How to Get to Masai Mara - Access to Masai Mara in Kenya and Getting Here

Nairobi to Masai Mara – Flying to Masai Mara National Reserve

International Flights at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport

Your ideal entry point to the Masai Mara is Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO) in Nairobi. As East Africa’s largest hub, NBO Airport offers numerous flight options. Major airlines like KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Air France, British Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Kenya Airways, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, and Swiss operate flights from key global airports. Additionally, regional flights, including those to neighboring countries and Southern African destinations, are available.

Domestic Flights from Wilson Airport

For a seamless Masai Mara fly-in safari, consider flying from Nairobi Wilson Airport (WIL) or Ukunda airstrip if you are in Diani Beach. The flight to the Mara takes just 45 to 60 minutes, making air travel the preferred method. Despite recent improvements, some road sections remain challenging. Several airstrips around Masai Mara accommodate flights, and your choice depends on your safari lodge location. Airlines like SafariLink and AirKenya operate these flights. Upon landing at the nearest airstrip to your accommodation, a safari vehicle will transport you to your Masai Mara safari lodge. The exciting journey begins as you can spot abundant wildlife both from the air and during your drive to the camp. Discover more about flights to Masai Mara.

You can also fly from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in Tanzania. In peak season, direct flights are available from Kenya’s coast (Mombasa and Diani) and other national parks like Amboseli National Park and Samburu National Reserve.

The Major Masai Mara Airstrips

Here are the main airstrips in the Masai Mara:

• Keekorok Airstrip

• Serena Airstrip

• Musiara Airstrip

• Mara North Airstrip

• Ol Kiombo Airstrip

Nairobi to Masai Mara – Driving to Masai Mara Game Reserve

Guided Drive-In Safaris

A popular method to reach the Masai Mara by road is through a guided drive-in safari. These safaris start in Nairobi and can include multiple Kenyan destinations alongside the Masai Mara. Classic Kenya safari itineraries often feature overnight stays in Amboseli National Park and Lake Nakuru National Park. Please contact us if you’re interested in an extended safari itinerary; we’re eager to assist!

Self-Drive Safaris

While not advisable, driving to the Masai Mara in a rental vehicle is possible. Meticulous planning is essential, and a 4×4 vehicle is necessary for year-round access to all roads. Please note that we do not assist self-driving visitors.

Masai Mara National Reserve Entry Gates

Upon arriving at the Masai Mara National Reserve, several entry gates are available. Choosing the correct gate is crucial to minimize travel time to your accommodation. The five main gates into the Masai Mara National Reserve are Sand River gate, Talek gate, Sekenani gate, Musiara, and Others.

Masai Mara National Reserve Entry Fee

When visiting the Masai Mara National Reserve, paying park fees is mandatory. International visitors aged 18 and above need to pay US$ 100 per person from January to June and US$ 200 from July to December for every 12-hour period. Children aged 9 to 17 are charged US$ 50 all year. Youngsters under 8 years old are exempt from park fees. Note that when you book your Masai Mara safari with us, all park fees are included in your safari itinerary.

Kenya citizens pay a flat rate of Kes 3000 all year while Narok County residents and members of the local community Kes 2000 all year. East Africa resident pays Kes 4500 all year to enjoy this unforgettable experience.

According to the 12-hour rule, guests leaving the reserve after 10:00 am or participating in a morning activity on their departure day will incur an additional day’s entry fee.

Note that there is an additional per night bed rate when staying inside the reserve of US$ 80 per adult and US$ 40 per child. This applies to different lodges and camps inside the reserve like Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp, Mara River Camp, Porini Lion Camp, Naibor Camp, and others. This is not applicable to camps and lodges outside the reserve in Narok town.

Masai Mara Conservancies Entry Fee

Fees for entry and conservation at the Masai Mara conservancies differ from those for the national reserve. These fees generally range from US$ 130 to US$ 180 per person per day. For example, Naboisho Conservancy, Mara North Conservancy, and Olare Motorogi Conservancy currently charges US$ 130 per person daily. You don’t pay park fees to access Mara Triangle after paying the Masai Mara entry fee.

When booking a stay at one of the conservancies, we ensure these fees are included. Please be aware that all rates and conditions mentioned above are subject to change without prior notice.

Immigration and eTA Information for Kenya

Most international visitors need an eTA (Eletronic Travel Authorization) to enter Kenya. We advise applying for your eTA before arriving in Kenya to minimize waiting time upon arrival. A single-entry eTA is valid for up to 90 days and costs US$ 34 per person. For detailed eTA requirements, consult the Kenyan embassy in your country. eTA applications should be submitted via Directorate of Immigration & Citizen Services website.

Traveling from Masai Mara to Serengeti National Park

Travel between Masai Mara and Serengeti National Park is more complex than anticipated, as the Bologonya (or Bologonja) border crossing between Kenya and Tanzania is indefinitely closed. Therefore, we do not recommend traveling by land (road transfer or self-driving) between the Mara and the Serengeti (via Isebania or Namanga border posts).

While flying between the Mara and Serengeti is not ideal, it remains the most efficient and convenient travel option. The challenge travellers fly through is crossing the border between the two countries, as none of the Mara or Serengeti airstrips offer border facilities. However, two flight routes are available for traveling between the Mara and the Serengeti.

The first route, offered by Safarilink (Kenya) and Coastal Aviation (Tanzania), allows travelers to fly from Masai Mara to Serengeti camps in Tanzania. This route is accessible via the Migori airstrip (Kenya) and Tarime airstrip (Tanzania), both near the Isabania border post. The connection includes a road transfer between the two airstrips, offering a relatively convenient option for those wishing to experience both Masai Mara and Serengeti.

Please note that this service may operate only during high season and requires a minimum of two passengers per flight. The schedule begins with Safarilink collecting guests from various Masai Mara airstrips, arriving at Migori at 12:00 pm. After a road transfer via the Isabania border post for immigration clearance, passengers connect onto the Coastal Aviation flight to the Serengeti, departing at 2:00 pm from Tarime.

The second option, which we recommend, involves traveling back to Nairobi Wilson (WIL) and connecting to a flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). This option is less cumbersome, as flights are reliable and there is no overland transfer required between the various airstrips here, unlike the Migori/Tarime option. Additionally, this option allows you to spend a night in Nairobi to relax after your safari experience in the Mara before continuing your adventure in Tanzania.