Flying to the Masai Mara is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Kenya’s most famous safari destination. This guide provides a complete breakdown of airports, airlines, flight times, luggage rules, costs, and routes from Nairobi and other major international hubs. It is designed for 2026 travelers planning safari logistics with clear, accurate information. For a complete safari cost overview, see Masai Mara Safari Cost.
1. Which Airport Do You Fly Into for the Masai Mara?
The Masai Mara is served by a network of small bush airstrips rather than a major airport. Travelers typically fly from Nairobi into one of these airstrips depending on where their lodge is located.
Main Masai Mara Airstrips (2026):
| Airstrip | Best For |
|---|---|
| Keekorok Airstrip | Keekorok area, central reserve |
| Ol Kiombo Airstrip | Talek region, many mid-range camps |
| Serena/Mara Serena Airstrip | Western Mara, Serena Lodge |
| Musiara Airstrip | Musiara Marsh, big-cat zone |
| Kichwa Tembo Airstrip | Mara Triangle lodges |
| Mara North Airstrip | Mara North Conservancy |
| Naboisho Airstrip | Naboisho Conservancy |
| Olare Motorogi Airstrip | Olare Motorogi Conservancy |
| Siana Springs Airstrip | Siana Conservancy |
Not sure where to stay? See Top 10 Lodges in the Masai Mara for area-by-area recommendations.
2. Which Nairobi Airport Handles Masai Mara Flights?
All flights to the Masai Mara depart from Wilson Airport (WIL) in Nairobi.
International flights land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), so travelers must transfer 25–40 minutes by road to Wilson Airport.
3. Airlines Flying to the Masai Mara (2026)
Daily scheduled flights are operated by:
• Safarilink
• Air Kenya
• Mombasa Air Safari
• Governor’s Aviation
• SkyBird Aviation
• Freedom Air (seasonal)
All use small turboprops such as Cessna Caravans.
4. Flight Duration to the Masai Mara
Flight time from Nairobi Wilson Airport to the Masai Mara is 45–50 minutes direct.
Flights with multiple airstrip stops take 1–1.5 hours.
Visibility is best during the dry months; see The Seasons of the Masai Mara for seasonal weather patterns.
5. Flight Prices to the Masai Mara (2026)
Prices vary by season and demand.
One-Way Airfare:
| Season | Adult Fare | Child Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Low Season (Apr–May, Nov) | USD 160–200 | USD 110–150 |
| High Season (Jul–Oct, Jan–Mar) | USD 220–300 | USD 150–200 |
| Peak Migration Weeks | USD 260–350 | USD 180–240 |
Return Flights (Nairobi → Masai Mara):
• USD 300–550 per adult
• USD 220–350 per child
6. Luggage Allowance on Masai Mara Flights
Small bush aircraft have strict limits:
• 15 kg per passenger
• Soft bags only
• Camera gear counts toward the limit
• Some airlines allow extra camera weight if arranged in advance
For a complete checklist, see What to Pack for a Masai Mara Safari.
7. Flight Schedule: Nairobi to Masai Mara (2026)
Most airlines operate two waves of departures:
Morning departures: 08:00, 10:00, 11:00
Afternoon departures: 14:00–15:30
Return flights follow similar times.
8. Flights to the Masai Mara from Other Kenyan Cities
Mombasa → Masai Mara
• Seasonal
• Approx. 2 hrs with stops
• Mombasa Air Safari, Safarilink
Diani/Ukunda → Masai Mara
• High-season direct flights
• Approx. 2 hrs
Malindi / Watamu → Masai Mara
• Via Nairobi connections
Eldoret → Masai Mara
• Occasional charters
9. International Routes to the Masai Mara
There are no direct international flights into the Masai Mara.
All international travelers enter Kenya through Nairobi (JKIA) and transfer to Wilson Airport for their Mara flight.
Key feeder routes include India, UAE, UK, USA, South Africa, Qatar, Turkey, and Ethiopia.
10. Private Charter Flights to the Masai Mara
2026 Charter Rates:
• USD 1,800–3,000 one way (small plane)
• USD 4,000–8,000 (larger craft)
• Depart from Wilson or JKIA
• Land at any Mara airstrip
Most luxury lodges can arrange this.
11. Helicopter Transfers to the Masai Mara
Rates (2026):
• USD 2,500–4,000 one way
• 35 minutes flight time
Ideal for multi-destination itineraries.
12. Transfers from Airstrips to Lodges
Most camps and lodges include complimentary pickup from nearby airstrips.
Transfer time varies from 5 to 45 minutes.
For lodge recommendations by area and budget, see Masai Mara Luxury Resorts and Best Budget Stays in the Masai Mara.
13. Road vs Flight: Cost and Time Comparison
If you are still deciding between driving and flying, the table below offers a quick comparison. See also Best Masai Mara Safari Packages From Nairobi for package options that combine both.
| Factor | Road | Flight |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Time | 5–6 hours | 45 minutes |
| Round-Trip Cost | USD 60–120 | USD 300–550 |
| Comfort | Moderate | High |
| Scenery | Land views | Aerial views |
| Best For | Budget travelers | Families, luxury travelers |
Seasonal conditions affect both road and air options; see Best Time to Visit Masai Mara Kenya for details.
14. When You Should Choose Flying Instead of Driving
Choose to fly if you:
• Have limited time
• Prefer comfort
• Are with young children or older guests
• Are staying at a high-end lodge
• Want panoramic aerial views
• Are connecting to Diani or Mombasa afterward
Choose road travel if you are on a strict budget or prefer a scenic journey. For more cost-saving ideas, see Masai Mara on a Budget.
15. Final Recommendation
Flying to the Masai Mara is the fastest and most comfortable way to begin your safari. With several airstrips, multiple daily departures from Wilson Airport, and reliable airlines, flights are well-suited for luxury travelers, families, and visitors short on time.
Road travel remains the best option for budget travelers or those taking group tours. For ready-made itineraries, see Best Masai Mara Safari Packages From Nairobi.