Sat 16th. Early matatu from Nyali to Mwembe Tayari. Lucky, because by 06:30 was on my way to Taveta. Didn’t stop long in Voi so we reached Taveta before midday.
So, my usual routine including watching football on Saturday and Sunday.
Sun 17th. Spent time watching football. Split between Utamaduni and Matumu. Otherwise, a quiet day.
Mon 18th. Moshi Express. Paid 400 from Taveta …I got Foko to reduce fare by 100. Trying something different..straight through service, only stopping at the border. Saves the boda ride, walking to the stage, waiting for the dala dala to leave Holili, possible delays at the Himo stage… Unfortunately I was standing in wrong place at the Taveta stage. Was told the coaster had already left; hopped on boda to rush to the border to catch up, only to find the Coaster hadn’t arrived yet and was actually behind me in Taveta. A little irritating, but passed through immigration and got on the Coaster when it arrived. It was a little while before we left, as there was a lot of money changing/discussions going on. But a smooth non stop journey to Moshi.
Moshi. 45 mins from arriving…I had walked to Kindoroko and checked in for 20,000. Found the Airtel office..reactivated my Sim card and sat down at the Police Mess for a Serengeti. Very good going.
After a couple of beers and a chat with Catherine I went over to Kaka’s, only to discover they started closing on Mondays again so that the chef got a break. I was told of another chicken tandoori restaurant near the central market. I went through the market incurring the wrath of stall holders for trying to take pictures. I shouted at one guy, saying I was only interested in the vegetables…not his bloody face !!
I found the recommended restaurant but the chicken didn’t look particularly appetising. I went for one of their Zanzibar pizzas instead (1,500Tsh)…a square shaped chapati mix cooked on a hot grill, encompassing onion and an egg and a little bit of beef. Very tasty. I went from there to a bar just around the corner from my hotel and ended up eating a chips mayai and some peanuts and washed down with a couple of beers.
Tues 19th. My bed was very comfortable, and my room 204 was bigger than 202 which I was given last time. The only downside of 204 was it being on the main road and very noisy. However, setting the fan at full speed seemed to cut out the noise. I caught a glimpse of Kili first thing. But the view of Kili from the balcony outside my room or from the rooftop is amazing. Breakfast at Kindoroko is basic. But having a selection of cereals is unusual, followed by a bit of watermelon and toast and a choice of tea or coffee.
I sat at reception for a while as that was the only place where the wifi worked. It took a while to upload a FB post. I went to the Airtel shop to clarify something relating to my Sim card number and then on to Aroma Coffee house on Boma Road. I sat there for quite a while sipping a ginger tea and using their WiFi.
A relaxing day. I drew out 600,000Tsh from DTB then went back to my room and the hotel rooftop. After showering and changing, it was on to the Police Mess.
I went to Kaka’s for my delicious tandoori chicken. Before that, I joined my friends in the top bar. Great chat and as usual they were very generous about sharing the Konyagi. This time I was also encouraged to sample the ‘weed’. There were 2 types…shamba, which was the cheap one…and a superior more expensive one. I enjoyed my few puffs, then went downstairs for my chicken. Needless to say…most enjoyable. A quick stop at the bar around the corner from the hotel…then to bed.
Wed 20th. The breakfast was a bit nicer (maybe the bread was more fresh). Great views of Mt Kili. By the time I got down to reception, Steve was already there waiting for me. I had decided, as a treat to myself to do a Safari through him at the beginning of January and I paid him the deposit of 800,000Tsh. The full all inclusive cost for the 3 nights, 4 days camping safari to the Serengeti and Ngorongo Crater was just under 2millionTsh, or about £650, which I thought was excellent value for transport, food, accommodation and Park entrance fees.
Steve left for Arusha. I went walkabout in the direction of Moshi railway station. A guy called Richard decided to join me, and in fact told me lots of interesting local facts as well as pointing out the different trees and bushes and vegetable plants along the way. Back to the hotel to relax. Walked over to Aroma Coffee house. Back to Kindoroko for a shower. Went to another café/restaurant for a chai. Then across to the Police Mess. Then over to Kaka’s. This time it was my turn and I bought a big bottle of Konyagi for the guys to share. At 13,000Tsh, or about £4, it was cheap for me but very much appreciated by everyone. Enjoyed my usual tandoori and a couple of beers for about 17,000 or £5 to £6 and then back to the hotel.
Thurs 21st. More great views of Kili early in the morning. I took my time as I was aiming for a 12:15 dala dala to Holili; the plan was to meet up with Joseph and Mercy for kiti moto. After breakfast and packing and checking out, I sat in reception then went for a coffee near the stage.
We left at 12:30, and because the vehicle was so full and the issue of switching vehicles at Himo, I didn’t arrive until 14:00. Mercy and Joseph arrived about 10 mins after me. We had drinks at Dubai Village then walked down the road for kiti moto at Dubai Grocery. No Mamka so the food was not as good as usual. ..bananas were a bit cold and hard. I got some grief at immigration over my visa, which delayed me a little …but all well in the end. So, a boda to Taveta and back to my room.