I have made some awesome friends here in Kenya and in Uganda.

Francis works in a local hotel in Uganda but also runs a children’s home for disabled children. He has finally managed to save a 50% deposit for a block of land so he can build the kids a home and not have to pay rent on somebody else’s. If you would like to help him finished paying for his block of land I will put the link below.

Nelson has just finished his master’s degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management. He is a tour guide operator and can customise any safari you can dream up. Nelson was my river cruise guide while I was at Kazinga Channel in Uganda.

Hallelua was our porter for our gorilla track in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Hallelua carried our bag and pushed or pulled us up or down the mountain thus keeping us from very certain death sliding in the mud to the bottom. Do not go on a gorilla trek without a porter, I repeat, do not go on a gorilla trek without a porter. They will save your life.

Here in Mombasa I have met some wonderful people. Everyone over here is always smiling and laughing, working hard to pay the bills, and always ready to do it again the next day. The genuine smile on their faces when I say “mumbo” (hello) is really wonderful to see. They love it when muzungus (white travellers) make an effort to learn some Swahili words and experience the local culture the way only a local person can show you. There is no such thing as cultural appropriation over here. These wonderful people will share everything with the people willing to travel here to experience it. I have eaten grilled fish, complete with bones, eyes and tail, ugali, greens, and sauce with Ramadhan, had lunch at a restaurant in a tourist resort with Abigael, and had lunch with my Uber driver Marsden. Because why not, I love making friends and experiencing the local life the way the locals live it.