I bought a ticket online about a week before departure. Even then, first-class coaches were already sold out. Luckily, it wasn't too late to grab one of the few economy seats left. When I finally boarded, I realized that Madaraka Express' economy class is not bad at all.
My train was scheduled to leave at 3 in the afternoon, but I arrived at the Nairobi Terminus at 11 a.m. My uncharacteristic early arrival was a result of a free ride offered by travelers who had a 10:30 transfer to the neighboring Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Upon arrival, I printed my ticket and proceeded to the waiting area. Passengers who book and pay electronically collect their tickets from high-tech dispensers installed at the facility. I had to wait until 12:30 to check in. Fortunately, I was allowed to access one of the restaurants set up upstairs. As I waited for the check-in counters to open, I spent some time polishing my tour of Nairobi booklet. Set to be released by Exposure Publishers in January 2024, the said booklet will be added to the collection used in the Turning Pages book club sessions.
This was a 5-hour journey through the scenic lanscapes of Athi River, Emali, Kibwezi, Mtito Andei and Mariakani. I was hoping to see wild animals in Nairobi National Park, but I was in a virtual meeting when we exited the capital of Kenya through its unique wildlife habitat. More about the national park named after the city in which it is found will be shared in the aforementioned booklet.
Hours after the Standard Gauge Railway locomotive left Nairobi, I spotted a bunch of warthogs in Tsavo National Park. Yes, the Nairobi - Mombasa line slashes through two national parks.
My experiences in Mombasa will be shared when I find some time to write something. In the meantime, I have to find my way to Tanga. Tanga is an enchanting coastal town found in northeastern Tanzania. Usually, what happens in Tanga stays there. That won't be the case this time around. What transpires during my Tanga sojourn will be put on the internet for the whole world to read. Stay tuned.