Train Nairobi - Nakuru??
 

I have read that there is a train that runs between Nairobi and Nakuru (the 'lunatic express'(!!!)). Does anyone have any information on it?? Timetables, cost, etc.

Thanks

try the website seat61.com for train information....the site has info about trains on every continent

It's the Nairobi to Kisumu run that would stop at Nakuru. Schedules can be found here, but I don't know how up to date they are - http://www.seat61.com/Kenya.htm

I believe this service was stopped for a few years and later resumed, not sure of its current status.

Thanks Cruisinred & Patty. I had thought that, with Nakuru being relatively close to Nairobi, we might be able to take a daytrip but looking at the train times and how long it takes, that is out of the question. Thanks for the link though.
Imelda

Imelda,
There are lots of buses to Nakuru. It’s less than a 2-hour trip and the fare is 250 shillings. If you would like something “lunatic” I’d suggest a matatu. They’re cheaper.

For a day trip to Nakuru, I definitely wouldn't choose to go by train even if the schedule appears to work. Train delays are not uncommon.

You can book with a tour operator for a day trip from Nairobi which will include your transportation and game drive or you can go by public transport and arrange a game drive into the park.

Does anyone know anything about a bus that takes passengers on a tour through Nakuru NP from town? I remember seeing it on my visit in Nov and our guide mentioned that it cost only 100 KES or so (could be resident price) and operates on weekends.

I’ve read about that bus – somewhere :-?

Thanks for the information guys. Guess it might be possible after all. I might even decide to do a private trip there and back depending if we have seen all we want to see in Nairobi (we have 2.5 days there).
Imelda

PS Stupid question - What's a Matatu??

Thanks for the link Patty - think I might pass!!

we also have the idea of going to lake nakuru from nairobi for a weekend trip. would it be better to book a tour before we go to africa, or just to book one there? as i have read access to the lake is difficult if you aren't with a tour or have your own transport.

Katie
In fact access is not difficult from Nakuru. There are almost too many people offering to take you in there!Even if you want to stay at lodges within the park, a taxi from Nakuru town can easily take you there and you can pay the lodge for a package with game drives (arranging for the taxi to pick you up or just hitching a ride out with some other guests). I am not sure if this would be cheaper than a tour(assuming you want to stay at a lodge in the park); you would have to price each.

I am not making any recommendations here; just think someone may have mixed Lake Nakuru NP up with the Masaai Mara or Samburu - to which acccess certainly is difficult unless you a) fly or b) take a tour

thanks for that. i think we are going to book a proper safari tour to see the masai mara and possibly Amboseli. and we will go to lake nakuru fo a weekend trip.

It's the way to go.