How Long is the Flight to Masai Mara?
The flight to the Masai Mara is one of the shortest and most scenic routes in Kenyan safari travel. For most travelers, the journey starts at Nairobi’s Wilson Airport, the primary hub for domestic and safari flights.
- Average direct flight time:
- 40–60 minutes from Nairobi/Wilson to the Masai Mara, depending on airstrip and routing.
- Slight variations:
- Some flights may stop at other parks or several Mara airstrips en route, adding 10–20 minutes.
- No international flights land in the Mara.
- All visitors transfer via Nairobi.
Tip: Always confirm the exact airstrip for your camp—there are several (Ol Kiombo, Keekorok, Mara North, Musiara, Ol Seki, etc.), each with slightly different timings.
Nairobi to Masai Mara Flight Time: Quick Reference
- Wilson Airport (Nairobi) to Mara:
- Direct flight time: 45 minutes is typical for the main airstrips.
- Multi-stop flight: Can take up to 1 hour 15 minutes if there are stops at other airstrips or en route to other parks.
- JKIA (Nairobi International) to Mara:
- No direct flights—transfer to Wilson Airport (20–45 minutes by road, plan for Nairobi traffic).
- Allow 3–4 hours between international arrival and domestic departure for safe connection.
Wilson to Masai Mara Flight Time: What to Expect
- Most flights depart from Wilson Airport in the morning (between 7:00 and 10:30am) and afternoon (around 2:00–3:30pm).
- Scheduled flight duration:
- Ol Kiombo, Keekorok, Mara North airstrips: 45–50 minutes direct
- Remote strips (Ol Seki, Siana): Up to 60 minutes, especially if other stops occur first
- Boarding and check-in:
- Arrive at Wilson Airport at least 1 hour before departure.
- Luggage:
- Allow time for weighing and security—soft bags, 15kg total, are required.
Masai Mara to Serengeti Flight: East Africa in One Trip
- The only way to fly directly between Masai Mara (Kenya) and Serengeti (Tanzania) is via the Migori–Tarime route:
- Wilson/Nairobi → Masai Mara airstrip (45–60 min)
- Mara airstrip → Migori (Kenya) (20 min flight)
- Land transfer Migori (Kenya) to Tarime (Tanzania): about 30 minutes by vehicle, crossing the border
- Tarime → Serengeti airstrip: 30–40 min flight
- Total travel time: Allow 4–5 hours including transfers, customs, and road segment.
Tip: Book these connections through a specialized agent or FlyMara.com for seamless cross-border logistics and customs support.
Mara to Amboseli Flights: Connecting Kenya’s Top Parks
- Direct flights between Mara and Amboseli:
- Offered by AirKenya, Safarilink, and occasionally by Fly ALS as part of their “circuit” flights.
- Typical routing:
- Mara → Wilson (may have a brief layover) → Amboseli
- Some flights may be “through-tickets” but change aircraft at Wilson.
- Total travel time: 2–3 hours (including layovers and transfers)
- When to book:
- Plan well in advance for high season—these connections are popular for multi-park safaris.
Tip: Afternoon flights are sometimes available, but morning connections offer better wildlife viewing upon arrival.
Best Time to Fly Wilson to Masai Mara: Pro Tips
For the best experience, consider these factors:
- Morning departures:
- Generally smoother (less turbulence/wind)
- Fewer weather delays, especially in green/rainy season
- More likely to arrive on time—lets you enjoy a full afternoon game drive on arrival
- Afternoon departures:
- Good for late-arriving international flights, but possible weather delays during rainy season (April–June)
- Plan ahead with your lodge/camp to confirm availability for late pickups
- High season (July–October):
- Flights fill up fast; book 2–6 months in advance for best choice
- Low season (April–June, November):
- More flexibility, possible schedule reductions, and lower fares
Local tip: If you want to maximize your time on safari, book the earliest flight from Wilson, and coordinate with your camp for a direct airstrip transfer.
Quick Reference Table: Masai Mara Flight Duration & Timings
| Route | Typical Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wilson → Main Mara Airstrips | 40–50 minutes | Add 10–20 mins for multi-stop flights |
| Wilson → Remote Mara Airstrips | 50–60 minutes | More stops, slightly longer |
| JKIA (Intl) → Wilson transfer | 20–45 minutes by road | Allow for city traffic, plus check-in buffer |
| Mara → Serengeti (Migori/Tarime) | 4–5 hours total | Includes road/border crossing |
| Mara → Amboseli (via Wilson) | 2–3 hours total | Book “circuit” flights for direct routing |
Summary Tips
- Average flight: 45–60 minutes, direct from Nairobi/Wilson to Mara.
- Morning flights are smoother, more punctual, and ideal for maximizing safari time.
- Plan connections with buffer time if coming from an international flight.
- Book well in advance in migration season; consider circuit flights for multi-park adventures.
- Confirm your Mara airstrip and flight schedule with your camp and airline before booking.
By planning your timings right, you’ll enjoy a seamless transition from city to savanna, maximizing your time in Kenya’s wildest landscapes!