Beach at Mombasa, Kenya
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Mombasa's Magical Sands and Sparkling Sea Part One - by Jerry W. Bird
From
Nairobi by Rail
The
Coastal Route One of the first things we learned is that the Kenya Railway runs on time. Shortly after our train pulled away from Nairobi Station, the dinner gong sounded and we joined the other passengers in the dining car. To our surprise, the metal dinner plates and white linen table cloths so common in Colonial times were still in use. No soda pop, peanuts or cold ham sandwiches for us. While both full course meals served aboard the train are included in the price, there is a reasonable charge for wine, beer or spirits. The dining car passengers were varied, some young girls at the opposite table were from Iceland visiting Africa for the first time; another guest whom we enjoyed talking to was a 90 year old many from Malindi, who was a Kenya Railway official back in the 1940s, We plan to visit him and listen to some great railway stories on our return to the coast, perhaps this fall. The view we observed during the evening meal was of Nairobi's outskirts, however the most memorable vistas along on the historic line went unseen, as the train passed through Tsavo National Park and other scenic areas while the passengers were tucked away in their cozy bunk beds. We were lulled to sleep in no time by the train's vibration, with the rhythm of the wheels and a fresh breeze coming in from the open window. For added convenience, we had adjoining coaches, each with an, upper and lower berth. It's an ideal arrangement for families with small children. As a rail travel enthusiast I am watching the news carefully as talk of an impending sale is taking place. Someday soon, perhaps this coming year, a wise entrepreneur will discover the value of rail as a tourist attraction, His group will not only upgrade the services, food and facilities, but will add a day time schedule like the Rocky Mountaineer did in Western Canada. Its founder Peter Armstrong, a former bellhop, captured a segment of the Japanese market that no one had even considered at the time. Another great entrepreneurial example is Rohan Vos of Rovos Rail in Pretoria.
Continued on Next Page - > -> -> Kenya Stars Shine in our next 4 issues! Read about Kenya's famous Olympic Athletes of the Century from our meeting with Dr. Kipchoge Keino, head of the National Olympic Committee of Kenya. Other interviews included Tourism Ministry and KTB officials, of Kenya Airways CEO , African Airlines Assn, Kenya Chamber of Commerce, Kenya Tour Operators Assn, Utalii College, East Africa Wildlife Society, Kenya Travel Agents Assn, Great East Africa Auto Rally, Mombasa and Coast Tourist Asson, plus many hoteliers, travel agents, embassies and tour operators. Details
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We
have 1
When
the time came to choose a razzle dazzle, upbeat photo for
the cover of Africa Travel Magazine's 30th World Congress
Edition, the Kenya Coast fishing scene won hands down. In
our vocabulary, it was a keeper! Talk about sensual appeal -
one glance and you can smell the salty air, feel the rocking
of the wooden dhow, the sun's warm rays and the kiss of a
gentle sea breeze on your face. Quick now! Can't you just
savor the steamy, succulent red lobster, fresh from the
Indian Ocean. In the theater of the mind, that magical scene
alone was sufficient bait for us to take off on what became
an unforgettable visit to Mombasa. As it turned out many of
our wishes and dreams for a pleasant, laid back coastal
paradise were fulfilled. Kenya's Minister of Tourism and
Wildlife, Hon. Morris Dzoro comes from the area, and
informed us of his ministry's far reaching plans for Mombasa
itself and other coastal centers. We would also be fortunate
in spending some quality time with the Mombasa and Coast
Tourism Association and many of its members individually.
Next
to the Nairobi Station is a
.
.