Flying to Masai Mara is a more convenient option, being only about a 1-hour flight from Wilson Airport in Nairobi to a variety of different airstrips in the Mara.
There are several airlines flying from Nairobi to various airstrips in Masai Mara, and several of these offers twice daily return flight to the reserve, with a one-way flight taking approximately 1 hour. The same plane then usually turns around back to Nairobi after dropping off or collecting passengers from a number of airstrips in Masai Mara.
Almost all these flights take off from Wilson airport in Nairobi and you need only to be at the airport about 45 minutes before the flight. The two main airlines are Air Kenya and Safari link, with a new entrant being Governors Aviation. All these three airlines have a reliable service and credible safety record.
The daily schedule is;
Morning Flight: Depart Nairobi 10am – Arrive Masai Mara 11am
Return Morning Flight: Depart Masai Mara 11am – Arrive Nairobi 12pm
Afternoon Flight: Depart Nairobi 3pm – Arrive Masai Mara 4pm
Return Afternoon Flight: Depart Masai Mara 4pm – Arrive Nairobi 5pm
There are close to a dozen airstrips in Masai Mara National Reserve and surrounding game ranches and conservancies. These airstrips are spread out in different parts of the reserve to serve lodges and camps in close proximity to them in order to cut down transfer time from the airstrip to the hotel. Listed below are some of the commonly used airstrips in Masai Mara.
Keekorok Airstrip, Siana Airstrip, Serena Airstrip, Musiara Airstrip, Kichwa Tembo Airstrip, Ol Kiombo Airstrip, Ngerende Airstrip, Ol Seki airstrip, Olare Orok Airstrip and Angama Airstrip.
The type of aircraft used for flights to Masai Mara include propeller planes with seating capacities ranging from 40 seaters for DeHavilland Dash 7 and 8 aircraft to 13-seater Cessna Caravans. Passengers are limited to 15 kilos of carry on and check in luggage combined.
Where to Stay in Masaai Mara: Our Safari in Kenya
The Maasai Mara has a wide range of excellent accommodation, from luxury lodges to tented safari camps. Whether you’re planning a romantic Rwanda Kenya tour for friends or family, there’s something here for everyone. Each place offers exclusive activities like game drives, walking safaris, hot air balloon rides and cultural excursions.
Mara Bush House
Sink into a comfortable armchair on the veranda right outside your room, observing elephant and giraffe amble by. Or stretch out on this luxury Masai Mara lodge’s lush lawns with a tipple and a good book under the shady canopy of an acacia tree. Don’t forget to chat to your chef about your next delicious meal.
Saruni Mara
Sleep in the community-focused Saruni Mara, hidden in a secret valley of olive and cedar trees. Settle into your luxurious cottage boasting antiques, Persian carpets and wide cedar wood beds. Join Maasai warriors on a guided bush walk to explore the surrounding hills, followed by a relaxing spa treatment in the tranquil Maasai Well-being Space. This is one of the best Masai Mara lodges for discerning travelers.
Sand River Masai Mara
Wake up to the sounds of the African bush and slowly make your way out of a snug 4-poster bed. Saunter across your spacious tent’s polished hardwood floors, step out onto a private veranda and be greeted by the gorgeous morning vista of the Sand River and its rolling flood plains.
Porini Lion Camp
Head to the thrice-daily game drives from this superb Masai Mara lodging situated in the private Olare Motogori Conservancy, renowned for its superb big cat sightings. Return to the authentic Porini Lion Camp in time for a refreshing cocktail while being entertained by the boisterous hippos in the adjacent Ntiakatiak River.
Sala’s Camp
Set in the heart of the Mara’s northern corridor, Sala’s is one of the first Masai Mara lodges to witness the Wildebeest Migration from the Serengeti into the Mara. Keep an eye on the dark-haired gnus as they stroll past your tent and gather to drink at the confluence of the Sand and Keekorok Rivers.
Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp
Kichwa Tembo is a much-loved Masai Mara safari lodge. A wonderful home from home with incredible staff, expert guides and front-row seats to the Wildebeest Migration from about August to November.
Mara Intrepids camp is a fenced Masai Mara lodging on the shady banks of the Talek River, the perfect escape for families with children. This secure camp offers a unique game-viewing experience with early and mid-morning, and late afternoon game drives.
Angama Mara
Perched in the gorgeous hills of the Mara Triangle escarpment lies one of the best Masai Mara hotels. The exclusive Angama Mara is famous as the location of Robert Redford and Meryl Streep’s romantic picnic scene in the movie, Out of Africa. Everything about this Masai Mara lodging exudes elegance.
Cottar’s 1920s Camp
Journey back in time to a golden era of safari, to an elegant Masai Mara lodging straight off the pages of Hemingway’s safari diary. Decorated in an authentic historic style, Cottar’s Camp offers its visitors unrestrained adventure and romance, as well as game drives in an original wood-panelled vehicle from the 1920s.
Rekero Camp
Go for expertly guided game drives in search of animals like lion, cheetah, leopard, elephant and hippo. Watch the dramatic thrills and spills of the Wildebeest Migration as the herds traverse croc-infested waters. Return to this Masai Mara lodging after an action-packed day and relax with a sun downer drink as you take in the gorgeous views over the Talek River.
Naboisho Camp
A classic and intimate Masai Mara lodging originally established as a community initiative, Naboisho Camp is situated in a private conservancy that limits the number of vehicles allowed. Enjoy exciting game drives during the day, in search of Africa’s iconic animals and to witness the Wildebeest Migration between about July and November. Being in a private conservancy means that you’re able to head out on night drives to discover the Mara’s elusive nocturnal creatures.
Elephant Pepper Camp
The very spacious canvas tents at Elephant Pepper Camp feature en suite dressing rooms and bathrooms, and private pit fireplaces for dining under the stars. Also expect little extras like hammocks, hot-water bottles and beautiful brass fittings from India. Sip on a pre-dinner drink around the campfire or enjoy a game of croquet before savouring a delicious Italian recipe.
Sanctuary Olonana
Romantic and secluded, Olonana is hidden within a forest along a private stretch of the Mara River and one of the best Masai Mara hotels. It’s a popular choice for honeymooners but also offers first-class family-friendly accommodation. Between about July and October, you’ll enjoy a grandstand view of the Wildebeest Migration’s treacherous river crossings.
Governors’ Il Moran Camp
One of the best Masai Mara safari lodges, Il Moran’s Forest setting is a wonderful retreat for honeymooners. Ten luxurious tents are dotted along the Mara River beneath the shady canopy of evergreen trees. Inside you’ll find super king-sized beds, beautifully constructed from fallen olive trees. Bathrooms are en-suite and equipped with double vanities, showers and classic Victorian bathtubs.
Little Governors’ Camp
Get on a boat to be transferred across the renowned Mara River, before strolling through a gorgeous riverine forest to discover one of the best-located Masai Mara safari lodges, hidden beneath the vegetation around a waterhole. Head out on a game drive or hot-air balloon ride at dawn to discover the Masai Mara during this magical time of day.
