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Kenya Railways - Kenya Train Services
Railway Travel Kenya operates an overnight express train service
between Nairobi and Mombasa
by Jaqueline Mwathe
Recently, a colleague in our busy office confided in me that he wanted to
take a railway journey in Kenya. What he did not know is the fact that I have
visited Kenya five times for the last five years on holiday. I knew he was making
the best decision to tour this action packed country. Unlike in Europe or USA,
the Kenya railway system is not expansive and does not contribute much to the
development of the this country, almost all passenger and cargo transport is
done through the dilapidated road network.
One thing that you should not miss though is the railway journey from Nairobi
to Mombasa. The Railway Line is operated by Rift Valley Railways, a private company
that only took the operation of the extensive Mombasa to Kampala Railway system
recently after Kenya and Uganda ran it down for donkey’s years bringing
cargo and passenger transport virtually to a halt.
 Most of this railway line traverses through the Tsavo National Park, Kenya's
largest national animal park, famous for its wide range of wild animals, especially
elephants, rhinos and zebras. You will experience the spectacular views of the
Great Rift Valley as the railway line winds through the escarpment down to the
base of Mt. Longonot, fresh water Lake Naivasha, mushrooming flower farms and
the flamingo inhabited Lake Nakuru.
As you reach the area around Kisumu you are treated to views through the
Kakamega Rain Forest Reserve, a hub for beautiful bird life and indigenous trees.
Currently, the Rift Valley Railways Company Ltd. operates an overnight express
train service between Nairobi and Mombasa. Unfortunately you will not be able
to watch wild animals but you will sure be treated to one of Kenya's greatest
travel experiences. The train is divided into three classes. A seat only 3rd
class compartment, which I would not advise you to book since it is pubic and
not very secure, comfortable 1st and 2nd class compartments where you can get
dinner, breakfast and refreshments in the form of alcoholic drinks, mineral water
and soda. Be sure to take a pint of Kenya’s' favourite beer 'Tusker' which
comes as cold as you ordered it, though locals prefer it warm!
The train to Mombasa leaves Nairobi every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1900
hrs. From Mombasa to Nairobi, it leaves every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. It
is important that you book your compartment at least a day or so before departure
time to avoid last minute frustrations since in Kenya the train stations are
not computerised and virtually everything moves at snail speed.
It would be prudent to make an arrangement with your travel company in Nairobi
or Mombasa for their staff to do the railway travel Kenya booking for you, otherwise
if you decide to do it yourself beware of con men and cheats who will readily
offload your backpack with impunity. You will be able to pay for your railway
travel Kenya with the Kenya currency, US Dollars or even your credit card. The
railway staff will readily accept both VISA and Master Card
Kenya Railways - Kenya Train Services
article source: http://www.christiannotepad.com
Mwathe Jaqueline is a tour operator and has been organizing and reporting
on Vacation, Travel and Tours for years. For more information on Railway Travel
Kenya, visit her site at Railway
Travel Kenya
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