Hello phisigchick!

I am also Black and live in the County of Los Angeles...small world! I was in Kenya this summer and had a wonderful experience. Try not to be so nervous as you will love the region. Regarding the toilet situation, I worked in Japan many years ago and the non-western type was all that was available in my office building. So I learned really quick! Around Nairobi, you may encounter these toilets at service stations but don't let it worry you. You'll learn quick, too! The people are warm, the food is delicious, and you will see a beautiful place that you will not believe. Take in this wonderful place and have a fabulous trip!

if you are driving from nairobi to mbsa take care , the road is full of frustrated idiots, if you see a truck or car comming towards you on your side of the road ,ease off the power a little flash u lights like hell , so they can see you and give them time to overtake what ever they are overtaking as they dont stop

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pjduk,

Seriously! Is that for day and night? I knew we should just take the bus!

I would avoid the road and take the plane!

Tembofan,

Unfortunately that isn't in the budget :(

Hi there I had all the same worries before I traveled to Kenya! I went this past summer for month volunteering with IVHQ. I lived with alocal host family wholuckily had a toilet but i did encounter many " holes in the ground" too....all about the experience... and depending on the hole its actually quite comfortable squating over one..I actually think its easier than squating over a dirty toilet seat. I was soooo worried beore i went about safety I think i read too many travel warnings..... but honestly when i got there I realized i had over reacted....EverywhereI went i felt safe.... u need to just have street smarts and follow the rules....if your husband is from there I am sure you will be fine.....I know many who took a bus to Mombasa and it wasnt more than $40 return..... I have a blog if you wouldlike to read it as for things to do!! there are lots!!!! I did a day trip, hired a taxi to take us around ( u will rent a vehicle?) In that day we hit up the elephant orphanage which is onlyopen for an hour 11-noon and i think cost only 500 shillings.... then we went to the giraffe sanctuary which i think was 1000 shillings.... TheKaron Blixon house is there too if you are a fan of the movie out of africa.... then ended it with drinks and dinner at the Carnivore which i think is a must,,, it is morepricey and sure its a touristy place but oh boy \YUMMY I think i spent 3000 shillings for dinner but it is all u can eat meat... the ostrich balls are delicious!!... Also near the Westgate Mall ( which is actually nicer than my hometown mall) they have a massai market on tues and thurs and sat... and a 5 minute drive from there there is the monkey park ( which is FREE) and u justpay like 50 shillings for nuts and get to feed the monkeys.... are u sure safari isnt in the budget? how can u goto kenya and not go on a safari?//// well another option might be going to Hells Gate National Park... no lions but there is wild life and the scenorie is beautiful... If going to Nairobi NationalPark stay clear of the animal orphanage ( trap) it was more like azoo with small cages.... and the safari "walk" was azoo.... do the actual safari there if you can..... I would also suggest bringing babywipes! you wil get really dusty there and always nice to wipe down your face and body... i cant think of anything else at the moment....

I can totally relate!

The most useful thing I took was a Freshette (look it up; available at REI, etc. Another brand is "GoGirl"). Carried this everywhere and came up with this "kit" solution: Gallon ziplock baggy with two quart baggies inside. Freshette in one of the smaller baggies, TP & wet wipes packet in the other. Doesn't take a lot of space and lets you be hygenic even if there is no running water (just wash the thing later). Used it a LOT..there are plenty of western-style toilets that you might not want to sit on either.

drive daytime much safer , havnt and wouldn do it at night, but yes be more vigilant than normal , its ok as long as you keep your wits about you

Please don't worry,you'll love Kenya. I'm currently living in Nairobi and you'll find the people to be very accomodating. Your anxieties are misplaced. I hope that you have a wonderful trip.