When the clock hits zero
Midnight in Nairobi, in every participating country's time.
Logistics you need to know
The key points from the participant and coordinator logistical note. Download the full note for everything else.
Look after one another, stay in communication, and tell the coordination team your plans whenever you leave the hostel.
Entry to Kenya (eTA)
Most visitors need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before flying, applied for online at etakenya.go.ke. It normally takes three working days, so apply early.
Not sure if you need one? Check with your coordinator.
Health documents
Everyone must carry a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card).
Travellers originating from Uganda or DRC complete the Electronic Traveller Surveillance Form before disembarking. Keep the confirmation QR on your phone.
October weather
End of the long rains: quick, heavy showers, often in the afternoon. The sea is around 26–27°C and UV is very high, so wear sunscreen even when it's cloudy.
What to pack
- Reusable water bottle (mandatory)
- Towel, swimwear, sunscreen, hat
- Rain jacket and a dry bag
- Mosquito repellent, long sleeves
- Modest clothing for community visits
- Power bank and personal medication
Leaving the hostel
A leave-out sheet is mandatory before leaving outside scheduled activities. Travel in pairs or groups, and don't walk alone after dark.
In an emergency
Get to safety, contact your coordinator with your exact location, and stay together. Never cross floodwater.
Kenya emergency: 999 or 112Entry and health rules can change. Check the official eTA portal and your airline before you fly.
Many Roots, One Future.
Each country gets its own table, so bring what says “this is home”. Come dressed in your cultural outfit and prepare a short, fun presentation about your country. Start planning with your country squad now.
For your country's table
Bring what says “this is home”.
On the night
Anything goes, as long as the team performs it.
Dress upCome in your cultural outfit.
Present your countryA song, a dance, a poem. Short and fun.
Plan with your squadAgree who brings what, and rehearse together beforehand.
Best Dressed Country
The squad in the finest cultural outfits.
Best Displayed Country
The table that feels most like home.
Best Country Presentation
The team performance that wins the room.
May the best country win!
Mombasa, day by day
Moments from every day of the programme, captured by our photographer. Every album is open to all, so view, share and download as many photos as you like.
All albums
Tap a day to open it. Where an album asks for a download PIN, it's shown on the card. Tap the PIN to copy it.
Photos by R Photography, hosted on Pixieset. Albums open in a new tab.
Vote for your Mombasa favourites
Who's the friendliest? The funniest? The best dancer? Pick a category, or create your own, type anyone's name, and watch the leaderboard change live. Voting is anonymous: only the people voted for are shown. One vote per category on each phone.
Leaderboard
Mombasa is days away. How are you feeling?
Say hello before we meet. Share what you're looking forward to, what you're bringing from home, or what your squad is planning. Everyone from all seven countries can read it.
