Would You Ride Africa's LUNATIC EXPRESS?
video description
ONLY TRAIN OUT OF MOMBASA This is a death sentence. Eventually someone in the Finance Ministry will read the bottom lines and decide that this prestige project is not worth pumping in more good shillings after those that have been wasted and cannot be recovered. The money plug will be pulled. Yes, it is a neat experience, but massively subsidized, so enjoy the gravy train while it still runs.
REFERENCE: The definitive book is LUNATIC EXPESS: The Building of an impossible 600 mile railway across East Africa by Charles Miller. It includes the history and conditions of the Kenya-Uganda area, colonial aspirations, and conflict between British and German colonial forces in East Africa.
Date: 2023-08-20
Related videos
Comments and reviews: 19
Sheila
WE lived and worked in Kenya from 1997 to 1999. Local public transport was in VW minibuses which held 12 people but in reality many more people were jammed in. They were called Matatus which means room for one more in Swahili. ! A better option was to use a long distance taxi sfor 5 people. We once saw a long distance bus/ coach which travelled from Nairobi to Kampala. It was banana shaped and on the back it said In God we trust. It was all right to trust God, buI I never trusted the drivers enough to travel on it. The Alhamba bus company was bought out by Stagecoach after we left, so may be they have new buses now. The new railway looks much better
. We worked in a big inter national boarding school which is the equivalent of Eton The family of Uhuru Kenyatta (real surname Kamau) had his children at the school as did many east African leaders. Kenya is a beautiful country and we had the chance to travel cheaply in the school holidays, as we were temporary residents. It was a privi lege to live and work there. Sadly we only did one contract as the high altitude caused me breathing problems as I have asthma.
reply
WE lived and worked in Kenya from 1997 to 1999. Local public transport was in VW minibuses which held 12 people but in reality many more people were jammed in. They were called Matatus which means room for one more in Swahili. ! A better option was to use a long distance taxi sfor 5 people. We once saw a long distance bus/ coach which travelled from Nairobi to Kampala. It was banana shaped and on the back it said In God we trust. It was all right to trust God, buI I never trusted the drivers enough to travel on it. The Alhamba bus company was bought out by Stagecoach after we left, so may be they have new buses now. The new railway looks much better
. We worked in a big inter national boarding school which is the equivalent of Eton The family of Uhuru Kenyatta (real surname Kamau) had his children at the school as did many east African leaders. Kenya is a beautiful country and we had the chance to travel cheaply in the school holidays, as we were temporary residents. It was a privi lege to live and work there. Sadly we only did one contract as the high altitude caused me breathing problems as I have asthma.
reply
The
In my opinion, Some (not all) Kenyans Do not take positive criticism very well, especially from a white man, their leaders have brainwash them into thinking that every British citizen is a colonial master. its the same way some (not all) blacks in America always think that the government is out there to eradicate them. Besides my people have not travelled much thus its hard for them to know how fries from other multinational companies like McDonald's teste.
Perhaps next time you visit try not to show your disapproval particularly when it comes to food! The meal you do not like might be something that another person really needs to survive
reply
In my opinion, Some (not all) Kenyans Do not take positive criticism very well, especially from a white man, their leaders have brainwash them into thinking that every British citizen is a colonial master. its the same way some (not all) blacks in America always think that the government is out there to eradicate them. Besides my people have not travelled much thus its hard for them to know how fries from other multinational companies like McDonald's teste.
Perhaps next time you visit try not to show your disapproval particularly when it comes to food! The meal you do not like might be something that another person really needs to survive
reply
Matt
I rode the lunatic express in 1996 and 1999 when you would interact with locals at each station, it was a sleeper service with dining car and a much more romantic service than this sterilised version. There's nothing lunatic about it. In 1999, the train left Mombasa and broke down, they had to send another from Mombasa that took 4 hours. Then outside Nairobi, we derailed and ran out of food and beer. The staff were wonderful and went to the local market and I had the best goat curry I've ever had. The train arrived 23 hours late. That's lunacy.
reply
I rode the lunatic express in 1996 and 1999 when you would interact with locals at each station, it was a sleeper service with dining car and a much more romantic service than this sterilised version. There's nothing lunatic about it. In 1999, the train left Mombasa and broke down, they had to send another from Mombasa that took 4 hours. Then outside Nairobi, we derailed and ran out of food and beer. The staff were wonderful and went to the local market and I had the best goat curry I've ever had. The train arrived 23 hours late. That's lunacy.
reply
Looby
Wow now thats a train journey Id love to take. With health issues its doubtful I ever will get the chance, which is why I love your videos so much. Your happiness and enthusiasm at being in such a beautiful country is infectious and Im sure will inspire more to visit. The people are wonderful and warm as you say, one of the best countries in the world. Your videos are honest and informative, and thank you for bringing far away places to those who visit them vicariously through your vlogs. Cheers Noel
reply
Wow now thats a train journey Id love to take. With health issues its doubtful I ever will get the chance, which is why I love your videos so much. Your happiness and enthusiasm at being in such a beautiful country is infectious and Im sure will inspire more to visit. The people are wonderful and warm as you say, one of the best countries in the world. Your videos are honest and informative, and thank you for bringing far away places to those who visit them vicariously through your vlogs. Cheers Noel
reply
Tom
After watching your heartfelt ode to Kenya, I can't help after reading the comments that perhaps you'll have to go easy on train station grub there for future reviews. A real pity many locals took this the wrong way because I could see how genuinely moved you were by the train journey. Excellent video as always in my opinion and Kenya looks wonderful.
reply
After watching your heartfelt ode to Kenya, I can't help after reading the comments that perhaps you'll have to go easy on train station grub there for future reviews. A real pity many locals took this the wrong way because I could see how genuinely moved you were by the train journey. Excellent video as always in my opinion and Kenya looks wonderful.
reply
noel_philips
So probably told his colleagues at work that he visited Africa''? haha I love these people! Also note that most communities with easy access to fresh fish don't do fillet. Fillet is normally frozen stuff. Things quite foreign to most us. . That said, we also tend to say we've gone to America
reply
So probably told his colleagues at work that he visited Africa''? haha I love these people! Also note that most communities with easy access to fresh fish don't do fillet. Fillet is normally frozen stuff. Things quite foreign to most us. . That said, we also tend to say we've gone to America
reply
tofernandes12
AFRICA is a continent, a gigantic continent, you did like your travel to Kenya, in Africa. This is one of the reason people still so misinformed about Africa and sometimes they think is a hole country. If you would go to Italy, you wouldn't say you like your trip to Europe. Nice video tho.
reply
AFRICA is a continent, a gigantic continent, you did like your travel to Kenya, in Africa. This is one of the reason people still so misinformed about Africa and sometimes they think is a hole country. If you would go to Italy, you wouldn't say you like your trip to Europe. Nice video tho.
reply
John
Wow. Noel, that was one of the best exotic journeys you've taken me on. Those African animals outside your carriage window,
roaming wild and free. Villages, kids on bicycles, and your commentary as ever, you had me sitting beside you. THANK YOU!
reply
Wow. Noel, that was one of the best exotic journeys you've taken me on. Those African animals outside your carriage window,
roaming wild and free. Villages, kids on bicycles, and your commentary as ever, you had me sitting beside you. THANK YOU!
reply
Criticality
Everybody should do some research about China's belt and road initiative (a k a one belt one road. They do not provide all that infrastructure out of kindness or generosity. With that said, that journey looked absolutely gorgeous.
reply
Everybody should do some research about China's belt and road initiative (a k a one belt one road. They do not provide all that infrastructure out of kindness or generosity. With that said, that journey looked absolutely gorgeous.
reply
David
He is just too too negative of Africa. Bloke! If you want to live in a perfect world, go back to London or Newcastle. That was was good and tasty fried fish by the way. You can learn from Bald and Bankrupt, and Harold. Idiot
reply
He is just too too negative of Africa. Bloke! If you want to live in a perfect world, go back to London or Newcastle. That was was good and tasty fried fish by the way. You can learn from Bald and Bankrupt, and Harold. Idiot
reply
Centredoorplugs
The so called Lunatic Line was the old metre gauge East African Railway Line with passenger service as little as twice a week. It last ran in 2017, not long before the new standard gauge Mataraka Line opened.
reply
The so called Lunatic Line was the old metre gauge East African Railway Line with passenger service as little as twice a week. It last ran in 2017, not long before the new standard gauge Mataraka Line opened.
reply
Kelvin
4g everywhere. Kenyans are the most internet connect people on earth. more than Greece and some American states. 45 million people but 37 million have access to internet. That's Scandinavian countries stardard
reply
4g everywhere. Kenyans are the most internet connect people on earth. more than Greece and some American states. 45 million people but 37 million have access to internet. That's Scandinavian countries stardard
reply
Ricardo
You should prepare a bit better mate. The fish and chips is typical in this part of the World. You always expect things to be just as they are in England. be prepared better! The flies are terrible.
reply
You should prepare a bit better mate. The fish and chips is typical in this part of the World. You always expect things to be just as they are in England. be prepared better! The flies are terrible.
reply
Collins
I truly love the comments and replies. What a debate and come backs.
Always remember that for peace, coexistence and respect to humanity to always keep offensive opinions private.
reply
I truly love the comments and replies. What a debate and come backs.
Always remember that for peace, coexistence and respect to humanity to always keep offensive opinions private.
reply
Leo
3000 people died for building the Uganda line,
3000 Indians who were been enslaved by the British empire died for building the Uganda line.
There, fixed for you, you're welcome.
reply
3000 people died for building the Uganda line,
3000 Indians who were been enslaved by the British empire died for building the Uganda line.
There, fixed for you, you're welcome.
reply
JCJR
That statue and Chinese flag on the train is China's belt and road initiative in action. Chinese imperialism. I wonder what will happen if they default or don't do as China wants?
reply
That statue and Chinese flag on the train is China's belt and road initiative in action. Chinese imperialism. I wonder what will happen if they default or don't do as China wants?
reply
ladym
Lesson learned there be specific when youre travelling. You got fish & chips according to majority of the world. What you should have asked for is fish fillet fried in batter
reply
Lesson learned there be specific when youre travelling. You got fish & chips according to majority of the world. What you should have asked for is fish fillet fried in batter
reply
Mark
Hi Noel. Brought groups on the old overnight train for many years to work on Orphanage Projects. Your film Brought back memories. The new train is just amazing. Mark(Ireland)
reply
Hi Noel. Brought groups on the old overnight train for many years to work on Orphanage Projects. Your film Brought back memories. The new train is just amazing. Mark(Ireland)
reply
Aegys
Wow you really wasted a good fish, and it looks fresh since it's in Mombasa, unlike those industrialized food of your favorite McFillet or whatever McFish.
reply
Wow you really wasted a good fish, and it looks fresh since it's in Mombasa, unlike those industrialized food of your favorite McFillet or whatever McFish.
reply
Add a review, comment
Other channel videos
