The SGR Railways in Kenya was build with the Chinese people although the old one in still funtional. The old Railway Line was build by the British people during colonial times and it’s very robust and perfect, it still transport goods to many parts of the the country and outside the country too. The Chinese one won’t t last that long, and Kenyan tax payer have to pay a hefy price for it.
From Nairobi Terminal station to Mombasa Terminal SGR you can take the intercity or direct to Mombasa (Madaraka Express). The intercity stops in Voi, Mtito Wandei and along the way to Mombasa. Tourists visiting the Tsavo East and Tsavo West can alight at Voi and take tour vehicles to the park. In Voi town there are plenty of Taxis and tour Safaris.
Before boarding the train, the security check control is horrible. You can’t take knives (Swiss knives), sharp objects, blunt objects, guns, liquids, alcohol with you, that means in your bags or suitcases. They control the amount of liquid you have with you. Things like perfumes, lotions, oils etc. So if you bought anything from duty free shop and land in Kenya, then you want to board the train be sure to trash it at the train station! Or if you have the any of the things mentioned above in your suitcase better take a flight!
The train moves at a lower speed compared to the trains in Europe, at around 80km/h (Diesel). The first class is more comfortable and quiet compared to the second class. Nairobi Terminal is closer to the Airport and the Mombasa Terminal is quite far away from the city centre.
On you way to Mombasa you can have perfect views of the parks and some of the the big five, hills, birds and the real “African-Kenyan” normal lifestyle!