Kenya Railways Enhances The Festive Travel Experience With Iconic Kisumu Safari And Nanyuki Safari Trains, Providing Affordable, Scenic, And Comfortable Journeys This Holiday Season

Published on December 18, 2025

Kenya Railways is enhancing the holiday travel experience by reviving the Kisumu Safari Train and expanding services with additional Madaraka Express trains, ensuring seamless, scenic, and affordable travel across Kenya. This festive season, travelers can enjoy the comfort of rail travel between Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, and Nanyuki, with the return of iconic safari train routes and added services to accommodate the surge in demand. With affordable ticket options and scenic journeys, Kenya Railways is offering the perfect way to explore the beauty of Kenya while enjoying a stress-free travel experience.

Kenya Railways has announced the return of the Kisumu Safari Train, providing a unique travel experience for holidaymakers during the Christmas and New Year period. Starting from December 19, 2025, the train will operate until January 12, 2026, offering a perfect way for travelers to enjoy the festive season while journeying between Nairobi and Kisumu.

The Kisumu Safari Train departs from Nairobi Central Railway Station, making stops at Nairobi Terminus and Maai Mahiu Station before reaching its final destination at Kisumu Station. This route promises a comfortable and scenic experience for passengers, allowing them to enjoy the beauty of Kenya’s countryside as they travel. Whether it’s for relaxation or exploration, the Kisumu Safari Train offers a stress-free travel option during the busy holiday season.

For passengers, Kenya Railways offers two classes of travel. First-class tickets are priced at Ksh 2,400, while economy-class tickets are available for Ksh 900. These affordable options make it accessible for a wide range of travelers, whether they prefer a more luxurious experience or are looking for a budget-friendly way to enjoy their holiday journey.

Kenya Railways has been mindful of the increased travel demand during this peak period and has announced the addition of more services to accommodate the surge in passengers. Alongside the Kisumu Safari Train, the Madaraka Express Passenger Service will operate an additional train from December 8, 2025, to January 5, 2026, to manage the rise in passenger traffic. This added service will run on the Nairobi–Mombasa route, making it easier for travelers to move between these two major cities.

The new Madaraka Express schedule features convenient departure times. The train will leave Nairobi Terminus at 9:40 am and stop in Voi at 1:35 pm before arriving in Mombasa at 3:35 pm. On the return journey, the Mombasa train will depart at 4:30 pm, making a brief stop in Voi at 6:15 pm before reaching Nairobi at 10:55 pm. This new service will help alleviate the pressures on the existing train schedule and ensure smooth travel for all passengers during the holiday season.

In addition to the Kisumu and Madaraka Express services, Kenya Railways has also reintroduced the Nanyuki Safari Train, providing a scenic and convenient option for those traveling between Nairobi and Nanyuki. This train departs Nairobi every Friday at 9:00 am, stopping at various stations along the route, including Makadara, Dandora, Mwiki, Githurai, Kahawa, Ruiru, Thika, Mitubiri, Makuyu, Maragua, Murang’a, Sagana, Karatina, Kiganjo, and Naro Moru, before arriving in Nanyuki at 4:49 pm.

On Sundays, the Nanyuki Safari Train departs Nanyuki at 9:00 am and follows the same route back to Nairobi, arriving at 4:46 pm. This round-trip service offers travelers the opportunity to take in the stunning views of Kenya’s Central Region as they travel to and from the capital. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the local landscape while experiencing the comfort and reliability of Kenya Railways’ services.

These various holiday services provide Kenya Railways with the opportunity to enhance the travel experience for holidaymakers, offering both convenience and affordability. With the added Madaraka Express and Nanyuki Safari Train services, Kenya Railways is well-prepared to accommodate the expected increase in passenger numbers during this festive period. The company is committed to providing a reliable, comfortable, and enjoyable travel experience for all passengers, ensuring that they can reach their destinations safely and in style.

Kenya Railways’ festive train services are designed not only to provide efficient transportation but also to allow travelers to explore the country’s beautiful landscapes. The Kisumu Safari Train offers an unforgettable journey to one of Kenya’s most vibrant cities, while the Madaraka Express and Nanyuki Safari trains offer scenic and comfortable alternatives for travelers heading to Mombasa and Nanyuki.

For many, the holiday season is the perfect time to travel and explore, and Kenya Railways is making it easier for both locals and tourists to do so. Whether it’s a trip to Kisumu, Mombasa, or Nanyuki, the relaunch of these trains adds convenience and flexibility to holiday travel plans, ensuring a smooth and pleasant journey for all passengers.

As the year comes to a close, Kenya Railways’ announcement of these festive services reflects the growing demand for travel options that blend comfort, affordability, and convenience. With the added focus on providing a seamless travel experience during the busy holiday season, Kenya Railways continues to play an important role in shaping the future of transportation in Kenya. The return of these services highlights the company’s commitment to improving travel infrastructure and meeting the needs of an expanding and diverse group of passengers.

Kenya Railways is enhancing holiday travel by bringing back the Kisumu Safari Train and adding more Madaraka Express services to accommodate the surge in festive season demand. These expanded options ensure a seamless, scenic, and affordable travel experience across Kenya.

In summary, the Kisumu Safari Train, Madaraka Express, and Nanyuki Safari Train services from Kenya Railways offer an ideal way for travelers to experience Kenya’s beauty during the festive season. With affordable prices, multiple departure points, and scenic routes, these trains provide both locals and tourists with an exceptional travel option. Kenya Railways is ready to handle the busy holiday season, ensuring that passengers have a safe, comfortable, and memorable journey.