Aistrips in Maasai Mara

For luxury travelers, the Maasai Mara safari begins way before the first sighting of a lion. The adventure begins at Nairobi Wilson Airport or Ukunda Airport on a safari aircraft. As a first-time traveler, you will be surprised to know that Maasai Mara does not have a single airport. It is served by a wide network of airstrips. Your choice of the airstrip to use is dictated by your place of stay.

How many Airstrips are there in Maasai Mara

The wider Maasai Mara is served by 11 airstrips. However, only five of the 11 airstrips are recognized by safari aviation: Keekorok, Mara Serena, Ol Kiombo, Musiara, and Kichwa Tembo. The network helps to make the safari experience more practical, as visitors are dropped near their place of accommodation, unlike the case with a common airport where they have to drive long distances.

The main airstrips in Maasai Mara

Keekorok Airstrip is one of the principal aviation gateways in Mara, serving the central and eastern areas of the reserve. The airstrip is a strong choice for visitors staying around Keekorok and the neighbouring camps and lodges towards the eastern and southern side of the ecosystem who want to visit Sand River. Keekorok makes it practical to vistors who want to combine different wildlife areas.

Ol Kiombo Airstrip is probably the busiest airstrip in Maasai Mara, serving the largest number of safari itineraries for Maasai Mara National Reserve. The airstrip is located in the central area of Maasai Mara and offers access to the Talek area on the eastern side of Mara. If you want to have ample time exploring the beautiful landscapes and magical wildlife at Maasai Mara, then Ol Kiombo Airstrip is the best option to land. The Airstrip has a wide range of accommodation options nearby for mid-range and luxury travelers going for wildlife viewing.

Musiara Airstrip, located near Musiara Gate, offers services in the northern part of the Maasai Mara around the Mara River and is mostly associated with the Governor’s Area. It is the best option for visitors who are visiting Maasai Mara specifically to witness the Great Migration, considering that it's near the northern Mara wildlife Circuit.  However, visitors should be advised that migration is not guaranteed, but staying around this area may give them a higher chance to witness the crossing on time.

Kichwa Tembo airstrip is based around the Oloololo Escarpment to serve the Western side of the reserve. The airstrip not only serves Kichwa Tembo but also the neighboring camps and lodges towards the western conservancy areas and Mara Triangle. If you are visiting Maasai Mara to see manifest the dramatic landscapes on the western side of Maasai Mara and its surrounding wildlife, then this should be your landing spot. The airstrip is a strong choice for honeymooners and luxury travelers staying at the exclusive camps on the western side of the ecosystem.

Mara Serena airstrip provides access to Mara Serena and other parts of the northern reserve. If your accommodation is around the Mara Serena area and Mara Triangle, or you are interested in visiting the Sand River, then you can consider landing at Mara Serena Airstrip.

 

Flying to the Maasai Mara from Nairobi

If you are travelling from Nairobi, you can access Maasai Mara via flight through Wilson Airstrip. It will take you about 45 minutes to Maasai Mara using Safarilink or AirKenya Express, which operate on regular services. The two flights can land you at any other airstrips in Maasai Mara, but their timings may vary depending on the aircraft routing.

Flying to the Maasai Mara from the Kenyan coast

If you are travelling to or from the Coast, you can access the Maasai Mara National Reserve through Ukunda or Moi International Airport, which can make your bush-beach itinerary feasible.

Other destinations with links to Maasai Mara airstrips include Loisaba, Meru, Nanyuki and Samburu.

Does Maasai Mara have scheduled or private Charter?

While travelling by flight, you are limited to choosing between,

Scheduled safari flights, which are the most recommended for visitors operates on established routes with stopovers at different airstrips.

Private Charter is more flexible most recommended for families, photographers, and researchers, as they use a private itinerary.

Which is the better option between flying and driving in Maasai Mara?

Looking at time, flying to Maasai Mara is faster than driving all the way from Nairobi. On the other hand, driving is more rewarding in terms of adventure on the road. You will enjoy the beautiful scenery along the road, including the Great Rift Valley. Looking at the budget, driving to Maasai Mara is more affordable than flying.