Railroad Travel

Kenya is probably the only country that was created through the building of a railway; thus, a good reason to try out this slow but comfortable (and fairly cheap) mode of transport. Kenya Railways do not yet have a website (the domain is parked), but their traintable is available via www.fahrplancenter.com .

Regular overnight trains (1st and 2nd class with sleeper cars of 2 and 4 berths, 3rd class seats only) connect Nairobi with Mombasa and Kisumu. Meals are included in the two upper classes. Passenger traffic to Uganda ceased years ago, though freight trains still run regularly. A weekend train connects Nairobi to the Mount Kenya region; it runs up all the way to Nyeri on Saturday, and goes back to Nairobi on Sunday. This 3rd-class-only train is cheaper than a matatu, and much safer and more comfortable. Prepare for some dust, and for spectacular sights (sit on the right side).