How to Get to Masai Mara

Masai Mara, one of the most popular safari destinations in Africa, is accessible through multiple routes and transportation methods. Depending on the type and location of your accommodation, the time of year, and other practical considerations, your journey to Masai Mara can vary. Here’s an expert breakdown on how to get to the Masai Mara, tailored to your safari needs.

1. By Air vs. Road: Choosing Based on Location and Comfort

Flying to Masai Mara

For those seeking a quicker, more comfortable journey, flying is the best option. This is especially suitable for guests staying at luxury lodges like Governor’s Camp, Angama Mara, or Mara Explorer, which have private airstrips nearby.

Best Time to Fly: Flying is ideal during the rainy season (April-May and November), as some roads can become impassable. It is also perfect if you want to maximize your time in the Mara, as flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Masai Mara take just about 45 minutes.
Airstrips and Accessibility: The Masai Mara has several airstrips such as Mara Serena, Keekorok, Ol Kiombo, and Kichwa Tembo, which are typically a short drive from the camps and lodges.

Driving to Masai Mara

For those on a budget or those staying in camps closer to the main gates (e.g., Kambu Campers, Miti Mingi Eco Camp), driving is a more affordable option.

Best Time to Drive: Dry seasons (July-October and December-March) are optimal for driving as the roads are in better condition. However, keep in mind the drive from Nairobi to Masai Mara takes about 5-6 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Route Options: The most popular route is via Narok Town, with two main access gates: Sekenani Gate (for southern camps) and Talek Gate (for western lodges).

2. Accommodation Location and Access Considerations

Northern Masai Mara (Mara Triangle)

Ideal for: Guests staying in higher-end lodges like Mara Serena Safari Lodge or those in the Mara North Conservancy.
Best Route: Flying into Mara Serena Airstrip offers the most convenience, but driving via Narok and using the Oloololo Gate is an option for those who prefer a scenic road journey.

Central Masai Mara

Ideal for: Central-located lodges such as Mara Intrepids and Ashnil Mara Camp.
Best Route: Fly into Ol Kiombo or Mara Shikar airstrips, or drive via Sekenani Gate.

Eastern Masai Mara (Near Sekenani Gate)

Ideal for: Budget-friendly camps such as Kambu Campers and Miti Mingi Eco Camp, which are located just outside the Sekenani Gate.
Best Route: Driving is the most cost-effective choice for those staying near Sekenani Gate. Flying can be arranged, but it involves a longer transfer from the airstrips to the camps.

Western Masai Mara

Ideal for: Guests staying in luxury lodges along the Mara River or Oloololo Escarpment, such as Angama Mara.
Best Route: The best access is via Mara Serena Airstrip or Kichwa Tembo Airstrip, both of which are close to premium lodges. Driving to these areas takes longer but offers stunning views of the Rift Valley.

3. Best Time of Year for Travel

High Season (July-October, December-March)

Best for: Witnessing the Great Migration, especially during river crossings at Mara River.
Recommended Travel: Flying is recommended during high season as it saves time and offers ease of access to remote camps near the migration paths. Roads are generally dry but can be crowded with safari vehicles.

Green Season (April-May, November)

Best for: Photographers and budget travelers. The landscape is lush, and the crowds are fewer, although the rains can make roads muddy.
Recommended Travel: Flying is advised due to potential road closures. Some budget camps may offer discounted rates, making this a great time for an affordable safari.

4. Practical Considerations

Transfers from Airstrips

If flying to Masai Mara, most lodges and camps offer complimentary transfers from the nearest airstrip. This is a convenient option that ensures a seamless journey from the air to your camp.

Road Conditions

For those choosing to drive, be aware that road conditions vary based on the season. The roads from Nairobi to Narok are mostly paved, but the stretch from Narok to the Masai Mara can be rough and unpaved. Having a 4×4 vehicle is essential for a safe journey, especially in the rainy season.

Vehicle Choice for Self-Driving

If opting to drive yourself, a 4×4 vehicle is a must due to the unpredictable nature of the terrain. Safari vehicles such as the Toyota Land Cruiser or Nissan Patrol are popular for their off-road capabilities and comfort.

Tailoring Your Journey to Masai Mara

For luxury travelers or those on tight schedules, flying is the best option regardless of the season. This provides convenience and direct access to remote areas of the park.
For budget-conscious travelers, driving is a cost-effective way to reach the Masai Mara, especially if staying at camps near the main gates.
In the rainy season, flying is strongly recommended to avoid road complications, while in the dry season, driving can offer an adventurous way to explore Kenya’s scenic landscapes.

Getting to Masai Mara by Road from JKIA

To get to the Masai Mara from Nairobi by road, you typically begin the journey from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), taking the A104 highway. The drive covers approximately 225-275 km, depending on which gate you use to enter the reserve. Here are the approximate driving distances and times from JKIA to each of the six main gates of the Masai Mara:

Sekenani Gate: 247 km, around 4.5 hours as per Google Maps estimate. This is the main gate, providing the quickest access from Nairobi(See Google Maps Directions).
Talek Gate: 269 km, about 5 hours. This gate is closer to Talek River and offers great access to some of the most popular game areas(See Google Maps Directions).
Ololaimutia Gate: 263 km, around 5 hours. This gate is slightly more remote but provides a quieter entry(See Directions).
Musiara Gate: 269 km, approximately 5.5 hours. This is one of the gates on the northern side of the park(See Directions
Oloololo Gate: 273 km, 6 hours. This gate is located on the western side near the Mara Triangle(See Directions).
Sand River Gate: 285 km, about 6 hours. This gate provides access to the southeastern part of the Mara but is currently closed

The road is paved for much of the journey until Narok, after which it becomes rough and unpaved, requiring a 4×4 vehicle for the best experience. If driving by yourself, it’s highly recommended to have a knowledgeable driver-guide to navigate the sometimes tricky, unmarked roads inside the reserve.

Getting to Masai Mara by Air

Flying is the most efficient and comfortable way to reach the Masai Mara. Several airstrips within and around the Masai Mara National Reserve are served by multiple daily flights from Nairobi and other key locations in Kenya. This mode of travel reduces what can be a 5-6 hour road journey into a 45-60 minute flight, providing seamless access to various camps and lodges.

Main Airstrips in the Masai Mara

Keekorok Airstrip
- Located near Keekorok Lodge in the southeastern part of the Masai Mara.
- Serves camps and lodges in the central and southeastern Mara.
Mara Serena Airstrip
- Positioned near Mara Serena Lodge in the Mara Triangle (western part of the reserve).
- Ideal for accessing high-end camps and lodges in the western region of the reserve.
Ol Kiombo Airstrip
- Centrally located near the Musiara Marsh and Mara River, this is one of the busiest airstrips.
- Serves lodges like Governor’s Camp and those near the Mara River.
Kichwa Tembo Airstrip
- Located near Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp in the Mara Triangle.
- Serves the northern section of the reserve and the Mara conservancies.
Musiara Airstrip
- Located near Musiara Gate in the north-central Mara, perfect for accessing Governor’s Camp and Little Governor’s Camp.
Ngerende Airstrip
- Serves high-end lodges in the Mara North Conservancy, including Ngerende Island Lodge.

Airlines Serving the Masai Mara

Several domestic airlines operate daily flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to the various airstrips in the Masai Mara. These airlines include:

Safarilink
- Flights: 2-3 daily flights to Keekorok, Ol Kiombo, and Mara Serena airstrips.
- Departures: Generally in the morning and early afternoon.
- Website: Safarilink
AirKenya Express
- Flights: Multiple daily flights to Ol Kiombo, Keekorok, and Mara Serena.
- Departures: Morning flights around 8:00 AM and afternoon flights around 2:00 PM.
- Website: AirKenya
Mombasa Air Safari
- Flights: Routes from Mombasa, Diani, and Nairobi to Ol Kiombo, Keekorok, and other airstrips.
- Serves coastal travelers looking to explore the Mara after a beach vacation.
- Website: Mombasa Air Safari
Fly540
- Flights: Operates flights to Keekorok and Ol Kiombo.
- Departure times: Morning and early afternoon.
- Website: Fly540
Scenic Air
- Flights: Scenic Air specializes in charter flights to airstrips like Mara Serena and Ol Kiombo, offering personalized flight schedules.
- Website: Scenic Air

Flight Schedules

Morning Flights: Typically depart from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM, arriving in the Masai Mara by mid-morning.
Afternoon Flights: Depart between 12:00 PM and 2:30 PM, arriving in time for an evening game drive.

Most airlines offer return flights in the late morning or early afternoon, allowing guests to enjoy a final game drive before departure.

Practical Tips for Flying to Masai Mara

Luggage Restrictions: Most airlines have a luggage limit of 15kg per person, usually in soft-sided bags to fit into the small aircraft.
Transfers: Upon arrival, lodges typically provide transfers from the airstrip to the accommodation. These are often short drives, allowing guests to spot wildlife along the way.
Best Time to Fly: The dry season (July-October) is ideal for flying due to clearer weather and wildlife activity, but flights operate year-round.