How to get to Masai Mara - Access to Masai Mara in Kenya and getting there

Most travelers begin their Masai Mara adventure with a flight into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi. From there, two thrilling travel options await. You can embark on a scenic road trip, traversing rugged landscapes, or take a swift, hassle-free flight to the nearest airstrip to your safari lodge. As you plan your journey, you’ll also have the opportunity to engage with the Maasai tribes, whose rich traditions add depth to your Masai Mara safari. Below, we offer a detailed guide to help you select the best way to reach both the Masai Mara and the Masai Mara Game Reserve.

Masai Mara by Air

International Air Travel

For international travelers, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi is the main entry point for those journeying to the Masai Mara. As East Africa’s largest aviation hub, it offers a wide range of flight options. Leading airlines like KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Air France, British Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Kenya Airways, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, and Swiss connect NBO to major global cities. Additionally, numerous regional flights link neighboring countries and Southern Africa, ensuring a smooth transition to your safari tours and effortless access to the Masai Mara.

Domestic Air Travel

For a seamless air safari to the Maasai Mara, the most common option is a flight from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport (WIL). This short 45–60-minute journey swiftly transports you from Kenya’s vibrant capital into the vast, wildlife-rich plains of the Maasai Mara. Many travelers opt to fly due to the challenging road conditions, which remain rough despite recent upgrades. Several airstrips, including those near Mara Intrepids and Porini Lion Camp, serve various safari lodges across the reserve. Airlines such as SafariLink and AirKenya operate these flights, ensuring a hassle-free start to your adventure. Upon arrival at the nearest airstrip, a safari vehicle will be ready to take you to your Masai Mara safari lodge. The excitement begins mid-air, with a breathtaking aerial view of the Mara’s wildlife before you transition to an on-the-ground safari experience. Learn more about flights to Masai Mara.

Flights are also available from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in Tanzania. Additionally, direct flights operate from Kenya’s coastal destinations like Mombasa and Diani, especially during peak travel seasons, as well as from national parks such as Amboseli and Samburu.

Key Masai Mara Airstrips

Here is a concise list of the major airstrips situated within the Masai Mara National Reserve:

• Keekorok

• Serena

• Musiara

• Mara North

• Ol Kiombo

How to Reach Masai Mara by Road

Guided Road Safaris to Masai Mara

For an immersive safari experience, a guided road trip to the Masai Mara is an excellent choice. Departing from Nairobi, these safaris offer an opportunity to explore Kenya’s diverse landscapes and wildlife along the way. Many travelers opt for routes that include overnight stays in iconic parks such as Amboseli National Park and Lake Nakuru National Park. If you’re looking to extend your journey or customize your itinerary, get in touch with us for expert guidance!

Driving Yourself to Masai Mara

While self-driving to the Masai Mara is possible, it requires thorough preparation. The journey demands a reliable 4×4 vehicle capable of handling rough terrain in all weather conditions. However, we do not provide support for self-drive travelers. To enjoy a stress-free safari with expert guidance, consider booking a guided safari in a safari van for comfort and convenience.

Accessing Masai Mara: Entry Points and Fees

Gates of Masai Mara National Reserve

Upon reaching the Masai Mara National Reserve, you’ll need to enter through one of its designated gates. Choosing the right entry point can make a significant difference in travel time to your lodge or camp. The reserve has five main access gates: Talek, Sekenani, Sand River, Musiara, and Olololo. While Musiara and Olololo Gates are slightly more remote, requiring an additional 30 minutes of travel, the others provide quicker access. The gates welcome visitors daily between 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM.

Masai Mara Entry Fees

The cost of accessing the Masai Mara varies depending on the season. From January 1st to June 30th, the entry fee stands at US$ 100 per adult per day, with children aged 9 to 17 charged US$ 50. Kids under 8 can enter for free. However, from July 1st to December 31st, the rate for adults rises to US$ 200 per day, while the child rate remains unchanged. Additionally, visitors leaving the park after 10:00 AM or engaging in a morning excursion on their departure day must pay for an extra day, as per the 12-hour policy.

When you book your Masai Mara safari with us, all park entrance fees are seamlessly included in your package, ensuring a hassle-free adventure.

Entry fees Masai Mara conservancies

Entry and conservation fees for accommodations within the Masai Mara conservancies, situated near the iconic Mara River and Mara Triangle, vary from the standard charges previously mentioned. These fees typically range between US$ 90 and US$ 200 per individual per day. For instance, the Olare Motorogi Conservancy currently imposes a fee of US$ 100 per person daily. When you book your stay at any of the conservancies, such as Naboisho Conservancy or Ol Kinyei Conservancies, these charges are incorporated into your package.

Please note that all prices and conditions are subject to change without prior notification.

Kenya Visa and Immigration Guidelines

Most international visitors will require a visa to enter Kenya. To avoid delays at the airport, we recommend securing your visa in advance. A single-entry e-visa, which remains valid for up to 90 days, costs US$ 51 per person. For the most up-to-date visa regulations, it’s best to check with the Kenyan embassy in your home country. Applications for e-visas must be submitted via the official website of The Directorate of Immigration Services.

Getting from Masai Mara to Serengeti National Park

Traveling between the Masai Mara and Serengeti is more complex than it may seem, mainly due to the indefinite closure of the Bologonya border crossing. This once served as a direct link between Kenya and Tanzania’s most famous reserves. As a result, we strongly discourage attempting an overland transfer through the Isebania or Namanga border posts, whether by self-drive or organized road transport.

While not the simplest option, flying remains the most efficient way to travel between these parks. One challenge is that airstrips within the Mara and Serengeti do not have border control facilities. However, there are two viable flight options available for those seeking a seamless connection.

The first option, operated by Safarilink (Kenya) and Coastal Aviation (Tanzania), offers a scheduled air transfer linking the Masai Mara to Serengeti safari camps. This journey involves flying to Migori airstrip in Kenya, followed by a road transfer to Tarime airstrip in Tanzania, near the Isebania border. After completing immigration procedures at the border, passengers continue their journey on a Coastal Aviation flight to the Serengeti.

This service operates primarily during peak safari season and requires at least two passengers per flight. The typical itinerary includes a morning departure from various airstrips in the Masai Mara, arriving at Migori before noon. Travelers then proceed by road to Tarime, where they board their connecting flight to the Serengeti, scheduled to take off at 2:00 PM.

For a more straightforward alternative, we recommend flying back to Nairobi’s Wilson Airport (WIL) before connecting to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). This route eliminates the need for road transfers between airstrips and allows travelers to rest in Nairobi before continuing to Tanzania. It also ensures smoother logistics, making it the most hassle-free way to transition between these two world-famous safari destinations.

Contact Us for Your Safari Experience

For any inquiries or to plan your unforgettable Masai Mara safari experience, you can reach out to us via email at [email protected] or [email protected]. Our team is also readily available to assist you through WhatsApp or by phone at +254 748 258880. Whether you’re interested in exploring the majestic landscapes of the Masai Mara National Reserve, embarking on thrilling game drives, or learning more about the Maasai tribes, our dedicated safari experts are here to help you tailor the perfect itinerary.