Masai Mara Airstrips
Flying to the Masai Mara National Reserve in the southern parts of Kenya is an adventure in itself. Although there are no direct flights for those coming outside Kenya so this calls for the use of Masai Mara airstrips. For everyone coming from other countries, pass through Nairobi’s Wilson Airport (WIL). Airstrips in Masai Mara National Reserve are scattered across the distinct regions of this park.
These Masai Mara airstrips connect you to unique habitats, from the Kenya wildebeest migration crossings to big cat territories. Hence, ensuring your Masai Mara fly-in safari starts with ease and excitement. Below, discover the key Masai Mara airstrips, their nearby camps, and why they’re perfect for your dream fly-in safari in Kenya. With our Serengeti Masai Mara Experts, you are promised a comfortable fly in safari using any of these Masai Mara airstrips.
Main Masai Mara Airstrips in Kenya
1. Keekorok Airstrip in Masai Mara
Keekorok Airstrip is located in the middle of the main Maasai Mara National Reserve. Also, it is one of the oldest Masai Mara airstrips in Kenya. This airstrip is surrounded by open plains that give one a more raw, intimate feel of the wilderness. As you fly over rolling hills, spot antelopes and buffaloes grazing in golden savannahs, just 45 minutes from Wilson Airport (fares ~$200–$300 one-way via Safarilink or AirKenya).
Keekorok airstrip is ideal for travelers who want to be in the heart of the action immediately during a Masai Mara safari. Use this airstrip if you plan to stay in the central or eastern part of the Masai Mara National Reserve. Additionally, Keekorok airstrip has nearby accommodations like the Keekorok Lodge and the Mara Simba Lodge. Flights from Wilson Airport in Nairobi to Keekorok Airstrip often stop at Mara Serena Airstrip en route, adding 10–15 minutes. Keekorok Airstrip is also in proximity to some of the migration points, such as the Sand River. So, travelers have a great opportunity to witness the patterns of the great migration in Africa patterns.
2. Maji ya Ndege Airstrip, Masai Mara
Maji ya Ndege Airstrip is located in the far southeastern corner of Masai Mara near the Olderikesi Conservancy at the Tanzanian border. Therefore, it gives travelers a more raw feel of the Maasai Mara because it is located in remote areas. So, one gets to experience the unspoiled wilderness and a crowd-free Masai Mara safari.
This airstrip serves high-end camps in Masai Mara like Cottar’s 1920s Camp and Sentinel Mara Camp. Therefore, one gets to that they are going to experience the most special part of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Due to its remoteness, getting here almost always involves two stops. One stop from Wilson Airport (55 minutes) at Keekorok airstrip. Lastly, the second stop can be at the Maji ya Ndege Airstrip, totaling ~1 hour.
3. Siana Springs Airstrip in Masai Mara
This airstrip is found on the eastern edge of the Masai Mara National Park, near the Siana Conservancy. Siana Springs Airstrip is perfect for those looking for peaceful, uninterrupted Masai Mara safari drives. This airstrip in Masai Mara serves a specific cluster of camps like Siana Springs Interpids Camp, Mara Springs Camp, Ol Seki Hemingway’s, Leleshwa Camp and the Mara Bush Tops.
Flights from Wilson Airport in Nairobi City to this airstrip (50 minutes) typically stop at Kichwa Tembo, with scenic views over the Loita Hills. So, Siana Springs Airstrip is a secondary Stop after the Kichwa Tembo.
4. Ngerende Airstrip in Masai Mara National Reserve
Ngerende Airstrip is located in proximity to the Enonkishu Conservancy area, which is the northern region of the main reserve. Also, it offers a quieter, exclusive Masai Mara fly-in safari experience with rolling hills and private conservancies. Using this Masai Mara airstrip is best for people who want the luxury accommodations, low-impact camps of the northern conservancies. So, these Lemek and Enonkishu, such as Elephant Pepper Camp, Mara Engai Wilderness Lodge, and Ngerende Island Lodge. Additionally, these camps are usually a 15-25 minute drive from the Ngerende airstrip.
Domestic flights from Wilson International Airport to this airfield (50 minutes) typically stop at Kichwa Tembo Airstrip. Hence, adding 10–15 minutes to the total time from Nairobi to Ngerende airstrip in Masai Mara.
5. Kichwa Tembo Airstrip, Masai Mara
On the western boundary of the Masai Mara, close to the Oloololo Escarpment bordering the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, is the Kichwa Tembo Airstrip. So, this stands on a higher elevation with magical scenic views looking down over the plains. Also, it is surrounded by emerald forests and sun-kissed Savannahs with raptors, elephants, and migrating herds roaming around.
Those staying at escarpment-side luxury Masai Mara accommodations like Kichwa Tembo, Bateleur Camp, Mara West, and Mpata Safari Club. Additionally, most of these camps in Masai Mara are a 15 to 30-minute drive away from Kichwa Tembo Airstrip. This is the second major hub for the western circuit. And the common route is the 50-minute flight from Wilson International Airport to Kichwa Tembo Airstrip, but with the first stop at Ol Kiombo Airstrip, adding 10 minutes.
6. Ol Kiombo Airstrip in Masai Mara
Ol Kiombo Airstrip is located near the Talek River on the Eastern Reserve of the Maasai Mara reserve. Also, it is a very busy airstrip in Masai Mara and is surrounded by a high density of camps like the Sarova Mara Camp. Others are the Mara Interpids Club, Rekero Camp, Basecamp Explorer, and the Fig Tree Camp. So, all these Masai Mara camps in a proximity of 5-18 minutes’ drive from Ol Kiombo Airstrip.
This is also a bustling airstrip with lots of safari vehicles in Kenya coming and going. The airstrip’s proximity to the Talek River ensures quick access to wildlife action. Direct flights from Wilson Airport take 45 minutes, though some include a Mara Serena stopover before Ol Kiombo Airstrip.
7. Musiara Airstrip, Masai Mara
Musiara Airstrip is located in the Musiara Marsh area of the Mara North Conservancy. Also, this area around the airstrip is famous for big cat documentaries because of its endowments with big cats like lions and leopards. Hence, a great setting for the predator-prey relations.
Musiara Airstrip is located near Governors’ Camp (5-minute drive), Little Governors’ Camp (10-minute drive), and Serian Mobile (15-minute drive). Also, these camps offer prime access to predator-prey action in marshlands for those interested in Masai Mara flying safaris. The first stop after a 45-minute flight from Wilson Airport is at the Mara Serena Airstrip before one reaches the Musiara airstrip in Masai Mara.
8. Mara Serena Airstrip in Masai Mara National Reserve
Mara Serena airstrip is located on the western side of the reserve inside the Mara Triangle. Additionally, this is around the Sekanani area near the Mara River. Hence, Mara Serena Airstrip offers direct access to breathtaking plains and wildlife-rich zones. So, one is able to get breathtaking views of the stunning Mara plains. Nearby Masai Mara hotels to this airstrip include Samara Serena Safari Lodge, Kilima Camp, Mara Engai Wilderness Lodge, and Governors’ Camp.
This airstrip is perfectly used from July–October if you want to experience river crossings. Additionally, it’s close to the Oloololo Escarpment for dramatic sunsets and prime game viewing of hippos and crocodiles. A direct 45-minute flight from Wilson Airport to Mara Serena airstrip, it’s a primary hub for Masai Mara fly-in safaris. Also, note that it has no stopovers and is operated by Mombasa Air Safari or AirKenya.
