Flying to Masai Mara is a convenient option for safari travelers, with several airstrips scattered across the reserve and surrounding conservancies. These airstrips provide quick access to various lodges, camps, and key wildlife viewing areas. Below is a detailed guide to the key airstrips in Masai Mara and their locations, alongside the airlines that serve them.
Keekorok Airstrip
- Location: Southeastern Masai Mara, near Keekorok Lodge
- Serves: Keekorok Lodge, Mara Sarova Game Lodge, Sekenani Camp, Mara Sopa Lodge, and Ashnil Camp
- Airlines: SafariLink, AirKenya
- Key Feature: One of the oldest and most prominent airstrips in the Mara, offering access to lodges near the famous Mara River, a prime spot for Great Migration viewing.
Serena Airstrip
- Location: Near Mara Serena Lodge, Mara Triangle
- Serves: Mara Serena Lodge and neighboring camps
- Airlines: SafariLink, AirKenya
- Key Feature: Located in the quieter Mara Triangle, ideal for those staying in this exclusive area for wildlife photography and fewer vehicles.
Musiara Airstrip
- Location: Northern Masai Mara, near the Mara River
- Serves: Governor’s Camp, Little Governor’s, Serian Camp, Neptune Mara Rianta Camp
- Airlines: SafariLink, AirKenya
- Key Feature: Perfect for visitors wanting to explore the rich wildlife in the northern part of the Mara, including river crossings during the Great Migration.
Kichwa Tembo Airstrip
- Location: Western Masai Mara, near the Oloololo Escarpment
- Serves: Kichwa Tembo Camp, Bateleur Camp, Kilima Camp, Mpata Lodge
- Airlines: SafariLink, AirKenya
- Key Feature: Offers stunning views of the Oloololo Escarpment and excellent access to nearby luxury camps.
Siana Springs Airstrip
- Location: Eastern Masai Mara, near Sekenani Gate
- Serves: Siana Springs Camp, Mara Bushtops, Porini Main Camp, Leleshwa Camp
- Airlines: SafariLink, AirKenya
- Key Feature: Located near several eco-friendly camps and provides access to the quieter, less crowded areas of the Mara.
Ol Kiombo Airstrip
- Location: Central Masai Mara, near Talek River
- Serves: Mara Intrepids, Mara Explorer, Porini Lion Camp, Fig Tree Camp
- Airlines: SafariLink, AirKenya
- Key Feature: A prime location for accessing camps situated along the Talek River, a hotspot for wildlife viewing, especially during the migration.
Ngerende Airstrip
- Location: Northern Masai Mara
- Serves: Ngerende Island Lodge, Kicheche Mara Camp, Mara Safari Camp
- Airlines: SafariLink, AirKenya
- Key Feature: Serves luxury lodges in the northern conservancies, offering secluded safari experiences.
Olare Orok Airstrip
- Location: Olare Motorogi Conservancy
- Serves: Olare Orok Camps, Mahali Mzuri, Kicheche Bush Camp
- Airlines: SafariLink, AirKenya
- Key Feature: Located in a private conservancy, offering exclusivity and privacy for travelers seeking a luxury safari experience.
Mara North Airstrip
- Location: Mara North Conservancy
- Serves: Saruni Mara Camp, Kicheche Mara Camp, Elephant Pepper Camp
- Airlines: SafariLink, AirKenya
- Key Feature: Perfect for those staying in Mara North Conservancy, with fewer visitors and pristine landscapes.
Angama Airstrip
- Location: Near Angama Mara Lodge
- Serves: Angama Mara Lodge, Mara West Camp
- Airlines: SafariLink, AirKenya, Mombasa Air Safari
- Key Feature: Offers easy access to the luxury Angama Mara Lodge, known for its sweeping views over the Mara from the escarpment.
Ol Seki Airstrip
- Location: Naboisho Conservancy
- Serves: Ol Seki Hemingways Camp, Eagle View, Naboisho Camp
- Airlines: SafariLink, AirKenya
- Key Feature: Located within the Naboisho Conservancy, known for walking safaris and community-based eco-tourism.
Getting to Masai Mara by Air
- Airlines: SafariLink, AirKenya, Governors Aviation, Mombasa Air Safari
- Flight Duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport.
- Flight Schedule:
- Morning Flights: Depart from Nairobi Wilson between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM.
- Afternoon Flights: Typically depart between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM.
- Peak Season: July-October sees additional flights due to high demand during the Great Migration.
Shuttle Flights to and from Nairobi Wilson Airport
Shuttle flights departing from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport (WIL) service all major airstrips in the Masai Mara, including Keekorok, Musiara, Mara North, and Kichwa Tembo. These flights make the entire region and its safari lodges accessible. Most safari lodges offer transfers to and from their nearest airstrip; however, note that additional transfer fees may apply depending on the distance and the lodge.
Flights to Masai Mara:
- Depart Nairobi Wilson at 08:00, arrive at Masai Mara by 08:40
- Depart Nairobi Wilson at 10:30, arrive at Masai Mara by 11:10
- Depart Nairobi Wilson at 14:00, arrive at Masai Mara by 14:40
Flights from Masai Mara:
- Depart Masai Mara at 08:45, arrive at Nairobi Wilson by 10:15
- Depart Masai Mara at 11:15, arrive at Nairobi Wilson by 13:00
- Depart Masai Mara at 14:45, arrive at Nairobi Wilson by 16:15
These flights operate into various airstrips, meaning exact timings can vary due to aircraft routing. Expect multiple landings and take-offs, especially during peak periods when the number of connections increases.
Nairobi Wilson to Masai Mara Fare:
A round trip flight from Nairobi Wilson to Masai Mara costs US$ 362 per person (inclusive of taxes). This fare is subject to availability and may fluctuate.
Shuttle Flights to and from Mombasa / Diani
During the high season, which includes January 1st to March 31st, June 16th to October 31st, and December 21st to December 31st, daily flights operate between Mombasa and the various airstrips in the Masai Mara.
Flights from Mombasa to Masai Mara:
- Depart Mombasa at 08:15, arrive at Masai Mara by 10:30
Flights from Masai Mara to Mombasa:
- Depart Masai Mara at 14:30, arrive at Mombasa by 16:45
Mombasa to Masai Mara Fare:
A one-way ticket from Mombasa to Masai Mara is US$ 410 per person (including taxes), while a return ticket costs US$ 500 per person. These fares are also subject to change and availability.
These scheduled flights provide a convenient option for travelers looking to explore both Kenya’s coastal regions and the wildlife-rich Masai Mara, with seamless flight connections between the two.
Conclusion
Choosing the right airstrip depends on the location of your lodge or camp, the experience you’re looking for, and the time of year you’re traveling. Whether you’re seeking exclusivity in private conservancies or easy access to migration hotspots, flying into the Masai Mara offers an efficient and scenic start to your safari adventure.