Hi guys, Long time no see huh? I have been so caught up with work this year that I am ashamed to say I abandoned my website. Luckily I did not forget to be a blogger and so I have plenty of fun blog posts to show y’all what Ive been up to. To start you off, Here is my Madaraka aka SGR Standard Gauge Railway  Experience.  We were hosted by African Touch Safaris (ATS) whom arranged the entire trip for us. The standard gauge is a railway that connects the port city of Mombasa to Kenya’s capital city Nairobi. It replaces the parallel and colonial Uganda Railway that was originally built during the British colonial rule in the 19th century and is the country’s largest infrastructure project since independence.

Photography: Jenkins Kuyoh

Getting to the Nairobi Terminus is a trip on its own, you know Mombasa road and its traffic not to mention it’s past the Syokimau Railway station. The tip alone to the station Cost us Kshs1,100 on Taxify from town.

Who would have thought that Mombasa is now so much closer for us folks living upcountry. I was really excited because I had never used the train before. I was traveling with my girl Susan Kaittany for her travel show Platinum Lifestyle that I cannot wait to showcase to you guys. We were traveling with her whole crew for a week in Mombasa and boy didn’t I have a great time.

Getting to the station

The Nairobi terminus has lots of options to get you from the station to your destination:

  • The Commuter train, which costs 50/- per person
  • Taxi services, from your regular cab guy, to Little, Uber, Mondo Ride, Taxify and others being available
  • Public transport buses outside the station

We got to the station at around 11 ‘O’ clock and was met with numerous security checks; I counted at least 3 checks in both the Nairobi and Mombasa Terminus:

  • One, outside in the open area, with sniffer dogs and the army guards.
  • Second one just after your ticket is first validated by security guards, with a scanner (separating the men from the women)
  • Third one just as you get through the main terminal building’s doors, and is not gender specific. Your ticket is validated again.

You are not allowed to carry any contraband material: drugs, weapons etc. No alcohol is allowed on board too. Camera equipment is treated suspiciously, so either have it packed well, and/or have the right permits especially if you intend to film or photograph on board or around the station (It costs about Kes. 50000)

Ticketing

Tickets are mostly sold in advance, so you have time to plan ahead for your travel. You can buy the tickets between 7:00 am and 4:00 pm daily. You can also get a refund on any tickets/extras before the train departs, with a 20% cancellation fee charged. No refunds after the train departs.

Ticket Price: Kes. 700 – economy, Kes. 3,000 – First class

Children:

  • Under 3 years – Free
  • 3 – 11 years – Half price
  • 11 and above – Full price

Do not forget to carry your train ticket and ID/passport. You will need them at various stages, such as when boarding, and (the ticket) when leaving the station after arrival. It may be quite costly if you lose it.

We boarded First Class Coach Number 8 at 1:30 am. The ambience of the coach was beautiful and well thought out as one feels at home immediately with soothing music all through the journey. The aisle was wide and the leg-room comparable to Business Class and it was way more than I anticipated. I have to commend the architect and interior designers as they did a wonderful job.

Food

The train ride was so smooth guys I couldn’t believe I had not tried it earlier.  One hour into the trip we were hungry and decided to check out the menu. Food and drink orders take time. We however were on First class so we got that platinum experience. The rest of the crew was in coach ad they ordered while in Nairobi and got the food and drinks past Mtito Andei.

The snacks at the station are quite affordable and tasty with the price range not exceeding KSH 2000 of which I thought was fair considering you will be served fresh tasty food and lets not forget the experience. I ordered some mashed potatoes with meat stew and suma wiki while Susan ordered the chicken sandwich with some wine but we kept interchanging and eating ea others food as everything was delicious 🙂

It takes 4 hours from Nairobi to Mombasa, and 4 hours 16 minutes back, and this could be a long time to stay seated. Here’s some tips and tricks:

  • Carry some food/snacks. Food/drinks service doesn’t begin until you’re well under 2 hours into the trip. Considering the time you get to the station, a lot of passengers haven’t had their breakfast. So either take time to have a good solid breakfast at home, or carry some snacks. Water, tea, juice etc are allowed in regular portions, as well as snacks. Baby food is allowed. You can also wait till the catering team starts service, but their prices are slightly expensive.
  • Seating is comfortable, but if you can secure a window seat, do so. Most of the spaces seat 6 pax on one side of the train, and 4 on the other, so you can plan your group travel to sit together comfortably. If you have kids, it would be prudent to secure their own seats too, to avoid them disturbing other passengers, or tiring you. No standing is allowed.
  • Luggage on board is allowed, but up to certain limits. The limit is currently at 30kg maximum. 1.6 metres length, height, breadth maximum. This translates to two large suitcases. You have to be smart though and think through how you’re going to lug them across the station grounds, since there are no trolleys/support staff. You also have to get them to fit in the overhead racks or below the seats.

The trip to Mombasa is smooth filled with various amazing nature and views to check out. Me and Susan chatted and viewed all this during the trip.

 

Arrival

Just like Nairobi, it’s so far away from the CBD…..however, here there is no public transport. We arrived late into the night so luckily for us ATS travels had already arranged a driver to pick us up. Keep your ticket with you through the trip, as you will require it to scan yourself through the exit gates.

The Mombasa terminus also has some options:

  • Public transport (large matatus), at 100/- per person, into Mombasa CBD. These are many, and are the best and fastest option.
  • Uber is only an option if you have pre-arranged the travel. Most drivers will not come to the terminus unless pre-booked.

Overall the SGR is something you should try if you are tired of buses or the quick plane trip. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and cant wait to use the SGR again. Have you tried the SGR? Feel free to share your experience in the comment section too….

AW! I also have a vlog on this trip, Have you checked it out? Link is

Stay Stylish,

Kadenyi