From the bustling city through the dusty, red desert to the whitest sands and most beautiful sea.
A train journey through Kenya is a fantastic travel experience. You sit comfortably in the train, watching the landscapes glide by.
Along the way, from Nairobi to Mombasa, you'll stop for three nights in Kenya's largest National Park, Tsavo, with ample time for game drives and to enjoy the stunning nature.
The journey continues by train to the coast, where a beach holiday awaits.
The entire tour begins, however, with an eventful day in Kenya's vibrant capital. We've put together a day of both nature and culture—where you'll literally get a taste of Kenya!
A varied tour, without too much packing and unpacking, where long transfers are conducted by train.
Today, you will depart from your chosen airport with connecting flights along the way. The journey takes you to East Africa and the marvellous Kenya.
Upon arrival in Kenya's capital, you will be greeted at the airport by our local partner and transferred to your hotel. You will have two nights in the city.
If you arrive early in the day, you might opt to book an optional excursion if you're eager to start experiencing the city today. Alternatively, you can choose to relax after the journey and perhaps take a dip in the pool.
Nairobi, not only Kenya's capital, is also the most important commercial city in all of East Africa. The city is a true melting pot of cultures and, although it's large and can feel a bit wild at times, it offers both vast natural and cultural experiences. Today, we aim to show you some of our favourites both in and outside the city.
You will start your day with a tour of one of the country's renowned coffee farms. It's quite remarkable how just a half-hour drive from a bustling metropolis, you can find green expanses with vast skies, coffee plants, and fruit trees. You will learn about the different coffee varieties, how they are picked and processed, and, of course, you'll have the chance to taste the wonderful golden drops. It's a delightful way to begin your day!
We cannot forget that you're in a city, so we will also introduce you to a bit of its urban charms.
Lunch is enjoyed at a charming and trendy street food market located right in the heart of Nairobi. Rest assured, the standard is absolutely international and modern, yet still has a delightful local flavour. Several local artists have small shops where they sell their unique designs, offering a perfect opportunity to buy a one-of-a-kind souvenir in peaceful surroundings.
Finish your day with a visit to Nairobi National Park. Covering just 117 km², Nairobi National Park is one of the smallest in the country, but it's the only place in the world where you can go on safari in a capital city with views of both rhinos and skyscrapers. The rhinos are, indeed, one of the main attractions here, and while we cannot guarantee sightings, there is a very good chance of spotting both black and white rhinos. There are also plenty of other animals, including lions. The only creatures you're sure not to see are elephants. The park, after all, is too small for them.
Later in the day, you'll return to the hotel for a good night's sleep.
In the morning, you'll be collected from your hotel and taken to Nairobi's train station. From there, you will take the train to the small town of Voi, which is located right at the entrance of Kenya's largest national park, Tsavo East.
Travelling by train is a comfortable mode of transport. The seats are comfortable, there's air conditioning, snacks available on board, and restroom facilities.
The train journey lasts around four hours, and as you approach Tsavo, from the train windows, you might be lucky enough to spot wildlife. Elephants and giraffes are the easiest to see due to their height and build. Enjoy the sight of the soil gradually turning redder as you approach Tsavo.
Upon arriving in Voi, you'll be met by your driver-guide for the coming days and transferred to your lodge. Lunch awaits you, and in the afternoon, you'll embark on your first safari in Tsavo East.
Tsavo actually consists of two national parks, Tsavo East and Tsavo West, with Tsavo East being the larger one. The landscape here is flat and dry, characterised by the red soil, which gives the elephants a reddish tint after a mud or dust bath. And there are plenty of elephants around, approximately 15,000. Besides elephants, Tsavo East is home to lions, buffaloes, leopards, hippos, and many more. There are also 500 bird species recorded in the park.
The day is spent on safari in the national park. How the day unfolds will depend on both the season and the weather, and together with your guide, you will plan the perfect day. Sometimes it's best to take a packed lunch and spend the whole day in the park, while at other times, it can be more advantageous to return to the lodge for lunch and a break until the temperature drops a bit.
Your guide knows what is best!
As mentioned, Tsavo is actually split into two National Parks, and today you're visiting the western part.
The landscape in Tsavo West is strikingly different from Tsavo East. The flat, open plains give way to more contoured landscapes and denser vegetation. This doesn't mean there's less wildlife here—it simply means the animals might be trickier to spot. However, the reward can feel even greater when you do see them.
The natural scenery is dramatic, featuring springs, dried-up lava flows, and on clear days, even views of the imposing Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. There are often fewer safari vehicles here than in Tsavo East, enhancing the feeling of truly being in the wild, African bush.
What the day holds is anyone's guess. Here in the bush, the elements—wind, weather, sun, and rain—set the agenda!
It's time to bid farewell to Tsavo's red elephants and say hello to the white sandy beaches along the coast.
You'll head back to the train station where you disembarked a few days ago and hop back on the train for the final stretch to Mombasa. Once there, you'll be greeted and transferred to your hotel, where you'll stay for four nights.
Your beach days are yours to spend as you wish. Perhaps you'll want to simply enjoy the resort, the pool, the water, and the sunshine. If you find yourself seeking more, the area offers an array of exciting excursions.
A half-day tour of Mombasa, including a visit to Fort Jesus, is highly recommended, especially for history enthusiasts. If you're more interested in marine life, a snorkelling excursion comes highly recommended.
Check out a couple of the optional tours you can book below.
If you'd like, it's also possible to extend your beach holiday—just have a chat with your travel specialist.
It's time to say goodbye to the beautiful beaches of Kenya. You'll be picked up from your hotel and taken to the airport, from where you'll fly towards your chosen airport with one or more connecting flights. Naturally, you can also choose to extend your stay along the coast if you like.
You will land at your chosen airport after an adventurous tour.
Children under 12 years from £2359
Single room supplement from £109
Catriona is passionate about helping other people fulfill their travel dreams, as she knows how much travel has only improved her life for the better!
