Masai Mara Airport & Airstrips
The Masai Mara National Reserve is a breathtaking wilderness, and although it doesn’t have a traditional airport, it’s well-connected by a network of reliable gravel airstrips. Keekorok Airstrip, once the only tarmac airstrip in the park, has been upgraded to a high-quality gravel runway. Together with Serena Airstrip, it is one of the most prominent and well-known airfields in the reserve.
Travelers can catch scheduled flights twice a day from Nairobi to the Masai Mara, stopping at various airstrips along the way. Airlines like Air Kenya, SafariLink, and Governors Aviation offer excellent service on this route. The nearest international gateway to the Masai Mara is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, just about an hour’s flight away.
When planning your trip, it’s important to choose the airstrip closest to your accommodation in the Masai Mara. With nearly a dozen airstrips in the reserve and surrounding community wildlife conservancies, selecting the right one can save you from long and costly transfers. Popular airstrips include Keekorok, Siana, Musiara, Ol Kiombo, and Serena, each serving different lodges and camps like Mara Sopa Lodge, Mara Serena Safari Lodge, and Kicheche Mara Camp, to name a few.
Travelers need to know which airstrip in Masai Mara they should use when booking their flights, as there are close to a dozen airstrips in Masai Mara, including those in community wildlife conservancies and game ranches surrounding the main Reserve. It is essential to fly to the airstrip nearest to your accommodation to avoid unnecessarily long transfers, which can also be quite expensive. Some of the most common airstrips include Keekorok, Siana, Musiara, Ol Kiombo, and Serena airstrip, and we have detailed below which lodges and camps are served by each airstrip.
Keekorok Airstrip, Masai Mara (Code KEU)
Keekorok Airstrip is nestled in the southeastern part of the stunning Maasai Mara National Reserve. This airstrip provides easy access to the beautiful Lonwalet Hill and Ol Tukai Hill. Its geographical coordinates are 1° 35′ 9.00″S, +35° 15′ 6.00″E, which translates to a latitude of -1.585832 and a longitude of 35.251667.
Keekorok Airstrip mainly serves a variety of lodges and camps, including the charming Keekorok Lodge, the Mara Sarova Game Lodge, Sekenani Camp, Mara Sopa Lodge, Mara Topi Safari Lodge, Ashnil Camp, and the luxurious Cottars Camp. For more detailed information about Keekorok Airstrip, you can explore this page.
Mara North Airstrip, Masai Mara (Code HKR)
Mara North Airstrip is nestled within the scenic Mara North Conservancy, offering a convenient entry point for visitors to the Masai Mara National Reserve. This airstrip primarily serves the charming Kicheche Mara Camp, the serene Saruni Mara Camp, and the adventurous Saruni Wild Camp. With its GPS coordinates set at S 01°08.73′ and E 35°07.48′, and an elevation of 5,515 feet, this airstrip ensures a smooth and scenic arrival. For more detailed information about Mara North Airstrip, you can explore this page.
Serena Airstrip, Masai Mara (Code MRE)
Mara Serena Airstrip is a key airstrip in the heart of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. It primarily serves the Mara Serena Camp, along with several nearby lodges and camps, making it a crucial hub for visitors exploring this breathtaking wilderness. The airstrip’s geographical coordinates are 1° 24′ 18.00″S, 35° 0′ 36.00″E, which translates to a latitude of -1.405000 and a longitude of 35.010000. For more detailed information, you can check out this page.
Ol Kiombo Airstrip, Masai Mara (Code OLX)
Ol Kiombo Airstrip is nestled just north of the scenic Talek River, providing a convenient entry point for travelers heading to some of the most popular camps in the Masai Mara National Reserve. With its coordinates at Longitude 35° 6′ 36” E and Latitude 1° 24′ 30” S, this airstrip is a vital hub for guests staying at renowned locations such as Mara Intrepids, Mara Explorer, Fig Tree Camp, Porini Lion Camp, Tipilikwani Mara Camp, Base Camp, Naibor Camp, and Kicheche Bush Camp. For a more detailed overview, feel free to visit this page to learn more about Ol Kiombo Airstrip.
Musiara Airstrip, Masai Mara (Code MDR)
Musiara Airstrip is one of the most popular airstrips in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, situated in the northernmost area of the reserve. This airstrip is a gateway for travelers heading to Governor’s Camp, Moran Camp, Serian Camp, Little Governor’s Camp, and Neptune Mara Rianta Camp. The airstrip’s geographical coordinates are latitude -1.299666 and longitude 35.058746 (Latitude DMS: 1°17’58.8″S, Longitude DMS: 35°3’31.49″E). For more details, you can explore this page for an in-depth look at Musiara Airstrip.
Siana Conservancy, Masai Mara
Siana Springs Airstrip is nestled within the Siana Group Ranch, offering a convenient gateway to the breathtaking Masai Mara National Reserve. This airstrip primarily caters to several popular camps and lodges, including Siana Springs Camp, Mara Bushtop, Porini Main Camp, Ol Seki Hemingways Mara, and Leleshwa Camp. The airstrip’s geographical coordinates are latitude -1.483(S) and longitude 35.417(E). For a more in-depth exploration of Siana Springs Airstrip and what it offers, feel free to visit this page.
Kichwa Tembo, Masai Mara (Code KTJ)
Kichwa Tembo Airstrip is nestled in the northernmost part of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, known by its IATA code KTJ. This airstrip is strategically located to provide easy access to several popular camps and lodges. Its geographical coordinates are Longitude: 2° 6′ 5” W and Latitude: 11° 6′ 19” N. Camps such as Kichwa Tembo Camp, Bateleur Camp, Kilima Camp, and Mpata Lodge are conveniently served by this airstrip. For a detailed look at Kichwa Tembo Airstrip, feel free to explore this page.
Ol Seki Airstrip, Masai Mara (Code OSJ)
Ole Seki Airstrip is perched at the end of a ridge within the Naboisho Conservancy, located northeast of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. It offers a quick 10-minute drive to the cozy Hemingways Ol Seki Mara Camp. The airstrip’s GPS coordinates are latitude -1.378(S) and longitude 35.378(E), and it stretches 2.17 kilometers long. To dive deeper into the details, check out more about Ol Seki Airstrip on this page.
Ngerende Airstrip, Masai Mara (Code MSC)
Ngerende Airstrip is a vital link for guests staying at a variety of camps in the Masai Mara region. It serves as a convenient gateway to Ngerende Island Lodge, Kicheche Mara Camp, Mara Safari Camp, Saruni Camp, Lokoswan Camp, and Richards Camp. Nestled at an elevation of 5,510 feet, this airstrip is strategically positioned with geographical coordinates of latitude -1.084(S) and longitude 35.186(E). For more insights and details about Ngerende Airstrip, explore this page.
Angama Airstrip, Masai Mara (Code ANA)
Angama Mara Airport is a regional airstrip located in the scenic Masai Mara Region in the southwest of Kenya. Known by its IATA Code ARA, this airstrip is a busy hub for flights coming and going with airlines like Mombasa Air Safari, Air Kenya, and Safarilink. The airstrip’s coordinates are 1° 16′ 19” S and 34° 57′ 38” E, making it a key point for travelers heading to Mara Angama Lodge, Mara West Camp, and nearby lodges and camps. To learn more about Angama Airstrip, you can explore [this page]
Wilson Airport, Nairobi (Code WIL)
Wilson Airport is Nairobi’s bustling domestic hub, conveniently located along Langata Road. It’s not far from the famous Carnivore Restaurant and lies en route to Karen and the Nairobi National Park. Despite its compact size, the airport is lively and efficient. If you’re heading from the city center, the journey takes about 20 minutes without traffic, but it’s wise to allow around 45 minutes during regular traffic. For most local flights, it’s best to arrive at the airport at least an hour before your scheduled departure to ensure a smooth check-in process.
Schedule of Flights
Most airlines offer both morning and afternoon flights to the Masai Mara National Reserve. After each flight, the aircraft typically returns to Wilson Airport. The flight duration is around an hour, although the exact time can vary depending on the number of stops, often referred to as “hops,” to pick up or drop off passengers at different airstrips. Airlines aim to minimize these stops, so you can expect the journey to the Mara to take about an hour. Check out the
| Daily Flights to Masai Mara (Approximate Timings) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flights | From | To | Dep | Arr |
| Morning Flight | Wilson | Masai Mara | 10:00 | 11:00 |
| Masai Mara | Wilson | 11:00 | 12:15 | |
| Afternoon Flight | Wilson | Masai Mara | 14:45 | 15:45 |
| Masai Mara | Wilson | 15:45 | 17:00 | |
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High Season: 16 December - 31 March & 1 July - 31 October Low Season: 1 April - 30 June & 1 November - 15 December |
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Additional Flights during Peak Season
During the peak travel months from July to October, the Masai Mara becomes a bustling destination with many eager visitors. To manage the increased number of passengers, Safarilink and Air Kenya introduce an extra midday flight service. If you’re planning a trip during this busy season, it’s wise to book your flight early to ensure you get a seat. This way, you can enjoy the stunning landscapes and wildlife of the Masai Mara National Reserve without worry.
Airlines
As mentioned earlier, airlines such as Air Kenya, Safarilink, Mombasa Air Safari, and Governors Aviation operate in the region. These airlines are known for their excellent safety records and high operational standards. Their professional staff ensures that travelers enjoy a smooth and safe journey to the Masai Mara National Reserve. With their reliable services, you can focus on the breathtaking landscapes and wildlife that await you in this stunning part of Kenya.
Masai Mara Fly~In Safaris
Flying to the Masai Mara is a fantastic option because it takes only about an hour by plane compared to the long 5 to 6-hour drive from Nairobi. With frequent flights available, booking a flying safari package is easy for most camps and lodges. This is especially great for those who want to experience thrilling game drives in open-sided safari vehicles. If you’re interested, you can also explore Mombasa to Masai Mara Flights.