Beach Safari In KenyaHow To Get There - Find Out What You Must AvoidBy Air: If you will be travelling to Kenya by air and intend to travel to Mombasa, then this is my strong advise. Get a ticket from your departure point to Mombasa. For instance, if travelling on KLM or British Airways, ensure that your ticket says that your final destination is Mombasa rather than Nairobi. This will mean that you will arrive at Jomo Kenyatta Airport in Nairobi (all planes have to stop at this airport as it is in the main capital city). Ideally, you should get off here so that you can start your safari on the main land. When finished with the mainland safari, return to the airport and use the part of your ticket that says Nairobi - Mombasa. Mombasa is the coastal town and it makes sense to finish off your safari there as it is quite relaxing. When ready to leave for your home country, you will use the part of your ticket that says Mombasa – Nairobi where you will get off and board the larger aircraft to your home country. If you are already in Nairobi, use these carriers
If you do not fly there, you can take the train, the bus or drive there. Driving there: There are many companies from which you can rent a car. 4WD are a good choice especially if you will do a game drive later on. The road you will be using is called – Mombasa Road. Recently touched up, this road is better than it has been in many years. The road is a dual carriage way and not a large motor way like we have in Europe or in the States. You need to be careful and fully alert on this road. Very alert! Some drivers are careless and can cause accidents easily. Leave as early as you can when travelling to or from Mombasa. Leave as early as 7:00am. This gives you enough time to stop for a cup of tea or lunch on the way. You should reach your destination by 4:00pm (before the sun sets). Night travel on Mombasa Road should be avoided at all costs. There are many accidents that happen on that road. There are trucks that leave Mombasa port on their way to Uganda and Rwanda (the neighbouring countries) and vice versa. These trucks are not always well driven. Carry cash with you as well as some bottled water, snacks etc before you leave. There is a cash point at Mtito Andei but better have cash at hand just incase. There are not many nice places to stop for toilets and refreshments. But having said that, we found a new built place at Mtito Andei. They have flush “asian type” toilets that were clean – as far as being out there is concerned. I don’t want you to expect motorway road side services like in England because you will be disappointed. Carry the spirit of adventure and an open mind and you will enjoy everything that Africa brings your way. Having said that, I would still recommend that you fly to Mombasa rather than take the train, drive or take the bus. Take The Train: Historical Adventure! That is how I would describe travelling by train to and from Mombasa. The only train available is the old Colonial train famously dubbed the ‘iron snake’ which is managed by Kenya Railways. The train was called the ‘Iron Snake’ by local Kenyans as that is how they thought to be during its construction. It only departs from Nairobi every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 7:00pm and from Mombasa every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday at 7:00pm. The food service is quite good even though the actual train is run down. The highlight of your trip is that the train passes right through a game reserve – Tsavo National Parks. There is first and second class which costs $65 and $54 respectively.
Taking the Bus: This has to be your last option. I may sound quite negative on this but truly speaking, a little negativity is better if it will save your the agony of being on the buses to Mombasa. I am a bit or rather very shaky about bus travel in Kenya for one reason – recklessness. I have never been on this route by bus, but I have taken the bus to Uganda twice. Trust me, you will never come closer to death like you do on these buses. Anyways, if you must take the bus, there are plenty of bus companies in the Nairobi and Mombasa City centre. Try Akamba Bus Company, Mash and Easy Coach. It should cost you no more than £10 or $15 one way. More on The Coast |
