Best Airports and Flight Options for Your Journey to Masai Mara

Planning a safari to the Masai Mara National Reserve requires careful consideration of the best airports, flight options, and key travel information to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. This guide will help you navigate the logistics of getting to this world-renowned destination. From flight schedules to airstrips, we’ve compiled everything you need to know for a seamless trip to the Mara.

The Best Airports for Traveling to Masai Mara

Wilson Airport (WIL), Nairobi

For travelers looking to fly directly into the Masai Mara, Wilson Airport in Nairobi is the most convenient choice. Located just 16 kilometers from Nairobi’s city center, Wilson Airport handles most of the domestic flights to and from the Masai Mara. It serves as the hub for many local airlines, offering easy connections to the Mara’s various airstrips.

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Nairobi

While JKIA is primarily Kenya’s international gateway, it also offers flight connections to the Masai Mara, though typically through chartered flights. For international travelers arriving at JKIA, a short transfer to Wilson Airport is required to catch a scheduled flight to the Mara.

Regional Airports for Convenient Access

Travelers from other parts of Kenya or East Africa can also use regional airports for easy access to the Masai Mara. Notable airports include:

• Mombasa: Offers chartered flights to the Mara.

• Diani (Ukunda): Serves the Diani and southern coast areas with scheduled flights.

• Amboseli: Flights from Amboseli connect via Wilson Airport to the Mara.

Airlines Offering Flights to Masai Mara

Several airlines provide regular flights to the Masai Mara from Nairobi. These flights are typically on small aircraft, offering a unique aerial view of the landscape. The key airlines include:

Safarilink

Safarilink is one of the leading airlines serving the Masai Mara route. Offering multiple daily flights from Wilson Airport, Safarilink connects to several airstrips in the Mara, including Keekorok, Serena, and Ol Kiombo. With scheduled departures in the morning and afternoon, Safarilink ensures that travelers have flexible flight options to match their safari itineraries.

AirKenya

Another major player in the Nairobi to Masai Mara route is AirKenya, which offers three flights daily. AirKenya has a reputation for punctuality and comfort. It operates flights to various Mara airstrips and is favored for its convenient schedules, including early morning and mid-day departures, with return flights in the afternoon.

Mombasa Air Safari

Mombasa Air Safari provides a more specialized service with flights from Mombasa or Diani to the Masai Mara. This airline typically operates one to two flights daily, depending on the season, offering both flexibility and a convenient route for coastal travelers heading to the Mara.

Airstrips in the Masai Mara

The Masai Mara is well-served by multiple airstrips that provide access to different areas of the reserve. Each airstrip is strategically located close to specific safari camps and lodges, reducing transfer times for travelers. Here are the most popular airstrips in the Mara:

Keekorok Airstrip

The Keekorok Airstrip is one of the most central airstrips in the Masai Mara. Located just 15.9 km from the Sekenani Gate and 20.9 km from the Talek Gate, it is well-placed for access to the central region of the reserve. Several lodges, including Keekorok Lodge, are located near this airstrip.

Ol Kiombo Airstrip

The Ol Kiombo Airstrip is another popular option, especially for those staying at Mara Intrepids, Rekero Camp, or similar accommodations. This airstrip is located near Talek, providing easy access to the central Mara.

Musiara Airstrip

For travelers staying in the northern Mara, the Musiara Airstrip is an ideal choice. It is close to top safari camps, including Governors’ Camp and Little Governors’ Camp, making it a convenient point of entry for the northern part of the reserve.

Serena Airstrip

Located in the western Mara, Serena Airstrip serves the Mara Serena Safari Lodge and other lodges in the region. Its proximity to the Oloololo Gate makes it a preferred airstrip for travelers heading to the western Mara area.

Mara North Airstrip

The Mara North Airstrip is located in a private conservancy in the northern part of the Mara. This airstrip serves lodges such as Kicheche Mara Camp and Offbeat Mara Camp, providing a more exclusive entry point into the reserve.

Siana Airstrip

The Siana Airstrip serves the Siana Conservancy, which is home to luxurious lodges like Olarro Lodge and Mara Bushtops. This airstrip is ideal for those looking to enjoy a more private and serene safari experience.

Flight Schedules and Fares

Flight schedules to the Masai Mara typically operate on a daily basis, though they can vary depending on the airline and time of year. For example:

• AirKenya offers three flights daily from Wilson Airport to the Masai Mara. The typical one-way fare is approximately $150 to $180, with additional taxes, depending on the time of booking.

• Safarilink offers similar pricing with several daily flights. A round-trip ticket can range from $300 to $350, inclusive of taxes.

It’s essential to check for updated flight prices as they are subject to seasonal fluctuations and special offers.

Travel Tips for Your Masai Mara Flight

Book in Advance

Given the popularity of the Masai Mara, especially during peak seasons such as July to October and December, it’s wise to book your flight well in advance. Limited seats on small aircraft can make it difficult to secure last-minute bookings.

Luggage Restrictions

Light aircraft used for flights to the Masai Mara have strict baggage allowances. Typically, passengers are allowed 15 kg of checked luggage, including any hand luggage. It’s important to adhere to these weight limits to avoid additional fees or delays.

Arriving at JKIA?

For travelers arriving at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi, be prepared for a transfer to Wilson Airport for domestic flights. Depending on traffic, this can take 30 minutes to 1 hour, so plan accordingly to avoid missing your scheduled flight to the Mara.

Conclusion

Getting to the Masai Mara is easy with multiple flight options available from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport, JKIA, and other regional airports. Whether you’re traveling from Mombasa, Diani, or Nairobi, several airlines offer daily flights to the Mara’s various airstrips, ensuring a convenient and scenic route into one of the world’s most incredible safari destinations. With a bit of planning and early booking, you can make your journey to the Masai Mara hassle-free, leaving you with more time to enjoy the spectacular wildlife and landscapes the reserve has to offer.

Biography Overview of Masai Mara Travel Options