How much does it cost?

From £7,999 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $10,805 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.

Is train travel included?

Yes. The tour includes the Madaraka Express in First Class on Day 15, traveling from Voi through Tsavo East National Park to Nairobi. All other transport, internal flights, coach, boat, and 4x4 safaris, is also included.

Is this tour escorted?

Yes. Great Rail Journeys provides a UK Tour Manager throughout the entire 16 days, from London Heathrow through all hotel stays and activities in Kenya.

What hotels are included?

Accommodation spans 3 to 5-star properties: Mövenpick Residences in Nairobi, Treetops Lodge in Aberdare, Samburu Simba Lodge, Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort, Mara Maisha Camp, Ol Tukai Lodge in Amboseli, and Salt Lick Safari Lodge in Tsavo West.

What meals are included?

Breakfast every day, 13 lunches, and 13 dinners. Most meals are at the lodges; Day 10 includes dinner at Nairobi's Carnivore restaurant. Day 1 and Day 16 do not include dinner or lunch respectively.

When does this tour run?

Departures are scheduled for September 2026, November 2026, and September 2027.

Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

Grand Safari Tour of Kenya

Kenya safari adventure with rail, staying in lodges across seven reserves

Great Rail Journeys operates this 16-day escorted safari through Kenya's premier wildlife reserves, departing from London Heathrow and concluding at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The journey spans seven of Kenya's Top Ten reserves, including the Maasai Mara, Amboseli with views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Samburu, Tsavo West, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, and Aberdare National Park. Days blend guided 4x4 safaris led by local experts with stays in 3 to 5-star lodges positioned for wildlife viewing. On Day 8 you visit a traditional Maasai village to meet the elder and learn about tribal heritage. The Madaraka Express, traveling in First Class through Tsavo East National Park on Day 15, provides a scenic rail segment linking the safari parks to Nairobi. All meals, internal flights, boat safaris, and excursions are included, and a Tour Manager accompanies the group throughout. The package suits couples, photographers, and safari newcomers who prefer organized, all-inclusive travel with expert guidance.

Price history

Across 5 checks, this price has risen £1,800 since 4 Jul, to £7,999.

Each point is a day we checked this operator's own page, not a weekly average, and the line holds flat between checks rather than guessing at movement we did not see. 3 of 5 points are a live read of the operator's page. Hollow points are values shown when the trip was first listed here and never confirmed with the operator.

What to know before you look closer

Maximum group size is 40 people
Single supplement from GBP 7,399 is significantly higher than half the double rate
Day 9 offers optional full-day safari with picnic lunch as an upgrade; other days have set activities

Day by day

Day 1overnight: Nairobi
Flight to Nairobi
Meet the Tour Manager at London Heathrow and board a daytime flight to Nairobi, landing late evening and transferring to the hotel in the Westlands district; the evening is free to dine independently.
Day 2overnight: Treetops Lodge, Aberdare National Park
Treetops Lodge in Aberdare National Park
Transfer by private safari vehicle to Aberdare National Park, with lunch at the Aberdare Country Club, then continue to the historic Treetops Lodge overlooking a watering hole.
Day 3overnight: Samburu National Reserve
Across the equator to Samburu National Reserve
Travel north crossing the equator into Samburu National Reserve, check in to the lodge, then take a first afternoon game drive before a sunset dinner.
Day 4overnight: Samburu National Reserve
Samburu National Reserve
An early morning safari followed by breakfast, free time at leisure, then an afternoon safari looking for the Samburu 'Special Five' animals before dinner.
Day 5overnight: Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort
Lake Naivasha in the Great Rift Valley
Drive south via the Nyahururu Falls for lunch, then continue to Lake Naivasha, checking in to the Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort for two nights. For the 21st September departure, the group stays at the Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge instead.
Day 6overnight: Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort
Lake Nakuru wildlife drive and boat ride on Lake Naivasha
A half-day wildlife drive at Lake Nakuru National Park, then after lunch a boat safari on Lake Naivasha spotting birdlife, before returning to the lodge for dinner.
Day 7overnight: Mara Maisha Camp
The world-famous Maasai Mara Reserve
Travel to the Maasai Mara, arriving for lunch at Mara Maisha Camp, the base for the next three nights, followed by an afternoon safari until dusk. For the 21st September departure, the group stays at the Mara Simba Lodge instead.
Day 8overnight: Mara Maisha Camp
Cultural visit to a Maasai village
Visit a traditional Maasai village to meet the village elder and learn about Maasai culture and heritage, then after lunch take an afternoon safari led by a local guide.
Day 9overnight: Mara Maisha Camp
A free day to explore the Maasai Mara
A free day with options including a full-day or half-day safari in 4x4 vehicles, or an optional balloon safari excursion.
Day 10overnight: Nairobi
Folklore of the Oloolua Forest and Giraffe Centre
Depart the Maasai Mara for the Oloolua Forest for storytelling and lunch, then visit the Giraffe Centre before continuing to Nairobi to dine at the Carnivore restaurant.
Day 11overnight: Ol Tukai Lodge, Amboseli National Park
To Amboseli National Park
Travel east towards Amboseli National Park with views of Mount Kilimanjaro, checking in to Ol Tukai Lodge for two nights, then an afternoon game drive before dinner overlooking Kilimanjaro.
Day 12overnight: Ol Tukai Lodge, Amboseli National Park
Wildlife viewing in Amboseli National Park
A full-day safari with a picnic lunch, searching the wetlands, swamps and plains for elephants, the Maasai giraffe and other wildlife, before returning to the lodge for dinner.
Day 13overnight: Salt Lick Safari Lodge, Tsavo West National Park
Taita Hills and Tsavo West National Park
Travel to Tsavo West National Park via the Shetani lava flow and Mzima Springs, with lunch at Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge, an afternoon safari, then transfer to Salt Lick Safari Lodge for two nights, followed by a nighttime safari.
Day 14overnight: Salt Lick Safari Lodge, Tsavo West National Park
Tsavo West National Park
A morning wildlife drive, free time at the lodge, then an afternoon drive into the park before returning for dinner.
Day 15railovernight: Overnight flight
Return to Nairobi by rail
Transfer to Voi station to board the Madaraka Express in First Class through Tsavo East National Park to Nairobi, then freshen up in day rooms before an overnight flight to the UK.
Day 16
Homeward bound
Land in the UK this morning, bringing the safari holiday to a close.

The moments this trip is built around

Day 2Arrival at Treetops Lodge in Aberdare National Park, built around an ancient tree and positioned above a watering hole along an elephant migration path
Day 4Morning safari to spot the Samburu 'Special Five' including Grévy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, and beisa oryx in the arid landscape
Day 8Visit to a traditional Maasai village to meet the elder, learn about craftsmanship and culture, followed by an afternoon safari led by a local guide
Day 12Full-day safari in Amboseli National Park with views of Mount Kilimanjaro while spotting big-tusked elephants, cheetahs, lions, and over 400 bird species
Day 15Madaraka Express in First Class from Voi westward through Tsavo East National Park to Nairobi

Included

Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
15 nights' 3, 4 & 5-Star hotel accommodation
All rail, boat and coach travel throughout your tour
Return flights from London Heathrow to Nairobi
All internal flights
Breakfast each day, 13 lunches, 13 dinners
All guided tours and excursions

Not included

Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour

Also sold by

The same itinerary is listed on more than one site. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

Vacations By Railfrom $10,899

Questions travellers ask

How much does it cost?: From £7,999 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $10,805 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.
Is train travel included?: Yes. The tour includes the Madaraka Express in First Class on Day 15, traveling from Voi through Tsavo East National Park to Nairobi. All other transport, internal flights, coach, boat, and 4x4 safaris, is also included.
Is this tour escorted?: Yes. Great Rail Journeys provides a UK Tour Manager throughout the entire 16 days, from London Heathrow through all hotel stays and activities in Kenya.
What hotels are included?: Accommodation spans 3 to 5-star properties: Mövenpick Residences in Nairobi, Treetops Lodge in Aberdare, Samburu Simba Lodge, Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort, Mara Maisha Camp, Ol Tukai Lodge in Amboseli, and Salt Lick Safari Lodge in Tsavo West.
What meals are included?: Breakfast every day, 13 lunches, and 13 dinners. Most meals are at the lodges; Day 10 includes dinner at Nairobi's Carnivore restaurant. Day 1 and Day 16 do not include dinner or lunch respectively.
When does this tour run?: Departures are scheduled for September 2026, November 2026, and September 2027.