Catching the Madaraka Kenya Train to Mombassa
One exciting adventure that thrifty travelers can embark on is catching the Nairobi train to Voi or Mombassa. This journey not only offers a budget-friendly way to travel but also provides a unique opportunity to witness the stunning landscapes of Kenya unfold before your eyes. From lush greenery to majestic wildlife sightings, taking the train to Mombassa (Voi is where I normally get off) promises an unforgettable experience for those who seek adventure without breaking the bank. So pack your bags, hop on board, and get ready to be immersed in the beauty of the Kenyan countryside.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a budget traveler or simply someone looking for a unique adventure, catching the Nairobi train to Mombassa or Voi is a journey that promises to leave you with memories to last a lifetime. So why wait? Embark on this budget-friendly escapade and let the beauty of Kenya captivate your soul.
Will I see Wildlife on the Nairobi to Mombassa Train?
Yes! Every time I have travelled on the train I have seen wildlife. The Mombassa Train transits through Tsavo National Park. I’ve seen elephants every time I have travelled on the train. Watch out for Zebra, Thomson Gazelle and Impala too!
Should I travel first class or economy class on the Mombassa train?
As budget travellers we travel economy class. The trip to Voi (2024) is only KSH1500 (£7.50). The advantages of using the train are that it is clean, safe, you have a comfortable seat and everyone sticks to their seat number. It is so very organised. People adhere to seat numbers and are respectful of each other. The seats in economy class are comfortable and are usually either three seats together or two seats together.
First Class of course offers fewer seats and all face the direction of travel. First Class however costs KSH4500 (£23) which for us, breaks the budget when economy class is super comfortable anyway!
How to buy a ticket for the Madaraka Express?
- Booking online – at the time of writing (2024) and year of travel online booking only accepted payment by Mpesa (no good to me)
- Credit Card or Cash – in person only at the SGR train stations
- Friend with Mpesa – I got a friend with Mpesa to buy my ticket and I took screenshots of all the pages of the transaction. I am thankful I did as I need all this information when I get to the SGR in Nairobi to travel and collect the ticket.
- Book Reference Number
- Telephone number which made the booking (Mpesa is a payment method using a mobile telephone)
- My Passport for ID
Getting to the train station in Nairobi and Mombassa
- Uber in Kenya is great and super reliable (I travelled with Uber chapchap essentially a smaller car)
- Taxi again reliable but the price can be a surprise for a Mwazungu
- Nairobi Commuter Railway to SGR Nairobi (Syokimau)
Is there security at Kenya Train Stations in Nairobi, Mombassa, Voi?
Yes. There is a lot of security at the train stations of the Madaraka SGR railway.
- Xray machine for your luggage
- Sniffer dogs for the luggage
- Metal detectors for passengers
Security on with the train service can take as much at 20 to 30 minutes as there are so many travellers on the train.
What documents do I need to bring for boarding the Madaraka Express?
Catching the Madaraka Kenya Train to Mombassa
Bring your telephone with all your details if you managed to buy with Mpesa.
A friend bought my ticket for me using Mpesa. Bring your reference number, telephone number which made the booking and your ID document which for me was my passport.
- Book Reference Number
- Telephone number which made the booking (Mpesa is a payment method using a mobile telephone)
- My Passport for ID
Can I buys snacks on the SGR train in Kenya (Nairobi to Mombassa)
Catching the Madaraka Kenya Train to Mombassa
Yes. You can buy snacks on the Nairobi to Mombassa train. Although they are a little pricey.
The tea is milky and premixed African Style tea (without the spices) yum yum. Sugar comes separately so you can add sugar if you wish.
As a budget traveller buy some chapatis (KSH20 in Voi). Nothing tastes better than cold chapati and warm African Tea!
I had a hot dog travelling south, except ‘it had no temperature’ the host informed me. Therefore I had a Cold Dog!
Chapati Breakfast bought in Voi for the train journey back north
Are there toilets on the trains in Kenya?
Yes. There are toilets on the new train. There are also cleaners on the train. The cleaners sweep and mop the carriage regularly. They lift rubbish and have a sack to collect your rubbish. The interior of the carriages if kept clean. I also found the toilets to be clean when I used them with sufficient water to wash hands after using the loos.
Is the Madaraka Express also the SGR?
SGR stands for Single Gauge Railway and I can to realise it is used interchangeably with the Madaraka Express.
Finally for more of our African Adventures
What is the meaning of Madaraka?
According to Wikipedia it is a Swahili word meaning authority, self ruling!