13 Days Kenya's Historic Railway

What to Expect

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Tsavo, Mombasa, Naivasha, Nakuru, Koru, Lake Victoria

Tour map

This 13-day itinerary offers an enriching exploration of Kenya's historic, cultural, and natural wonders. Starting in Nairobi, you'll visit the Nairobi Railway Museum, tracing the early railway history before heading to Tsavo, renowned for its legendary man-eating lions. The journey continues with an unforgettable game drive in Tsavo East, where you'll witness abundant wildlife, including dust-red elephants and hippos. Afterward, relax on Mombasa’s Bamburi Beach and explore Fort Jesus and Old Town's historical architecture. The tour ends with an excursion to the lush Nandi Hills, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, and Kisumu, blending Kenya's scenic landscapes, colonial history, and unique wildlife.

What's Included

Overnight stay and meals according to the itinerary.
Transport in Mini Van with folding roof for sight and photography.
English speaking tour guide
Game drives and park fees according to the itinerary.
All taxes and duties.
mineral water during game drives.
All airport transfers.
24 hours stand by service for your questions.

What's Excluded

Visa fees and travel insurance.
Tips.
Drinks.
Surcharges at Easter, Christmas and New Year.
Laundry.
Anything not mentioned in the itinerary.

We are taking a decisive step toward a sustainable future, where every safari journey contributes to preserving the environment for future generations.

Community & Culture

Conservation

Carbon-free travel

Days 1 - 3

Nairobi and Tsavo Exploration

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi Upon arrival at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, you will be picked up and transferred to the Trademark Hotel. After a brief rest, your first adventure begins with a visit to the Nairobi Railway Museum, a historical site that delves into Kenya’s colonial railway history dating back to 1896. You’ll discover captivating exhibits, including early steam engines and the notorious motorized railway bicycle. Highlights include the impressive “Garratts” steam engine, famed for its power in hauling heavy loads across difficult terrain.

Day 2: Nairobi to Tsavo After an early breakfast, you will embark on a journey heading east out of Nairobi. Your first stop is at Athi River Station (built in 1920) for a quick break before continuing to Konza and Emali stations. The drive offers breathtaking views of the Athi Plains, echoing the journey of early travelers aboard the “Lunatic Express.” On arrival at Tsavo Station, you will pause to reflect on the station’s history, known for the infamous Tsavo man-eaters—lions that attacked railway workers in the late 19th century. Dinner and overnight stay will be at Maneaters Camp.

Day 3: Tsavo East National Park A day filled with wildlife adventures begins with breakfast, followed by a visit to Tsavo East National Park, home to iconic African wildlife such as dust-red elephants, rhinos, buffalo, lions, and crocodiles. You will witness the impressive Yatta Plateau, the world’s longest lava flow, adding to Tsavo’s wild landscape. With over 500 bird species and scenic views along the Galana River, the park offers an unforgettable safari experience. After an evening game drive, you will return to Maneaters Camp for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 5: Tsavo to Mombasa Following breakfast, you’ll leave Tsavo and take a four-hour drive to Mombasa, Kenya’s coastal city. Upon arrival, you will check in at Bamburi Beach Hotel and spend the rest of the day relaxing along the Indian Ocean coastline.

Day 6: Mombasa – Fort Jesus and Old Town Start the day with breakfast by the ocean, followed by an excursion to Fort Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site built by the Portuguese in the late 16th century. Explore the fort’s architecture, including remnants of old battlements, Omani houses, and the on-site museum housing artifacts that tell the tale of Mombasa’s trading history. Afterward, a tour of Mombasa Old Town takes you through narrow streets lined with ancient buildings, intricate Swahili door carvings, and Islamic architecture. Dinner and overnight will be at Bamburi Beach Hotel.

Day 7: Mombasa to Nairobi via SGR An early morning journey on the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Mombasa to Nairobi offers scenic views of Tsavo National Park once more, allowing you to reminisce about your safari experience. The ride also takes you past stations visited earlier on the tour. You can end the tour in Nairobi, or extend it for more exploration.

Days 5 - 7

Mombasa and Coastal Exploration

Days 7 - 13

Rift Valley Lakes and Western Kenya (Optional Extension)

Day 7: Nairobi to Lake Naivasha For those extending their tour, your driver will meet you at the Nairobi train station and take you to Lake Naivasha, located in the Rift Valley. Enjoy a relaxing boat ride to Crescent Island, a unique wildlife sanctuary. On the island, you can encounter giraffes, hippos, gazelles, and various birds. After the tour, return to Lake Naivasha Country Club for lunch and leisure. Overnight stay at Crescent Camp.

Day 8: Lake Naivasha to Lake Nakuru After breakfast, travel to Lake Nakuru National Park, home to flamingos, waterbucks, and a variety of large mammals such as lions, buffalos, and rhinos. Following a thrilling afternoon game drive, relax at Flamingo Hill Camp with dinner and overnight accommodations.

Day 9: Lake Nakuru to Koru Today’s journey takes you westward to Koru, stopping at stations such as Elburgon and Londiani. At Fort Tenan, admire historic railway bridges before arriving at Kweisos House, a charming farmhouse known for traditional cuisine and comfort. Spend the afternoon enjoying the peaceful rural surroundings.

Day 10: Koru to Kapsimotwa Gardens A serene day at Kapsimotwa Gardens awaits, where you will tour this lush highland farm known for its tea plantations. The Nandi Hills region, rich in history and natural beauty, was also the site of resistance against British rule, led by the famed Koitalel Arap Samoei.

Day 11: Koru to Kisumu After breakfast, you’ll journey to Kisumu, a vibrant city located on the shores of Lake Victoria. As you drive through Kenya’s sugar plantations, you’ll learn about the city’s origins as a major terminal for the Kenya-Uganda Railway, marking its historical importance. Enjoy lunch and leisure time at your hotel in Kisumu.

Day 12: Kisumu to Kakamega Forest The morning brings you to the Kakamega Forest, a remnant of the once extensive Central African rainforest. This biologically rich area is home to various primates, bird species, and wildlife, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts. After a full day exploring the forest, return to your hotel in Kisumu for the night.

Day 13: Kisumu to Nairobi The tour concludes with a six-hour drive back to Nairobi, where you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight home, completing your incredible Kenya adventure.