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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

Grand Safari Tour of Kenya

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

Illustration of Grand Safari Tour of Kenya

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.

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

  1. Day 1overnight: Mövenpick Residences, Nairobi

    Flight to Nairobi

    Your east African safari holiday begins at London Heathrow, meeting the Tour Manager before boarding a daytime flight to Nairobi. Landing in Nairobi late this evening, you are met at the airport and transferred to the hotel in the city's popular Westlands district. The rest of the day is free to dine independently.

  2. Day 2overnight: Treetops Lodge, Aberdare National Park

    Treetops Lodge in Aberdare National Park

    After breakfast, transfer by private safari vehicle to Aberdare National Park. Arrive in time for lunch at the Aberdare Country Club. Later, transfer to Treetops Lodge, built around an ancient tree, famous as the site where Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne, situated in front of a watering hole and along an elephant migratory path.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  3. Day 3overnight: Samburu Simba Lodge, Buffalo Springs National Reserve

    Across the equator to Samburu National Reserve

    Journey continues northwards after breakfast, crossing the equator into the arid landscape of Samburu National Reserve. Possible views of Mount Kenya en route. Afternoon drive into Samburu to spot wildlife. Lodge overlooks Buffalo Springs and Uaso Nyiro River.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  4. Day 4overnight: Samburu Simba Lodge, Buffalo Springs National Reserve

    Samburu National Reserve

    Early morning safari into the park, followed by breakfast at the lodge. Free time to relax by the pool. Afternoon safari to spot the Samburu 'Special Five': Grévy's zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk and beisa oryx.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  5. Day 5overnight: Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort, Lake Naivasha

    Lake Naivasha in the Great Rift Valley

    Drive south to the Nyahururu Falls (230 feet). Continue to Lake Naivasha, the highest lake in the Great Rift Valley. Check in to Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort for two nights. Free time to relax by the pool or stroll the grounds.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. Day 6overnight: Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort, Lake Naivasha

    Lake Nakuru wildlife drive and boat ride on Lake Naivasha

    Half-day wildlife drive at Lake Nakuru National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site protecting black and white rhino and Rothschild's giraffe. After lunch, enjoy a boat safari on Lake Naivasha spotting birds and wildlife on the shore.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. Day 7overnight: Mara Maisha Camp, Masai Mara

    The world-famous Maasai Mara Reserve

    Head to the renowned Maasai Mara, a diverse ecosystem of tropical grassland, acacia trees and forest. Arrive in time for lunch at Mara Maisha Camp. Afternoon safari until dusk, home to Africa's Big Five.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  8. Day 8overnight: Mara Maisha Camp, Masai Mara

    Cultural visit to a Maasai village

    Visit a traditional Maasai village (boma), meeting the village elder and tribe members. Learn about their craftsmanship, culture and heritage. Afternoon safari led by a local guide.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  9. Day 9overnight: Mara Maisha Camp, Masai Mara

    A free day to explore the Maasai Mara

    Free day in the Maasai Mara. Option for a full-day safari with picnic lunch, or morning and afternoon safaris in 4×4 vehicles searching for the Big Five. Relax by the swimming pool between drives.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  10. Day 10overnight: Mövenpick Residences, Nairobi

    Folklore of the Oloolua Forest and Giraffe Centre

    Depart Maasai Mara and head to the Oloolua Forest for a walk under the canopy and traditional storytelling. Visit the Giraffe Centre, established in 1983 as a sanctuary for the Rothschild's giraffe. Dinner at Nairobi's famous Carnivore restaurant.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  11. Day 11overnight: Ol Tukai Lodge, Amboseli National Park

    To Amboseli National Park

    Travel eastwards to Amboseli National Park with views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Check in to Ol Tukai Lodge. Afternoon drive in the national park searching for animals and birdlife.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  12. Day 12overnight: Ol Tukai Lodge, Amboseli National Park

    Wildlife viewing in Amboseli National Park

    Full-day safari in Amboseli with picnic lunch, exploring wetlands, swamps and open plains. Chance to spot Maasai giraffe, big-tusked elephants, zebras, impalas, cheetahs, lions and over 400 bird species against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  13. Day 13overnight: Salt Lick Safari Lodge, Tsavo West National Park

    Taita Hills and Tsavo West National Park

    Travel to Tsavo West National Park, stopping at the Shetani lava flow and Mzima Springs. Lunch at Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge. Afternoon safari. Transfer to Salt Lick Safari Lodge for two nights. Evening nighttime safari seeking aardvarks, honey badgers, African wildcats and lions.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  14. Day 14overnight: Salt Lick Safari Lodge, Tsavo West National Park

    Tsavo West National Park

    Morning and afternoon wildlife drives in Tsavo West National Park. Over 500 bird species recorded here, including three endemic species: Taita thrush, Taita apalis and Taita white eye. Spot 56 mammal species including buffalo, giraffe, eland, kudu, zebra and more.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  15. Day 15railovernight: In flight

    Return to Nairobi by rail

    After early breakfast, transfer to Voi station to board the Madaraka Express (First Class). Travel westwards through Tsavo East National Park. Arrive in Nairobi, allocated dayrooms at hotel to freshen up. Later transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for overnight flight to the UK.

    Meals: Breakfast

  16. Day 16

    Homeward bound

    Land in the UK this morning. Your holiday draws to a close and you are free to continue your journey home.

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 the 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

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Questions travellers ask

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.
How much wildlife can I expect to see?
The tour visits seven of Kenya's Top Ten reserves. Itineraries include multiple daily safaris in Maasai Mara, Samburu, Amboseli, and Tsavo West, with chances to see the Big Five, Mount Kilimanjaro, pink flamingos on Lake Nakuru, the Samburu 'Special Five', and over 400 bird species.

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