3-Day Aberdares Rainforest Safari to Diani Beach | Montane Forest & Black Rhino Bush-to-Beach Safari
Explore mist-draped montane forests before unwinding on Diani's white sands
Swap Nairobi's urban energy for the mist-shrouded rainforests of Aberdare National Park, one of Kenya's most atmospheric wilderness areas. Over two nights at a legendary tree lodge, observe black rhinos, giant forest hogs, and Cape buffalo arriving at floodlit waterholes while the ancient forest hums with birdsong and the roar of hidden waterfalls. After immersing yourself in this montane wonderland, travel south via SGR to Kenya's coast for a relaxing drop-off at your Diani Beach hotel.
Tour Highlights
Wildlife You'll Encounter
Species commonly sighted on this safari route
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Nairobi to Aberdare National Park — A2 Highway via Nyeri (180 km, ~3 hrs)
7:00 am — Pick-up from your Nairobi hotel. Drive north on Thika Superhighway (A2) through the farmlands of Murang'a and tea estates around Karatina. Continue to Nyeri, then west into the montane forest. Arrive at the park gate by 10:30 am. Check in at your treelodge above a floodlit waterhole. Lunch while watching bushbuck and warthogs at the forest edge. 2:30 pm — Afternoon game drive through bamboo and hagenia forest zones. Search for black rhino, giant forest hog, and the rare bongo antelope. Return by 6:00 pm for the night waterhole vigil.
Full Day Aberdares — Karuru Falls, Forest Drives & Night Watch
6:00 am — Dawn game drive to Karuru Falls (273 m), cascading in three tiers. Continue to Chania Falls. Watch for black leopard — the Aberdares are one of the few places melanistic leopards have been photographed. 9:30 am — Return for breakfast. Midday birding: Hartlaub's turaco, Jackson's francolin, and mountain buzzards. 3:00 pm — Afternoon drive to the moorlands above 3,000 m (weather permitting) with giant lobelias. Optional trout fishing. Return for dinner and nightly waterhole watch.
Morning Forest Drive, Transfer to Nairobi & SGR to Mombasa (180 km drive + 472 km train)
5:30 am — Final dawn forest drive. Colobus monkeys and giant forest hogs in the mist. 7:30 am — Quick breakfast and check out. 8:00 am — Depart through Nyeri, Sagana, and south onto Thika Superhighway. Arrive at Nairobi Terminus (Syokimau) by 11:30 am. 1:00 pm — Board the Madaraka Express SGR to Mombasa (472 km, ~5 hrs, First Class). Arrive Mombasa Terminus by 6:00 pm. Transfer south to Diani Beach (40 km, ~1 hr). Arrive at your resort by 7:30 pm.
⟶Madaraka Express SGR Train Schedule
Board the high-speed Madaraka Express from your nearest station to Mombasa — air-conditioned comfort with panoramic views of Tsavo's plains.
| Nairobi Terminus | Emali (Near Amboseli) | Mtito Andei (Tsavo West) | Voi (Tsavo East) | Mombasa Terminus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | 9:27 AM / 9:31 AM | 10:50 AM / 10:51 AM | 12:02 PM / 12:08 PM | 2:00 PM |
Train Option
Board at the nearest station after your safari — Voi (Tsavo East) or Mtito Andei (Tsavo West). Arrive Mombasa by 2:00 PM. First-class tickets included in your package. A C.A.T.S representative meets you at Mombasa Terminus for the transfer to your beach hotel.
Jeep Option to the Coast
Prefer to continue in your private 4×4 Land Cruiser? No problem — at no extra cost. Your guide drives you directly to your Diani Beach hotel, arriving approximately 5:00 PM with wildlife spotting opportunities along the way.
Booking Information
- All prices are per person sharing in a double/twin room
- Single room supplement available on request
- Children under 12 receive discounted rates
- Custom itineraries available — contact us for a personalised quote
- Prices valid for 2025/2026 season — subject to park fee changes
What's Included
- ✓Nairobi hotel pickup in a private 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser
- ✓Services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide throughout
- ✓Two nights full-board accommodation at Aberdare National Park tree lodge
- ✓One night accommodation in Mombasa (bed and breakfast)
- ✓All game drives and forest excursions as per itinerary
- ✓Aberdare National Park entry and conservation fees
- ✓SGR train ticket Nairobi to Mombasa (First Class)
- ✓Diani Beach hotel drop-off
- ✓All meals as indicated in the itinerary
- ✓Bottled drinking water during game drives
- ✓All applicable government taxes and levies
What's Not Included
- ✗International and domestic flights
- ✗Visa fees
- ✗Travel and medical insurance
- ✗Alcoholic and soft drinks
- ✗Tips and gratuities for driver-guide and lodge staff
- ✗Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, souvenirs)
- ✗Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- ✗Diani Beach accommodation and meals after drop-off
Safari Season Guide
Best wildlife viewing. Great Migration in the Mara (Jul–Oct). Dry weather, sparse vegetation makes animals easy to spot.
Calving season in the Serengeti. Good birding. Pleasant weather with occasional showers.
Transition to dry season. Fewer crowds, good rates. Early migration movements begin.
Long rains (Apr–May) and short rains (Nov). Lowest prices. Lush landscapes, excellent birding, newborn animals.
Safari Pricing
Prices per person sharing in double/twin room
| Group Size | Economy | Comfort | Luxury | Superior Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $960 | $1,060 | $1,160 | $1,450 |
| 2 Persons | $600 | $660 | $730 | $910 |
| 3 Persons | $560 | $620 | $680 | $850 |
| 4 Persons | $550 | $600 | $660 | $830 |
| 5 Persons | $530 | $590 | $650 | $810 |
| 6-7 Persons | $520 | $570 | $620 | $780 |
| Single Room Supplement | $110 | $140 | $170 | $210 |
Prices are in USD per person sharing. Exact rates may vary based on specific accommodation choice and availability at time of booking. Contact us for a personalized quote.
Book This Safari
Personalised itinerary, guaranteed departures
Starting from
$800
per person sharing
No booking fees — We respond within 2 hours