On March 8th, 2026, Kenyan President William Ruto announced the official launch of the Kenya-Uganda Standard Gauge Railway extension, set to take place on March 20th in Kisumu alongside Ugandan President H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
Once completed in 2028, this 273-kilometre Standard Gauge Railway stretch from Naivasha to Malaba will slash the current 14-hour road journey between Nairobi and Kampala down to a smooth 4-hour ride.
The $3 billion project will seamlessly link Kenya’s existing Standard Gauge Railway network with Uganda’s planned rail system, dramatically boosting regional trade and, most importantly for us, making cross-border travel faster, safer, and far more comfortable for tourists.
Imagine boarding a modern train in Nairobi in the morning and stepping off in Kampala by lunchtime – then heading straight into the wild without the exhaustion of a long bus ride.
How the Kenya Uganda Standard Gauge Railway Will Transform Your East Africa Trip
– Time saved: 10 hours per journey, that’s two full extra days for wildlife spotting instead of sitting in traffic.
– Comfort & convenience: Air-conditioned coaches, onboard Wi-Fi, and scenic views across the Rift Valley and Lake Victoria basin.
– Eco-friendly edge: Modern electric rail reduces carbon emissions compared to road travel, aligning perfectly with responsible tourism values.
Perfect Timing for Park Tours from Kampala or Entebbe
This new rail link is especially exciting for safari lovers planning park tours from Kampala or Entebbe.
Uganda’s iconic national parks, Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, Bwindi Impenetrable, and Kidepo Valley National Parks are all easily reachable from Kampala or Entebbe airport.
With the Kenya Uganda Standard Gauge Railway up and running, travelers can now combine a Kenyan safari (Maasai Mara, Amboseli, or Tsavo) with an unforgettable Ugandan wildlife experience in one seamless trip.
No more overnight buses or expensive domestic flights. Just hop off the train in Kampala and join a guided park tour the very next morning.
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Our expert guides ensure every tour supports local communities and protects Uganda’s precious ecosystems.
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