Flying from Nairobi to the Masai Mara is the quickest and most scenic way to start your safari. Two top airlines dominate this route: Safarilink and AirKenya. Both are highly reputable, but there are important differences in schedules, pricing, baggage rules, and the overall passenger experience. Here’s an in-depth, side-by-side comparison by FlyMara to help you choose the best airline for your Masai Mara adventure.
Overview: Safarilink & AirKenya
Safarilink
- Based at Wilson Airport, Nairobi
- Renowned for reliability, modern aircraft, and wide domestic network
- Connects with other regional airlines for East African circuits
- Popular with both safari travelers and business guests
AirKenya
- Also operates from Wilson Airport, Nairobi
- Known for strong safety record, experienced crew, and direct flights to major Mara airstrips
- Offers seamless connections to sister airlines in Tanzania and Uganda for trans-border safaris
1. Flight Schedules
AirKenya
- Departure: Wilson Airport, Nairobi
- 07:30 → Mara 08:10 (P2 851)
- 10:30 → Mara 11:10 (P2 853)
- 14:00 → Mara 14:40 (P2 951)
- Return: Mara to Wilson
- 08:15 → Wilson 09:45 (P2 852)
- 11:15 → Wilson 13:00 (P2 854)
- 14:45 → Wilson 16:15 (P2 952)
- Daily service to multiple Mara airstrips.
- Minimum 2 passengers per strip required to operate.
- Special Offer Flights at 07:30 (to Mara) and 14:45 (from Mara).
Safarilink
- Departure: Wilson Airport, Nairobi
- Multiple flights per day to various Mara airstrips (exact times vary by season and routing).
- Timings may change depending on strip and routing; always reconfirm with operator.
- Minimum 2–4 passengers per service/strip depending on season.
- Flexibility to serve 3+ strips per Mara flight (Olkiombo, Keekerok, Mara North/Kichwa).
2. Fares (2025)
| Route | Airline | One Way (US$) | Return (US$) | Taxes (US$) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nairobi – Masai Mara | Safarilink | 248 | 405 | 15/30 | Child: 75% of adult |
| AirKenya | ~250* | ~430* | incl. | Child: discount fare | |
| Nairobi – Migori/Tarime | Safarilink | 302 | – | 15 | For Serengeti/ TZ |
| Mara – Serengeti (via Migori/Tarime) | Safarilink & partners | 555–743 (varies by strip/operator) | – | 55–140 | Circuit fare/conditions apply |
*AirKenya’s 2025 base fares are similar but should be confirmed at time of booking.
Note: Fares are subject to seasonal and booking class variation.
3. Baggage Allowance & Excess Baggage
| Airline | Standard Allowance | Excess Charges | Pre-purchase Options | Special Baggage Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safarilink | 15kg soft bags (incl. hand) | $3.50/kg domestic | 1–10kg for $50 | Freight seat (75kg), free storage, branded bags for $20 |
| AirKenya | 15kg soft bags (incl. hand) | Similar (est. $3.50–$5/kg) | Freight seat option | Contact for advance purchase, strict enforcement |
4. Discounts & Special Policies
| Airline | Group Discount | Circuit/Multi-sector Discount | Children’s Fares | Cancellation (Y-Class) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safarilink | 20% (12–20 pax); 25% (21+) | 15% (3–4 sectors), 20% (5+) | 75% of adult | Free >30 days; $50 7–30 days; 100% <7 days |
| AirKenya | Yes (contact sales) | Yes (with partners, Kenya/TZ) | Yes | Similar (contact for details) |
5. Route Networks & Connections
| Airline | Domestic Destinations | Cross-Border & Special Routes |
|---|---|---|
| Safarilink | Mara, Amboseli, Nanyuki, Samburu, Lewa, Diani, Lamu, Naivasha, Tsavo | Migori–Tarime (Serengeti circuit), Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar, coastal links |
| AirKenya | Mara, Amboseli, Nanyuki, Samburu, Lewa, Meru, Loisaba, Kilimanjaro | Migori–Tarime–Serengeti, Entebbe, Kihihi, Kasese, Uganda, with road and air connections |
6. Aircraft & Service
- Both airlines use modern, reliable turboprops (Cessna Caravan, Dash 8, LET-410).
- Seating: Economy; window seats for all; scenic views.
- Check-in:
- Wilson Airport: 60 mins before departure (strict cut-off 30 mins before).
- Mara/bush strips: 30 mins before.
7. Unique Features
Safarilink:
- Advance excess baggage purchase, branded soft bags, circuit discounts, group discounts, baggage storage.
- Strong network with seamless connections in Kenya and to Serengeti/Uganda (with AeroLink, Regional Air).
AirKenya:
- Daily guaranteed connections within Kenya and to Regional Air Services/AeroLink Uganda.
- Special cross-border links to Serengeti, Uganda, Rwanda, with road/ground handling at Migori/Tarime.
- Frequent flyer and charter/tailor-made options available.
8. Terms & Conditions (Simplified)
Safarilink:
- Free cancellation >30 days; $50 7–30 days; 100% <7 days.
- Amendments: Free >7 days, $50 7–24hrs, 100% <24hrs.
- No-shows: Non-refundable.
- Name changes: $30 (unused tickets only).
AirKenya:
- Similar policies: Free >30 days, $50 7–30 days, 100% <7 days (check at booking for latest terms).
Comprehensive Comparison Table: Safarilink vs AirKenya (Masai Mara Flights)
| Feature | Safarilink | AirKenya |
|---|---|---|
| Base Airport | Wilson (Nairobi) | Wilson (Nairobi) |
| Flights/Day to Mara | Multiple (timings vary, confirm per trip) | 3 scheduled (07:30, 10:30, 14:00) |
| Return Flights/Day | Multiple (timings vary, confirm per trip) | 3 scheduled (08:15, 11:15, 14:45) |
| Major Mara Airstrips | Olkiombo, Keekerok, Mara North/Kichwa, others | Multiple, call ops to confirm routing |
| Fares (OW/RT, US$) | 248/405 + tax (15/30) | ~250/430 incl. tax (confirm current) |
| Min Pax/Strip | 2 (high season), 4 (low/quiet season) | 2 |
| Baggage Allowance | 15kg (soft bags) | 15kg (soft bags) |
| Excess Baggage | $3.50/kg, advance pre-pay or freight seat | Similar; freight seat option |
| Group Discount | 20–25% (12+ pax) | Yes (contact sales) |
| Circuit Discount | 15% (3–4 sectors), 20% (5+ sectors) | Yes (w/partners) |
| Children’s Fares | 75% of adult | Yes (discounted, contact for latest) |
| Change/Cancellation | Free >30d; $50 7–30d; 100% <7d | Similar; contact for latest |
| Domestic Network | Wide: Mara, Amboseli, Nanyuki, Lewa, Samburu, Tsavo, Diani, Lamu, Naivasha | Wide: Mara, Amboseli, Nanyuki, Lewa, Samburu, Meru, Loisaba, Kilimanjaro |
| International/Cross-Border | Migori–Tarime (Serengeti), Zanzibar, Kilimanjaro | Migori–Tarime (Serengeti), Entebbe, Kihihi, Kasese (Uganda), Rwanda |
| Advance Bag Options | Pre-purchase 1–10kg for $50, storage, branded bag | Pre-book excess or freight seat |
| Other Features | Free bag storage, branded bag for $20, strong circuits, guaranteed connections | Road transfer/ground handling at Migori/Tarime, guaranteed connections, custom charters |
Safarilink vs Airkenya Reviews: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Safarilink | AirKenya |
|---|---|---|
| Punctuality | Generally reliable, but some delays noted | Mixed—some flights delayed with poor comms |
| Airport Experience | Smooth, minimal queues at Wilson | Mixed—less streamlined check-in |
| Flight Ambience | Scenic, large windows, bottled water/mints | Adventurous, personal, fun captain interactions |
| Aircraft Types | Caravan & Dash 8 – pressurized, smoother ride | Caravan, Twin Otter, Dash 7 – great STOL performance |
| Best For | Families, large groups, those needing comfort | Aviation enthusiasts, small groups, remote strips |
| Cons | Noisy turbulence, basic lounges, baggage limits | Longer delays, limited service, small network |
Summary: Which Airline Should You Choose?
- Choose Safarilink if:
- You want more flight/network options, advance excess baggage purchase, or multi-sector discounts.
- Your itinerary includes connecting flights with AeroLink (Uganda) or Regional Air (Tanzania).
- You value free baggage storage and branded bag options.
- Choose AirKenya if:
- You want set scheduled flights, direct routing, or guaranteed connections to Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda.
- Your camp/lodge prefers AirKenya’s timing or airstrips.
- You need special cross-border/Serengeti connections or custom charters.
Fleet Comparison:
1. Fleet Overview: Types & Sizes
Safarilink Aviation
- Total Fleet: 12–14 aircraft
- Key Aircraft Types:
- Cessna 208B Grand Caravan (8–10 units):
- Capacity: 11–12 passengers
- Single-engine turboprop, ideal for short, rough bush airstrips
- Highly reliable, the backbone of Mara and regional routes
- Features: Large windows for wildlife viewing, flexible cargo/passenger arrangement
- De Havilland Dash 8 (100/200/300/315):
- Capacity: 35–52 passengers
- Pressurized, twin-engine regional turboprops
- Used for higher volume routes (e.g., coast, group charters, busy safari peaks)
- Features: Smooth ride at altitude, more space for larger groups, luggage holds for more gear
- Cessna 208B Grand Caravan (8–10 units):
AirKenya Express
- Total Fleet: 10 aircraft
- Key Aircraft Types:
- Cessna 208B Grand Caravan (4 units):
- Capacity: 11 passengers
- Versatile, dependable, and a mainstay for bush airstrips
- Used on all Mara, Samburu, and Amboseli schedules
- De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter (3 units):
- Capacity: 16–18 passengers
- Twin-engine, renowned for Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL)
- Perfect for the shortest, softest airstrips in the Mara or remote reserves
- Features: Quick turnarounds, high wings for scenic views
- De Havilland Dash 7 (2 units):
- Capacity: 50 passengers
- Four engines, advanced STOL capability for larger groups
- Used for high demand, short/soft field airstrips
- Features: Quiet cabins, smooth landings, robust design
- De Havilland Dash 8-100/200 (2 units):
- Capacity: 37–40 passengers
- Pressurized, fast regional turboprop
- Used for longer routes, group transfers, and scheduled circuits
- Cessna 208B Grand Caravan (4 units):
2. Aircraft Capabilities & Passenger Experience
| Feature | Safarilink | AirKenya |
|---|---|---|
| Single-engine bush flights | Cessna 208B Grand Caravan – most frequent and flexible | Cessna 208B Grand Caravan – similar role, reliable |
| Twin-engine STOL capability | Not available | Twin Otter – specialized for shortest airstrips |
| Large group comfort | Dash 8 fleet – higher capacity, pressurized | Dash 7 – higher capacity, STOL, ideal for big groups |
| Regional speed & comfort | Dash 8 (100/200/300/315) – smooth, fast | Dash 8 – similar function, slightly smaller fleet |
| All aircraft | Large windows, soft bag friendly, short field landings | Large windows, STOL capability, bush airstrip ready |
What This Means for You:
- For most travelers to the Mara or Samburu:
Both airlines’ Cessna Caravans are equally safe, reliable, and scenic for short bush strip operations. - For groups or special charters:
Safarilink’s Dash 8 and AirKenya’s Dash 7 allow for larger group transfers—AirKenya excels at short, rough fields with the Dash 7. - For remote/shortest strips:
AirKenya’s Twin Otter is purpose-built for the very shortest or softest runways, providing a unique edge if you’re flying to less-served or seasonally challenging strips. - For comfort and speed on longer routes:
Both airlines’ Dash 8s offer pressurized, quick flights, with Safarilink fielding a slightly larger Dash 8 fleet.
3. Maintenance, Safety & Reliability
- Maintenance:
Both airlines maintain modern, professional hangars at Wilson Airport, with highly trained local and international engineers. - Safety:
Regular, independent audits; compliance with Kenya Civil Aviation Authority and international tourism standards. - Fleet Age:
Both airlines operate newer models where possible, with regular upgrades, component replacements, and avionics improvements.
4. Charter & Circuit Versatility
- Safarilink:
- Strong on multi-sector and circuit flights (e.g., Mara–Amboseli–Samburu) thanks to the flexibility of the Dash 8 and Caravan mix.
- Fast turnarounds and adaptable for family, photographic, and operator group charters.
- AirKenya:
- Excels in custom group charters and cross-border work (especially to Tanzania and Uganda), with Dash 7 and Twin Otter’s unique STOL strengths.
- Fleet is ideal for combining bush safaris with city or regional transfers.
5. Typical Use Cases
- Safarilink:
- Daily scheduled flights to all Mara airstrips, Amboseli, Nanyuki, Samburu, Lewa, Naivasha, Diani, Lamu, and more.
- Best for group tours, family safaris, and multi-park circuits across Kenya and into regional parks (via AeroLink and Regional Air).
- AirKenya:
- Frequent Mara flights, Samburu, Lewa, Nanyuki, Meru, and special circuits to Tanzania and Uganda.
- Best for groups needing short/rough field access, film and photographic charters, or connecting regional circuits.
6. Strengths at a Glance
| Area | Safarilink | AirKenya |
|---|---|---|
| Fleet size/scale | Larger (esp. Caravans and Dash 8s) | Smaller but more specialized |
| STOL specialty | Not available | Twin Otter & Dash 7—best for short/rough strips |
| Large group capacity | Dash 8 (up to 52 pax) | Dash 7 (up to 50 pax), Twin Otter for medium groups |
| Bush field frequency | Extensive, especially Mara and Samburu | Equally strong in Mara; more unique strips served |
| Comfort & pressurization | Dash 8 regional flights, smooth ride | Dash 8 regional, Dash 7 pressurized, comfortable |
| Cross-border & circuits | Extensive (with partners) | Equally extensive, especially Tanzania/Uganda |
| Charter flexibility | Excellent | Excellent, with special short-strip options |
7. The Bottom Line: Which Is Best for You?
- Choose Safarilink if:
- You value a large, modern fleet for frequent departures and flexibility.
- You need high group capacity, circuit itineraries, or a mix of parks and bush airstrips.
- Your camp or itinerary requires seamless multi-sector bookings within Kenya and regional partners.
- Choose AirKenya if:
- You require the best aircraft for short or seasonally soft bush strips (Twin Otter, Dash 7).
- You are part of a large group, camera crew, or require cross-border/charter expertise.
- Your safari involves a unique mix of remote airstrips and regional connections, including Tanzania/Uganda/Rwanda.
Both airlines are outstanding for safety, reliability, and service. Your best choice depends on your camp’s location, your group’s size, and whether specialized short-strip capability is needed.