Ol Kiombo Airstrip

📍 Overview

Ol Kiombo Airstrip is a domestic airstrip located in Central Maasai Mara, near the confluence of the Talek and Olare Orok rivers. It serves as one of the busiest and most strategically located airstrips in the Maasai Mara ecosystem, making it the ideal landing point for travelers headed to camps and lodges in the Talek, Olare Motorogi, and Naboisho Conservancies, as well as central parts of Maasai Mara National Reserve.

✈️ Quick Facts

Feature	Details
Name	Ol Kiombo Airstrip
IATA Code	OLX
Location	Central Maasai Mara, near Talek
Coordinates	Approx. 1.4540° S, 35.1540° E
Runway	Gravel/sand strip, suitable for small bush planes
Elevation	Approx. 1,600 meters (5,200 ft)
Operated by	Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA)
Serves	Camps in Talek, Olare Motorogi, Naboisho, Mara Reserve

---

✈️ Why Choose Ol Kiombo Airstrip?

• Proximity: Closest airstrip to over 50 safari camps and lodges
• Convenience: Reduces road travel time from Nairobi (6–7 hours) to just 45 minutes by air
• Access: Located near Talek Gate, it offers easy entry into the national reserve
• Views: Scenic aerial views of the Mara River, wildlife herds, and vast savannah on approach

---

🏨 Camps and Lodges Served by Ol Kiombo

Ol Kiombo is the best airstrip for travelers booked at the following nearby accommodations:

Luxury & Mid-Range Lodges

• Basecamp Maasai Mara, Basecamp Explorer, Eagle View, Ashnil Mara Camp, Sarova Mara Game Camp, Olare Mara Kempinski, Entim Camp, Mara Bush Camp & Sunworld, Mara Plains Camp, Mara Toto, Richard’s River Camp, Leopard Hill, Naibor Camp, Rekero Tented Camp, Fig Tree Camp, Mara Intrepids

Tented Camps & Boutique Options

• Amani Mara, Azure Haven Camp, Emboo Camp, Ilkeliani, Jackle Berry Camp, Mara Leisure, Julia’s River Camp, Eden Luxury Camp, Matira Bush Camp, Mara Legends, Royal African Private Camp, Osero Camp, Malaika Bush Camp, Loyk Mara, Camp Donyoungs, Olumara Camp, Tangulia Mara, Oltepesi Tented Safari Camp, JK Mara Camp, Olashaiki, Tipilikwani Mara, Mara Olapa, Kananga River Camp

Budget-Friendly & Adventure Campsites

• Freemans, Game Trackers Campsite, Simba Colt Camp, Telek Bush Camp, Top House, Crocodile Camp, Heritage Camp, Zebra Plains, Balloon Safari Base Camp, Nigel Archer Camp, Robin Hurt Camp, Porini Lion Camp

---

🛫 Airlines Flying to Ol Kiombo

Several domestic airlines offer daily scheduled flights between Nairobi and Ol Kiombo, as well as connections from other safari hubs:

Airline	Departure Airports
Safarilink Aviation	Wilson Airport (Nairobi), Diani, Nanyuki, etc.
AirKenya Express	Wilson Airport, Kisumu, Migori
Skyward Express	Wilson Airport
Governors’ Aviation	Wilson Airport (mostly for connected lodges)

✈️ Flight Time: ~45 minutes from Nairobi Wilson Airport
🕑 Check-In Time: 1 hour before departure

Location and Coordinates:

Strategically situated just north of the Talek River, Ol Kiombo Airstrip serves as a primary gateway for several prominent safari camps and lodges. Its precise geographical coordinates are:

• Latitude: 1° 24′ 30” S
• Longitude: 35° 6′ 36” E

Serviced Camps and Lodges:

The airstrip provides convenient access to a variety of esteemed accommodations within the Maasai Mara, including:

• Mara Intrepids
• Mara Explorer
• Fig Tree Camp
• Porini Lion Camp
• Tipilikwani Mara Camp
• Base Camp
• Naibor Camp
• Kicheche Bush Camp

This proximity allows guests to minimize transit times and maximize their safari experiences.

Airlines and Flight Connectivity:

Ol Kiombo Airstrip accommodates several domestic airlines, offering regular flights to and from key destinations such as Nairobi, Mombasa, and other notable Kenyan locales. Airlines operating in this region include:

• AirKenya
• Safarilink
• Mombasa Air Safari

These carriers provide scheduled flights, enhancing accessibility for travelers.

Facilities and Services:

While Ol Kiombo Airstrip is primarily functional, it offers essential services to ensure passenger convenience and safety:

• Park Entry Formalities: A ranger’s office is available on-site to assist passengers with the necessary procedures for entering the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
• Passenger Shelter: A basic shelter is provided for travelers awaiting flights, offering respite from the elements.
• Ground Transportation: Safari vehicles from various camps typically await incoming passengers, ready to transport them directly to their accommodations.

Ol Kiombo Airstrip Flight Schedule

Ol Kiombo Airstrip in the Maasai Mara National Reserve serves as a vital hub for safari-goers, offering regular connections to key destinations such as Nairobi, Amboseli, and Kisumu. The airstrip is primarily serviced by Airkenya Express, Safarilink Aviation, and other regional carriers.

Flights are scheduled throughout the morning, ensuring seamless connections to Nairobi’s Wilson Airport (WIL) and other safari circuits. Arrivals from Nairobi are frequent, with quick turnarounds for departures to other airstrips within the Mara or back to the city. Departures from Ol Kiombo also include direct flights to popular destinations like Kisumu and Amboseli, making it an efficient transit point for travelers exploring Kenya’s diverse landscapes.

---

Arrivals at Ol Kiombo Airstrip

Time	Flight	From	Airline	Aircraft	Status
8:10 AM	P21436	Nairobi (WIL)	Airkenya Express	DH7	Scheduled
8:50 AM	F26	Maasai Mara (KEU)	Safarilink Aviation	CNC	Scheduled
9:10 AM	F25	Maasai Mara (KEU)	Safarilink Aviation	CNC	Scheduled
10:30 AM	RRV8316	Amboseli (ASV)	–	CNC	Scheduled
11:00 AM	RRV7201	Nairobi (WIL)	–	CNC	Scheduled
11:05 AM	F21	Maasai Mara (KEU)	Safarilink Aviation	CNC	Scheduled
11:10 AM	P21467	Nairobi (WIL)	Airkenya Express	DHT	Scheduled
11:55 AM	F22	Maasai Mara (KEU)	Safarilink Aviation	CNC	Scheduled

---

Departures from Ol Kiombo Airstrip

Time	Flight	To	Airline	Aircraft	Status
8:15 AM	P21315	Kisumu (KIS)	Airkenya Express	DHT	Scheduled
8:15 AM	P21457	Nairobi (WIL)	Airkenya Express	DH7	Scheduled
8:55 AM	F26	Maasai Mara (OSJ)	Safarilink Aviation	CNC	Scheduled
9:15 AM	F25	Maasai Mara (OSJ)	Safarilink Aviation	CNC	Scheduled
11:10 AM	F21	Maasai Mara (OSJ)	Safarilink Aviation	CNC	Scheduled
11:15 AM	P25854	Nairobi (WIL)	Airkenya Express	DHT	Scheduled
11:15 AM	RRV8476	Nairobi (WIL)	–	CNC	Scheduled
11:30 AM	RRV8332	Amboseli (ASV)	–	CNC	Scheduled

---

Key Highlights:

• Frequent Nairobi Flights: Both Airkenya Express and Safarilink Aviation offer multiple daily flights between Ol Kiombo and Nairobi Wilson Airport (WIL), making it easy to connect to international flights from JKIA.
• Convenient Mara Transfers: Quick hops to other Masai Mara airstrips like KEU (Keekorok) and OSJ ensure smooth safari connections.
• Regional Reach: Direct flights to Kisumu and Amboseli allow travelers to explore Kenya’s lakeside and Amboseli’s iconic elephant herds with ease.

Operational Considerations:

Travelers utilizing Ol Kiombo Airstrip should be mindful of the following:

• Baggage Restrictions: Due to the smaller aircraft operating in this region, strict baggage weight limits are enforced.
• Flight Schedules: Flight times can vary based on demand and weather conditions; it’s advisable to confirm schedules in advance.
• Wildlife Proximity: Given its location within a wildlife reserve, it’s not uncommon to observe animals near the airstrip, adding a unique dimension to the travel experience.

🐘 What to Expect Upon Landing

• Dirt runway, well-maintained for propeller planes
• Basic waiting area with shade and benches
• No terminal building – it’s a bush airstrip
• You’ll be greeted by camp staff holding signage
• Look out for giraffes, zebras, or even elephants near the runway!

---

🧭 Nearby Attractions & Activities

• Balloon Safari Base: Just minutes away; perfect for early morning flights
• Talek River: Wildlife viewing along the riverbanks
• Game Drives: Full- and half-day safaris across Central and Eastern Mara
• Cultural Visits: Maasai village tours can be arranged from most camps
• Walking Safaris: Available in conservancies like Naboisho or Olare Motorogi
• Photography: This region is prime for big cat sightings and Great Migration crossings (July–October)

---

🕒 When to Travel

Season	Months	Highlights
Great Migration	July–October	River crossings, dramatic predator-prey scenes
Green Season	November–December, March–May	Fewer crowds, lush landscapes, discounted rates
Dry Season	January–March, June	Best general wildlife viewing and road access

⚠️ During heavy rains (April–May), some flights may be delayed or rerouted depending on runway conditions.

---

💡 Tips for Visitors Using Ol Kiombo

• Book flights early (especially during migration season)
• Luggage limit: Typically 15 kg per person (soft bags only)
• Let your camp know your flight number and arrival time
• Carry binoculars and a camera – views from the flight are stunning
• Wear sunblock, hat, and light layers; it can be hot on arrival
• Ask your camp for packed lunch or refreshments if you’re transferring from another region

---

🏥 Medical & Emergency Services

• Most camps offer basic first aid
• For serious emergencies, evacuation services (e.g., AMREF Flying Doctors) operate in the area
• Consider travel insurance that covers medical evacuation

---

📞 Essential Contacts

Service	Contact Info
Safarilink Aviation	www.flysafarilink.com
AirKenya Express	www.airkenya.com
AMREF Flying Doctors	www.flydoc.org
Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA)	www.kcaa.or.ke
Maasai Mara Park Warden	Via Narok County Office or camp staff

---

Conclusion:

Ol Kiombo Airstrip serves as a vital conduit for travelers seeking to explore the unparalleled beauty and biodiversity of the Maasai Mara. Its strategic location and the range of services it supports make it an indispensable component of the region’s tourism infrastructure.