Flying to Masai Mara National Reserve is the most convenient and time-efficient way to get to Masai Mara and begin your safari adventure. With multiple daily scheduled and charter flights from Nairobi and other major Kenyan destinations, visitors can reach the Masai Mara in as little as 45 minutes. This guide provides expert insights on airlines, routes, costs, airstrips, baggage policies, best times to fly, and key travel tips.
1. Why Fly to Masai Mara?
1.1. Faster Travel Time
- By air: A flight from Nairobi to Masai Mara takes 45–60 minutes.
- By road: The drive from Nairobi takes 4.5–6 hours, with rough roads in some sections.
1.2. Direct Access to Safari Lodges
- Masai Mara has multiple airstrips close to lodges and camps, reducing transfer times.
- No long road journeys needed—just a quick game drive from the airstrip to your lodge.
1.3. Scenic Aerial Views
- Experience breathtaking aerial views of the Great Rift Valley, the Maasai plains, and wildlife.
- In some seasons, see the Great Wildebeest Migration from above.
1.4. Avoid Road Conditions
- Road conditions between Narok and the Mara can be rough, especially in rainy seasons.
- Flying eliminates long, dusty, or muddy drives.
2. Major Airlines Operating Flights to Masai Mara
Several local airlines operate scheduled and chartered flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport (WIL) and other locations across Kenya.
| Airline | Departure Airport | Flight Time | Luggage Allowance | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safarilink | Wilson Airport (WIL) | 45 min – 1 hr | 15 kg (soft bags) | Premium service, flexible routes |
| AirKenya | Wilson Airport (WIL) | 45 min – 1 hr | 15 kg (soft bags) | Good connectivity with Tanzania |
| Fly ALS | Wilson Airport (WIL) | 1 hr | 15 kg (soft bags) | Luxury charter options available |
| Silverstone Air | Wilson Airport (WIL) | 1 hr | 15 kg (soft bags) | Affordable fares |
| Scenic Air | Wilson Airport (WIL) | 45 min – 1 hr | 15 kg (soft bags) | Private charter focus |
| Mombasa Air Safari | Mombasa/Diani | 2 hrs | 15 kg (soft bags) | Direct flights from the coast |
Chartered Flights
- Chartered flights allow for flexible departure times and private air travel.
- Prices vary depending on aircraft type and group size.
3. Departure & Arrival Airports
3.1. Departure Airports
Most flights to Masai Mara depart from Wilson Airport (WIL) in Nairobi. However, there are also flights from:
- Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) (mostly private charters).
- Mombasa & Diani (Ukunda Airstrip) – Direct flights available.
- Nanyuki & Amboseli – Flights connecting other safari destinations to Masai Mara.
3.2. Airstrips in Masai Mara
Masai Mara has several airstrips strategically located near different safari camps and lodges. The most commonly used include:
| Airstrip | Location in Masai Mara | Lodges & Camps Nearby |
|---|---|---|
| Keekorok Airstrip | Central Mara | Keekorok Lodge, Mara Sopa Lodge |
| Ol Kiombo Airstrip | Near Talek | Mara Intrepids, Rekero Camp |
| Musiara Airstrip | Northern Mara | Governors’ Camp, Little Governors’ |
| Serena Airstrip | Western Mara | Mara Serena Safari Lodge |
| Mara North Airstrip | Private Conservancy | Kicheche Mara Camp, Offbeat Mara |
| Kichwa Tembo Airstrip | Near Oloololo Gate | Bateleur Camp, Kichwa Tembo Camp |
| Siana Airstrip | Siana Conservancy | Olarro Lodge, Mara Bushtops and Kambu Campers Masai Mara Camp |
🔹 Tip: Choose an airstrip close to your lodge to minimize transfer times.
Flight Schedules & Pricing Comparison (March 21 Analysis)
To give an objective comparison, I checked all flight options exactly one month in advance (March 21). Here’s how they stack up:
3.1. Schedule Comparison
1. Flight Schedule & Duration Comparison
| Airline | Departure (WIL – Mara) | Arrival (Mara) | Flight Duration | Stopovers | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safarilink | 07:15 AM | 08:15 AM | 1 hr | Non-stop | $155 |
| Safarilink | 10:00 AM | 11:00 AM | 1 hr | Via Naivasha Loldia | $155 |
| Safarilink | 02:15 PM | 03:15 PM | 1 hr | Non-stop | $217.50 |
| Safarilink | 04:00 PM | 05:00 PM | 1 hr | Non-stop | N/A |
| AirKenya | 07:30 AM | 08:10 AM | 40 min | Non-stop | $151 |
| AirKenya | 02:00 PM | 02:40 PM | 40 min | Non-stop | $228 |
| Mombasa Air | 11:00 AM | 12:00 PM | 1 hr | Non-stop | $180 |
| Mombasa Air | 02:15 PM | 03:15 PM | 1 hr | Non-stop | $180 |
| Fly ALS | 09:30 AM | 10:15 AM | 45 min | Non-stop | $150 (Special) / $189 (Economy) |
| Fly ALS | 02:30 PM | 03:15 PM | 45 min | Non-stop | $150 (Special) / $189 (Economy) |
Key Takeaways
- Earliest departure: Safarilink (07:15 AM)
- Latest departure: Safarilink (04:00 PM)
- Fastest flight: AirKenya (40 min)
- Lowest fare: Fly ALS ($150 special fare)
- Most expensive: Safarilink ($217.50 for afternoon flight)
- Only airline with a stopover: Safarilink (10:00 AM via Naivasha Loldia)
4. Flight Prices & Booking
4.1. Cost of Flights to Masai Mara
Prices vary based on season, airline, and type of flight (scheduled vs. chartered).
| Route | One-Way (USD) | Round-Trip (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Nairobi (Wilson) → Masai Mara | $180 – $250 | $300 – $450 |
| Mombasa/Diani → Masai Mara | $350 – $500 | $700 – $900 |
| Amboseli → Masai Mara | $250 – $350 | $450 – $600 |
🔹 Tip: Book early for the best rates, especially for high-season travel (July–October).
5. Baggage Allowance & Restrictions
- Weight limit: 15 kg per passenger (strictly enforced).
- Bag type: Soft-sided bags only (no hard suitcases).
- Excess baggage: Can be stored at Wilson Airport or sent via cargo at an extra cost.
🔹 Tip: Pack light and use duffel bags to comply with airline regulations.
6. Best Time to Fly to Masai Mara
- Peak Season (July–October) – Best for the Great Migration, but flights fill up quickly.
- Shoulder Season (January–March, November–December) – Good wildlife, fewer tourists.
- Low Season (April–June) – Rainy but cheaper flights and fewer crowds.
🔹 Tip: Book flights 2–3 months in advance for peak season travel.
7. Travel Tips for Flying to Masai Mara
7.1. What to Expect on the Flight
- Small propeller aircraft (Cessna, Caravan, Dash 8).
- No assigned seats—sit on the left for the best views!
- Expect short stopovers at other Mara airstrips before reaching your destination.
7.2. What to Pack for the Flight
✔ Sunglasses – The planes have bright glare from the sun.
✔ Camera – Incredible aerial views!
✔ Warm layer – It can get chilly in the morning.
✔ Power bank – No charging ports on board.
7.3. Arrival & Transfers
- Most lodges provide free transfers from the airstrip.
- Game drives often start immediately after landing!
- If self-driving, arrange for a rental 4×4 pickup at the airstrip.
8. Overview of Airlines Flying to Masai Mara
Several domestic airlines operate scheduled flights from Wilson Airport (WIL) in Nairobi to various airstrips in Masai Mara National Reserve, offering fast, reliable, and scenic flights. Here’s a brief expert breakdown of each airline:
1. Safarilink ✈
🔹 Reputation: One of the most reliable and well-established safari airlines in Kenya.
🔹 Flight Duration: 45 minutes – 1 hour
🔹 Departure Airport: Wilson Airport (WIL), Nairobi
🔹 Airstrips Served: Ol Kiombo (KEU), Keekorok (KEK), Serena, Ngerende
🔹 Best For: Frequent departures, reliability, and direct flights.
🔹 Pricing: $155–$217.50 one-way
Safarilink Daily Flight Schedule to Masai Mara
| Flight No. | From | To | Departure (Dep) | Arrival (Arr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 005 | Wilson | Masai Mara | 07:30 AM | 08:30 AM |
| 006 | Masai Mara | Wilson | 08:30 AM | 09:30 AM |
| 001 | Wilson | Masai Mara | 10:00 AM | 11:00 AM |
| 002 | Masai Mara | Wilson | 11:00 AM | 12:20 PM |
| 003 | Wilson | Masai Mara | 02:15 PM | 03:15 PM |
| 004 | Masai Mara | Wilson | 03:15 PM | 04:15 PM |
| 009 | Wilson | Masai Mara | 04:00 PM | 05:00 PM |
| 010 | Masai Mara | Wilson | 05:00 PM | 06:00 PM |
2. AirKenya 🛩
🔹 Reputation: Known for its high safety standards and fast flights.
🔹 Flight Duration: 40–50 minutes (shortest flight time)
🔹 Departure Airport: Wilson Airport (WIL), Nairobi
🔹 Airstrips Served: Ol Kiombo (KEU), Musiara, Serena, Ngerende
🔹 Best For: Fastest flights and excellent connections to other parks.
🔹 Pricing: $151–$228 one-way
3. Mombasa Air Safari 🌍
🔹 Reputation: Popular for its affordable rates and solid customer service.
🔹 Flight Duration: 1 hour
🔹 Departure Airport: Wilson Airport (WIL), Nairobi
🔹 Airstrips Served: Keekorok (KEK), Ol Kiombo
🔹 Best For: Competitive pricing and direct flights.
🔹 Pricing: $180 one-way
Mombasa Air Safari Destinations in Masai Mara
Below is a table showing the lodges and camps served by Mombasa Air Safari at different airstrips in Masai Mara.
| Airstrip | Lodges & Camps Served |
|---|---|
| Ol Kiombo | Aruba, Ashnil, Intrepids, Entrim, Explorer, Fig Tree, Ilikiliani, Leisure, Naibor, Oloshaiki, Olumara, Porini Lion, Tipilikwani |
| Musiara | Governors Camp, Ilmoran, Nagare Seria |
| Ngerende | Acacia, Mara House, Mara Safari Club, Richards Camp |
| Keekorok | Bush Tops, Cottars, Keekorok Lodge, Leleshwa, Mara Hippo, Mara Porini, Olmoran, Olseri, Sarova, Salas, Siana Springs, Sekanani, Sentrim |
| Mara North | David Livingstone, Elephant Pepper, Exploreans Maraianta, Karen Blixen, Kicheche, Mara Plains, Nomadic Encounters, Off-beat, Royal Mara, Saruni, Serian |
| Serena | Mara Serena |
| Kichwa | Bateleur, Bushbuck, Kichwa Tembo, Kilima, Mara Timbo, Mpata, Olonana, Siria |
| Shikar | Little Kicheche |
4. Fly ALS 🦁
🔹 Reputation: A budget-friendly airline with occasional special fares.
🔹 Flight Duration: 45 minutes
🔹 Departure Airport: Wilson Airport (WIL), Nairobi
🔹 Airstrips Served: Ol Kiombo (KEU), Ngerende
🔹 Best For: Cheapest fares ($150 special fare) and direct flights.
🔹 Pricing: $150–$189 one-way
Choosing the Best Airline for Your Safari
- Best for affordability: Fly ALS ($150 special fare)
- Fastest flights: AirKenya (40 minutes)
- Most flight options: Safarilink
- Best for luxury travelers: AirKenya & Safarilink
- Most direct flights: Mombasa Air & Fly ALS
9. Masai Mara Airstrips and the Camps/Lodges They Serve
This table maps out the airstrips in Masai Mara and the respective camps and lodges they serve, helping you choose the most convenient airstrip based on your accommodation.
| Airstrip | Lodges & Camps Served |
|---|---|
| Ol Seki Airstrip | Leopard Hill, Porini Bush Camp, Asilia Mara House, Eagle View, Encounter Mara Camp, Hemingways Olseki, Kicheche Bush, Kicheche Valley, Leleshwa Camp, Mara Bush Tops, Mara Nyika, Naboisho Camp, Offbeat Mobile Riding Safaris, Ol Molo Lodge, Ol Seki Mara, Orion Hotel, Porini Cheetah Camp, Rekero Naboisho, Porini Mara Camp, Wilderness Camp |
| Ol Kiombo Airstrip | Amani Mara, Ashnil, Azure Haven Camp, Balloon Safari Base, Basecamp, Bushtops, Camp Julia’s River Tented Camp, Crocodile Camp, Eagle View Camp, Eden Luxury Camp, Basecamp Maasai Mara, Donyoungs Camp, Enaidura Camp, Emboo Camp, Entim Camp, Fig Tree, Freemans, Game Trackers Camp Site, Heritage, Ilkeliani, JK Mara, Jackle Berry Safari Camp, Julia’s River Camp Kananga, Kananga River Camp, Kicheche-Bush Camp, Leopard Hill, Lerai Safari Camp, Little Mara Bush, Loyk Mara, Malaika Bush Camp, Manyatta Camp, Mara Intrepids, Mara Aruba Olseki, Mara Bush-Camp Sunworld, Mara Expeditions Camp, Mara Leisure, Mara Legends, Mara Loita, Mara Ngeche Camp, Mara Olapa, Mara Plains, Mara Toto, Mara Bush Camp, Mara Treetops, Matira Bush Camp, Naibor, Nalepo Mara, Nigel Archer, Olare Mara Kempinski, Olashaiki, Olarro, Oltepesi Tented Safari Camp, Olumara Camp, Osero, Porini Lion Camp, Rekero Tented Camp, Riversides Campsite, Richard’s River Camp, Robin Hurt Camp, Royal African PVT Camp, Sarova Mara, Simba Colt Camp, Telek Bush Camp, Tangulia Mara, Tipilikwani, Top House (Bush & Beyond), Zebra Plains |
| Musiara Airstrip | Acaluma Camp, Amani Mara Lodge, A&K Mobile Camp, Cheetah Tented Camp, Crossings Camp, Hammerkop Migrations Camp, Il Moran, Kandili, Little Governors, Main Governors, Mara Concorde, Mara Eden Bush Camp, Mara Olapa, Ngare Serian, Ngerende in the Wild, Ngorombo Camp Alex Walker, Nkombo Mobile Camp, Nkorombo, Nomadic Encounters, Olumara Camp, River Camp, Sentinel, Serian, Shompole, Speke’s Camp, Tangulia Bush and Beyond |
| Keekorok Airstrip | Keekorok Lodge, Enkewa Camp, Sand River, Sala’s Camp, Sarova Mara, Cottar’s 1920’s Safari Camp, Mara Simba, AA Lodge Mara, Spirit of the Mara, Mara Springs Camp, Sekenani Camp, Entumoto, Olkeri Mara Camp, Oltome Mara, Mara Sopa Lodge, Ol Moran Tented Camp, Enchoro Wildlife Camp and Kambu Mara Camp |
| Mara North Airstrip | Alex Walker Serian, Alisson Pepper Camp, Bushpack Camp, Cheetah Tented Camp, David Livingstone, Duma Camp, Elephant Pepper, Enkerende Tented Camp, Karen Blixen, Kicheche Mara, Losokwan Camp, Mara Concord, Mara Royal, Mara House, Neptune Mara, Ngare Serian Camp, Mara River, Offbeat Mara, Richard’s Camp, Saruni Mara, Saruni Wild |
| Siana Airstrip | Entumoto, Sekenani Camp, Mara Springs Camp, Olkeri Mara Camp, Siana Springs, Spirit of the Maasai Mara, Mara Bushtops, Oltome Mara, AA Lodge, Olarro Lodge, Majo Moto Eco-lodge, Kambu Mara Camp |
| Ngerende Airstrip | Acacia and Mara House, Bogani, Enkerende, House in the Wild, Mara House, Fairmont Mara Safari Club, Ngerende Island Lodge |
| Serena Airstrip | A&K Mobile Camp, Mara Serena, Kampi Ya Mungu, Mara Engai Wilderness, Wild Eye Mobile Camp and Kambu Campers Masai Mara |
| Kichwa Tembo Airstrip | Bateleur, Earth Watch, Enkipai, Kichwa Tembo, Kilima Camp, Mara Engai Wilderness, Mara Enkipai, Mara River Camp, Mara Siria, Mara West, Maasai Mara Wilderness, Mpata Club, Olonana |
| Angama Airstrip | Angama Mara Lodge, Mara West |
| Olare Airstrip | Eagle View Base Camp, Kicheche Bush Camp, Mahali Mzuri, Mara Olapa Camp, Mara Plains, Olare Mara Kempinski, Porini Lion Camp, Topi Mara House, Nyumbu Camp, Lyok Mara |
9. Conclusion: Is Flying to Masai Mara Worth It?
✅ Fast & hassle-free – Avoids long road journeys.
✅ Scenic views – See the Mara from above.
✅ Convenient for luxury travelers – Direct access to high-end lodges.
✅ More time for game drives – No need to recover from a long drive!
For those on a short trip or seeking comfort, flying is the best way to reach Masai Mara. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned safari enthusiast, flying ensures a smooth and unforgettable journey into Kenya’s top wildlife destination!
Expert Summary and Comparison of Flight Schedules, Flight Times, and Pricing to Masai Mara (March 21 Analysis)
Flying to Masai Mara offers multiple options from Wilson Airport (WIL) in Nairobi, with flights operated by Mombasa Air Safari, Safarilink, AirKenya, and Fly ALS. To provide an objective comparison, I analyzed all available bookings one month in advance, specifically for March 21. Below is a detailed comparison of schedules, flight times, and pricing for flights from Wilson Airport to Masai Mara.
1. Flight Schedule & Duration Comparison
| Airline | Earliest Departure (WIL – Mara) | Latest Departure (WIL – Mara) | Flight Duration | Stopovers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safarilink | 07:15 AM | 10:00 AM | 1 hr (some via Loldia) | Direct / 1 Stop |
| AirKenya | 07:30 AM | 02:00 PM | 40 min – 1 hr | Direct |
| Mombasa Air | 11:00 AM | 02:15 PM | 1 hr | Direct |
| Fly ALS | 09:30 AM | 02:30 PM | 45 min | Direct |
Key Insights:
- Earliest Flight: Safarilink (07:15 AM)
- Latest Flight: Fly ALS (02:30 PM)
- Shortest Duration: AirKenya (40 minutes)
- Only airline with a stopover: Safarilink (via Loldia on some flights)
2. Price Comparison (One-Way Fare from Wilson Airport to Masai Mara on March 21, 2025)
| Airline | Economy Fare (USD) | Special Fare (USD) | Return Fare (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safarilink | $155 (KEU) / $180 (KEK) | N/A | $310 – $360 |
| AirKenya | $151 (KEU) | $228 (KEK, Flexible Fare) | $302 – $379 |
| Mombasa Air | $180 (KEK) | N/A | $360 |
| Fly ALS | $150 (Special), $189 (Economy) | $150 | $300 – $378 |
Key Insights:
- Lowest one-way fare: Fly ALS ($150 special fare).
- Most affordable standard economy fare: AirKenya ($151).
- Most expensive economy fare: Fly ALS ($189).
- Most expensive return ticket: AirKenya ($379 for flexible return flights).
3. Route & Airstrip Options
| Airline | Main Arrival Airstrip(s) in Masai Mara |
|---|---|
| Safarilink | Keekorok (KEK), Ol Kiombo (KEU) |
| AirKenya | Various (Typically KEU, KEK, Serena, or Musiara) |
| Mombasa Air | Keekorok (KEK) |
| Fly ALS | Ol Kiombo (KEU) |
Key Insights:
- Keekorok (KEK) is served by all except Fly ALS.
- Ol Kiombo (KEU) is a common stop for Fly ALS, AirKenya, and Safarilink.
- AirKenya offers the most flexibility with airstrip choices.
4. Best Airline Choice Based on Travel Needs
| Best for… | Recommended Airline | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest fare | Fly ALS | $150 (special fare) |
| Earliest departure | Safarilink | First flight at 07:15 AM |
| Shortest duration | AirKenya | 40 min flight time |
| Most frequent flights | Safarilink & AirKenya | Multiple departures per day |
| Most direct flights | Mombasa Air & Fly ALS | No stopovers |
| Best for flexible return options | AirKenya | Offers more return time choices |
5. Final Expert Recommendation
- For budget travelers: Fly ALS ($150 special fare) is the most cost-effective.
- For earliest arrival: Safarilink’s 07:15 AM flight ensures you get the most game drive time.
- For the fastest flight: AirKenya (40 min flight) is the quickest.
- For direct flights: Mombasa Air & Fly ALS avoid unnecessary stopovers.
- For multiple departure options: Safarilink & AirKenya provide the most flexibility.
