The Masai Mara is served by a network of bush airstrips and connecting airports that make access to your lodge or camp both fast and convenient. Knowing which airstrip to fly into can save you hours of transfer time and set the tone for your safari experience. This guide walks you through every major airstrip, transfer options, maps, and how to match your airstrip with your lodge or tented camp.
Guide to Masai Mara Airstrips: Where Should You Land?
The Mara boasts more than a dozen airstrips, each serving a different region or group of camps. Most flights arrive from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport, and it’s vital to match your destination airstrip to your camp to avoid long road transfers.
- Central Mara: Ol Kiombo, Musiara, Mara Shikar
- West Mara (Mara Triangle): Serena
- North Mara: Mara North, Kichwa Tembo, Angama Mara
- East/Southeast Mara: Keekorok, Siana, Ol Seki, Naboisho, Olare
- Specialized/Private: Some luxury lodges have their own airstrips (e.g., Angama Mara)
Summary:
Check with your camp or agent for the closest airstrip before booking your flight. This ensures the shortest, most comfortable transfer upon arrival.
Ol Kiombo Airstrip Flights: Main Gateway to Central Mara
Ol Kiombo is one of the busiest and most central airstrips in the Mara.
- Serves: Many luxury and mid-range camps in central Mara, including Rekero, Mara Intrepids, and Kicheche camps.
- Airlines: AirKenya, Safarilink, Fly ALS, Mombasa Air Safari
- Transfer Times: Usually 15–45 minutes to most central Mara camps.
Why choose Ol Kiombo?
Ideal for easy access to prime game viewing areas and migration hotspots.
Keekorok Airstrip Schedule: Timetable & Transfer Guide
Keekorok serves the southern Masai Mara and is convenient for Siana and the southeastern lodges.
- Serves: Keekorok Lodge, Sekenani, and Siana conservancy camps.
- Airlines: Regular flights by AirKenya, Safarilink, Fly ALS, Mombasa Air Safari
- Transfer Times: 5–30 minutes to most south/east Mara camps.
Tip:
Check up-to-date schedules in high and low season, as frequency may vary.
Mara North Airstrip Transfers: Get There Smoothly
Mara North airstrip is the best access point for lodges and camps in the Mara North Conservancy.
- Serves: Mara North Conservancy camps, some in Lemek and Ol Chorro
- Airlines: AirKenya, Safarilink, Fly ALS
- Transfers: Most lodges offer direct pick-up; drive times range 5–30 minutes.
Summary:
Arrange transfers in advance with your camp for a seamless arrival.
Ol Seki Airstrip Flights: Fastest Route to Naboisho
Ol Seki is the main gateway for Naboisho Conservancy.
- Serves: Ol Seki, Eagle View, Leopard Hill, Naboisho, Encounter Mara, and other conservancy camps.
- Airlines: AirKenya, Safarilink, Fly ALS
- Transfer Times: 10–30 minutes to most camps in Naboisho.
Tip:
Perfect for fly-in travelers wanting to explore Mara’s private conservancies.
Mara Airstrips Map: Visual Guide
A visual map of Mara airstrips is invaluable for planning.
- What to Look For:
- Location of your camp vs. airstrip
- Transfer routes and expected drive times
- Where to Find Maps:
- Most camps and airlines provide downloadable or interactive maps.
- Reference the official Mara conservancy websites for detailed airstrip maps.
Summary:
Use maps to minimize transfer time and maximize your safari game drives.
Serena Airstrip Flights: Fly Direct for West Mara Safaris
Serena (also known as Mara Serena) is the primary airstrip for Mara Triangle and west Mara properties.
- Serves: Mara Serena Lodge, Little Governors, and other Mara Triangle camps.
- Airlines: AirKenya, Safarilink, Fly ALS
- Transfer Times: Most camps are 5–30 minutes from the airstrip.
Tip:
Choose Serena if your lodge is west of the Mara River or inside the Mara Triangle.
Musiara Airstrip Schedule: Schedules & Camp Connections
Musiara is a smaller, north-central airstrip ideal for Governors’ Camp and nearby lodges.
- Serves: Governors’ Camp, Little Governors’, Musiara Marsh camps.
- Airlines: Governors Aviation, AirKenya, Safarilink
- Transfers: Often just a short game drive away.
Summary:
Musiara is the gateway for a classic Mara riverbank experience.
Naboisho, Siana, Olare, Kichwa Tembo, Angama Mara & More: Your Camp’s Closest Airstrip
- Naboisho: Fly direct to Naboisho or Ol Seki for all Naboisho conservancy properties.
- Siana: Ideal for east Mara and Siana conservancy; check for regular flights.
- Olare: Convenient for Olare Motorogi Conservancy camps.
- Kichwa Tembo: Serves the renowned Kichwa Tembo camp and nearby properties.
- Angama Mara: Private airstrip for Angama Mara guests; coordinate flights via the lodge.
Summary:
Each airstrip best serves a cluster of camps or a conservancy—always confirm with your accommodation when booking.
Mara Airstrip List: Complete Reference
Here are the main airstrips used for scheduled and charter flights:
- Ol Kiombo
- Keekorok
- Mara North
- Musiara
- Serena
- Ol Seki
- Siana
- Naboisho
- Olare
- Mara Shikar
- Kichwa Tembo
- Angama Mara (private)
Summary:
Most airlines will allow you to choose your airstrip during booking—pick the one closest to your camp.
Best Airstrip for Mara Luxury Lodges
Some airstrips are particularly convenient for luxury and boutique lodges:
- Angama Mara: Private access for guests only.
- Kichwa Tembo: Direct for Kichwa Tembo and Bateleur camps.
- Ol Seki, Naboisho, Mara North: Top picks for luxury tented camps and exclusive-use properties.
Tip:
Luxury lodges often assist in arranging flights and VIP transfers—ask about their preferred airstrip when booking.
Masai Mara Airport Transfers: What to Expect
- Meet & Greet: Your safari camp/driver will meet you at the airstrip with a sign or nameboard.
- Transfer Vehicle: Usually an open or closed safari vehicle—transfers double as a mini game drive.
- Drive Time: 5–45 minutes depending on distance and wildlife sightings en route.
- Facilities: Mara airstrips are basic—expect a dirt runway, some seating, and maybe a shelter.
Summary:
All transfers should be arranged in advance with your lodge or camp. No need for taxis or outside drivers.
Helicopter Landings in Masai Mara: What to Know
- Where Can Helicopters Land?
- Select airstrips and designated helipads in conservancies or luxury lodges (e.g., Angama Mara, Mara North, Ol Seki).
- Booking:
- All landings must be pre-approved with the Mara conservancy or the camp.
- Uses:
- VIP guests, medical evacuation, scenic tours, or private charters.
Summary:
Helicopter transfers offer flexibility and can access even the most remote camps with style.
Wilson Airport to Masai Mara Airstrips: Route Planner
- Wilson Airport (Nairobi): All scheduled safari flights depart from here, serving every Mara airstrip.
- Booking:
- During the booking process, select the airstrip nearest your lodge/camp.
- Travel Time:
- Most flights: 40–60 minutes from Wilson to the Mara.
- Allow extra time for check-in and potential stops at other airstrips en route.
Summary:
Wilson Airport is your launchpad to the Mara—arrive early and confirm your airstrip for a smooth safari start.
Wrapping Up: Choosing the Best Airstrip for Your Masai Mara Safari
- Match your airstrip to your lodge/camp—saves time and maximizes game viewing.
- Consult with your safari operator or accommodation for the best advice before booking flights.
- Use maps and airline tools to see all airstrip options.
- Arrange all transfers in advance for a seamless, stress-free arrival.
- Consider helicopters or private strips for the ultimate VIP or remote safari experience.
With a little planning, your journey from Nairobi to the heart of the Mara will be as smooth and breathtaking as the savannahs themselves. Safe travels and enjoy your safari