It's not all about middle class middle aged travellers going on safari to see a bit of the wild, there's much more to Kenya behind the tourist facade. Scratch away the veneer, ignore the cinemas and burger joints, get down with the Maasai and find yourself priveleged to see this amazing culture. And make sure you don't get in the way of any long distance athletes.
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Budget Accommodation in Kenya
The cheapest places to stay in Kenya are in boarding and lodging houses and around $5 should get you a secure room. Don't take hot water for granted though and make sure you have your own mosquito net. Otherwise the main option for budget accommodation is a tent - bring your own or rent one in town - there some amazing campsites around.
A Traveller's Budget for Kenya
Look to be spending around US$20 per day for the basics - accommodation, food and local transport. To get around bus is cheaper than the train, which is almost as expensive as flying. The bus tends to be safer than the alternative minibus taxis - these have an appaling safety record and shouldn't be taken at night as they're often ambushed. Establish the fare on the minibuses - matatus - before you get on, there's a tendency to swindle tourists, and sit on your bag, there won't be any rom for it unless you pay for two seats. In some parts of the country hitching is the only way to get around. It's used by the locals, payment is expected, but it comes with the usual risks involved so be aware.
It's not hard to eat cheap but it will usually involve barbequed goat or chicken and it will also usually involve staring at the corpse of one of its former companions. There is curry to be had on the coast, and pizza joints are readily available although they come in a little more expensive than the local cuisine.
Activities for the Budget Traveller
Diving or snorkelling at the Watamu Marine National Park
Take an organised safari (cheaper and safer than going it alone)
Trek up Mount Kenya
Go mountain biking in Hell's Gate National Park, but not in the middle of the day.
Go clubbing in Nairobi
