Severin Travel Africa, a tour operator specialising in individual and small group journeys to East and South Africa, recently introduced the Severin Tsavo Train Safari, a three- or four-day experience on the Madaraka Express in Kenya.
Frederik Schäfer, Sales & Marketing Manager for Severin Sea Lodge & Severin Safari Camp, says: “We have launched the new Severin Tsavo Train Safari package as a perfect complement to our existing road safaris. With the short travel time and the perfect access to the train stations in Mombasa and Mititi Andei, we can offer our clients a new, exciting way to enjoy Kenya’s wildlife and the amenities of the beautiful Severin Safari Camp.” Schäfer hopes that the Madaraka Express will encourage more repeat safari clients to discover Kenya’s beauty by train.
Credits: Wetu.
The Madaraka Express covers the 470km between Mombasa and Nairobi in less than five hours. Severin Train Safari guests get to see the country first-hand, as they leave the coastal area around Mombasa. They are picked up at reception by a driver and brought to the station in Mombasa, where they begin their journey north.
From Mtito Andei Station, guests are driven to Severin Safari Camp, on the way enjoying views of the Chyulu Hills, the Five Sisters, as well as the extensive African savannas.
The camp is in the centre of the Kitani wildlife area of the Tsavo West National Park, close to the Tsavo River. Accommodation consists of 21 octagonal tents, with shower, and separate bathroom with bidet, comfortable beds with mosquito nets and a private terrace.
The four stone-walled junior suites feature a separate lounge, sun deck with sun beds, and a private courtyard with an outdoor shower.
The lookout decks of the two executive suites, Kibo and Mawenzi, both offer views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the savannah. They are equipped with a corner bath tub and connected to a second tent, ideal for groups and families.
All tents are supplied with electricity and provide amenities such as hairdryers and safes.
At noon, lunch is served at the camp’s ‘Out of Africa’ restaurant, and in the afternoon, guests embark on an excursion to the Mzima Springs, an oasis of palm trees and acacias. The crystal-clear spring is edged with papyrus plants and is the main provider of water to Mombasa. The area is known for its variety of fish, hippos and crocodiles.
In the evening, guests get to taste a selection of African wines, while the Chef’s speciality is either meat or poultry prepared on a hot stone, or served as a fondue.
The second day starts with an early-morning game drive along the springs of the Tsavo River. After breakfast, guests can relax at the Kenbali Spa, which offers centuries-old Southeast Asian techniques of wellbeing.
There is a pool at the camp, and at lunch the restaurant provides an à la carte menu.
During the late afternoon, guests will be taken to Poacher’s Lookout, where sparkling wine and canapés are served whilst enjoying views of the sunset and the bush of El Turesh. This is followed by dinner at the camp.
On day three, guests embark on a game drive after breakfast towards the Mtito Andei Train Station, alongside the Roaring Rocks, which served the Mau Mau warriors as a hideout during the Kenyan independence war.
After leaving the national park, guests are taken back to Mombasa by train, arriving in the afternoon, where a driver takes them to their hotel.
Alternatively, guests can continue their journey to Nairobi and may see wildlife beside the track, such as zebra, ostrich, buffalo and even elephants.
The train has clean compartments, luggage racks and a dining car offering self-service buffet, as well as cold and hot snacks at an additional fee. Clients can enjoy a high level of comfort, with a choice of standard or first-class seating.
