One way to get to Masai Mara is to fly to Olare Orok Airstrip in Olare Motorogi Conservancy directly North of Masai Mara National Reserve.
Olare Orok Airstrip is a dedicated safari airstrip serving Olare Orok Conservancy, one of the most exclusive wildlife conservancies within the greater Maasai Mara ecosystem. The airstrip is purpose-located to minimise transfer times to high-end camps inside the conservancy and to provide immediate access to one of the Mara’s most wildlife-dense areas.
This guide covers location logic, flight operations, transfers, seasons, and practical planning considerations specific to Olare Orok.
1) Where Olare Orok Airstrip is located
Geographic context
- The airstrip sits inside Olare Orok Conservancy, north of the main Maasai Mara National Reserve boundary and east of the Mara River.
- It is surrounded by open savannah, seasonal drainage lines, and low ridges that form part of a prime lion, leopard, and cheetah range.
Why this location matters
- Olare Orok enforces low vehicle density and strict access control. Landing directly inside the conservancy avoids:
- Long transfers from reserve airstrips (Keekorok, Ol Kiombo, Musiara)
- Re-entering gates or changing vehicles at conservancy boundaries
- In practice, this means you are often on game drive within minutes of landing.
2) Airstrip role within the Mara airstrip network
Olare Orok Airstrip functions as a conservancy-specific landing point, similar in concept to Naboisho, Mara North, or Ol Pejeta airstrips elsewhere in Kenya.
Key implications:
- It is not a public transport hub; it exists to serve lodges and camps within Olare Orok.
- Scheduled safari flights include it as one stop on a multi-airstrip circuit rather than as a standalone destination.
3) Flights to and from Olare Orok Airstrip
Typical routing
- Most guests fly from Wilson Airport (Nairobi) on scheduled light-aircraft safari services.
- Flights often operate as “milk runs,” stopping at several Mara airstrips before or after Olare Orok.
What this means for planning
- Flight times are approximate, not guaranteed to the minute.
- Morning flights generally arrive between 10:00–12:30, with afternoon circuits later in the day.
- Same-day international connections require generous buffers.
Aircraft type
- Typically 12–19-seat turboprops (e.g., Caravan-class aircraft).
- Baggage restrictions are driven by aircraft weight limits, not the airstrip itself.
4) Runway and operational characteristics
Physical characteristics (traveller-relevant)
- Unmanned safari airstrip
- Compacted earth / murram surface
- Clearly marked runway and windsock
- No terminal building in the commercial sense
What arrivals feel like
- Aircraft lands and shuts down on the strip
- Bags are handed out directly
- Camp guides meet guests planeside by name
- You depart immediately by safari vehicle
This is deliberate: speed, simplicity, and minimal infrastructure to preserve the wilderness setting.
5) Transfers from Olare Orok Airstrip to camps
Transfer times
- Most camps in Olare Orok are 5–25 minutes from the airstrip.
- Transfers frequently double as full game drives, not just logistics.
Vehicles and guiding
- Transfers are done in open or closed safari Land Cruisers operated by the camps.
- Guides are conservancy-licensed and usually remain with you for the duration of your stay.
Boundary rules
- Once inside Olare Orok, vehicles do not cross into the Maasai Mara National Reserve unless explicitly planned.
- This preserves exclusivity and affects how itineraries are structured.
6) Who should use Olare Orok Airstrip
Olare Orok Airstrip is the right choice if:
- You are staying inside Olare Orok Conservancy
- You prioritise high predator density, fewer vehicles, and off-road game viewing
- You want minimal non-wildlife driving time
It is generally not ideal if:
- Your accommodation is inside the central Maasai Mara Reserve
- You plan daily cross-boundary drives into multiple conservancies
7) Wildlife experience immediately around the airstrip
Olare Orok is known for:
- High densities of lions and leopards
- Excellent cheetah visibility on open plains
- Strong year-round wildlife, not only during the migration
It is common to see wildlife during landing or within minutes of departure from the airstrip—an experience many guests remember vividly.
8) Seasonality and weather considerations
Dry seasons
- January–March
- July–October
Expect:
- Dusty landings
- Excellent visibility
- Reliable flight operations
Rainy seasons
- Long rains: April–May
- Short rains: November–December
Expect:
- Greener landscapes
- Occasional delays or rerouting
- Slower transfers if tracks soften, though distances remain short
9) Baggage and packing guidance
Because Olare Orok is served by light aircraft:
- Soft-sided bags only
- Typical limit: ~15 kg including carry-on (confirm with airline)
- Avoid hard cases and rigid camera trunks
Pack essentials (medication, valuables, documents) in a small daypack kept with you.
10) Safety and airstrip etiquette
- Remain with your guide or flight crew at all times
- Do not walk toward the aircraft unless instructed
- Secure hats and loose items during boarding
- Wildlife occasionally crosses the runway—this is normal and handled by crew
11) Olare Orok Airstrip vs other nearby airstrips
| Airstrip | Best for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Olare Orok | Olare Orok Conservancy stays | Limited to conservancy |
| Mara North | Mara North Conservancy | Longer drive to Olare Orok |
| Musiara / Ol Kiombo | Central reserve | Long transfers + vehicle density |
| Naboisho | Naboisho Conservancy | Cross-conservancy driving |
