Logistics
How to Get to the Maasai Mara
Two realistic ways to reach the Mara from Nairobi: a road transfer of around five to six hours, or a scheduled light-aircraft flight of well under an hour. Here's what each actually involves.
Reviewed August 2026 — verify current park fees and rates with our team.
The two options
Almost every visitor reaches the Maasai Mara one of two ways: driving from Nairobi, or flying in on a scheduled light aircraft from Wilson Airport. Both are well-established, safe and used daily by tour operators — the right choice depends on your budget, time and comfort priorities, which we cover in depth in our road vs fly-in comparison.
Road from Nairobi
A private road transfer typically takes around five to six hours each way, depending on the route taken, the specific gate or camp you're heading to, and road and weather conditions. Most transfers use a 4x4 safari vehicle, often the same vehicle used for game drives once you arrive, so the drive itself becomes part of the safari experience rather than dead time — the last stretch usually passes through Maasai communities and increasingly wild landscape as you near the reserve.
Fly-in from Wilson Airport
Scheduled light-aircraft flights depart from Nairobi's Wilson Airport (not Jomo Kenyatta International Airport) and take roughly 35 to 45 minutes to reach the Mara region. There are multiple airstrips serving different parts of the reserve and surrounding conservancies — which one you land at depends on where your camp is located, and flights typically make one or more stops to drop and collect passengers at different strips along the route.
Road vs fly-in at a glance
| Factor | Road transfer | Fly-in flight |
|---|---|---|
| Typical duration | ~5–6 hours each way | ~35–45 minutes each way |
| Departure point | Nairobi city or hotel pickup | Wilson Airport, Nairobi |
| Cost | Lower, often included in package rates | Higher, usually priced per person per sector |
| Experience | Scenic overland drive through changing landscapes | Aerial views, minimal travel fatigue |
| Best suited to | Budget-conscious travellers, those who enjoy the drive | Time-limited trips, comfort-focused travellers |
Durations and costs are general guidance and vary by exact route, operator and season — confirm specifics with our team.
Not sure which suits your trip?
Read our full road vs fly-in decision guide, or just tell our team your priorities and let them recommend one.
Plan My SafariFrequently asked questions
Which Nairobi airport do fly-in flights leave from?
Wilson Airport, a smaller domestic airport in Nairobi used for light-aircraft flights — not Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where most international flights land.
Is the road drive safe and comfortable?
Yes, it's a well-travelled route used daily by tour operators in 4x4 safari vehicles. The final stretch into the reserve can be bumpy on unpaved sections, more so in the rains, but it's a standard part of the overland safari experience.
Which airstrip will I land at?
It depends on which camp or conservancy you're staying in — the Mara has several airstrips serving different areas. Our team will book you onto the flight and airstrip matching your accommodation.
Can I do road one way and fly the other?
Yes, this is a common combination — drive in to enjoy the overland experience, then fly out to save time, or the reverse. Tell our team if you'd like this arranged.
Related reading
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