Mon 20th. Heavy rain first thing so I was prepared with my umbrella. By the time I left the hotel to walk across the road to the bus stand the rain had stopped. Found my Marangu coach eventually. Settled into my seat no. 1. We left at 06:15. Uneventful trip. Loved the strange rock formations. Only one brief stop at Singida where I bought some crisps and snacky things.
The countryside was very green the whole way to Arusha following lots of rain since I passed through about 3 weeks ago. A long 12.5 hours trip but very comfortable coach and I never get tired of looking at the countryside. I’d had a good nights sleep so only dozed a couple of times en route.
By 7:30 was in Arusha . I walked to what is now Arusha Tourist Inn and was lucky to get the last room in the hotel. Got a slight reduction to 20,000. Found a nearby bar for a couple of beers. Left when I waitresses discussing how there were some thieves loitering… Then bed.
Tues 21st
Met Steve at his ‘office ‘ at Msumbi Coffees, a popular meeting point for tour guides and a starting point for Safaris.
After coffee I went to check ticket prices to Nairobi. Bus ticket with Kidia One leaving at 06:00 cost 30,000
Had a samosa snack with a nice tea. Went across town and took some Arusha School pics for Jill who must’ve schooled there in the 50s. Went to Fifi’s for masala chai and wifi. After a shower I went to the Cold Pub and met up with Edgar. Then to my hotel room .
Wed 22nd
Met Steve at the Clock Tower and we walked to near the Impala hotel to the Riverside coaster booking office. Having weighed up a more convenient departure time and a pick up from my hotel, I decided to book the Coaster to Nbi for 50,0000 . Ok, 20,000 more than Kidia but better chance of getting through immigration quicker. If Kidia was a full bus, then much longer processing time at the border plus checking all the luggage. Also, Coaster destination more likely to be in more convenient part of Nairobi. We’ll see.
Fifi’s …long time.
Hotel ..washed shirt/socks. Relaxed.
Showered. Black n White for kiti moto. Superb..with carrots n green peppers..reminded me of Bagamoyo. Torrential rain while I was eating, but it had stopped after half an hour and I was able to walk just around the corner to Cold Pub.
23rd. Skipped breakfast at my hotel and spent 1,800 instead of 5,000. Didn’t do much all day. Called into immigration to ask if they extended a 3 month for free like in Kenya, but the answer was ‘no’. Went to Fifi’s. After going back to the hotel I went to Black and White for another kiti moto dinner. After that I met up with Edgar at Cold Pub. That was it..my final day in Arusha.