5 Places that will make your trip to Mombasa memorable
I did get on the Madaraka Express on Madaraka Day. Funny enough, I did not realzie the co-relation until I was on the train. The trip was something I had planned for at the beginnning of May. I booked a package tour of Mombasa with a travel and tours company through the Ocharge app. I longed to explore more of Mombasa even though I have been there before. The Madaraka weekend presented the perfect occasion for this. I also wanted have a feel of a train ride would feel. I mean how else will I know my tax money was spent well, lol.
THE SGR RIDE
This Madaraka Day, the SGR fraternity and Kenyans were celebrating 1 year since the first trip of Madaraka Express. To that effect, we were given hampers. We were travelling on the 2:30 pm train and we were not about to be late. We got at the Nairobi Terminus at Syokimau at a few minutes to 2 pm. We were lucky to go through the thorough security check in 10 minutes and up the waiting lounge, we were. Finding our coach and seats was easy as instructions came though the speakers which everyone could hear. As the train started to pick up speed and we were settled, the food menu was passed around. A full meal goes for Ksh.400 while you get a wrap at Ksh.200 and a soda at Ksh.100. The train hostess was kind enough to answer any kind of clueless questions. The highlight of the train trip was spotting elephants and zebras as we went through Tsavo National Park.
p.s it will prudent if you keep your political view-or any other controversial idea to yourself for the train ride.
Places To Visit in Mombasa
Fort Jesus
This is one of the most visited places in Mombasa. It is an UNESCO heritage site and plays a monumental role in Mombasa’s history. It was built by the Portugese after which the Omans took over. Even if you have been there before, you would want to visit again as the place is being restored. Go and see the new-old.
Meeting Hall
The Beach
Is a visit to the tropical Coastal region complete without a walk on the beach? NO! Do yourself a favour and get to the beach. There are many beaches here such as Pirates public beach. On this trip, we went to Serena beach. As ere early we found it being cleaned. We got on a boat to have a view of land from the ocean. A boat ride here cost about ten thousand shillings. Lucky thing, we were able to split the cost. If time allows, you can also visit the disappearing islands near the beach.
Wild Waters
Men and women, the elderly and little ones can all enjoy a visit to this recreational place. Mombasa Wild Waters features various shapes and lengths of water slides. I particularly enjoyed the yellow open slide which throws you up and down on your floater. As much as it is a heart throbbing activity, it is generally safe. The slides and pool are kept clean and there are supervisors everywhere to watch over.
Mama Ngina Drive
If you live in the non-Coastal region of Kenya, getting on a ferry is a foreign idea. As you know Mombasa City is an island. The ferry acts as a link between Likoni and Mombasa town. It is quite an experience to go on the ferry especially on the top deck where the wind hits your face as you glimpse into the waters. It is free to get on the ferry but it can a hustle.
Mombasa Old Town.
Get a look into history through Mombasa Old Town. By visiting there you get to see how far Mombasa as a historic town has come and admire the Arabic architecture.
An image of Mombasa in the early days
Originally published at Kristy notes.
