Kenya by Rail: Trains, Safaris & Beaches

Duration

10 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Comfortable

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

On this 10-day trip through Kenya’s national parks and coastal landscapes, you’ll travel the local way – by train! Enjoying the scenery at a slower, more relaxed pace, you can spot wildlife out your window, get stuck into a good book or cross off all the iconic animals you see on safari.

Highlights

Ride the incredibly scenic Madaraka 'Safari Train' and listen to the wild history of the line as you look out for the resident elephants, zebras, lions and antelopes. This train runs between the east and west sections of Tsavo National Park!
Go wildlife spotting on 4WD safaris through Tsavo National Park – the oldest and largest national park in Kenya. Split into Tsavo West and Tsavo East, the park is known as the ‘land of lava, springs, man-eaters and magical sunsets.’
Visit the Patinaai Osim project – supported by The Intrepid Foundation, this project supports Indigenous Maasai women in creating sustainable livelihoods and rising above poverty and inequality.
Relax on Kenya's scenic coast for two full days at Diani Beach. Take a refreshing swim in the turquoise waters or chill out on the white sands with a good book.
Walk through Mombasa’s Old Town with your leader and uncover the vast array of architectural styles here, from the Omani doors and Gujarati terraces to the Portuguese facades and British ironwork.

Trip Details

Duration

10 days

Transportation

Train,4WD Safari Vehicle,Private Vehicle

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Nairobi, Kenya

Finishes

Depart, Kenya

Accommodations

Comfortable

Travel Style

Rail & Cruises

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Nairobi

Jambo! Welcome to Kenya. When you arrive at the airport, you’ll be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. Your adventure then begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, perhaps head out and explore the National Museum of Kenya, the Karen Blixen Museum, or the highly recommended Bomas of Kenya, where traditional homesteads of several Kenyan tribes are displayed in an outdoor village.

Included Activities:

Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer (shared)

Optional Activities:

Nairobi - City Experience Urban Adventure (45 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Amboseli National Park

After an early breakfast this morning, take the train to Emali. When you arrive, you’ll visit the Patinaai Osim project. Supported by The Intrepid Foundation, this project supports Indigenous Maasai women in creating sustainable livelihoods and rising above poverty and inequality. Learn how this Community Care Organization is committed to changing the narrative of girls and women in Indigenous communities and how they work to protect their fundamental human rights. The project also provides access to information and safe spaces for young girls. After, head to your lodge, which sits just outside of Amboseli National Park.

Included Activities:

Patinaai Osim (The Intrepid Foundation partner) visit

Accommodation:

Permanent Tented Camp (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Amboseli National Park

Maybe rise extra early this morning for a special optional activity – a sunrise safari in a hot air balloon! Aboseli National Park covers an area of about 392 sq km and is home to the largest population of African elephants in Kenya, many of which are ‘big tuskers’ (elephants with large tusks). You may even spot a ‘super tusker’ – a male bull elephant with tusks that weigh over 45 kg each, usually so long they scrape the ground. If you're lucky to visit on a clear day, you'll be treated to amazing views of Mt Kilimanjaro. After the hot air balloon ride or a leisurely sleep in, you’ll head out on a nature walk, followed by an afternoon 4WD safari. Look out for elephants, zebras, buffalo, lions and giraffes, then relax at your lodge.

Included Activities:

Amboseli National Park - Morning Guided Nature Walk
Amboseli National Park - Afternoon 4WD Safari - USD50

Accommodation:

Permanent Tented Camp (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary

Hop on The Madaraka Express to Taita Hills on the famous line that cuts between the east and west sections of Tsavo National Park. This was once known as the ‘lunatic line’ and the locals say that a wise prophet had a premonition about an ‘iron snake’ that would slither from coast to capital. As construction began in 1896, the dream became a nightmare for Indian workers and they were attacked by the park’s lions, resulting in 2500 lives lost! As you contemplate the wild history and impressive engineering from your comfortable carriage, look out for local elephants, zebras and antelope. When you arrive, visit the Taita Hills Sanctuary Reforestation project to learn about how they work to restore natural habitats after the original vegetation was degraded by bush fires, heavy grazing and droughts. After, make your way to your resort accommodation to relax. Tonight, maybe head back to the sanctuary for some star gazing – with a lack of pollution, the night sky here is magnificent!

Included Activities:

Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary - Reforestation Project

Optional Activities:

Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary - Star Gazing - Free

Accommodation:

Safari Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary

After breakfast, head out on a wildlife viewing adventure in Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, surrounded by the Tsavo West National Park – one of the oldest national parks, Tsavo West offers a unique landscape, with clouds often covering the top of the forest. The sanctuary is home to a diverse range of wildlife including African elephants, lions, cheetahs, buffalo, leopards, hyenas, giraffes and zebras, as well as many other rare and endangered species. After your afternoon safari, have dinner at your lodge and settle in for a relaxing night.

Included Activities:

Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary - Morning 4WD Safari
Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary - Night Safari

Accommodation:

Safari Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Tsavo East National Park

Today is all about seeing as much wildlife as you can! You’ll go on a morning and an afternoon game drive in either Tsavo East or Tsavo West National Park. Animals migrate around both parks, so depending on the time of year, you'll visit the side with the most animals. After a huge day of exciting wildlife-spotting, you’ll spend another relaxing night at the lodge.

Included Activities:

Tsavo - 4WD Safari

Accommodation:

Safari Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Diani

Take the train from Voi to Mombasa. When you arrive, head to Mombasa’s Old Town for a leader-led walk. Explore this fascinating island city, once a hub on the ancient trading route of spices, gold and ivory. Due to the town’s strategic location, the port has been controlled by many countries, ranging from the Portuguese to the Omani and British. The city's African, Arab and Indian heritage is reflected in its Swahili, Hindu and Muslim architecture, and you’ll visit spots like the Mandhry Mosque (built in 1570) and the 16th-century Fort Jesus – a UNESCO World Heritage site that was built by the Portuguese. Visit the spice market, where stallholders sell cardamom, turmeric and curry powders, and maybe grab a snack at one of the local street food stalls. After, take a private vehicle to your beachside resort on Diani Beach.

Included Activities:

Mombasa - Old Town Leader Led Tour

Accommodation:

Beach Resort (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Diani

Today is another free day to soak up the relaxing atmosphere of Diani Beach. This area is popular for snorkelling and swimming, so maybe set out for an active day or just relax under the sun. If you’d prefer to keep the wildlife spotting going, take a trip underwater among the coral reefs or in the nearby Shimba Hills National Reserve.

Accommodation:

Beach Resort (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Diani

Relax at the beach or choose to explore with some of the optional activities. Perhaps take a tuk-tuk or walk down Diani’s main road, passing vibrant Nandi flame trees, local artisan shops, and trendy restaurants. Alternatively, visit Kaya Kinondo, the sacred forest, where you’ll learn about its spiritual significance and medicinal trees. This peaceful walk offers a fascinating glimpse into Diani’s cultural heritage. Modest dress and a traditional kaniki wrap are required to show respect. Tonight, ask your leader where to grab some delicious local food and watch the sunset.

Accommodation:

Beach Resort (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Depart

Today is the last day of your adventure and after breakfast, there are no further activities planned. If you would like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $7,295

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 10 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 15 May 2026

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Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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