Looking to do something totally scary and exciting just an hour’s drive from Nairobi?
Well, let me introduce you to the infamous Buxton Tunnel in Kabuku, Limuru.
If you are not scared of the dark or moved by haunted stories, then you can dare to conquer what is said to be the second-longest, spookiest, darkest and most ‘dangerous’ train tunnel in Kenya.
This long, tall, arch-shaped dome is infamous for many spooky stories.
Locals often recall horrific tales about the tunnel; from it being haunted by ghosts and being a den for robbers. Back in the day, the tunnel was notorious for crimes and murders and amongst the Kabuku residents, it was a no – go zone. Only a route for trains and the daring!
And so we dared!
We got a number of puzzled looks from farmers tilling their land who saw us walking along the rail tracks leading to the ‘dangerous’ tunnel. I guess they were thinking, ‘Why would anybody willingly walk to their death?’
Death? We were there to chase the elusive light at the end of the tunnel!
The Buxton Tunnel was constructed in 1949 and is more than 1km long.
Amongst locals, it is popularly referred to as ‘Kimungu kia mbugi’.
Before the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) was opened in 2017, the Buxton Tunnel was known as the longest tunnel BUT it has now lost its top spot to the SGR Ngong tunnel which is approximated to be 4.5km long and now the longest tunnel in Kenya.
The Buxton tunnel is still functional with cargo trains passing through twice daily carrying goods from Mombasa all the way to Naivasha and even into Uganda.
The Experience Walking Across
When standing on one end of the tunnel, all you see is darkness, save for a glimmer of light at the end, which offers a semblance of hope.
Starting Out
Starting off the 25 minute walk through the tunnel doesn’t seem daunting at first because the light from the outside guides you through but all of a sudden the light is swallowed up. Its as if the light is sucked up by a gigantic suction pipe.
My pupils adjust as best as they can, trying to see but with no light, instincts kick in and my other senses reciprocate. I feel and hear everything. The eerie silence, the drip drip of water and the swoosh of light wind.
Some of the people ahead of me turn on their flashlights but I don’t benefit from it since I’m at the back. But I don’t mind. I keep to my side, in step with my breath, concentrating so that I don’t trip up.
The Middle Bit
Then the tunnel curves in slightly, we’re in the middle , its murky and wet.
There seems to be a stream up above dripping water to the unwelcome visitors encroaching on the tranquility of the tunnel. The echo reverb is loud.
This is the point where the eerie silence and darkness sandwiches you even harder beteen the two concrete platforms and the only option you have is to keep on moving. Onwards we have to walk!
Almost Out
Finally, we spot the tiny light at the end of tunnel start to flicker. It gives hope that we are almost done with our cross. It stays there, static, as if urging us to keep moving, pointing us to the true north!
Sigh! It’s over! That was exhilarating.
Capturing Our Courage
We take turns to capture silhouttes and explore this other side. We do this for around 30mins before heading into the tunnel,again, as we need to get back to where we started out – that’s the way back home!
You Need Police Escort To Access The Tunnel
Due to the history of crimes and murders in the tunnel, a police escort is required for you to go across.
Let’s Drift organized this for us.
We paid Sh150 per person but carry anywhere between Sh100-200 bob to be on the safe side (pun intended).
Don’t go in without an escort for safety reasons or else you will be treated as a suspect. During our trip there, 3 men who walked in after us without an escort were arrested.
Where To Find Police Escort
The police are found at Limuru Police Post and Alex from Let’s Drift mentioned he can arrange that for you.
Please get intouch with him on +254 718 718 930. Feel free to drop my name!
How To Get There From Nairobi
Personal Transport
From Nairobi, you can drive to Limuru. Use the pinned Google Map above to find your way.
Public Transport
Go to Koja Stage in the CBD and board a number 114 matatu to Limuru that will drop you right opposite St Paul’s University in an hour or so depending on traffic. It’s the final stage so you won’t get lost.
It costs between Sh100-150bob depending on your negotiation skills 😉
PS: I went on June 13th 2020 while the COVID-19 pandemic was still rampant and with travel restrictions we were dropped off just before Limuru town due to roadblocks. Our guide knew this beforehand and had curved out a scenic route for us, as we hike to the tunnel.
About Let’s Drift
This trip was organised by Let’s Drift and they provided 2 guides for us. Our group had 10 people, so it was quite personal if you don’t like huge group travels.
I highly recommend them as they have affordable bespoke travel packages to less known areas around Nairobi and Kiambu county. It is run by a young forward-thinking guy called Alex Kamau. Who is a champion for sustainable travel! Please read his medium articles here.
Let’s Drift is a community of adventure lovers that is based in Nairobi. They arrange monthly trips and they share monthly calendars in advance so that you can sign up for the upcoming trips you are interested in.
The June 2020 Calendar is out and can be accessed on Google Drive here.
You can also find them on Facebook and Instagram if you would like to see what they are up to. Alex Kamau takes wonderful photos and you will be scrolling forever on their pages!
Feel free to say I referred you when you book a trip with them 😉
I am currently on the subscription model where you pay Sh1000 a month and have access to all freemium trips that month.
On this model, all you do is cater for your transport or matatu fare on the day of the trip. The poster below describes how they work.
What To Wear When Heading To Buxton Tunnel
1.Layer Up Clothes
Limuru holds the bragging rights for being one of the coldest places in Kenya and depending on the season, it is wise to layer up! You can shed off the extra jacket and hoodie when it warms up.
2.Sturdy Shoes
Good comfortable shoes preferably with a thick sturdy sole. Walking along the tracks is quite tasking as there are plenty of small stones strewn all over the tracks making walking cumbersome. A good shoe will protect your feet from the poking stones underneath.
Also depending on the weather, it can be muddy, so choose a pair that will also protect you from the elements.
What To Carry During The Trip
1. A camera or your smartphone to capture the surreal moments of you walking into the tunnel and the joy of finally conquering it!
2.Snacks and a bottle of water. You hike to the tunnel and back through the rail track. After walking through the tunnel – we walked a kilometre or so to a lush green opening where we had a picnic break.
3.An umbrella or waterproof jacket to protect you in case it rains. Remember you are in the highlands!
Worthwhile Experience
I had been looking forward to visiting the Buxton Tunnel and I am glad I finally did!
I realy enjoyed the experience with Let’s Drift and I will be using them more in 2020! I will keep you posted on what I do next! I’m now a proud #drifter
Let me know in the comments section- are you courageous enough to attempt to cross the tunnel?
To more explorations! #kimolatheexplorer
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Did you know about the Buxton Tunnel? Would you walk inside the tunnel?
Nice article,I definitely have to visit the Buxton.
Thank you for reading Jason! There are so many gems to see in Kenya! This one is a must!
When I first heard of Buxton Tunnel, the thought of exploring it had me thinking – hii ni mazoezi ya kifo. Even though its reputation remains unchanged, I am relieved that it is possible to safely explore it.
Yes – it is quite something plus the security escort makes the experience more calming in a way! Please give it a try – makes for great exploration!
Very nice and informartive article there! It was fun experiencing this together! I highly recomend
And it was nice meeting you too Nimo! We shall meet on another drift soon!