Kenya by Rail: Trains, Safaris & Beaches

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 join a local guide on an Intrepid day tour who'll not only show you the sights but also lead you to the perfect lunch spot to try some local cuisine.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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. This evening, you’re free to explore Mombasa at your own pace.