Introduction: Why Aircraft Choice Matters for Mara Safaris
Getting to the Masai Mara by air is the fastest, safest, and most scenic way to start your safari adventure. But not all flights (or planes) are the same! The airstrips in the Mara range from long, well-graded strips to tiny bush runways in the heart of the savanna. Each airline—Fly ALS, Safarilink Aviation, AirKenya Express, and Mombasa Air Safari—has built its fleet to suit the demands of safari flying. The aircraft they use differ in size, comfort, speed, and even which airstrips they can access.
This guide explains:
- Which planes each airline uses for Mara flights
- What to expect inside (comfort, seat size, views)
- How each fleet handles remote airstrips and baggage
- Unique selling points and best uses for each airline
1. Overview Table: Airline Fleets Flying to the Masai Mara
| Airline | Main Aircraft to Mara | Seats | Pressurized Cabin | Access to Remote Airstrips | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safarilink Aviation | Cessna Caravan C208B, Dash 8 (Q100/200/315) | 12, 37–50 | Caravan: No, Dash 8: Yes | Caravan: All, Dash 8: Major only | Reliability, eco-credentials, large groups |
| AirKenya Express | DHC-7 Dash 7, DHC-6 Twin Otter, Dash 8-202, C208B | 12–50 | Twin Otter/Caravan: No, Dash 7/8: Yes | Twin Otter/Caravan/Dash 7: All | Bush flying, remote strips, flexible routes |
| Fly ALS | Dash 8-100/200/300, Beechcraft 1900D, C208B | 12–50 | Dash 8/Beech: Yes, Caravan: No | Caravan: All, Dash 8/Beech: Major only | Fast flights, small group comfort, value |
| Mombasa Air Safari | Cessna Caravan C208B | 12 | No | All | Coast–Mara, bush strips, true safari feel |
2. Aircraft Types and Comfort: What You’ll Experience On Board
Cessna Caravan C208B (All Airlines, Mombasa Air Safari Exclusive)
- Seats: 12
- Cabin: Not pressurized, basic comfort, panoramic windows for wildlife viewing
- Features: Perfect for small groups; every seat is a window seat; the “go anywhere” bush plane of Africa
- Where it flies: All Mara airstrips, including remote bush strips (like Musiara, Keekorok, Olkiombo)
Dash 8 Series (Safarilink, Fly ALS, AirKenya)
- Seats: 37 (Q100/200), up to 50 (Q300)
- Cabin: Pressurized, airline-style seats, tray tables, overhead bins
- Features: Quieter and more comfortable for larger groups, faster than smaller planes
- Where it flies: Only to larger, well-maintained Mara airstrips (Mara Serena, Mara North, sometimes Keekorok or Olkiombo)
De Havilland DHC-7 Dash 7 (AirKenya)
- Seats: 46
- Cabin: Pressurized, spacious, STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) performance
- Features: Legendary for its ability to land almost anywhere—perfect for bush operations with more passengers
De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter (AirKenya)
- Seats: 18
- Cabin: Not pressurized, designed for rugged bush strips
- Features: Can land and take off from the shortest, roughest runways; open cabin, adventure feel
Beechcraft 1900D (Fly ALS)
- Seats: 19
- Cabin: Pressurized, stand-up height, airline-style seats, quiet and comfortable
- Features: Best for small group charters, quick and comfortable on regular Mara runs
3. Bush Airstrip Performance and Route Flexibility
| Aircraft Type | Can Use Remote Strips? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cessna Caravan C208B | Yes | All Mara airstrips—even the roughest and shortest |
| Twin Otter (AirKenya) | Yes | Iconic bush aircraft; best for true off-the-beaten-path strips |
| Dash 7 (AirKenya) | Yes | Rare, unique, combines size with rugged bush access |
| Dash 8 (all) | Limited | Only flies to main/major strips with longer runways |
| Beechcraft 1900D (ALS) | Limited | Good for main/major strips; not suitable for very short runways |
Bottom line:
If your camp/lodge is close to a remote airstrip, Caravan and Twin Otter flights are your best bet. For larger groups or travelers who want speed and a smooth ride, Dash 8s or the AirKenya Dash 7 are ideal—just check if your destination airstrip can accommodate them.
4. Comfort, Views & Cabin Experience
- Caravan/Twin Otter: Small, intimate, every seat is a window, perfect for spotting wildlife even before landing. More basic interior, adventure vibe.
- Dash 8/Dash 7/Beech 1900D: More like a regular airline, smoother ride, less engine noise, higher/faster cruising altitudes. Bigger overhead space for hand baggage.
5. Baggage Policy
- All airlines: Strict 15kg soft bag policy (including hand luggage) for Mara flights. The shape and size of aircraft baggage holds means soft-sided duffel bags are required—no hard suitcases!
- Dash 8/Beech 1900D: Slightly more baggage room, but policy still applies.
- Excess baggage: Limited space. Extra baggage may require booking a “freight seat” or sending luggage as cargo, subject to aircraft and weather conditions.
6. Unique Strengths and Best Use Cases
| Airline | Unique Fleet Strengths | Best If You Want… |
|---|---|---|
| Safarilink | Largest route network, modern Dash 8s, carbon-neutral pledge | Broadest choice of flights, eco-conscious, reliability, quick check-in |
| AirKenya | Most bush-proven, Dash 7 and Twin Otter for rough strips, big bush network | True bush safari feel, most airstrip choices, experience, group logistics |
| Fly ALS | New Dash 8s, fast, comfortable Beech 1900D for charters or boutique groups | Fast travel, small group comfort, good value, modern fleet |
| Mombasa Air Safari | All-Caravan fleet, coast–Mara direct, bush landing expertise | Coming from the Coast, authentic bush flights, reliable classic safari |
7. Choosing the Right Airline & Aircraft for Your Safari
- For quickest, most comfortable flight: Dash 8 (Fly ALS, Safarilink, AirKenya) or Dash 7 (AirKenya) to main Mara strips.
- For bush adventure and best wildlife views: Cessna Caravan (any airline), AirKenya Twin Otter, or Dash 7 (AirKenya) for the “classic safari aircraft” experience.
- For direct Coast–Mara service: Mombasa Air Safari and Safarilink are best positioned.
- For eco-conscious travelers: Safarilink’s carbon-neutral program leads the way.
- For small group exclusivity: Fly ALS’s Beechcraft 1900D or AirKenya Twin Otter.
8. Fleet Comparison Table for Masai Mara Flights
| Airline | Aircraft Used | Capacity | Pressurized? | Mara Strips Served | Notable Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safarilink | Caravan, Dash 8 | 12, 37–50 | Caravan: No, Dash 8: Yes | All (Caravan), Major (Dash 8) | Eco-credentials, broadest network |
| AirKenya | Dash 7, Twin Otter, Dash 8, Caravan | 12–50 | Twin Otter/Caravan: No, Dash: Yes | All (Twin Otter/Caravan/Dash 7), Major (Dash 8) | Deep bush expertise, legacy safari airline |
| Fly ALS | Dash 8, Beech 1900D, Caravan | 12–50 | Dash 8/Beech: Yes, Caravan: No | Major (Dash 8/Beech), All (Caravan) | Fast, new aircraft, comfort, group charters |
| Mombasa Air | Caravan | 12 | No | All | Coast–Mara, all-bush expertise |
9. Quick Tips Before Booking
- Double-check which airstrip your lodge/camp recommends! Some remote camps can only be reached by Caravan or Twin Otter.
- Traveling as a large group? Opt for airlines with Dash 8s or Dash 7s.
- Value cabin comfort and speed? Prioritize Dash 8, Dash 7, or Beech 1900D aircraft.
- Love the classic bush flying adventure? Book a Cessna Caravan or Twin Otter flight for that “Out of Africa” vibe.
- Coastal connection? Mombasa Air Safari and Safarilink are best for direct Coast–Mara flights.
Final Word
No matter which airline or aircraft you choose, you’ll get a scenic, fast, and safe journey to the heart of the Masai Mara. Your decision comes down to where your camp is, your comfort and group needs, and your sense of adventure.