Are there luxury trains in Kenya?

Are There Luxury Trains in Kenya?

Kenya is known for its breathtaking landscapes, world-class safaris, vibrant culture, and dramatic wildlife encounters. But beyond the traditional game drive and bush flight experiences, many travelers wonder: Are there luxury trains in Kenya? The idea of traversing Kenya’s sweeping savannahs, iconic parks, and scenic highlands aboard an elegant, slow-moving luxury train evokes a sense of old-world romance and adventure. While Kenya does not currently offer a traditional luxury train on the level of the Rovos Rail or the Blue Train in Southern Africa, it does offer a fascinating range of premium and upscale rail travel experiences that blend comfort, history, scenery, and modern convenience. And with the recent revival of rail routes and Kenya’s ambitious infrastructure improvements, luxury-style train travel is growing more accessible and more exciting than ever before.

In this detailed guide, we explore the state of luxury trains in Kenya, the closest alternatives available today, what travelers can expect from Kenya’s various rail services, the best rail routes, and how these journeys can be incorporated into a high-end Kenyan safari. If you’re dreaming of a rail journey through Africa’s timeless landscapes, Kenya has options that will delight, surprise, and complement your safari beautifully.

The Dream of Luxury Rail Travel in Kenya

Luxury rail travel conjures images of elegant dining cars, plush sleeper suites, panoramic viewing windows, vintage locomotives, and attentive personal service. It is one of the most romantic ways to explore a country, blending nostalgia, exploration, and comfort.

Kenya has a long rail history associated with the early colonial era—the Lunatic Express, built in the late 1800s and early 1900s, connected the coastal port of Mombasa with the highlands and later Lake Victoria. The line gained global fame for its engineering challenges and dramatic encounters with wildlife, including the legendary man-eating lions of Tsavo.

Today, Kenya’s railways have evolved significantly. Although the country does not currently host an ultra-luxury train with private cabins and silver-service dining, it offers exceptional rail experiences that combine high-end comfort with scenic travel.

Kenya’s Premium Rail Experience: The Madaraka Express (SGR)

The most modern and comfortable train option in Kenya today is the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), popularly known as the Madaraka Express. While it is not designed as a dedicated luxury train, its first-class cabin offers a premium experience that many travelers consider a luxurious upgrade due to its comfort, space, and efficiency.

First-Class SGR Features

Large, cushioned seats
Ample legroom and generous spacing
Air-conditioning
Quiet, clean, modern carriages
Food and beverage service
Charging ports
Luggage racks
Panoramic windows for viewing wildlife and landscapes

The service is reliable, punctual, and surprisingly comfortable compared to other rail systems across Africa.

Scenic Highlights on the SGR Route

The Nairobi–Mombasa route is famous for its breathtaking scenery, including:
Vast Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks
Rolling savannahs and open plains
Giraffes, zebras, elephants, and sometimes lions visible from the window
Dramatic rock outcrops and distant mountains
Rivers, bridges, and valleys

The SGR elevated track passes through protected wildlife corridors, making animal sightings common and visually thrilling.

Why Premium Rail Is Appealing for Luxury Travelers

Even travelers staying in the most exclusive lodges—Angama Mara, Ol Donyo Lodge, and Segera Retreat—often incorporate a premium SGR journey for variety, scenic pleasure, or cultural interest.

It is ideal for:
Couples
Families
Groups
Eco-conscious travelers
Those seeking unique experiences

Though not ultra-luxury, the SGR first-class cab offers a close approximation of modern premium comfort, with reliability and beautiful views.

Historical Luxury: The Lunatic Express (Classic Kenya–Uganda Railway)

Kenya once hosted one of Africa’s great rail journeys: the Kenya–Uganda Railway, affectionately called the Lunatic Express. While no longer operating at the level of its historical glory, it remains one of the most iconic rail stories in the world.

Travelers today can still explore parts of this historic line through heritage experiences:
Museums
Station tours
Photographic journeys
Vintage carriages on display

For rail enthusiasts, the history alone is a luxury of the imagination—an opportunity to step back in time and relive the early days of African exploration.

Are There True Luxury Trains in Development in Kenya?

There have been discussions about introducing luxury tourist trains along scenic routes, especially between:
Nairobi–Nanyuki
Nairobi–Naivasha
Nairobi–Mombasa
Nanyuki–Meru
Lewa–Laikipia

However, none of these projects have fully launched as of today. The growing interest in luxury rail tourism suggests that Kenya may one day host a premium overnight train with private cabins and fine dining. For now, travelers can enjoy upscale or unique alternatives that capture the essence of luxury rail travel.

Upscale Rail Alternatives in Kenya

1. Private Charter Trains (Rare and Seasonal)

Occasionally, private train charter companies offer special journeys for:
Film crews
Photography groups
Corporate events
Tourism campaigns
Luxury brand experiences

These are not regular public services but offer premium comfort, customized routes, and exclusive experiences when available.

2. Luxury Bush Flights as Rail Replacements

Since Kenya lacks a fully luxury train, private charter flights often fill the gap for upscale travelers. These flights provide:
Comfort
Speed
Scenic aerial views
Exclusive access
Luxury-level service

Routes such as Nairobi–Maasai Mara, Laikipia–Amboseli, and Mara–Samburu mimic what luxury trains would offer in terms of convenience and exclusivity.

3. Road-and-rail-combination Safaris

Some high-end safari itineraries combine SGR first-class rail with:
Private 4×4 transfers
Boutique lodges
Curated experiences along the way

This blend of comfort and adventure appeals to couples and families wanting a more immersive route to the coast.

Best Rail Routes in Kenya for Scenic Luxury-Style Travel

Nairobi–Mombasa (Most Scenic + Premium)

This is by far the best rail journey in Kenya. It crosses:
Tsavo National Park
Rolling savannah
Green hills
Traditional villages
Wildlife corridors

Travelers often see elephants, giraffes, antelopes, and buffalo along the way.

Nairobi–Nanyuki

This revived line offers magical views of:
Mount Kenya
Tea plantations
Green highlands
Aberdare forest edges

While older and slower, the scenery is excellent.

Nairobi–Naivasha

Scenic journey past:
The Great Rift Valley
Escarpments
Lakes
Volcanic formations

This route pairs beautifully with stays in Naivasha, Nakuru, or the Maasai Mara.

Can You Take a Luxury Train to a Safari Lodge?

Not currently. Kenya’s luxury lodges are located deep inside conservancies and parks, accessible only via:
Flights
4×4 vehicles
Private transfers

Trains connect cities and some major towns, but not safari lodges directly.

However, the SGR brings you close to:
Tsavo
Amboseli (through Emali station)
Chyulu Hills (through Mtito Andei)
Coastal Kenya

From there, private transfers take you to high-end lodges.

Why Kenya Is Primed for Future Luxury Train Travel

Kenya has:
Stunning landscapes
Rich wildlife
Rail history
Growing tourism demand
High-end hospitality market
Improved railway infrastructure

These elements create the perfect foundation for future luxury train development.

Ideal Luxury Safari Itinerary Incorporating Rail Travel

Here is one example of a premium safari plan that blends rail, luxury, and adventure:

Nairobi (arrival in luxury hotel)
SGR first-class train to Tsavo East
Two nights at a luxury lodge
Private transfer to Chyulu Hills (Ol Donyo Lodge)
Fly to Maasai Mara (luxury conservancy lodge)
Fly to Diani or Lamu for beach luxury
Return flight to Nairobi

This itinerary feels indulgent, adventurous, and deeply scenic.

So, Are There Luxury Trains in Kenya?

Not in the traditional sense—yet. Kenya does not currently operate an ultra-luxury sleeper train with suites, fine dining, and vintage glamor like those found in Southern Africa. However, Kenya does offer:
Premium first-class rail services (SGR)
Historical rail nostalgia
Scenic journeys through national parks
Private rail charters (rare)
Luxury-friendly rail-to-safari itineraries

For travelers wanting comfort, scenery, and a unique mode of travel, these options are both enjoyable and memorable.

Book Your Rail-and-Safari Adventure with Experiya Tour Company

Whether you want a premium rail journey, private charter flights, luxury lodges, or seamless connections between Kenya’s top destinations, book your safari with Experiya Tour Company. Their expert team will design a personalized itinerary combining comfort, adventure, scenic rail travel, and world-class lodges across Kenya. Experiya ensures every detail is arranged with precision, elegance, and passion—delivering an extraordinary travel experience from the moment you arrive.