The Masai Mara National Reserve is located approximately 225 km to 280 km (140 to 175 miles) southwest of Nairobi. Getting there takes 5–7 hours by road or 45–60 minutes by air, depending on your mode of transport. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your journey:
✈️ 1. By Air: Flights from Nairobi to Masai Mara
🛫 Domestic Flights from Wilson Airport
- Depart from Wilson Airport (WIL) in Nairobi
- Arrive at one of several airstrips in or near the reserve (e.g., Keekorok, Ol Kiombo, Musiara, Ol Seki, Mara North)
⏱️ Duration: 45–60 minutes
🧳 Airlines Serving This Route:
- Safarilink Aviation
- AirKenya Express
- Fly ALS
- Yellow Wings
- Renegade Air
💰 Average Cost:
- $150–$250 one-way for non-residents
- Discounts may apply for children and residents
✅ Pros:
- Fast and scenic
- Avoids rough road conditions
- Convenient for luxury or mid-range lodges near airstrips
⚠️ Considerations:
- Baggage limits (usually 15kg soft bags)
- Transfers from the airstrip to your lodge may cost extra
🚐 2. By Road: Nairobi to Masai Mara (Sekenani Gate or Mara Triangle)
🚗 A. Private Safari Vehicle or Tour Van
- You can book a 4×4 Land Cruiser or tour van with a driver-guide from Nairobi
- Ideal for full safari packages (transport, accommodation, park entry)
⏱️ Duration: 5–6.5 hours
- Route: Nairobi – Mai Mahiu – Narok – Sekenani Gate
- Distance: Approx. 280 km (174 miles)
💰 Approximate Cost (One Way):
| Vehicle Type | Route | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Tour Van (Toyota Noah) | Nairobi – Masai Mara | $150–$200 |
| 4×4 Land Cruiser | Nairobi – Masai Mara | $250–$270 |
You can also request pickup from Nairobi airport or any hotel.
✅ Pros:
- Flexible stops (e.g., Great Rift Valley viewpoint)
- Scenic drive and cultural exposure
- Ideal for small groups
⚠️ Considerations:
- Last 75 km is rough and bumpy
- Can be tiring for children or elderly travelers
🚌 B. Public Bus + Matatu (Budget Option)
Step-by-Step:
- Bus from Nairobi to Narok Town
- Depart from Nairobi CBD (e.g., Nyamakima or Accra Road)
- Companies: Transline, Narok Line, ENA Coach
- Cost: KES 800–1,200 ($6–9)
- Matatu from Narok to Sekenani Gate (Masai Mara)
- Local matatus depart in the morning or early afternoon
- Cost: KES 500–700 ($4–6)
- May take 3–4 hours on rough roads
✅ Pros:
- Very affordable
- Adventurous for backpackers
⚠️ Considerations:
- Not recommended with luggage or children
- No fixed schedules — can be unreliable
- You will need to arrange onward transport from Sekenani Gate to your camp/lodge
🧭 3. Combination Option: Self-Drive to Narok + Lodge Pickup
Some travelers prefer to:
- Self-drive or hire a car to Narok, park at a safe hotel
- Get picked up by their lodge in a 4×4 vehicle for the final stretch
This is great if you want to avoid the roughest roads or reduce 4×4 rental days.
🛂 Park Entry Gates (Know Where You’re Headed)
| Gate Name | Best For |
|---|---|
| Sekenani Gate | Eastern side lodges (most common) |
| Talek Gate | Central Mara camps |
| Oloolaimutia Gate | Eastern/southern lodges |
| Oloololo Gate (Purungat Bridge) | Mara Triangle camps |
Always confirm with your lodge which gate and airstrip are closest before finalizing your transport.
🧾 Summary: Which Option Is Best?
| Option | Ideal For | Travel Time | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight (Wilson to Mara) | Luxury or short stays | 45–60 mins | $150–$250 one way |
| Private Land Cruiser | Mid-range or private safaris | 6–7 hours | $250–$270 |
| Tour Van (Minivan) | Budget groups, families | 5–6.5 hours | $150–$200 |
| Public Bus + Matatu | Budget backpackers | 7–9 hours | $10–$15 |
🚨 Travel Tips
- Leave Nairobi by 7:00 AM to arrive before dark
- Carry snacks and drinking water — stops are limited
- Fuel up in Narok — no gas stations inside the Mara
- Mobile signal is unreliable past Narok
- If traveling during the rainy season (March–May), 4×4 is strongly recommended
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Getting to Masai Mara from Nairobi
1. What is the best way to get to Masai Mara from Nairobi?
It depends on your budget, time, and preferences.
- Flying is fastest and ideal for short stays or high-end lodges.
- Driving with a private safari vehicle is most flexible and scenic.
- Public transport is budget-friendly but less comfortable and less reliable.
2. How long does it take to drive from Nairobi to Masai Mara?
On average, 5 to 6.5 hours, depending on traffic, road conditions, and final destination in the Mara.
3. Can I self-drive to Masai Mara?
Yes — but it must be a 4×4 vehicle with good ground clearance, especially during the rainy season. Some lodges or gates will not allow entry to non-4WD vehicles.
Note: Within the national reserve itself, only safari-modified vehicles (with pop-up roofs) are permitted for game drives.
4. Which airstrip should I fly into?
That depends on where you’re staying.
- Sekenani/Keekorok/Talek – For eastern and central Masai Mara lodges
- Ol Kiombo – For camps in the Talek/central zone
- Mara North/Kicheche/Musaira – For northern conservancies
- Ol Seki – For Naboisho Conservancy
- Angama/Mara Serena – For the Mara Triangle
Ask your lodge for the nearest airstrip before booking your flight.
5. Can I be picked up at the airstrip and go straight on a game drive?
Yes! Most camps and lodges offer airstrip pick-ups, and many guests start their game drive immediately upon arrival, with a bush lunch or scenic stop en route to camp.
6. Are there direct flights from Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to the Mara?
Not directly. You must transfer (10–30 minutes) to Wilson Airport (WIL), where all bush flights to Masai Mara depart. Some lodges can organize the transfer for you.
7. Is it safe to drive to the Masai Mara?
Yes, it’s generally safe for both private and guided travel. Roads are busy between Nairobi and Narok, and the Mara region is considered peaceful. Avoid night travel and follow the advice of your operator or guide.
8. What is the cheapest way to get to Masai Mara?
The cheapest option is by public bus to Narok town (KES 800–1,200), followed by a shared matatu or hired local vehicle to Sekenani Gate. However, this is slow, bumpy, and not recommended for travelers with luggage, children, or tight schedules.
9. Can I stop for sightseeing on the way to Masai Mara?
Yes! A road trip to the Mara offers opportunities to stop at:
- Great Rift Valley Viewpoint
- Lake Naivasha or Hell’s Gate National Park
- Narok town for shopping, meals, or fuel
Let your driver know in advance if you’d like to plan stops.
10. Are there toilets or food stops on the road to Masai Mara?
Yes. Good stopovers include:
- Mai Mahiu Viewpoint (Great Rift Valley)
- Narok town – several petrol stations, supermarkets, and cafes
We recommend stocking up on water and snacks in Narok before continuing.
11. Can I reach Masai Mara in time for a game drive if I land in Nairobi the same morning?
Yes, if your flight lands before 8:00 AM, you can be on the road by 9:00 AM and arrive at your lodge in time for a late afternoon or sunset game drive. Alternatively, fly from Wilson Airport for same-day arrival and afternoon game drives.
12. Will I need to pay park entry fees when I arrive?
Yes. If you’re staying inside the Masai Mara National Reserve or the Mara Triangle, you’ll pay park fees upon arrival. Rates vary by nationality and residency. Conservancies may have different fee structures.
13. Can I use a rideshare or Uber to get to Masai Mara?
No. Rideshare apps like Uber and Bolt do not operate outside Nairobi city limits and are not suitable for cross-country travel or rough terrain.
14. Can I arrange transport through my lodge or camp?
Yes — and it’s recommended. Most lodges work with trusted transport providers who can coordinate transfers, airstrip pickups, and full-day safaris in safari-ready vehicles.
15. Is it possible to combine Masai Mara with other destinations en route (e.g., Naivasha, Nakuru)?
Absolutely! Many travelers choose to:
- Drive from Nairobi to Naivasha or Nakuru for a night
- Then continue on to the Mara
This works well for multi-day road safaris or custom itineraries.
Contact us for custom quote