This archive report was first published on 16 August 2019.
On a sunny day in Malindi, Kenya, a unique phenomenon is taking shape. The town, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture, has become a hub for travelers seeking free accommodation.
According to Simon Wanjonah, a local resident who has hosted numerous travelers in his villa, the practice of 'couch surfing' is gaining popularity in Kenya.
"Couch surfing" refers to the practice of temporarily lodging with a stranger, free of charge. Simon, who has hosted visitors from around the world, including Canada, Tanzania, Peru, Germany, Uganda, Sweden, Chile, Hungary, and the UK, says he does it not just to provide a place to stay, but also to learn about different cultures and make new friends.
"I have a spare bedroom where I have hosted visitors from all over the world. We do not charge them. They come and learn our culture. Some who had preconceived ideas of Africa, come here and they get a culture shock," says Simon.
However, the rise of couch surfing has also led to some abuse of the system. Simon notes that some travelers are using the network to get free accommodation without any intention of immersing themselves in local culture.
"Sometimes it is tricky because there are people who want to tour places not for them to understand the culture but because they do not want to pay for accommodation," says Simon.
Despite the challenges, Simon remains optimistic about the benefits of couch surfing. He has made friends with travelers from around the world and has even hosted them in his home.
"If I want to go to the US, UK and South America I am sure I cannot stay in a hotel. I have made very many friends from there," he says.
For those interested in trying couch surfing, Simon advises to be honest and personal in your requests, and to spend time with your host to get to know them well. He also stresses the importance of keeping the host's house tidy and not overstaying.
Published on August 16, 2019, at 12:44 PM.
