The Masai Mara National Reserve is a remote area in southwest Kenya, known for its incredible wildlife and landscapes. For travelers looking to minimize travel time and maximize their safari experience, flying into the Mara is the best option. There are several airstrips within the reserve and nearby conservancies that cater to different lodges and camps. These airstrips are serviced by domestic airlines from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport and other parts of Kenya, providing quick access to the Mara’s diverse wildlife areas.
Each airstrip typically offers transfers to nearby lodges and camps, ensuring that guests can quickly begin their safari experience after landing. This guide details the main airstrips in the Mara, highlighting their locations, services, and which camps they serve.
1. Keekorok Airstrip
Location:
- Situated in the southern part of the Masai Mara, Keekorok Airstrip is one of the largest and busiest airstrips in the reserve.
Which Lodges and Camps It Serves:
- Keekorok Lodge (one of the oldest and most iconic lodges in the Mara)
- Sopa Lodges and other camps located near the Sekenani Gate
- Serves visitors accessing the central and southern parts of the Mara, making it a popular entry point for those heading to key wildlife areas.
Best For:
- Travelers seeking access to the central plains of the Masai Mara and areas famous for lion sightings and big game viewing.
Key Highlights:
- Close to the migration paths during the Great Migration season, making it a strategic point for wildlife viewing.
2. Ol Kiombo Airstrip
Location:
- Located in the heart of the Masai Mara, close to the Mara River and the Talek River.
Which Lodges and Camps It Serves:
- Mara Intrepids Camp, Mara Explorer, and Ashnil Mara Camp
- Ngenche Safari Camp and other camps near the Talek River
Best For:
- Access to camps in the central Mara and those near the Mara River, making it ideal for visitors wanting to see the wildebeest river crossings during the Great Migration.
Key Highlights:
- This airstrip is strategically located near one of the key regions for the Great Migration, especially for river crossings.
- It is also a hub for game drives in some of the best areas for seeing big cats, including lions, cheetahs, and leopards.
3. Musiara Airstrip
Location:
- Located in the northwestern part of the Masai Mara, close to the Musiara Marsh.
Which Lodges and Camps It Serves:
- Governors’ Camp, Little Governors’ Camp, and Musiara Camp
- Camps located near the Mara River in the Mara Triangle.
Best For:
- Visitors staying at luxury camps like Governors’ Camp and those interested in exploring the Mara Triangle, a quieter section of the reserve with rich wildlife.
Key Highlights:
- The area is renowned for the famous Marsh Pride of lions, made famous by documentaries like the BBC’s Big Cat Diary.
- Excellent for seeing big game and predators near the Musiara Marsh.
4. Kichwa Tembo Airstrip
Location:
- Located in the Mara Triangle, in the western part of the Masai Mara.
Which Lodges and Camps It Serves:
- Kichwa Tembo Camp, Bateleur Camp, and other camps in the Mara Triangle and along the Oloololo Escarpment.
Best For:
- Access to the Mara Triangle, a less crowded area known for its exceptional game-viewing and beautiful landscapes.
- Travelers staying at luxury camps and lodges along the escarpment.
Key Highlights:
- The Mara Triangle is known for excellent sightings of rhinos and large herds of elephants, offering a quieter safari experience compared to the main parts of the reserve.
- The airstrip is close to the Oloololo Escarpment, offering scenic drives with panoramic views of the Mara.
5. Mara Serena Airstrip
Location:
- Near Mara Serena Safari Lodge, located on the western side of the Mara near the Mara River.
Which Lodges and Camps It Serves:
- Mara Serena Safari Lodge and other camps in the western Mara.
Best For:
- Visitors staying at Mara Serena Safari Lodge or camps located along the Mara River.
Key Highlights:
- Offers excellent access to the Mara River for wildebeest river crossings during the Great Migration.
- The airstrip is also close to areas known for large prides of lions and hippo pods along the river.
6. Siana Springs Airstrip
Location:
- Located near the eastern boundary of the Masai Mara, outside the main reserve but within the Siana Conservancy.
Which Lodges and Camps It Serves:
- Siana Springs Tented Camp and other camps in the Siana Conservancy.
Best For:
- Travelers staying in camps outside the reserve, offering access to the Siana Conservancy for more private game drives and exclusive wildlife viewing.
Key Highlights:
- The Siana Conservancy offers excellent wildlife sightings but with fewer vehicles, creating a more exclusive safari experience.
- Good for those who prefer staying in areas with less traffic but still want access to the main reserve.
7. Ngerende Airstrip
Location:
- Located in the northern part of the Masai Mara, close to the Mara River.
Which Lodges and Camps It Serves:
- Ngerende Island Lodge and other luxury camps in the northwestern part of the Mara.
Best For:
- Access to high-end camps like Ngerende Island Lodge, known for its luxury safari experiences.
Key Highlights:
- Located in a quieter part of the reserve, making it ideal for visitors seeking more exclusive game drives.
- Good for big cat sightings and access to the Mara River during the migration.
Tips for Flying into the Masai Mara Airstrips
- Book Flights in Advance: Flights to the Mara are popular, especially during the Great Migration (July to October). It’s recommended to book your flights and accommodations well in advance, particularly if you plan to visit during peak season.
- Luggage Restrictions: Most domestic flights to the Mara have strict luggage weight limits (usually 15kg per person in soft bags), so pack light. Consult with your airline for specific restrictions.
- Airstrip Transfers: Most lodges and camps offer complimentary transfers from the airstrip to the camp. Make sure to arrange your transfer in advance with your accommodation provider.
- Scenic Flights: The short flights to the Mara are incredibly scenic, offering breathtaking views of Kenya’s Great Rift Valley and the vast Mara plains. Have your camera ready for some spectacular aerial shots.
Final Thoughts
Flying into one of the many Masai Mara airstrips is the most convenient and time-saving way to reach this iconic safari destination. Each airstrip provides quick access to various parts of the reserve and its conservancies, ensuring that visitors can easily start their game drives and experience the rich wildlife the Mara has to offer. Whether you’re staying in a luxury camp near the Mara River or exploring the quieter Mara Triangle, the airstrips provide seamless entry into this spectacular wilderness.