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Intrepid Travel · Escorted small group tour

Kenya by Rail: Trains, Safaris & Beaches

Kenya safari and beach adventure from Nairobi to Diani Beach by train and 4WD

Illustration of Kenya by Rail: Trains, Safaris & Beaches

Kenya by Rail is a 10-day small-group escorted tour operated by Intrepid Travel. The journey begins in Nairobi and concludes at Diani Beach, passing through Amboseli National Park, Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, Tsavo National Park, and Mombasa. On Day 2, you board the Madaraka Express Safari Train from Nairobi to Emali, a line steeped in colonial history that cuts between the east and west sections of Tsavo National Park. The trip balances active safari days with slower, reflective moments: you will take 4WD game drives in Amboseli and Tsavo to spot elephants, lions, zebras and giraffes, visit the Patinaai Osim reforestation project supported by The Intrepid Foundation, walk through Mombasa's Old Town past 16th-century Fort Jesus and the spice market, and enjoy two full free days at Diani Beach to swim, snorkel, or rest. All accommodation, meals, train fares, transfers, and core activities are included. The tour suits repeat rail travellers, photographers, couples, and those who prefer guided group travel with structured days and meaningful stops over independent exploration.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price (AUD 6,511 / USD 4,517) excludes international flights, visa fees, travel insurance, optional activities, and tips.
  • Hotel and lodge names are generic in the itinerary ('Permanent Tented Camp,' 'Safari Lodge,' 'Beach Resort'); confirm exact properties with Intrepid before booking.
  • Several optional activities carry extra cost: sunrise balloon safari in Amboseli, star gazing at Taita Hills, Shimba Hills visits, and snorkelling trips.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Hotel

    Nairobi

    Arrive at the airport and be met by a local representative for a complimentary transfer to your hotel. Welcome meeting at 6 pm. Optional exploration of the National Museum of Kenya, Karen Blixen Museum, or Bomas of Kenya.

    Meals: Breakfast

  2. Day 2railovernight: Permanent Tented Camp

    Amboseli National Park

    After an early breakfast, take the train to Emali. Visit the Patinaai Osim project supported by The Intrepid Foundation, which supports Indigenous Maasai women in creating sustainable livelihoods. Head to your lodge just outside Amboseli National Park. Travel time approximately 4 hours.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  3. Day 3overnight: Permanent Tented Camp

    Amboseli National Park

    Optional sunrise hot air balloon safari over Amboseli. The park covers 392 sq km and is home to the largest population of African elephants in Kenya, including 'big tuskers' and 'super tuskers.' Enjoy views of Mt Kilimanjaro on clear days. Morning guided nature walk followed by an afternoon 4WD safari to spot elephants, zebras, buffalo, lions and giraffes.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  4. Day 4railovernight: Safari Lodge

    Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary

    Board The Madaraka Express to Taita Hills on the famous line cutting between east and west sections of Tsavo National Park – once known as the 'lunatic line.' Look out for elephants, zebras and antelope from your carriage. Visit the Taita Hills Sanctuary Reforestation project. Optional star gazing at the sanctuary tonight.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  5. Day 5overnight: Safari Lodge

    Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary

    Morning wildlife viewing adventure in Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, surrounded by Tsavo West National Park. The sanctuary is home to African elephants, lions, cheetahs, buffalo, leopards, hyenas, giraffes and zebras. Afternoon safari, then dinner at the lodge.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. Day 6overnight: Safari Lodge

    Tsavo East National Park

    Morning and afternoon game drives in either Tsavo East or Tsavo West National Park, depending on where animals are migrating. Travel time approximately 4.5 hours.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. Day 7railovernight: Beach Resort

    Diani

    Take the train from Voi to Mombasa. Leader-led walk through Mombasa's Old Town – visit the Mandhry Mosque (built 1570), 16th-century Fort Jesus (UNESCO World Heritage site), and the spice market. Take a private vehicle to your beachside resort on Diani Beach. Travel time approximately 3.5 hours.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  8. Day 8overnight: Beach Resort

    Diani

    Free day at Diani Beach. Popular for snorkelling and swimming. Optional trips to coral reefs or Shimba Hills National Reserve for wildlife spotting.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  9. Day 9overnight: Beach Resort

    Diani

    Relax at the beach or explore optional activities. Walk or take a tuk-tuk down Diani's main road past Nandi flame trees, artisan shops and restaurants. Optional visit to Kaya Kinondo sacred forest. Watch the sunset with local food recommended by your leader.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  10. Day 10

    Depart

    Last day of the adventure. After breakfast, no further activities are planned. Speak to your booking agent ahead of time if you wish to extend your stay.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Board the Madaraka Express train from Nairobi to Emali, then transfer to Amboseli National Park and visit the Patinaai Osim project supporting Maasai women's livelihoods.
  • Day 3Optional sunrise hot air balloon safari over Amboseli, home to Kenya's largest African elephant population, with views of Mt Kilimanjaro on clear days.
  • Day 4Ride the Madaraka Express through the 'lunatic line' cutting between east and west Tsavo National Park, spotting elephants, zebras, and antelope from your carriage.
  • Day 7Travel by train from Voi to Mombasa, then walk through Old Town with your leader to see the 16th-century Fort Jesus (UNESCO site), the Mandhry Mosque, and the spice market.

Included

  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer (shared) on Day 1
  • Patinaai Osim (The Intrepid Foundation partner) visit
  • Amboseli National Park – Morning Guided Nature Walk
  • Amboseli National Park – Afternoon 4WD Safari
  • Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary – Reforestation Project visit
  • Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary – Morning 4WD Safari
  • Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary – Night Safari
  • Tsavo – 4WD Safari (morning and afternoon game drives)
  • Mombasa – Old Town Leader Led Tour
  • 10 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 8 dinners
  • Accommodation as per itinerary (Hotel 1 night, Permanent Tented Camp 2 nights, Safari Lodge 3 nights, Beach Resort 3 nights)
  • Transport by train, 4WD safari vehicle and private vehicle

Not included

  • International flights
  • Visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Optional activities
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips/gratuities

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. Intrepid includes all train travel on the Madaraka Express (Nairobi to Emali on Day 2, Madaraka Express to Taita Hills on Day 4, and Voi to Mombasa on Day 7) as well as transfers by 4WD safari vehicle and private vehicle.
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes. Intrepid runs this as a small-group escorted tour. A local representative meets you on arrival, and a leader accompanies all activities including safaris, nature walks, and the Old Town tour in Mombasa.
What meals are included?
All 10 breakfasts, 8 lunches, and 8 dinners are included. Days 1 and 10 include only breakfast.
What wildlife can I expect to see?
Amboseli is known for African elephants, including 'big tuskers' and 'super tuskers', as well as zebras, buffalo, lions and giraffes. Tsavo National Park and Taita Hills host elephants, lions, cheetahs, buffalo, leopards, hyenas, giraffes and zebras.
How much walking is involved?
Days include a guided nature walk in Amboseli, 4WD game drives, and a leader-led walk through Mombasa's Old Town with heritage sites. Physical activity is moderate; most travel between locations is by train or vehicle.
When does the tour depart?
Intrepid offers 10 departures between October 2026 and May 2028, running in months including February, May, June, July, August, September, and October. Prices range from AUD 6,511 to AUD 8,710.

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