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Peregrine Travel Centre

Kenya by Rail: Trains, Safaris & Beaches

Kenya by Rail: Trains, Safaris & Beaches

From $ 7,300 AUD

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Description

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. Starting in Nairobi, visit The Intrepid Foundation partner, the Patinaai Osim project, then discover Amboseli National Park from a comfortable lodge. Head out on 4WD safaris to spot lions, zebras, giraffes and elephants, then ride the Madaraka ‘Safari Train,’ steeped in local lore. In Tsavo National Park, go on more safari drives at dawn and dusk and star gaze to your heart’s content. Couple this with a walk through Mombasa’s Old Town and two days to chill out on the gorgeous paradise of Diani Beach and you’ve got an incredible adventure.

Trip Name
Kenya by Rail: Trains, Safaris & Beaches
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
10
Capacity
16
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.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk. ROAD CONDITIONS AND INFRASTRUCTURE IN AFRICA: Roads in Africa are often in very poor condition, which makes it hard on our vehicles. Our vehicles are serviced regularly and are generally in good condition, but breakdowns can and do happen. Sometimes the going on this trip is quite tough, the distances covered fairly large and some of the roads and tracks are not exactly smooth or free from dust, but the rewards are exceptional. The travelling times indicated in our Essential Trip Information is just a rough guide and is dependent on various factors that may be outside our control, such as road conditions, weather and time spent at borders. DRIVE TIMES: The travel times listed in the day to day itinerary are a guide only. Please be aware that delays may occur and please be patient - it's all part of the experience afterall! Additionally, the travel times do not include time spent on game drives as these can vary with each departure.

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.
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.
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.
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 and relax by the pool. Tonight, maybe head back to the sanctuary for some star gazing – with a lack of pollution, the night sky here is magnificent!
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.
Day 6 - Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary
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.
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.
Day 8 - Diani
Today, you are free to relax and explore this Kenyan paradise at your own pace – think long stretches of white sand with swaying palm trees lining the Indian Ocean coastline.
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.
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.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
13-02-202622-02-2026AUD $ 8,230-
15-05-202624-05-2026AUD $ 7,300-
26-06-202605-07-2026AUD $ 7,300-
24-07-202602-08-2026AUD $ 8,295-
14-08-202623-08-2026AUD $ 8,295-
25-09-202604-10-2026AUD $ 8,295-
23-10-202601-11-2026AUD $ 8,295-

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nights),Permanent Tented Camp (2 nights),Safari Lodge (3 nights),Beach Resort (3 nights)

Transport

Train,4WD Safari Vehicle,Private Vehicle

Map

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