16th – 19th Dec, Mombasa
Mon 16th.
I left my raincoat out of the packing to save on a little weight and space. I still took my umbrella though.
The 08:00 left at 08:30. I had space to stretch my legs. Glad I didn’t try for a front seat as there were no animals anyway in the Park section.
We bypassed Voi again, which meant a good 4.5 hours trip. Some heavy rain as we approached Mombasa. We arrived after 2pm, and as immigration closes at 2pm I knew it was to be a following morning activity.
I checked in at Duncort hotel. I contacted Clarence at Kilindini Pub. I first went to the Mombasa Village bar around the corner from the Castle hotel, then walked up Moi Ave and passed the tusks to Kilindini Pub. I didn’t stay long as it was starting to get a bit late.
I decided on a nice dinner at Bella Vista where I had a really nice chicken curry; all meat, no bones. It was dark by the time I finished so I skipped Fantasy this time. I bought a small bottle of spirit to take back to Duncort.
Tues 17th.
I was in 2 minds about going to Nyali, but just stay in the city instead. I had asked John to book me a Tulia room, then I asked him not to bother. But he’d already looked it up, and the good 8,000bob rate for 3 nights changed my mind again and I decided to go for it.
I packed; put the rucksack in reception; walked over to immigration. About a 10 minute wait for the 9:00 opening. Processed/stamped my 3 month extension very quickly, but whereas before it was free, it now costs $50. I didn’t want to use my 50usd note, so it was good that I could pay the 6,500Ksh equivalent.
I collected the rucksack from the hotel and was soon in a matatu from Digo road to Nyali. By 11:00 I was in Nyali and went straight to Tulia. Check in went without a hitch. Was given the Tsavo room again, where I was in November for a week; room with bathroom across the hallway. I went to Reef hoping to see Afnan but she was in court representing the hotel in a theft case.
I had a drink in the Moonshine bar…just for a change.
I went onto the beach, where not only was it nice, flat white sand but also totally free of seaweed…that’s what happens, depending on the tide. After that it was a visit to Kenol, followed by a Githeri at mama siti. Tulia is only 5 minutes away from there, and before going to my room, I had a beer in the Tulia bar. Then to enjoy my airconditioned room and watch some news as I’d figured out the TV.
Wed-Thurs 18th to 19th.
The days followed a similar pattern. Waking, washing and going for my English breakfast. 2 of the 3 days at Tulia I had to be alert as there were half a dozen monkeys running around in the garden. I wasn’t sure how aggressive they might be in going for my food.
I went into the shopping centre to thank Shadya once again for the great job in arranging the Safari for Richard and Margaret. Otherwise it was mama siti every day for a tea after breakfast and possibly again in the afternoon. The other evening meal which I had on my last day was a chicken biryani.
Every day I visited the beach; on the last day I walked down passed Voyager, just a short walk and then straight back to Tulia. That was generally followed in mid/late afternoon with a drink at Reef then at Kenol/Rubis. After dinner at mama siti I would mix my own drink in my room ( thus avoiding the expensive Tulia bar prices ) then go and sit in the bar area for a short time.
On Wednesday I went to Kiembeni to see Mercy; I didn’t realise I was going to Bonny’s house. Anne cooked a nice lunch, and it was nice to see Bonny’s 2 sons who I hadn’t seen for a few years. Going there I took a boda all the way for 250bob, but on the way back I took 2 matatus for a total of 70bob.
On my last day I thought I really must use the pool; shame not too. So I swam for 15 minutes…that was enough for me. An enjoyable few days in Nyali at Tulia Backpackers; I love the location …just over 5 minutes to the beach and 5 minutes to the shopping centre. And thanks to friend John the room only cost 2,600 or about £16 per day. Comfortable AC/fan room, including breakfast, pool, and friendly staff.
Back to Taveta the following day.