Great Rail Journeys
Grand Safari Tour of Kenya
16 daysfrom $8,279
exodustravels.com · Trip Extension
Mombasa Beach by Rail Add-on Tour
Ride the Madaraka Express to Diani Beach for all-inclusive downtime and coastal bliss
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: Papillon Lagoon Reef Hotel
Train to Mombasa • Settle into your beachside hotel
A guide drops you at the train station, where you're due to catch the Madaraka Express. This modern train journey (approximately 5hr 30min) links the capital with the coast, passing through stretches of the Tsavo region. Alight at Mombasa Terminus, where you're met by a driver and transferred (approximately 1hr 30min) to Diani Beach, where Papillon Lagoon Reef Hotel sits directly on the shoreline.
Meals: Dinner
- Day 2overnight: Papillon Lagoon Reef Hotel
Relax on Diani Beach • Optional coastal activities
With a full day at leisure, you can make the most of the hotel's beachfront setting and all-inclusive offering. Diani Beach runs for several miles along the Indian Ocean and is backed by coral reefs, creating conditions suited to snorkelling and diving. Optional activities such as dhow sailing trips or guided marine excursions can be arranged locally.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 3overnight: Papillon Lagoon Reef Hotel
Enjoy a second full day on the coast • Optional visit to Shimba Hills
For those interested in venturing beyond the beach, Shimba Hills National Reserve is within reach and offers a contrast to the coast, with forest landscapes and the chance to see species such as sable antelope and forest elephants (optional excursion). Alternatively, stay at the hotel and enjoy the facilities.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 4rail
Return to Nairobi
Enjoy a final morning by the coast before transferring back to Mombasa Terminus (approximately 1hr 30min) for the return Madaraka Express to Nairobi (approximately 5hr 30min). On arrival, you will be met by a local guide and transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your onward flight arrangements.
Meals: Breakfast
Included
- All accommodation: 3 nights (Papillon Lagoon Reef Hotel)
- All-inclusive at the hotel
- Assistance getting to the hotel and train stations
- Round-trip train tickets between Nairobi and Mombasa
