Search

No longer offered

Vacations By Rail has withdrawn this trip from sale. We keep the page for reference and comparison. The same itinerary is still sold by another operator, listed under Also sold by below.

Vacations By Rail · Escorted Safari

Grand Safari Tour of Kenya

15-day escorted safari through seven Kenyan reserves with rail and coach

Illustration of Grand Safari Tour of Kenya

Vacations By Rail operates this 15-day escorted safari through Kenya, departing from Nairobi and visiting seven major wildlife reserves across the country. The journey combines 4x4 safari drives with cultural experiences, lodge-based stays, and concludes with a scenic First Class rail journey on the Madaraka Express through Tsavo East National Park. A UK Tour Manager leads the group throughout, while local guides conduct game drives and cultural visits. Days are spent searching for Africa's "Big Five" and rare species including Grévy's zebra and reticulated giraffes, visiting Lake Nakuru's flamingos and hippos, and experiencing traditional Maasai culture in a village setting. The itinerary balances active wildlife viewing with meals at lodges overlooking waterholes and salt licks. Accommodation ranges from 3 to 5-star properties. This tour suits travellers seeking an escorted, all-inclusive safari experience with professional guidance and a blend of nature and cultural immersion.

What to know before you look closer

  • International flights to Kenya and airport transfers are not included; these must be arranged separately
  • The tour carries a Mobility Rating 4, indicating moderate to substantial walking and safari vehicle time; confirm your fitness level with the operator before booking
  • Cancellation and travel insurance are not included in the price but can be purchased separately

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Nairobi

    Arriving in Kenya's capital

    Arrival in Nairobi with a private transfer from the airport to the hotel in the Westlands district, with the evening free to explore or relax.

  2. Day 2overnight: Nyeri

    To Aberdare National Park

    Meet the Tour Manager and group, then transfer by private safari vehicle to Aberdare National Park, arriving for lunch at the Aberdare Country Club. Transfer to Treetops Lodge, a legendary lodge with a viewing deck over a watering hole, for dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  3. Day 3overnight: Samburu National Reserve

    Heading north to Samburu National Reserve

    Travel north, possibly viewing Mount Kenya, crossing the equator into the Samburu National Reserve. Check in to Samburu Simba Lodge for two nights, with a first afternoon safari drive.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  4. Day 4overnight: Samburu National Reserve

    Wildlife spotting in Samburu National Reserve

    An early morning safari, free time at leisure, and a second afternoon safari looking for Samburu's "Special Five" animals: the Grévy's zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk and beisa oryx.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  5. Day 5overnight: Naivasha

    Lake Naivasha in the Great Rift Valley

    Drive south via Nyahururu Falls to Lake Naivasha, the highest lake in the Great Rift Valley, known for hippos and flamingos. Check in to a Lake Naivasha hotel for two nights.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. Day 6overnight: Naivasha

    Lake Nakuru wildlife drive and boat ride on Lake Naivasha

    A half-day wildlife drive at Lake Nakuru National Park, home to black and white rhinos, Rothschild's giraffe and flamingos, followed by a boat safari on Lake Naivasha.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. Day 7overnight: Maasai Mara

    The world-famous Maasai Mara Reserve

    Travel to the Maasai Mara, arriving for lunch and free time at Mara Maisha Camp, followed by an afternoon safari until dusk in search of Africa's "Big Five."

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  8. Day 8overnight: Maasai Mara

    A cultural visit to a Maasai village

    Visit a traditional Maasai village (boma) to meet the village elder and residents and learn about Maasai culture and heritage, followed by an afternoon safari in the Maasai Mara.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  9. Day 9overnight: Maasai Mara

    A safari day in the Maasai Mara

    A choice of morning and afternoon safaris or a full-day safari in the Maasai Mara in search of the "Big Five," with expert guides leading the way.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  10. Day 10overnight: Nairobi

    Folklore of the Oloolua Forest and the Giraffe Centre

    Return to Nairobi via the Oloolua Forest for storytelling and folklore, then visit the Giraffe Centre to learn about and hand-feed Rothschild's giraffes. Dinner at the Carnivore restaurant.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  11. Day 11overnight: Amboseli

    To Amboseli National Park

    Travel east to Amboseli National Park, with possible views of Mount Kilimanjaro, checking in to Ol Tukai Lodge for two nights and an afternoon wildlife drive.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  12. Day 12overnight: Amboseli

    Wildlife viewing in Amboseli National Park

    A full-day safari in Amboseli National Park with a picnic lunch, searching wetlands, swamps and plains for the Maasai giraffe, lions, cheetahs and leopards against a Mount Kilimanjaro backdrop.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  13. Day 13overnight: Tsavo

    Taita Hills and Tsavo West National Park

    Travel to Tsavo West National Park via a rhino sanctuary and Mzima Springs, with lunch at Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge and an afternoon safari, then transfer to Salt Lick Safari Lodge overlooking a waterhole.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  14. Day 14overnight: Tsavo

    Tsavo West National Park

    A full day exploring Tsavo West National Park with morning and afternoon wildlife drives, looking for buffalo, giraffe, eland, kudu, zebra, hartebeest, wildebeest and impala among the park's 56 mammal species.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  15. Day 15rail

    Tour conclusion

    Transfer to Voi station to board the Madaraka Express, traveling in First Class through Tsavo East National Park to Nairobi, with dayrooms at the Hilton Garden Inn before a transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 4Early morning and afternoon safaris in Samburu National Reserve searching for the 'Special Five': Grévy's zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk and beisa oryx
  • Day 6Half-day wildlife drive at Lake Nakuru National Park viewing black and white rhinos and flamingos, followed by a boat safari on Lake Naivasha
  • Day 8Visit a traditional Maasai village to meet residents and learn about Maasai culture, songs and heritage
  • Day 12Full-day safari in Amboseli National Park with a picnic lunch, viewing Maasai giraffes, lions, cheetahs and leopards against Mount Kilimanjaro
  • Day 15Travel First Class on the Madaraka Express through Tsavo East National Park from Voi to Nairobi on scenic, wildlife-protective elevated tracks

Included

  • Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 15 nights' 3, 4 & 5-Star hotel accommodation
  • First Class rail travel on local rail networks
  • All rail and coach travel throughout your tour
  • 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 but can be arranged
  • Flights and Airport transfers not included

Also sold by

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

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. First Class rail travel is included on the Madaraka Express on Day 15, traveling from Voi through Tsavo East National Park to Nairobi. All other transport between reserves is by private coach and safari vehicle.
Is the tour escorted?
Yes. A UK Tour Manager leads the group from start to finish, and local guides accompany safaris and cultural visits.
What is included in the price?
The price covers 14 nights' accommodation in 3, 4 and 5-star lodges, breakfast daily, 13 lunches, 13 dinners, all rail and coach travel, and all guided tours and excursions. International flights and airport transfers are not included.
Where does the tour start and end?
It starts in Nairobi and ends in Nairobi. Day 1 is arrival in Nairobi; Day 15 concludes with the Madaraka Express from Voi to Nairobi.
Which reserves are visited?
Aberdare National Park, Samburu National Reserve, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru National Park, Maasai Mara, Amboseli National Park, and Tsavo West National Park.
How much walking is involved?
Mobility Rating 4 indicates moderate to substantial walking. Days include safari drives from vehicles, cultural visits on foot, and optional full-day or morning/afternoon safari combinations. Specific daily walking distances are not detailed.

Similar journeys