How to get to Masai Mara: Journey from Nairobi to Masai Mara Reserve
Here we share the best ways to reach the Masai Mara from Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya. The road distance from Nairobi to the Masai Mara Game Reserve is roughly 225 kilometers (140 miles) to the nearest entry point, although this can vary depending on which entry gate you plan to use. A common question from tourists is how long the drive from Nairobi to the Masai Mara takes. Typically, the road trip from Nairobi to the reserve lasts about 6 hours to one of the closer entry gates like Sekenani, Talek, or Oloolaimutia on the Narok side of the reserve. This journey includes a couple of brief stops. If you’re heading to entry gates on the western side, such as Musiara or Oloololo, the trip takes about 30 minutes longer. This route turns west onto the B3 highway towards Bomet after passing through Narok town. Be prepared for some rough patches, as the last 75 kilometers to the reserve are on a bumpy gravel road.
Flying to the Masai Mara is a more convenient option, offering a quick 1-hour flight from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to several airstrips within the Mara. Below, you’ll find useful information on how to reach the Masai Mara by road and air from Nairobi. Additionally, we provide guidance for international travelers coming to Kenya from places like the USA, UK, Canada, Europe, Australia, India, and Dubai, UAE. Feel free to contact us for details about international flight options.
By Road
By Air
By Road from Nairobi to Masai Mara
Traveling from Nairobi to the Masai Mara by road is a popular choice for many visitors. The journey is mostly on a tarred road, stretching from Nairobi to the Sekenani Gate of the Masai Mara. The distance can range from 225 kilometers (140 miles) to 275 kilometers (170 miles), depending on which entry point you choose. In terms of travel time, expect to spend about 5.5 hours reaching the eastern or Narok side entry gates like Sekenani, Talek, and Ololaimutia. If you’re heading to Musiara or Oloololo gates, which are closer to the Maasai Mara Conservancy and Mara Triangle, the trip might take up to 6 to 6.5 hours. This includes a few brief stops for fuel and restroom breaks in Narok town.
For the route, you start on the A104 highway from Nairobi, then switch to the B3 just before the Limuru junction. If you’re departing from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, take the Southern Bypass to connect to the A104 at Kikuyu town, avoiding city traffic. Once you reach Narok town, you’ll take the C12 road to Sekenani, Talek, and Ololaimutia gates, or the C13 to Musiara and Oloololo gates, as well as Rianta town. It’s recommended to use a 4×4 vehicle for the latter road, as it’s rougher.
Approximate Drive times to Masai Mara
– Nairobi to Masai Mara ( Sekenani Gate ) 5.5 – 6 hrs
– Nairobi to Masai Mara ( Talek Gate ) 5.5 – 6 hrs
– Nairobi to Masai Mara ( Oloolaimutia Gate ) 6 hrs
– Nairobi to Masai Mara ( Musiara Gate ) 6.5 hrs
– Nairobi to Masai Mara ( Oloololo Gate ) 6.5 hrs
Road Conditions
Many travelers often inquire about the road conditions to the Masai Mara when planning their safari. Most of the journey is on paved roads, starting with highways A104, B3, and finally C12. However, the last hour of the trip is on an unpaved section. While the paved roads are generally good, some areas have potholes. The final stretch can be bumpy and dusty, which some adventurers find adds to the excitement of reaching the African wilderness.
Safari Vehicles
What kind of safari vehicles can you expect in the Masai Mara? In Kenya and much of East Africa, there are two main types of safari vehicles: Safari Tour Minibuses (Tour Vans) and 4×4 Safari Jeeps, like the Toyota Landcruiser or sometimes Landrover. Both types have pop-up roofs for game viewing, UHF radios, and cooler boxes. Tour Vans are more budget-friendly compared to the 4×4 Safari Jeeps. Some tour vans also have 4×4 capability, although they don’t have the same ground clearance or off-road prowess as a Landcruiser. Typically, these vehicles can seat up to 7 passengers comfortably, with 6 being ideal. In some cases, an extra seat is added for a maximum of 8 passengers. Keep in mind, there are luggage restrictions.
Flights to Masai Mara
Several airlines offer flights from Nairobi to various airstrips in the Masai Mara, with many providing two return flights daily. Each one-way journey takes about an hour. After picking up or dropping off passengers at different airstrips in the Masai Mara, the planes typically return to Nairobi. These flights mainly depart from Wilson Airport in Nairobi, not Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), and you only need to be there about 45 minutes before your flight. The main airlines offering these services are Air Kenya and Safarilink, with Governors Aviation as a newer option. All three airlines are known for their reliable service and excellent safety records.
– Morning Flight: Depart Nairobi 10am – Arrive Masai Mara 11am
– Return Morning Flight: Depart Masai Mara 11am – Arrive Nairobi 12pm
– Afternoon Flight: Depart Nairobi 3pm – Arrive Masai Mara 4pm
– Return Afternoon Flight: Depart Masai Mara 4pm – Arrive Nairobi 5pm
Airstrips to Masai Mara
There are nearly a dozen airstrips in the Masai Mara National Reserve and its surrounding game ranches and conservancies. These airstrips are strategically located in various parts of the reserve to serve nearby lodges and camps, making it easier for visitors to quickly reach their accommodations from the airstrip. Below are some of the popular airstrips used in the Masai Mara.
| Airstrip Group 1 | Airstrip Group 2 |
|---|---|
| 1. Keekorok Airstrip | 1. Ngerende Airstrip |
| 2. Siana Airstrip | 2. Ol Seki Airstrip |
| 3. Serena Airstrip | 3. Olare Orok Airstrip |
| 4. Musiara Airstrip | 4. Angama Airstrip |
| 5. Kichwa Tembo Airstrip | 5. Ol Kiombo Airstrip |
Flights to the Masai Mara usually use small propeller planes. These planes can vary in size, with some like the DeHavilland Dash 7 and 8 having up to 40 seats, while smaller ones like the Cessna Caravans have about 13 seats. When flying, passengers should note there’s a limit of 15 kilos for both carry-on and checked luggage combined.
If you’re planning a safari adventure that includes both Kenya and Tanzania, we have a helicopter safari that is great on traveling between the Masai Mara and the Serengeti. Whether you choose to journey by road or take a flight, this guide will help you navigate the best options for reaching these iconic wildlife destinations.