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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

Treasures of Kenya

Kenya safari from Nairobi through four reserves and Maasai village

Illustration of Treasures of Kenya

Great Rail Journeys' Treasures of Kenya is a 10-day escorted safari tour departing London Heathrow and returning from Nairobi. A UK Tour Manager guides the group throughout. The itinerary loops across Kenya's leading wildlife reserves: Aberdare National Park in the Central Highlands, Samburu National Reserve in the arid north (home to the rare 'Special Five' species), Lake Nakuru, and the renowned Maasai Mara. Along the way, guests stay in 3 to 5-star lodges, join twice-daily game drives, meet the Maasai at a traditional village, hear folktales in the Oloolua Forest, and hand-feed giraffes at the Giraffe Centre in Nairobi. Most meals and all guided safaris are included. The pace is relaxed: typically one to three nights per stop, with Day 2 in Nairobi and Day 10 left unscheduled. Coach transport connects the reserves; flights cover the longer distances. This tour suits couples, families, photographers, and first-time safari travellers seeking structure and expert guidance.

What to know before you look closer

  • This is a coach and flight tour, not a rail journey; Great Rail Journeys operates it as part of a broader escorted-tour portfolio.
  • The from-price (GBP 4,999) is single-occupancy in many hotels; the single supplement rises to GBP 5,949, a significant uplift.
  • Day 2 includes an optional morning safari to Nairobi National Park payable locally; this is not included in the package price.
  • Only one November 2027 departure is currently listed; confirm availability before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Nairobi

    Flying from London 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 this evening, you are met at the airport and transferred to the hotel in the city's popular Westlands district.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2overnight: Nairobi

    Time at leisure in Nairobi or morning safari

    After breakfast, you can choose to join an optional morning safari into Nairobi National Park (payable locally), less than five miles outside the city, with lunch at a local restaurant. Alternatively, enjoy a free day in Nairobi exploring the city at leisure, visit the Kenyatta International Convention Centre tower, Village Market, Uhuru Park or Karura Forest.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 3overnight: Aberdare National Park

    To the Treetops Lodge in Aberdare National Park

    After breakfast, transfer by private safari vehicle to Aberdare National Park in Kenya's Central Highlands. Arrive in time for lunch at the Aberdare Country Club on Mweiga Hill. Later, transfer to the Treetops Lodge, first opened in 1932, built around an ancient tree and 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

  4. Day 4overnight: Samburu National Reserve

    Across the equator to Samburu National Reserve

    Journey continues northwards after breakfast, with a possible view of Mount Kenya, the second highest peak in Africa. Cross the equator into the arid landscape of Samburu National Reserve. After checking in, enjoy lunch and free time. First afternoon game drive into Samburu to spot wildlife and view the rugged beauty of this remote wilderness. Return to the lodge for a sunset dinner overlooking the Buffalo Springs and Uaso Nyiro River.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  5. Day 5overnight: Samburu National Reserve

    Exploring Samburu National Reserve

    Early morning safari into the park, followed by breakfast at the lodge. Morning at leisure to relax by the pool or enjoy views from the terrace. Afternoon safari into Samburu to look out for the 'Special Five': Grévy's zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk and beisa oryx, as well as large numbers of elephants. Return to the lodge for dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. Day 6overnight: Lake Nakuru

    To Lake Nakuru

    Drive south to the Nyahururu Falls, an impressive 230-foot waterfall. Enjoy lunch in this unique setting before continuing to Lake Nakuru National Park, with a safari drive en route to the hotel. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a protected area for black and white rhino and Rothschild's giraffe, with a 117-mile fenced area. Also possible to spot hyenas, lions, leopards, waterbuck, flamingos, African fish eagles, hoopoes and pelicans. Free time on arrival at Lake Nakuru Sopa Resort before dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. Day 7overnight: Maasai Mara

    The world-famous Maasai Mara Reserve

    Head to the renowned Maasai Mara, a diverse ecosystem of tropical grassland, acacia trees and patches of forest. Arrive in time for lunch at Mara Maisha Camp. Afternoon safari until dusk, home to Africa's Big Five, with possible sightings of buffalo, zebra, cheetahs, lions and enormous crocodiles in the Mara River. Return to the lodge for dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  8. Day 8overnight: Maasai Mara

    Cultural visit to a Maasai village

    Meet with the village elder and members of the Maasai tribe on a visit to a traditional Maasai village (boma). Spend time in their circular village of mud and grass huts, hearing about the Maasai's deep connection to their land and cattle, and learning about their craftsmanship, culture and heritage. After lunch at the hotel, take an afternoon safari into the abundant wildlife led by a local guide. Return to the lodge for dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  9. Day 9overnight: Nairobi

    Folklore of the Oloolua Forest and Giraffe Centre

    Depart Maasai Mara and head to the Oloolua Forest for lunch. Take a short walk under the canopy to a clearing where a storyteller shares folktales passed down through generations. Visit the Giraffe Centre, established in 1983 as a sanctuary for the Rothschild's giraffe, with the opportunity to hand-feed giraffes and watch warthogs. Continue to Nairobi and dine at the famous Carnivore restaurant.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  10. Day 10

    Homeward bound

    Enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel, then the day is yours to spend as you please until the airport transfer this afternoon. Fly back to the UK.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Arrive at Treetops Lodge in Aberdare National Park, built around an ancient tree and famous as the site where Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne, positioned in front of a watering hole and elephant migratory path.
  • Day 4Cross the equator into Samburu National Reserve's arid landscape, with possible views of Mount Kenya en route.
  • Day 6Visit Nyahururu Falls, an impressive 230-foot waterfall, before arriving at Lake Nakuru, a UNESCO World Heritage site home to pink flamingos and endangered rhinos.
  • Day 8Meet the Maasai tribe at a traditional village (boma) and learn about their connection to land and cattle, craftsmanship, and heritage.
  • Day 9Hand-feed giraffes at the Giraffe Centre, a sanctuary for Rothschild's giraffes established in 1983, then dine at Nairobi's Carnivore restaurant.

Included

  • Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 10 nights' 3, 4 & 5-star hotel accommodation
  • All coach and transport travel throughout the tour
  • Return flights from London Heathrow to Nairobi
  • Breakfast each day
  • 8 lunches
  • 9 dinners
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Optional morning safari to Nairobi National Park (payable locally)
  • Flight upgrades (available at extra cost)
  • Personal expenses

Questions travellers ask

Is this an escorted tour or independent?
It is fully escorted. Great Rail Journeys provides a UK Tour Manager from start to finish, and all safaris and excursions are guided.
What is included in the price?
The price covers return flights from London Heathrow to Nairobi, 10 nights in 3 to 5-star hotels, all coach transport, breakfast every day, 8 lunches, 9 dinners, and all guided tours and safaris.
Which safari reserves does the tour visit?
The tour visits four reserves: Aberdare National Park, Samburu National Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park, and Maasai Mara, plus Nairobi National Park as an optional paid add-on on Day 2.
Is there a Maasai cultural experience?
Yes, Day 8 includes a visit to a traditional Maasai village (boma) to meet the village elder and learn about Maasai craftsmanship, culture, and pastoral way of life.
How much walking is involved?
The tour is coach-based with game drives and short walks. Day 9 includes a short walk in the Oloolua Forest under the canopy; most other days involve game drives from the vehicle.
What happens on the free days?
Day 2 in Nairobi is free to explore the city at leisure or join an optional morning safari to Nairobi National Park. Day 10 is free until the airport transfer in the afternoon.

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