Flying to the Masai Mara offers a quick, scenic, and comfortable alternative to long road journeys. With a range of scheduled flights, private charters, and multi-park connections, travelers can choose routes that match their schedule, budget, and desired airstrip. Here’s how each airline serves the Mara and what to expect on every route.
Fly ALS to Masai Mara: Schedules, Routes & Reviews
Fly ALS (Air Leasing Services) is a respected Kenyan carrier known for both scheduled and charter flights.
- Main Route:
- Wilson (Nairobi) → Masai Mara: Multiple daily flights in high season (June–September), stopping at key Mara airstrips.
- Diani (Ukunda), Vipingo, Migori: Seasonal connections available.
- Highlights:
- Connects Mara to Migori for seamless transfers to the Serengeti (with Auric Air).
- Operates to major airstrips: Keekorok, Ol Kiombo, Serena, Musiara, Naboisho, and more.
- Fleet: Beechcraft 1900, Dash 8, Cessna Caravan (all with 15 kg luggage allowance, soft bags).
- Booking & Service:
- Professional safety standards, reliable schedule, good customer service.
Summary:
Fly ALS is ideal for travelers connecting the Mara with the Serengeti or seeking flexible Kenyan routes.
Mombasa Air Safari to Masai Mara: What You Need to Know
Mombasa Air Safari specializes in linking the Kenyan coast with safari destinations.
- Main Routes:
- Mombasa/Diani → Masai Mara: Direct and one-stop flights, especially in high season.
- Nairobi Wilson → Masai Mara: Also operates some schedules via Nairobi.
- Popular With:
- Travelers combining beach and bush (e.g., Diani or Mombasa to Mara).
- Airstrips Served:
- Keekorok, Serena, Ol Kiombo, Musiara, and others.
Summary:
Mombasa Air Safari is the best choice for “beach-to-bush” itineraries and quick coast connections.
Governors Aviation: Your Guide to Masai Mara Flights
Governors Aviation is a boutique airline offering direct service primarily for guests of Governors’ Camps, but open to all.
- Route:
- Wilson (Nairobi) → Musiara Airstrip (Mara): 1–2 daily flights.
- Advantages:
- Timed for seamless transfer to Governors’ luxury camps and the central Mara.
- Personalized service, small planes, and excellent reviews.
Summary:
Perfect for travelers staying at Governors’ Camps or those wanting a direct, personal touch to central Mara.
Key Wilson–Mara Airstrip Routes: Direct & Navigational Options
Wilson Airport (Nairobi) is the safari flight hub.
From here, several daily flights depart to various Mara airstrips, operated by AirKenya, Safarilink, Fly ALS, and others.
Popular Direct Routes:
- Wilson → Keekorok:
- Served by AirKenya, Safarilink, and Fly ALS. Timings and stops vary—always check if your camp is closest to Keekorok.
- Wilson → Ol Kiombo:
- Frequent stops by all major airlines; Ol Kiombo is centrally located for many top camps.
Summary:
Choose your airstrip based on your camp location to minimize transfer times upon arrival.
Masai Mara Airstrip Guide: Find Your Closest Airstrip
The Mara is served by multiple airstrips, each convenient for different lodges and camps:
- Ol Kiombo: Central, ideal for many luxury and mid-range camps.
- Keekorok: Southern Mara, close to Keekorok Lodge and Siana conservancy.
- Musiara: North-central, great for camps near Musiara and Governors.
- Serena: West Mara, good for Serena Lodge and Mara Triangle properties.
- Naboisho, Siana, Mara North, Ol Seki: Serve specific conservancies and partner camps.
Tip:
Always confirm with your lodge or agent which airstrip is best before booking your flight.
Regional and Circuit Flight Options: Multi-Park Safari Routes
Want to see more than just the Mara?
Kenya’s airlines make it easy to hop between the country’s most famous parks.
- AirKenya & Safarilink “Safari Circuits”:
- Mara ↔ Amboseli, Samburu, Lewa, Nanyuki, Meru: Daily flights connect the parks directly, reducing layovers in Nairobi.
- Sample Circuit:
- Wilson → Lewa → Samburu → Mara: One continuous route with stopovers in each park.
- Booking:
- Multi-park or circuit fares are available. Book early, especially in high season.
Summary:
Circuit flights allow for a multi-park safari experience without backtracking to Nairobi.
Cross-Border & Regional Routes: Mara–Serengeti & Beyond
Some airlines operate flights that help you connect the Mara with Tanzania’s Serengeti or Uganda’s parks.
- Mara–Migori–Serengeti (Tarime):
- Fly ALS and AirKenya: Daily service (high season) with ground transfer across the border, then onward flights to key Serengeti airstrips.
- Mara–Entebbe/Kisumu (Uganda):
- AirKenya: Connects Mara with Entebbe and other Ugandan destinations—ideal for East Africa circuit safaris.
Summary:
These cross-border routes are invaluable for transnational safaris—book well ahead, especially during migration months.
Other Notable Airlines Serving Masai Mara
- Safarilink:
- Extensive Mara schedule, multiple daily flights to all major airstrips. Also strong on park-to-park connections (Amboseli, Lewa, Samburu).
- Skyward Express:
- Growing presence, especially for value-driven travelers or regional connections.
- Charter Helicopter Flights:
- Available from Wilson or select locations—ultimate VIP experience, lands at remote or private airstrips.
Summary:
Safarilink is ideal for flexible schedules and multi-park trips. Helicopter charters offer ultimate exclusivity and direct routing.
Unique and Scenic Routes
- Diani (Ukunda) to Mara:
- Fly ALS, Mombasa Air Safari, and Safarilink run direct flights in high season—perfect for beach-to-bush travelers.
- Eldoret, Nanyuki, Kisumu to Mara:
- Select airlines operate direct or one-stop flights, particularly in migration season.
- Mara Scenic Flights:
- Charter operators and some scheduled airlines offer scenic flights for aerial views and photographic experiences.
Sample Timetables & Key Info (2025 Highlights)
- AirKenya (Wilson–Mara):
- 07:30, 10:30, 14:00 departures from Wilson; returns at 08:15, 11:15, 14:45 from Mara. Daily service; schedules can change by season/route.
- Fly ALS (Wilson–Mara):
- Morning and afternoon departures; high season extras (June–September); also connects to Migori/Serengeti.
- Safarilink (Wilson–Mara):
- Several flights daily; see official timetable for specifics.
Booking, Baggage, and Practical Tips
- Booking:
- Use the official airline sites, trusted safari agents, or specialized booking platforms like FlyMara.com.
- Multi-park or circuit tickets should be arranged in advance.
- Baggage:
- Strict 15 kg soft-sided bag allowance on all bush flights. Excess fees apply.
- Transfers:
- Your lodge/camp will arrange airstrip pick-up—confirm your arrival time in advance.
- Timing:
- Allow time for check-in (60 min at Wilson, 30 min at bush airstrips).
- Schedules may vary based on routing and weather.
Conclusion: Choosing Your Best Mara Airline & Route
- For fastest service:
- Book direct Wilson–Mara flights on AirKenya, Safarilink, or Fly ALS.
- For coast or cross-border safaris:
- Use Fly ALS or Mombasa Air Safari for Diani/Mombasa or Migori/Serengeti links.
- For scenic or private travel:
- Consider helicopter or bespoke charter options.
- Always match your flight and airstrip to your camp/lodge location for the smoothest transfer and best safari start!
Let your safari adventure begin in the sky—choose the right airline and route for an unforgettable journey into the Masai Mara.