Train Travel in #Kenya: The #MadarakaExpress offers a new way to discover Magical Kenya

Courtesy of Janet Maina | Serena Hotels

Set out on an adventure of a lifetime to Kenya’s top destinations with the newly unveiled Standard Gauge railway. Offering a faster, safer and cheaper way to discover the magic of Kenya, the SGR takes passengers on an exciting ride traversing extensive Kenyan landscapes, opening doors to extraordinary experiences and memorable destinations with Serena Hotels at hand to offer the very best of hospitality experience.

The railway line connects Kenya’s capital city Nairobi to one of the tourist hub that is the city of Mombasa and with nine stations along the way, this once in a lifetime experience is brought to life by our ground packages that will take you through some of the most enchanting destinations in Kenya; Amboseli National park and Tsavo National park and the Mt. Kenya region.

Amboseli National Park, famous for its big herds of elephants and Maasai people and culture, can now be accessed from the Emali station which is 3 and a half hours including change over from the railway to vehicle to park entrance formalities and clearance. In the evening, enjoy a sundowner as you watch the sun go down over the tallest Mountain in Africa, Mt. Kilimanjaro.

(See here for ground package to Amboseli Serena)

Views of Chyula hills and water hole from Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge

The history of the Kenya railway Line, which dates back to the early 1900’s, is brought to life at Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge. Built in Tsavo West, Kilaguni Serena was the first lodge to have ever been built in a National park and therefore plays an important role in the Kenyan history. For one it was a favorite getaway place for Kenya’s first President, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta. Secondly, Kilaguni located at the heart of Tsavo West National park was home to the infamous man eater lions to whom many of the railway line builders lost their lives hence earning the name “the Lunatic Express”. The lodge houses a time capsule in the form of a photo gallery that captures early memories of the construction of the first railway line and Kenyan history, making its lounge area one of the most interesting places to be.

Apart from it’s rich history, set out and explore the world famous Tsavo West while out on a game drive in search of lions, elephants, the breathtaking Chyulu hills, the Shetani lava as well as the Mzima springs where you are assured to spot hippos and Crocodile. Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge can be accessed from the Mtito Andei station which is three and a half hours away including change over from the train to vehicle to park entrance formalities and clearance.

(See here for ground package to Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge)

Serena Beach Resort and Spa

With the last stop of the train being in Mombasa, arrive to this coastal city in style and soak up the Swahili culture as you stay at the Serena Beach Resort and Spa. Sign up for the cultural tour and soak up the distinct architectural and cultural expression of the resort. The style replicates the winding lanes and colorful market places of the traditional 13th century Swahili town. This is evident in the design of the buildings that follow a Swahili architectural motif defined by exquisite carving and are magnificent symbols over time. The resort is inspired by the most memorable buildings in Lamu town which is a perfect example of pre-colonial Swahili town. The Resort also offers a wide range of activities including water sports, tennis and squash, pool and pool bar for those lazy days. Serena Beach Resort and Spa also makes for the perfect spa and wellness weekend getaways with the girlfriends thanks to the Maisha Spa with it’s own gym, spa, steam and Sauna.

See here for ground package to Serena Beach Resort and Spa

Getaway to Mt Kenya

You may not have considered a family holiday in the mountains before. But there are plenty of reasons why you should leave the beach and take the family to discover the Mt. Kenya region. The scenery is breathtaking, crisp and fresh air, did we mention the incredibly fewer crowds? Not forgetting an array of activities available for the whole family to keep you engaged and entertained. But over and above this, The train also comes to Nairobi from the coastal city of Mombasa every morning giving you the perfect opportunity to explore and experience other towns, especially the Mt. Kenya region thanks to our “Explore aboard the Madaraka Express from Mombasa” package.

The Madaraka Express package from Mombasa is a quick and enjoyable getaway giving you an opportunity to stay one night at Serena Mountain lodge in Nyeri and one night at Sweetwaters Serena Camp in Nanyuki.

At Serena Mountain Lodge, enjoy a Forest walk through the Mt. Kenya forest and a Nature talk with our resident naturalist. Sweetwaters Serena Camp, located in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, presents one of the richest wildlife experiences you will have in Kenya. Having the highest wildlife-to- area ratio compared to any other Kenyan national park, you are guaranteed to see big game no matter where you look during the two game drives scheduled in this package. The Conservancy also offers the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa, the only chimpanzee sanctuary in Kenya and shelters large numbers of rare and endangered species. Later you can relax and watch the animals stop by the watering hole over your favorite drink or dinner (the water hole is lit at night).

Ever committed to giving our guests top notch experiences, travelling has never been so exciting. Take advantage of these amazing deals while available. Don’t miss out!

Originally published at http://www.theserenaexperience.com/?p=1541