Sex tourism: Romantic safaris, prayers and witchcraft at the Kenyan coast

Abstract

This paper explores the nature of sex tourism on the Kenyan coast. Based on a study of women offering ‘romantic’ experiences to international tourists in the beach towns of Mombasa and Malindi, the research suggests that these women are motivated by the desire to have a better life that only a mzungu (white foreigner) can provide. The study further indicates that, such is the number of local women competing to engage tourists on ‘romantic safaris’; they have to employ different skills and at times seek the help of witchcraft and their supernatural powers to succeed. In the end, the women run a number of risks that include becoming addicted to the ‘easy life’ that in turn compromises their ability to do something else for a living. The research presents a case study and contributes to the literature by its cultural context and description of strategies employed by the ‘romantic entertainers’.