A Guide to Watamu:

General Information about Kenya

Practical Issues

Watamu Causes:

 

watamu.net is in a position to help you out with any questions you might have about your travels to Kenya. Here is a selection of common questions to begin with.

KENYA INFORMATION

Go to top of pageWHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?
Kenya's climate is fairly warm throughout most of the country. However, most of the country is at altitude, which means hot, sunny days - with strong sun - and cool to cold nights. Exceptions to this are the coastal belt and the northern parts of Kenya, which are generally arid and hot.

Watamu's weather depends on the Trade Winds, with rain expected during June July and October as well as during October, November and, sometimes, December. The hottest months during Kaskazi - the hot northeastern Trade winds - are from December through to April. Then the wind changes to the Kusi - the cool wet southern Trades.

Go to top of pageDO I NEED TO ARRANGE A VISA BEFOREHAND?
That, of course, depends on where you come from. It is advisable to check with the nearest Kenyan consular representative in your country.

Go to top of pageWHAT DISEASES SHOULD I BE WORRIED ABOUT?
Malaria is just about the only potentially deadly illnes you will be exposed to. Even when on a prophylactic dose of one drug or another you may still get it. However, prevention is simply not getting bitten by mossies.

Therefore:
Sleep under a net. Wear repellant. Cover up after dark.

Malaria has been known to kill tourists. However they die in their own countries, because the local health institutions generally would not suspect malaria, diagnose flu, and the malaria rages on. Therefore if you experience ANY flu-like symptoms upon your return - or during your stay - go and get a blood-slide test done for malaria AT THE EARLIEST POSSSIBLE OPPORTUNITY. Failing that, go to a pharmacy and buy a full, curative dose of either Cotexin+Doxycycline or Larium and get them down your neck sharpish.

Larium is the "Knock it on the head" solution, but it has been known to cause weird dreams (and worse), so take care. 4-6 tablets (depending on body-weight) taken in twos, every six hours. So maximum 18 hours later the drugs are finished... and so is the malaria.

Cotexin or Artemesin is derived from the famous Chinese herb that has been found effective against malaria, but you need the Doxycycline to kill the parasites lodged in your liver. The course takes about 6 days.

NOTE: The author of the above has had malaria more than 25 times in his life, and says that the worst mistake with malaria is leaving it untreated longer than necessary. The sooner it is treated, the better.

Go to top of pageWHAT LANGUGES ARE SPOKEN?
Kenya is a diverse and multilingual place. As well as over 40 different local languages, Kiswahili (the lingua franca of eatsern Africa) and English (Kenya's official language) are also widely spoken. As a visitor you are unlikely to encounter any difficulties with English. In tourist hotspots a good deal of German, Italian and French is also spoken.

Go to top of pageHOW MANY PEOPLE LIVE IN KENYA?
About 32 million, from over 40 different tribes and ethnic groups.

Go to top of pageIS THERE A LOT OF IN YOUR FACE POVERTY?
Yes and no. Of course, urban centres display their poverty on your shirtsleeve, in the form of street children and beggars. However, on safari or on the beach you won't see that much of it close up. If you walk about in the coconut plantations behind the Malindi Mombasa road and go looking for it, you'll see it. In your face. Sure.

Go to top of pageWHAT SHOULD I BE WORRIED ABOUT?
If you are travelling in an organised group, not a lot. Everything should have been taken care of, and if it hasn't, get your money back!

If you are a independent travelling type, then the following applies:

Beware of very skilful conmen that prey on newly arrived people, especially in Nairobi and in Mombasa. Several friends have been conned by these guys! Just ignore them without being rude, or walk away. Under no circumstances join them for a drink... you may be being set up for the next sting! This sounds harsh, and by all means, don't be afraid to talk to people. But as soon as they turn the screws (i.e. work up to ask for money), get rid of them fast, or move along.

Most bus, matatu and transport operators are honest, and would lynch someone stealing from you. However, the confusion at busy bus stations also aids the stealing types, so be alert and don't take any BS.

 

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