Which airport do you fly into for Masai Mara?

Which airport do you fly into for Masai Mara? – To visit the Masai Mara, one typically flies into Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, and then takes a domestic flight or ground transportation to the Mara. The most common entry points for flights specifically going to the Masai Mara region are as follows:

1. Wilson Airport (Nairobi)

• Airport Overview: Wilson Airport (IATA: WIL) is a smaller domestic airport located approximately 7 kilometers (4 miles) south of Nairobi city center. It is the primary hub for flights to the Masai Mara and other popular safari destinations within Kenya.
• Flights to the Mara: There are daily scheduled flights from Wilson Airport to several airstrips in the Masai Mara, operated by various domestic carriers. These airstrips are often very close to major lodges or camps.
  • Airlines: Air Kenya, Safarilink, and Fly540 are some of the airlines that operate these flights.
  • Flight Duration: The flight from Wilson to the Masai Mara typically takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on your destination within the Mara.
  • Landing Airstrips in Masai Mara: The Mara has several airstrips that different lodges and camps use, including:
    • Keekorok Airstrip
    • Mara Serena Airstrip
    • Ol Kiombo Airstrip
    • Siana Springs Airstrip
    • Kichwa Tembo Airstrip

2. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi)

• Airport Overview: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (IATA: NBO) is Kenya’s main international gateway and is located about 15 kilometers (9 miles) southeast of Nairobi’s city center.
• Connection to Masai Mara: While most international flights arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International, from here, travelers can take a domestic flight to Wilson Airport, where they can catch their connecting flight to the Mara. Some airlines also offer charter flights directly from Jomo Kenyatta to the Masai Mara, though these are less common and usually more expensive.
• Flight Duration: Direct flights from Jomo Kenyatta to the Masai Mara would take approximately 1 hour.

3. Private Charter Flights

• If you’re traveling on a private or luxury safari, you may have the option to take a charter flight directly from Nairobi (either Wilson or Jomo Kenyatta) to your lodge’s private airstrip in the Masai Mara.
• Airlines/Operators: Many high-end safari operators like Serena Hotels, Elewana Collection, and andBeyond arrange charter flights for guests to various camps within the Masai Mara region.

4. Ground Transportation

• Option: If you prefer to drive from Nairobi to the Masai Mara, you can travel by road, though the journey is much longer (approximately 5-6 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions). While the road to the Mara has improved, it can still be a bit bumpy and requires a 4×4 vehicle, especially during the rainy season.
• Transfer Services: Many safari operators offer road transfer services that include a guide and a 4×4 vehicle. This is a more leisurely and scenic way to get to the Mara.

5. Airstrips in Masai Mara Region

Small aircraft use a number of airstrips in the Masai Mara for both scheduled and chartered flights. Depending on where you are staying, your flight may land at one of these:

• Keekorok Airstrip: Located in the southern part of the Mara, near Keekorok Lodge.
• Ol Kiombo Airstrip: Near the Olare Orok Conservancy, often used by luxury lodges.
• Mara Serena Airstrip: Near the Mara Serena Safari Lodge, located in the central Mara region.
• Siana Springs Airstrip: Located in the southeastern area of the Mara, closer to some of the conservancies.

General Tips:

• Luggage Restrictions: When flying to the Masai Mara, there are strict weight restrictions on luggage for small planes. Typically, you can carry 15 kg (33 lbs) in soft-sided luggage. Hard suitcases are not allowed.
• Arrival Times: Flights to the Mara generally depart early in the morning to ensure you arrive in time for a safari game drive on the same day.

So, which airport do you fly into for Masai Mara? In summary, Wilson Airport in Nairobi is the main gateway for flights into the Masai Mara, but for a seamless journey, you’ll likely connect via Jomo Kenyatta International if arriving on an international flight. Once in Nairobi, you can take a short flight to one of the various airstrips in the Masai Mara region.