Jambo, Massa, jambo….
These words are engraved onto the back of my hand carved native tribal mask, which was purchased from a market stall, on a dusty street in Mombassa.
Of all the country’s I have visited, (over 70 if you include islands), this is the one I would most like to take Sherry, my wife to.
Lets take a tour from the minute you arrive.
The heat and humidity go hand in hand, and smother you as soon as you set foot in this glorious piece of Africa.
Many an insect swarm around your almost anaemic complexion, licking their lips as they tie their bibs around their little necks for their first feed of your holiday,,,,but wait, drat, you put repellent on like you were advised, and the little critters are cursing the reps who’s sound advice has paid off.
Onboard the “not quite” state of the art bus, to take you through the dusty streets to the Africana sea lodge, one of the finest hotels I have had the pleasure to stay at.
The scenery is plush and green, with a tinge of dryness, evident throughout the 1-hour journey from Mombassa to the hotel.
Arriving at an authentically designed African hut-style hotel, we were greeted with enthusiasm and charm by the Kenyan employees of the hotel.
Once into the lobby, we registered with a difference!
Whilst you were queuing, a coconut was chopped in front of you with a huge machete, and then presented to you with a straw, for you consumption.
Now I cannot profess to enjoy coconut milk neat, (pina colada style, fine) this was the most refreshing drink I have ever had. This may have been because of the humidity, heat, or even the long bus journey, nut I don’t care, it was like nectar from a humming birds beak!
We were taken to our rooms by a 10ft African chap (no really, he was that tall he had snow on his head!) and he showed us into a simple but authentic and pleasant hut style (more chalet than hut) accommodation, comprising of separate lounge, kitchen bathroom and two bedrooms.
The monkey on the roof and lizard on the wall were of no extra cost.
I tipped the gentleman about £1, and he was chirping away as if this was the world. When I purchased a beer later for about 35p, I understood why!
Once the monkey had ran off into the jungley bit behind our hut, I changed and went down to the beach.
WOW, no other words could describe this sight.
The sand could not have been any whiter if it had been bleached, nor the sea any more turquoise.
The water was so clear that you could see the rays swimming over the sand 30 yards away.
There was a reef about 100 yards out, where you could see all kinds of colourful water inhabitants swimming through the coral.
Best advice is not to get too close as they are very sharp, (the corals, not the fish)
The first meal I had there that evening was a banquet fit for royalty. There were more courses than at your average university, and the quality matched the choice.
Shellfish, steaks, various meats, (didn’t ask if it was zebra, but there was plenty of it so it might have been, who gets that one) and salad was help yourself buffet style, as were fresh fruits and desserts.
I was stuffed.
They had live music and entertainment every night, and a nightclub away from accommodation for when this finished.
The funniest experience that I had there, was while I was slightly inebriated, and the beach started to move, no really move!
All the sand crabs were digging their way out of the sand for their evening dance, and it was so great to watch.
The other funny thing was the monkey who pinched my pizza from the snack bar, and was then chased by the security guard with his little bow and arrow.
I always wondered why the monkey had a little bow and arrow! (Groan)
The next day I went into Mombassa town centre, and thought with the hoards of peddlers with their trinkets and carved animals.
I purchased various wooden animals, chess sets. Malachite ornaments, and other “authentic” African curios, before sampling the Tuskers beer, which was plentiful for literally pennies.
This can be a daunting experience, being pushed and shoved by all the peddlers, but they mean you no harm, although stay to the main streets, otherwise you are pushing your luck!
Back in the hotel, I relaxed and enjoyed the luxurious comfort and the lavish hospitality that they smothered you with.
I don’t think there is a better feeling, or a better place to go, and I long to re-visit.
Incidentally, Jambo means welcome, and that is exactly how I felt.
Angus
- Thank You! We appreciate your effort.