen man Euro in Kenia Schilling umtauschen kann, z.B. in der Mtwapa Mall. Man braucht in Kenia keine US-Dollar! Der Kurs bei den Banken ist besser als in Hotels, wo man ebenfalls Geld tauschen kann. In größeren Geschäften und Hotels kann man meist mit Kreditkarten bezahlen.
- Stromadapter: In Kenia werden die englischen Dreipolstecker verwendet. Es ist empfehlenswert, sich aus Deutschland einen Adapter mit Überspannungsschutz mitzunehmen. Spannungsschwankungen sind in Kenia häufig und so sichert man Handy oder Computer dagegen ab. In den großen Supermärkten kann man die entsprechenden Adapter auch bekommen, aber ohne den Spannungsschutz.
- Internet and phone: In den meisten Hotels gibt es WIFI/Wlan, oft allerdings nur an der Rezeption. Will man vom Hotelnetz unabhängig sein, oder benötigt man ein schnelleres Netz, gibt es oberhalb des Nakumatt Supermarktes in Bamburi einen Shop mit den kenianischen Netzanbietern Safaricom and orange. Diese bieten Internetbundles und auch Simkarten fürs Mobiltelefone sehr preiswert an. Für die Anmeldung wird der Reisepass benötigt. Wenn man oft nach Hause telefonieren muss, ist eine kenianische Sim Karte fürs Telefon sehr lohnenswert. Man spart die hohen Roaminggebühren, und mit einer kenianischen Telefonkarte kosten auch ein längere Gespräche nach Deutschland wenig.
- Trinkgeld: In der Regel sollten man, wenn das Essen geschmeckt hat und bei gutem Service etwa 10 Prozent des Rechnungsbetrages als Trinkgeld geben, aber wirklich nur, wenn man zufrieden war. Auf Safaris ist es üblich, dass die gesamte Gruppe im Fahrzeug zusammen pro Tag etwa 1000 ksh gibt, wenn man absolut zufrieden mit dem Fahrer war.
- Sonnenschutz und Mückenspray: Sonnencreme ist sehr teuer in Kenia, daher besser mitbringen. Mückenspray dagegen ist in Kenia billig und gut. Außer in der Regenzeit, gibt in Mtwapa und bei den Hotels am Bamburi oder Shanzu Beach und auf Safari sehr wenige bis gar keine Mücken. Vor allem die Beine sollten geschützt werden.
- Zigaretten und Alkohol: internationale Zigarettenmarken und ein breites Angebot an weltweit bekannten Alkoholika sind erhältlich aber von Beidem gibt es auch sehr gute einheimische Marken, die deutlich billiger sind als die Importwaren. Alkoholika sind in der Regel deutlich günstiger, bei Zigaretten sind auch die importierten weitaus billiger als im Duty free oder im Flugzeug.
- VISA: Das normale Einreisevisa, welches man für Reisen nach Kenya benötigt, bekommt man als e-visa auf der Internetseite der Botschaft oder auch am Flughafen in Mombasa für 40Euro. Manche Fluggesellschaften machen Probleme, wenn man kein e-visa hat, daher empfiehlt es sich, dieses rechtzeitig zu beantragen. Wer beabsichtigt, den Winter in Kenia zu verbringen, muss das normale VISA, dass für 90 Tage gilt, verlängern. Das bekommt man in der Regel vor Ort ohne Probleme um weitere 90 Tage verlängert bei einem “immigration office”[9]. In Mombasa ist das Büro beim alten Hafen in der Altstadt.
- Freiwilligendienst(volunteer): Viele Jugendliche wollen gerne für eine gewisse Zeit in Kenia in sozialen Einrichtungen “arbeiten”, am liebsten an der Küste. Man sollte sich im klaren sein, dass es dabei nicht darum geht in irgendeiner Form bessere Arbeit als Einheimische zu machen oder gar "Entwicklungshilfe" zu leisten, sondern voneinander zu lernen. Die meisten seriösen Stellen nehmen auch niemanden unter einem Jahr, da gerade bei der Arbeit mit Kindern Bindung und Beziehung wichtig ist und man bei Kurzaufenthalten nur Arbeit für die Leute vor Ort verursacht, ohne etwas geben zu können. Weltwärts[10] ist ein Gemeinschaftswerk des Bundesministeriums für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung und der Zivilgesellschaft, dass Jugendlichen seriösen Freiwilligendienst ermöglicht. Einen bezahlten Freiwilligendienst zu finden ist so gut wie ausgeschlossen.
- Kinderspielplätze: In Mtwpa gibt es einen Platz direkt bei der Brücke über den Creek, gegenüber der Mtwapa Police. Ein größerer Lunapark befindet sich Richtung Mombasa am Eingang des Mamba Village (Links Rd., am Nyali Golf Club). Das Wild Water Erlebnis Bad dort in der Nähe ist auch bei Kindern beliebt.
- Es verboten, Plastiktüten zu produzieren, einzuführen und zu benutzen. Auch für Touristen gilt das strikte Einfuhrverbot von Plastiktüten. Es drohen drastische Strafen! Im Gepäck befindliche Plastiktüten sind bei Einreise in Kenia abzugeben.
- Sextourismus. Kenia ist bekannt für seinen Sextourismus. Junge kenianische Frauen und Männer erhoffen sich mit der Heirat mit einem Touristen ein besseres Leben in Übersee. Daher sieht man oft Rentner in netter Gesellschaft von viel zu jungen Damen, oder auch reifere Damen mit jungen Männern. Man mag sich dabei wieder jung fühlen, sollte aber nie vergessen, daß hier das Geld und nicht die vermeintliche Liebe zählt. Auch für Kenia gilt, daß Alter und Bildungsstand passen sollte bei langfristigen Bindungen. Weitere Infos oben unter Hotels.
trips
- Mombasa: (20km südlich von Mtwapa), mit einer Bevölkerung von über 1 Million, die zweitgrößte Stadt in Kenia. Es ist besonders für seine warmes und sonniges Klima bekannt und die weißen Strände und Korallenriffe, die perfekt zum Schnorcheln geeignet sind. Gute Einkaufsmöglichkeiten.
- 6 Sacred Mijikenda Forest: Die Mijikenda Kaya Wälder (40km östlich von Mtwapa) bestehen aus 11 einzelnen Waldgebieten, die sich über etwa 200 km erstrecken und die Überreste zahlreicher befestigter Dörfer, genannt Kajas, der Mijikenda-Leute enthalten. Die Kayas, die aus dem 16. Jahrhundert stammen und seit den 1940er Jahren verlassen wurden, gelten heute als Platz der Ahnen und werden als heilige Stätten verehrt und als solche von Ältestenräten regiert. Der Ort ist ein einzigartiges Zeugnis einer kulturellen Tradition.
- 7 Mnarani Ruins sind die Überreste von zwei Moscheen in der Nähe von Mnarani (40km nördlich von Mtwapa). Die Moscheen stammen aus dem 15. Jahrhundert und liegen auf einer Klippe mit Blick auf den Kilifi Creek. Manarani ist ein malerischer, friedlicher Ort der einen Besuch wert ist, verfügt auch über eine ausgezeichnete Picknick-Anlage und eine sehenswerte Schlangen-Farm.
- 8 Watamu Marine National Park: Der Park (70km nördlich von Mtwapa) bei Malindi besteht aus einem Korallenriff mit bis zu 200 verschiedenen Fischarten und verschiedenen Meeresschildkröten.
- 9 Marafa Canyon: Marafa ist eine Siedlung etwa 40km nordöstlich von Malindi, bekannt für den Marafa-Canyon (Hells Kitchen), eine durch Bodenerosion entstandene bizarre, sehr fotogene Schlucht.
- 10 BIO-Ken Snake Farm. Wer sich für Schlangen interessiert, für den lohnt sich ein Besuch der Bio-Ken Schlangenfarm bei Malindi-Watamu. Es beherbergt die größte Sammlung von Schlangen in Ostafrika.
- 11 Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Reserve: ist ein 420 km2 großer Küstenwald in der Nähe des Watamu Marine Parks bei Malindi. Es ist der größte intakte Küstenwald Ostafrikas.
- 12 Gede Ruins sind eines der wichtigsten historischen Denkmäler an der kenianischen Küste in der Nähe des Ortes Watamu bei Malindi.
- 13 Shimba Hill National Park: (70km südlich von Mtwapa) Als einer der größten Küstenwälder in Ostafrika nach dem Arabuko-Sokoke Wald, ist dieses Reservat reich an Flora und Fauna und hat die höchste Dichte der afrikanischen Elefanten in Kenia. Andere Tierarten im Park sind die Sable Antilope, Elefantenspitzmaus, Buschschwanz-Mungo und andere kleine Säugetiere. Im Wald und auf den Lichtungen kann man eine Vielzahl von besonderen Vogelarten beobachten. Der beeindruckende Sheldrick Wasserfall, im dichten Regenwald, lohnt ebenfalls einen Besuch.
- Diani Beach: Hauptreiseziel deutscher Urlauber an Kenias Küsten
- Malindi and Watamu: Traumstrände mit vielen italienischen Gästen
- Lamu: Küstenstadt im Norden, Weltkulturerbe
climate
Das Klima in Mtwapa ist tropisch feucht-warm. The beste Reisezeit is of Ende November bis Mitte März. Danach wird es unangenehm heiß mit erhöhter Luftfeuchtigkeit. The schlechteste Reisezeit ist in der Haupt-Regenzeit von April bis Juni. Dann kann man oft wenig unternehmen, da wegen fehlender Kanalisation in kürzester Zeit die Wege und Straßen überschwemmt und schlammig sind. Meist regnet es zwar nur kurz und dann scheint wieder die Sonne, aber auch tagelanger Dauerregen kommt vor. In den dadurch entstehenden Pfützen vermehren sich die Mücken schlagartig und das Malaria- und Dengue-Fieber-Risiko steigt. Auch in der 2. Regenzeit, Oktober-November muss man mit Beeinträchtigungen rechnen. Es gibt so gut wie keine Museen oder andere Seheswürdigkeiten, die man auch bei Regen besichtigen kann, allenfalls einige Tempel und Einkaufszentren in Mombasa.
literature
- Vis-à-Vis Kenia Taschenbuch – Philip Briggs, Lizzie Williams
- Kenia: Ein Länderporträt – Ingrid Laurien
- MARCO POLO Reiseführer Kenia – Marc Engelhardt
