THE recently launched
Madaraka Express
between Nairobi and
Mombasa is already showing
favourable results for tourism
in Kenya and has already
transported more than
200 000 passengers.
The rail service cuts travel
time between Mombasa and
Nairobi and opens up access
into areas like Tsavo National
Park.
The daily service departs
from both Mombasa and
Nairobi at 09h00 and offers
first- and economy-class
seating. The journey takes
four to five hours. A first-class
ticket costs KES 3 000pp
(R386) and economy KES 700
(R90). Children under three
travel free.
Assistant pr and corporate
communications manager for
Kenya Tourism Board, Kimutai
Ngeno, says the Madaraka
Express is significantly
cheaper than flights and most
budget travellers prefer rail
transport. Passengers can
book seats three days in
advance and group bookings
for 20 or more must be made
nine days before travel date.
The train is also available
for charter for KES 3 600pp
(R462) in first class and
KES 1 200pp (R154) in
economy. KTB says the
number of tourists visiting the
coastal region has increased
tremendously since the
Madaraka Express launched.
Talking to TNW, Kenya
Coast Tourism Association
representative, Mohamed
Hersi, said the impact of the
service would be felt from the
high season (which started
mid-July) through to the
December festive season.
A new ferry also connects
Mombasa island and the
south coast.
Mombasa rail link grows tourism
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