Amanda and Tolly experience the new SGR Madaraka Express Train in Kenya

Amanda and Tolly from our UK office recently experienced the brand new Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) which is the fastest train that Kenya has ever had and which launched on Madaraka Day. The train line, which has been labelled the Madaraka Express, has been sold out every day since and operates at an average of 75 miles per hour, which is almost double the speed of the now-defunct Kenya–Uganda Railway, which was built in 1901 during the colonial era. We chatted to Amanda and Tolly to find out what their experience was like.

SGR Madaraka Express Train

 1. What was it like going on the SGR Madaraka Express?

Tolly was impressed with the efficiency of the operations, which are Chinese-run and felt that there was a high level of security, with adequate scans and checks in place. He found the train station really clean, spacious and air-conditioned with well kept toilets. The platform queues were really well organised in order to keep the train running exactly on time.

Although the seats in second class weren’t the most comfortable, all of our clients will be travelling in 1st class. He did particularly like the tall open cabins that were arranged in seat groups of fours and sixes around small table which was lovely and social.

Amanda also really enjoyed the journey and felt that the whole process was very well organised in terms of doing the security checks and boarding the train. She felt that everything was very clear and straight forward and that the train was very clean.

Voi Station

2.  What was the train’s route?

Amanda and Tolly experienced the stopping service from Voi to Nairobi. Our clients will be booked on to the  Mombasa-Nairobi fast train.

3.     Was it a scenic journey?

As the Train is quite raised and wildlife is scarce in Tsavo it is difficult to spot any from the train but the scenery and hills are a joy to see.

4.    How long did the journey take?

The train journey from Voi to Nairobi took 4 hours in total.

5.     What were your highlights from your train journey?

Tolly’s highlights from the train were the fact that it was air-conditioned as well as the social space around tables to relax and chat with one another.

Amanda found the whole journey from start to end a highlight and travelling cross country in Africa was great.

SGR Madaraka Express Train

6.     Would you recommend going on the SGR Madaraka Express when in Kenya?

Tolly would definitely recommend the SGR Madaraka Express as it avoids the bumps and time of the drive back. It is a clean reliable experience with a predictable arrival time (not the case for road transfers).

Amanda found it to be a very easy and relaxing way to travel.

If reading about Amanda and Tolly’s experience of the SGR Madaraka Express has inspired you to want to go on a train journey in Kenya, we can build it into your itinerary.

We would love to work with you to plan the safari holiday of a lifetime. For more information on how our safari experts can help you, call Somak Holidays today on 020 8423 3000, or visit our website here:

https://www.somak.com/kenya-safari