How to Get to the Masai Mara - Masai Mara National Reserve

While the Mara is remote, it is relatively accessible from Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, via both air and road. This guide explores the different ways to reach the Masai Mara, including flights, self-drive options, and organized transfers.

1. By Air: The Fastest Way to Get to the Masai Mara

Flying to the Masai Mara is the quickest and most convenient way to reach the reserve, particularly for travelers who want to maximize their time on safari.

Flight Options from Nairobi

From Nairobi Wilson Airport (WIL): The majority of flights to the Masai Mara depart from Wilson Airport, which is a hub for domestic flights. Several airlines offer daily scheduled flights to various airstrips within the reserve and nearby conservancies.
- Airlines:
  - Safarilink: A popular domestic airline with multiple daily flights to the Mara.
  - Air Kenya: Offers daily flights to the Masai Mara.
  - Fly 540: Another reliable option for scheduled flights to the Mara.
Flight Duration: The flight from Nairobi Wilson Airport to the Masai Mara takes about 45 minutes. It’s a short but scenic flight, offering breathtaking aerial views of Kenya’s Great Rift Valley and the sprawling savannahs of the Mara.
Airstrips in the Masai Mara:
- The Mara has several airstrips located near lodges and camps, such as Keekorok, Olkiombo, Kichwa Tembo, Siana Springs, Musaira, and Mara Serena. Your lodge or camp will advise which airstrip to fly into based on its location.
Flight Costs: Round-trip flights from Nairobi to the Masai Mara range from $250 to $400 per person, depending on the season and airline.

Advantages of Flying:

Time-saving: Flying is ideal for those who want to minimize travel time and maximize their time on safari. The flight takes less than an hour compared to the 5-6 hour drive.
Scenic Views: The flight offers stunning views of Kenya’s landscapes, including the Great Rift Valley.
Convenient Transfers: Upon landing at the Mara airstrip, most lodges and camps provide direct transfers to their properties, making the journey seamless.

2. By Road: The Adventurous Route to the Masai Mara

For those who prefer to travel overland, driving to the Masai Mara is a popular option. While it takes longer than flying, the drive offers a chance to experience Kenya’s diverse landscapes along the way.

Self-drive or Private Transfer

Route: The most common route from Nairobi to the Masai Mara is via Mai Mahiu and Narok Town.
- From Nairobi, take the A104 road to Mai Mahiu, then turn onto the Narok-Mai Mahiu Road (B3). From Narok, you will follow the signs to Sekenani Gate or other gates depending on your lodge or camp.
Drive Time: The drive from Nairobi to the Masai Mara takes about 5 to 6 hours, depending on road conditions and the location of your destination within the reserve.
Road Conditions: The road to Narok is paved and in good condition. However, once you pass Narok and head toward the Mara, the roads become rough and unpaved, especially during the rainy season. A 4×4 vehicle is highly recommended to handle the rugged terrain.
Fuel Stops: It’s important to refuel in Narok Town, as it is the last major stop before entering the Masai Mara. There are limited fuel stations near the reserve.

Organized Road Transfers

For travelers who prefer not to self-drive, many safari operators offer private road transfers from Nairobi to the Mara. These transfers are typically in 4×4 safari vehicles and include a driver-guide.

Cost: Organized road transfers generally cost between $200 and $300 per vehicle (one way), depending on the operator and vehicle type.

Advantages of Driving:

Cost-effective: Driving can be more affordable than flying, especially for groups or families.
Scenic Stopovers: The drive allows for scenic stopovers, including views of the Great Rift Valley and local towns like Narok, where you can experience Kenyan culture and markets.
Flexibility: Self-driving offers the flexibility to explore at your own pace, although you should have a reliable 4×4 and a good map or GPS.

3. Combination: Fly-In and Drive-Out Safari

For those who want to experience both flying and driving, a popular option is to fly into the Masai Mara and drive out. This allows travelers to save time on the way in and enjoy the scenic beauty of the return journey by road.

Fly-In: Arrive in the Masai Mara via a scheduled flight, saving time and energy for your first game drive.
Drive-Out: After your safari, arrange for a road transfer back to Nairobi, enjoying the varied landscapes on the way.

Advantages of a Combination:

Best of Both Worlds: You get the time-saving convenience of flying in and the adventure of driving back.
Flexible Itinerary: This option gives you flexibility, especially if you plan to stop at attractions along the way, such as Lake Naivasha or Lake Nakuru.

Entry Gates to the Masai Mara

Depending on your lodge or camp’s location, you will enter the Masai Mara through one of its gates. The most commonly used gates are:

Sekenani Gate: This is the main entry gate to the Masai Mara and is commonly used by travelers coming from Nairobi.
Talek Gate: Closer to the camps and lodges in the Talek River area.
Oloololo Gate: For lodges and camps located in the Mara Triangle and the Oloololo Escarpment.
Musiara Gate: Located near the Musiara Marsh, this gate is often used for access to nearby luxury camps.

Final Thoughts

Whether you choose to fly or drive, getting to the Masai Mara is part of the adventure. Flying offers speed and convenience, making it ideal for travelers with limited time, while driving provides an affordable and scenic route that lets you take in Kenya’s diverse landscapes. Both options lead to one of the world’s greatest safari destinations, where unforgettable wildlife experiences await.