Part 2. Nairobi to Kampala
As we departed Nairobi, the cold from the early morning crept in through my poncho and started stinging me like little nettles would if you walked through a forest barefoot.
Once we hit the outer limits of the city a good hour later, the song ” If you like pina colada’s ” started ringing in my head. The trip was reminiscent of this relaxed beat as we drove out in to the open road. A cool breeze, clean air, the view of greenery and trees every now and then and a few bumps on the highway.
It’s interesting to see the landscape change as much as it does once we leave Nairobi.
There’s so much greenery, farmland and eventually a space that’s reminiscent of something out of an adventure novel from the 60’s describing how Boon ( An African superspy from a comic book. Yes. We had those my ignorant East African Brothers and sisters. Y’all need to learn your history. ) found his arch enemy in the savannah hiding and plotting.
It’s a pity Boon stopped. I would have loved to read more. Worse is that I can’t even find the comic book or it’s references in our National libraries.
Still, this is about our trip. So here’s some more photographs for the trip between Nairobi and Kericho.
We arrive at Kisumu at close to 2PM, there we take a break for lunch at a lovely quaint restaurant and begin off again for the border at Busia.
BORDER PATROL
At the Busia border, my recommendation is not to interact with the currency exchangers standing around. There’s a lot of cases of people who have lost money there.
The system is fairly straightforward, you will need to register with border patrol when passing through, and once done, will get your visa. As long as everything is in order, you’ll be in and out within 20 Minutes for the bus load.
UGANDA
The land of the 7 Hills is quite a lush and windy road. You’ll see lots of pocket villages as you get across the border, it’ll feel like you’re also driving through a tropical rainforest.
We didn’t manage to get across till after 5, so what I do have is some photographs of Kampala city.
You can follow us on instagram on @baobabtravelke for more of our adventures.
HOW TO DO THIS TRIP
Cost: Bus from Mombasa – Kampala using Modern Coast Bus service, Ksh 4350.00 ( approx. USD 43$ )
If you’re not an East African Citizen, there are visa costs at the border.
Other than that, there’s no additional cost so don’t let anyone fool you.
What to do:
1. It’s a long journey, you’ll need to get adequate rest before the trip if possible, your mind needs to be at ease during the trip. Give the drive an extra 2-4 hours delay time. There’s no guarantee of getting there on time so don’t stress out when you’re on the road.
2. If you can travel with someone, do so for company and for safety if you’re unsure about the journey.
3. When on the trip, make sure you have your belongings either next to you, or on the overhead compartment, but make sure you keep an eye on it if it’s above. There’s been known to be lootings on the busses from time to time.
4. Buy your own drinks and meals when at a pit stop. Don’t be too trusting of strangers.
5. Enjoy the drive. It’s a beautiful trip during the day.