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Nairobi Railway Museum
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"It is not uncommon for a country to create a railway, but this line actually created a country."
 Century-old photos
The Lunatic Line - that is what the railway line stretching 900km from the Indian Ocean to Lake Victoria was called in the late 19th century when the British saw this as the only solution to maintaining control over both Uganda and Kenya. Prominent historical figures made a point of journeying all the way to Kenya to experience this phenomen, such as US president Roosevelt, UK's Winston Churchill and the Prince of Wales.
The construction was rife with adventures and challenges, what with the unpredictable landscape, climate and vicious wildlife like the Maneaters of Tsavo - crazed beasts that would not be discouraged by the loud beating of metallic tins and weapons nor bullets. Beasts that dragged engineers from railway coaches (which is on display at the museum), and Indian workers (coolies) from camps.
Then there were the local tribes whose medicine-men and women foresaw the coming of a long snake and white men with fire in their pockets (bullets). For instance Syokimau of the Akamba tribe and Kimnyole of the Nandi people.
In spite of everything, the lunatic line reached its goal of Lake Victoria in 1901, and East Africa was transformed forever and opened up to the world.
 Garret engine
This is but a summary of all that can be found in the small but charming museum in Nairobi's city centre where these stories but tangible artifacts may be explored over an entire exciting day. For some (especially children) the best part will be climbing onto the massive and impressive antique locomotives sitting in the outdoor exhibition, waiting for visitors to climb their heights and peruse their hidden corners and secrets. Sit in the spot from which an engineer was dragged out by a lion in the middle of a dark night, so long ago........
Did you know....
- Kenya has the only other functioning Garrett engine in the world other than that in the UK, and ours is the largest!
- It's called Mount Shengai
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The museum's resource centre is a treasure trove of information for anyone interested in learning more about the intrigues surrounding the construction. At a very affordable fee you'll get a chance to experience gadgets from days gone by, taking your imagination to fascinating heights.
Should a group wish to hire the train for a trip, such as a wedding party, it is very possible! The locos are well serviced and longing to carry their precious human cargo, once more. In the UK similar locomotives ferry visitors up and down the track for a short distance, making upto the equivalent of Kshs.300,000 per day!
Even movie producers and documentary film makers love to hire these vintage engines dating back to the 1890s, with the particular one used in the filming of the 1980s movie ‘Out of Africa' on display.
Not to forget the Queen of England who has her special couch which, if you sit on it, brings you luck and a feeling of royalty....or say they say....
For more information, rates to enter the museum and hire the trains for weddings and events, email us
The Vintage Steam Engine Train rode again on Sunday August 7th 2011
The ride successfully encompassed a trip from Mawenzi Gardens in Upper Hill through Makadara and Kitengela and into the World’s only national park within a capital city – Nairobi National Park.
For those with a passion for flora & fauna, this was the chance to get to see and explore panoramically the lush plains as we traversed, with the ‘swish, swush’ of the steam engine on the backdrop!!
Upon arrival at Merembet Station, a buffet bush lunch was served at Mokoyet Picnic Site with so much food that upto 3 plates were consumed by some! After lunch, an afternoon game drive through Nairobi National Park was enjoyed by all with sightings of lions, hartebeest, a lone wildebeest, impala bachelor herd, thomson's gazelles fondly known as 'tommys', hippo, graceful giraffes, zebra as well as birds. We were then driven safely back to Mawenzi Gardens.
Keep it here for monthly trip updates.
Settling in...
During the short stop some chose to climb atop the engine..
KWS buses ready for the game drive..
Cameras set to snap the wildlife..
Before arriving at the Mokoiyet picnic site...
Which overlooks a river gorge..
We get to know each other..
As the entertainment starts..
And lunch is finally served..
Enough for seconds..and thirds..
The train rides again this September.
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