Have you ever wanted to take a train ride and enjoy amazing views while heading to a quiet town? The Nairobi to Suswa Using SGR Madaraka Express Train is a great way to travel from Nairobi to Suswa in Narok County. This train ride is fun, affordable, and gives you a different kind of weekend adventure.
The train goes for about 120 kilometers. It starts from Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, and ends in Suswa, a small and peaceful town. This railway line was officially opened in October 2019. It has made travel easier for people who want to visit or explore Suswa.
Suswa is not a very famous town, but it is full of beauty and calm. Many people now visit it because of the train. Before the train, getting to Suswa was hard. But now, it is simple, cheaper, and more fun. Families, couples, friends, and even solo travelers enjoy going to Suswa over the weekend.
Why You Should Travel by Train
Unlike a road trip where you sit in a car for many hours, traveling Nairobi to Suswa Using SGR Madaraka Express Train is exciting and smooth. You can board the train at Syokimau or Ngong stations. On the way, the train passes through the famous Nairobi National Park. While sitting on the train, you can look outside and see wild animals such as giraffes, zebras, and antelopes. It is like going on a mini safari while still traveling.
The train also passes through three long tunnels. The longest tunnel takes about 5 minutes to pass through, the second one takes 2 minutes, and the last one takes 1 minute. The train moves at a speed of around 80 kilometers per hour, making the trip quick and comfortable.
This trip is great for kids too. They get to enjoy the ride, see animals, and explore a new town. It is a nice way to spend a weekend together as a family or with friends.
How to Book the SGR Train
If you want to travel from Nairobi to Suswa Using SGR Madaraka Express Train, you can buy your ticket at the train stations or call their booking number. It is always good to book your ticket at least two days before your travel day. Sometimes the train gets fully booked, especially during weekends or holidays. Do not forget to carry your national ID card when traveling.
Commuter Service (Weekdays)
The commuter train works from Monday to Friday. It goes from Nairobi Terminus to Ngong Station in the morning and comes back in the evening.
- Leaves Ngong at 6:20 am and reaches Nairobi at 7:04 am
- Leaves Nairobi at 6:40 pm and reaches Ngong at 7:22 pm
This train is mainly used by people going to work or school during the week.
Long Distance Service (Weekends)
This is the train you take when traveling Nairobi to Suswa Using SGR Madaraka Express Train. It operates on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
- Leaves Nairobi at 8:50 am
- Stops at Ongata Rongai, Ngong, and Mai Mahiu
- Reaches Mai Mahiu at 10:30 am and Suswa at 11:10 am
For the return journey:
- Leaves Suswa at 3:50 pm
- Arrives in Nairobi at 6:10 pm
This timing is perfect for a one-day trip. You can leave in the morning, enjoy your day in Suswa, and return in the evening.
Train Ticket Prices
The ticket prices for the Nairobi to Suswa Using SGR Madaraka Express Train are very fair.
- Adults (Economy): Ksh 250 one way
- Children (Below 11 years): Ksh 125
- Children (Under 3 years): Free
You can pay at the station or during booking. After arriving at Suswa station, you can take a taxi or a boda boda to get to the town center. There are also matatus available for local travel.
If you stop at Mai Mahiu station instead, make sure you plan your transport in advance. There are few shops, not many motorbikes, and no taxis. The road from the station to the main road is also in bad condition.
Where to Stay in Suswa
There are a few places you can stay after arriving in Suswa. Some of the most popular are Zambezi Cabin Resort and Mara Gates. These places are not far from Suswa station.
- Mara Gates is just a short boda boda ride away. The ride costs around Ksh 100
- Zambezi Cabin Resort is farther. A taxi costs between Ksh 2500 and Ksh 3000 for a round trip. The taxi can carry 7 people, so if you split the cost, each person pays about Ksh 360
If you are staying the night or want to relax for the day, these resorts are good places to rest and have fun.
Zambezi Cabin Resort
Zambezi Cabin Resort is a lovely place for a weekend stay. It is about 7 kilometers from Mai Mahiu town. It is easy to find because it is along Narok Road and has signs that show where it is. You can see the gate clearly from the road.
The resort is peaceful and budget-friendly. The food is tasty and not expensive. Here are some food prices:
- 1kg Nyama Choma: Ksh 1000
- Goat or Beef Wet Fry: Ksh 1000
- Pork: Ksh 900 per kg
They also offer great customer service. The staff is friendly, and the resort has green grass and clean gardens. There is also a swimming pool and a children’s play area.
Swimming prices
- Adults: Ksh 400
- Children: Ksh 200
There is a dance hall that is also used for conferences and meetings.
Rooms and Camping
If you want to spend the night, Zambezi Cabin Resort has many options.
- Single room (bed only): Ksh 3000
- Room with breakfast: Ksh 3500
- Couple room with breakfast: Ksh 4000
- Camping tent: Ksh 1500 per person
The rooms are clean, and the showers have hot water. Outside the rooms, you can relax in tents or a wooden lounge. This is a nice place to enjoy your drink or chat with friends while enjoying the cool air.
This resort is perfect for travelers coming Nairobi to Suswa Using SGR Madaraka Express Train, as it offers both fun and rest in a calm place.
What to Do in Suswa
Once in Suswa, there are many things you can do to enjoy your trip.
Visit Mt. Suswa
Mt. Suswa is a famous volcanic mountain near the town. You can go hiking or camping here. The views are beautiful, and you may see some animals along the way. Make sure you go with a guide or someone who knows the area well.
Enjoy Local Food
Try the local food in Suswa town. You can find chapati, nyama choma, and fresh fruits. Eating local meals gives you a better feel of the culture.
Take Photos
The landscapes in Suswa are amazing. There are hills, green valleys, and clear skies. This is the perfect place for taking photos, especially if you love nature.
Talk to Locals
The people in Suswa are very friendly. You can learn more about the town and its history by talking to them. They can also tell you hidden places to visit that are not on maps.
Why Choose the Train Over a Car
There are many reasons why traveling Nairobi to Suswa Using SGR Madaraka Express Train is better than using a car.
- Less Tiring: You sit back and relax on the train
- Safer: Trains have fewer accidents than cars
- Affordable: The train ticket is cheaper than fuel or paying for a car trip
- Fun: You get to see animals, tunnels, and great views
- Eco-Friendly: Trains cause less pollution than cars
Contact Information
If you need to contact Zambezi Cabin Resort, here is their number:
- Phone: +254721653151 (Mr. Waweru)
If you want to book your train ticket, call the Kenya Railways number:
- Train Booking: 0709 388 888
Final Thoughts
The Nairobi to Suswa Using SGR Madaraka Express Train is a wonderful way to travel. It is safe, fun, and cheap. You get to enjoy views of nature, relax with friends or family, and discover a new place. Suswa may be a small town, but it has a lot to offer. Whether you are going for a day trip or a weekend, this train ride will give you a fresh experience.
Next time you are planning a trip out of Nairobi, think about the Nairobi to Suswa Using SGR Madaraka Express Train. It could become one of your favorite journeys. For more travel tips and ideas, visit Travel With Bony and find your next adventure.