""Not Quite Kidnapped by Locals"" Watamu Tourist Trap Tip by Dizee

We got friendly with a lad from the local village who we met while taking a walk up the beach. He just wanted to practice his English on us (and probably earn a small amount of money) and we arranged for him to take us to the local snake farm. Unfortunately at the arranged meeting time two of the beach traders turned up instead and said that they would escort us - they said that the lad couldn't make it after all. We didn't really want to go with them, but out of courtesy arranged for them to show us around their village. At the end we gave them the equivalent of 3 pounds sterling each which we thought was fair reward for just over an hour of guiding (considering we didn't even want to go there in the first place) - we also bought them a beer in the local bar. They looked a bit put out by the amount and asked for money for the local orphanage. We stood firm and gave them no more money, but did say we were donating some clothes and money through the hotel at the end of our stay - which we, and most of the other guests, did. After buying them another beer each we parted on good terms, but I never did find out what they said to the boy from the village who was supposed to be our original guide for the day! I guess he strayed on to their turf.

Unique Suggestions: If you are "kidnapped" in this way its probably best to agree a fee in advance, that way there would be no disagreement at the end. I also had serious doubts whether the percentage they claimed they gave to the local orphanage ever would have gone there! Much better to donate through the hotel.