Safari and Beach by Train

Begin your journey in Nairobi, staying in the peaceful suburb of Karen, where you’ll find some of Kenya’s most renowned attractions, including the elephant orphanage and giraffe sanctuary. Nairobi’s thriving food scene offers everything from farm-to-table dining to pop-up eateries and small-plate options, making it a culinary hotspot. We recommend spending a couple of nights here to fully immerse yourself in the local culture while also shaking off any jet lag. Meet talented local artists, hike the scenic Ngong Hills for panoramic views, and wander through the bustling markets. With our insider expertise, you’ll experience Nairobi’s vibrant spirit and discover hidden gems often missed by tourists.

Rise early to catch the train to Tsavo, a relaxing way to experience Kenya’s diverse landscapes. Travelling by train offers a more immersive journey, providing a window into local life that many visitors miss. While often overlooked by luxury safari tours, this scenic ride gives you your first opportunity to spot elephants and other wildlife as you pass through the iconic red soils and rugged terrain of the Tsavo region. The comfortable, four-hour trip to Voi showcases stunning views of wilderness and wildlife, setting the stage for your safari adventure. Upon arriving in Voi, you’ll be ready to explore the vast savannahs, rich wildlife, and unique ecosystems that make Tsavo so special for nature lovers.

Your safari experience begins at Mbulia Conservancy, a private sanctuary that borders both Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks. Established in 2012, the conservancy provides a safe haven for elephant while also playing a vital role in supporting local communities. By staying here, a portion of your lodge fees directly contributes to crucial conservation efforts, such as funding ranger patrols, building fences to reduce human-wildlife conflict, and protecting wildlife habitats. Beyond this, the conservancy also gives back to the surrounding communities by providing essential services, including school bursaries and water tanks. This unique partnership between conservation and community development ensures that your visit supports both wildlife preservation and local livelihoods, making it a deeply rewarding and impactful part of your safari adventure.

From Mbulia Conservancy, you’ll set out on game drives through the vast and varied landscapes of Tsavo East and Tsavo West, which together form Kenya’s largest protected area, covering 4% of the country’s total land area. The region’s diverse terrain ranges from the rocky outcrops and volcanic hills of Tsavo West to the wide open plains and red earth of Tsavo East, offering incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. Over the course of several days, with your private safari vehicle, driver, and spotter, you’ll have the flexibility to explore both parks. Expect to encounter a rich variety of animals, including lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, wild dog, giraffe, and an impressive array of over 400 bird species. After a day of exploration, relax at your lodge with panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Begin your day early, joining rangers on a patrol through Mbulia Conservancy. After a briefing on their conservation work, you’ll set out on foot or by vehicle to track wildlife like elephant and buffalo, learning to identify tracks and signs along the way. The rangers will share insights on protecting wildlife and how they balance the needs of local communities with conservation. You’ll visit fence lines, which help prevent crop raids, and stop at waterholes where animals gather. Throughout the patrol, the rangers share stories of their daily challenges, from poaching threats to resource shortages. By the end of the day, you’ll have gained a hands-on understanding of the vital role rangers play in protecting the ecosystem.

This morning you’ll head back to Voi to jump back on the train for your onward journey down to the Kenya coast. We’ll collect you from the train station and take you to your beach hotel. There are many different boutique and larger resort style properties along the coast. We work with a few hand-chosen hotels that we know offer fantastic service and are conscious of their environmental and social impact. The Kenya coast has incredible snorkelling, diving, paddleboarding, kayaking as well as crystal clear water to enjoy.