En-route to Syokimau Terminus on 11th February 2022.
It was on 11th February 2022, we were all set for the travel. We liaised with our very own tour partner Hooli Tours and Travel; in which they booked an SGR railway to Mombasa at 10.00 p.m. It implied that we had to be at Syokimau Terminus at around 8.00 p.m. Reason being, we wanted to avoid traffic amongst the crowd.
I was both nervous and excited about the trip; since it was my first time traveling to Mombasa. Furthermore, it was also my leading time using the means of SGR railway station. However, recently I have been making intentions of stepping out of my comfort zone. Furthermore, I was excited to meet my best friend at the coast. It had been adept since we saw each other face to face. Aforementioned was like a perfect meetup between my best friend and me. We also wanted to mingle with new people. It was a fun idea to do so.
Due to the traffic that comes on Fridays when heading to CBD, I concluded to leave home early by 3.00 p.m. I used the public means of transport and arrived at Nairobi CBD at around 4.30 p.m.
We had agreed with some of my friends to be in town around 5.30 p.m. The motive was to board the DMU train from Nairobi CBD to Syokimau at around 6.20 p.m. Luckily for most of us, we made it in time to board the train. Besides, it was convenient, since one can pay only Kes. 100 and be in Syokimau terminus at 7.15 p.m. latest.
As you can see in the below photo, en route to Syokimau Terminus:
Me in the DMU train enroute to Syokimau Terminus. The train departed at around 6.25 p.m. latest from Nairobi Railways Station.
Arrival at the Syokimau Terminus.
In a short period of around 30 minutes, we arrived at the Syokimau Terminus circling 7.15 p.m. We were so excited about the trip so much. After inspection, we proceeded to snap a few photos as we await our train at 10.00 p.m.
This is shown in the following photos:
We had dinner and traveled safely to Mombasa; which took us a period of 5hours and 30 minutes. We arrived at Mombasa Terminus at around 3.35 a.m.
Luckily for us, Hooli Tours and Travel arranged a private van to drive us safely through the ferry from Mombasa Terminus up to our location in Diani.
Activities to do at Diani on 12th February 2022.
The Hooli Tours and Travel booked our stay for the trip at Pendo Villas; which we arrived safely at around 5.30 a.m. Did I forget to mention that at one point got to use the ferry from Likoni town to Ukunda town as we headed towards Diani?
We freshened up and took a short nap, as we were supposed to depart from the villa at around 8.30 a.m. after having breakfast. Hooli Tours had set out some activities of the day so that Saturday, we were packed with activities to do.
Activity 1- Arrival at the Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park and Reserve.
I was very excited at this point since I would meet up with my pal as we began our activities. The reason why she didn't travel with us on SGR; was simply because she resides in Mombasa. This made her decision to pay only for the day activities and drove herself to and from Mombasa to Diani.
Luckily for her, she made that arrangement with Hooli Tours and Travel. We were excited to see each other as I introduced her to my fellow friends on the trip. The morning was beautiful as the sun shone brightly on our skin; delighted to be in Diani.
Caption: My best friend and I were excited to see each other after a long while.
At the arrival of the marine park, we learned about wearing the correct attire shoes; in which we opted for crocs as the best option for footwear.
We made sure to carry other important things such as water and swimwear; since some of us would swim in the ocean; in addition to snorkeling.
Traveling originally, while utilizing a boat was scary since I have never before and later became exciting as you play with the water at the ocean. The reason why we arrived early in the morning, was because we wanted to see the dolphins in the ocean.
However, as time passed by so fast, we didn’t get to see them ☹. Perhaps, next time I will get to see them.
We got a chance to swim in the ocean. In addition, some of us got a moment to snorkel as well. For my part, I only did swimming; the snorkeling was still scary for me at that precise moment. However, I heard positive remarks from those who did it saying that it was spectacular to dive in and got to see the fish swimming in the ocean.
Activity2- Having lunch at Wasini.
After much swimming and being at the ocean for a while, I started to feel seasick; since I complained of feeling a bit stomach-churning. That's when a friend of mine hinted that I was probably hungry. Besides, the motions of the ocean weren't helping with my body.
Luckily, we got in time to arrive at Wasini. Shortly after, we were offered meals that comprised both local foods; mixed with a blend of coastal cuisine recipes. I took the opportunity to taste some seafood such as crabs; its tasting was still strange on my tongue buds. However, I enjoyed the coconut rice; it was delicious as I figured it would be.
After having lunch, we traveled safely back to the shore as we planned to visit the final activity.
Activity 3- Visit the Shimoni Caves.
At this point, we got to visit a historical site where we learned the origins of the caves and why it was named Shimoni caves. The caves were historical sites; where slaves were hidden and kept by the Arabs in the 16th century. They traveled underground up to the shores of the Indian Ocean for the slave trade.
The caves were factual as one could find traces of chains; in which slaves were locked by their masters. We also got to see the underground path; it was harrowed to go up to the shores of the Indian ocean.
This is depicted below:
After that evening, we traveled back safely to our stay in Pendo villas as I waved goodbye to my pal for her travel back to Mombasa.
Sunday, 13th February 2022.
We rested a bit as we swam in the pool. Later in the day got to visit the beach nearby. The beach was alluring as the sunny weather captured our bright moods.
Later in the afternoon, we had lunch and headed back to the villa to freshen up and pack as we traveled back to Nairobi at night – 10.00 p.m.
In the end, the mini-vacation was fun as I got to meet beautiful souls.
I want to thank Hooli Tours and Travel for our stay in Diani.
Cheers and a blessed weekend.
Link to the video
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