Mombasa is an island.

Mombasa is an island with many banks and forex. Don't take all your money with you, you can easily withdraw cash and exchange money but DON'T take travellers cheques, they are impossible to exchange

Mombasa is an island with shoe shops and clothes shops! It is has Biashara street where you can haggle for gorgeous fabric with the locals

Mombasa is an island with history and shabbiness, everything is shabby, get used to it :)

Mombasa is an island with a karaoke bar! get it on and get down! Club Rio, Casablanca and Bella Vista, Tembo are 24hr clubs and bars that volunteers frequent so bring some nice clothes for the evenings.

Mombasa is an island with heat like an oven. Stay away from black clothes and embrace the colours to stay cool. Dress smart for the projects and wear what you like when not on the projects but just realise that you will attract attention whatever you wear!

Mombasa is an island with awesome public transport. If you've never travelled before, don't be scared of Mombasa. Tuk tuks, motorbikes, matatus, foot, boda boda whichever you use is an adventure!

• Mombasa
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