Airstrips In Maasai Mara

Airstrips In Maasai Mara

Maasai Mara is one of the best safari destinations in Africa, with its vast savannahs, rich wildlife and the Great Migration attracting tourists to the region. As much as most travellers envisage bumpy game drives and lengthy road journeys when deciding on how to go to the Maasai Mara, a more convenient and scenic alternative is flying into the reserve. The Maasai Mara has many airstrips that are well distributed in the region and thus one can connect easily with Nairobi or other parks and get the best time to see the wildlife and avoid travel fatigue. This guide gives a complete list of the key airstrips in Maasai Mara, what to consider before booking a flight and how selecting the right airstrip can improve your Kenya safari.

What is the reason to fly to the Maasai Mara?

When you fly to the Maasai mara, you avoid the long drive to and fro Nairobi, which takes about 5-6 hours, and you reach there fresh and ready to go on a game drive. It takes around 45 minutes by air to fly from the Wilson Airport in Nairobi to the Mara with breathtaking views of the Great Rift Valley, lakes and the undulating hills that are observed on the way. This also alleviates the travel stress for families with kids or those who may be on a tight schedule and may want to get the most out of their time in the park. Arriving nearer to your lodge or camp, you can begin your Maasai Mara safari almost as soon as you arrive and you may be lucky enough to get an afternoon game drive on your very first day.

Best Airstrips in Maasai Mara

Keekorok Airstrip

The Keekorok Airstrip is among the most ancient and active airstrips in Maasai Mara and is found next to the Keekorok Lodge. It is strategically located for reaching the central regions of the Mara and has easy accessibility to lodges in the Talek and Sekenani regions. When you visit during the Great Migration, this airstrip is an ideal decision, as it provides access to the major river crossing points and thus a strategic option to wildlife photographers and tourists interested in migration safaris.

Old Kiombo Airstrip

Ol Kiombo Airstrip is situated in the middle of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, which makes it a good airstrip to serve tourists staying in the central and northern regions of the park, such as the portions along the Talek River and the Mara Triangle. It is a very popular airstrip that is utilised in high season when the migration is in full swing and offers very convenient access to some of the best wildlife viewing spots, such as lion, cheetah and leopard lands.

Mara Serena Airstrip

The Mara Serena Airstrip is located on the western side of Maasai Mara, especially the Mara Triangle. It is also convenient for the travellers who have stayed at the Mara Serena Safari Lodge and other camps around it to access the Mara River crossings of the wildebeest migration easily. It is a favourite airstrip among people who want to include their Mara safari with Lake Victoria or Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, as it lies strategically close to the border.

Musiara Airstrip

Musiara Airstrip is suitable when a guest is visiting the Musiara Marsh and the northern parts of Maasai Mara, where big cat sightings can be done, especially of the famous Marsh Pride of lions. This airstrip offers convenient access to small camps and lodges that are good for game viewing and photographing, especially in the months of migration when the herds are concentrated around the Mara River.

Kichwa Tembo airstrip

Kichwa Tembo Airstrip serves the northwestern Maasai Mara and is commonly utilised by visitors to Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp and other lodges in the area of the Oloololo Escarpment. This airstrip is surrounded by abundant wildlife and spectacular views of the plains below; thus, it is a good point of access to the Mara Triangle and the Mara River.

Angama Mara Airstrip

This is a private airstrip, which is only available to guests of the Angama Mara Lodge, and is situated on the edge of the Oloololo Escarpment, providing rapid access and a first-class arrival experience. Visitors arriving at Angama Mara Airstrip are instantly exposed to the spectacular scenery the lodge is famous for, as animals are frequently spotted even during landing.

The Right Airstrip to Use in Your Maasai Mara Safari

The selection of the airstrip will be based on the location of your camp or lodge when planning your Maasai Mara safari. The nearest airstrip will save on transfer time and increase your game drive time. To give an example, when you are staying in the Mara Triangle, airstrips such as the Mara Serena or Kichwa Tembo will be good, but visitors who are staying at the central or eastern regions might want to use Ol Kiombo or Keekorok.

Check with your Kenya safari operator or lodge prior to booking your flights because certain lodges provide free or reduced rates on transfers to or between certain airstrips. Also, in case you intend to combine your Maasai mara safari with other Kenyan parks, such as Amboseli or Samburu, your operator may be able to book flights that connect among them using domestic flights such as Safarilink, Air Kenya, and Governors Aviation.

Expectations on Flying Into The Maasai Mara

Air travel to Maasai Mara is usually through small planes such as the Cessna Caravan that carry about 12 people. The baggage allowance normally restricts you to 15 kilograms of soft bags to enable you to accommodate in the cargo areas. The flights are scenic as well and therefore it is worth having your camera to capture the Great Rift Valley escarpments, lakes and rolling hills.

When you arrive at your Maasai Mara airstrip, you are met by the safari guide and the vehicle of your lodge or camp. The majority of airstrips are found on open savannah, and it is not unusual to find giraffes, zebras or even elephants close to the runway. Your first game drive may be by airstrip transfer, where you get to see game as you proceed to your accommodation.

Conclusion

When you are prepared to organise your Kenya safari, contact your favourite safari company now and discuss the most convenient airstrip locations in the Maasai Mara to suit your accommodation and safari objectives so that your adventure into the wild heart of Africa is as comfortable and unforgettable as possible.