Distance of Masai Mara from Nairobi. These are the best ways to get from Nairobi, Kenya's main city, to Masai Mara. The closest entry point to Masai Mara Game Reserve is about 225 kilometers (140 miles) away from Nairobi. However, this number can change based on which gate you want to use. A question that many people ask is how long it takes to drive from Nairobi to Masai Mara. To get from Nairobi to the reserve by car takes about six hours. This is for one of the Mara's closer entrance gates on the Narok side of the reserve, like the Sekenani, Talek, or Oloolaimutia gates. There are a few short stops along this 6-hour trip. It takes about 30 minutes longer to get to the western entry gates of the reserve, like Musiara or Oloololo, if you take a different path that goes west on the B3 highway toward Bomet right after Narok town. Some parts of the road are in bad shape, and the last 75 km to the reserve are on a rough dirt road.
It is easier to get to Masai Mara by plane. It only takes about an hour to fly from Wilson Airport in Nairobi to a number of airstrips in the Mara.
Here is useful information on how to get to Masai Mara by car and plane from Nairobi. There is also information on how to get to Kenya and Masai Mara from other countries, like the USA, UK, Canada, Europe, Australia, India, and Dubai UAE. You can get in touch with us to find out about foreign flights.
Most people who want to get from Nairobi to Masai Mara do so by car. From Nairobi to Masai Mara (Sekenani Gate), the road is now paved all the way. Depending on which gate or entry point you want to use, the distance is between 225 km (140 miles) and 275 kms (170 miles). Well, the trip should take about 5.5 hours for most eastern or Narok side reserve entry gates, like Sekenani, Talek, and Ololaimutia. It could take up to 6 to 6.5 hours for Musiara (also in Narok County, but on the western side) and Oloololo gate (closer to the Maasai Mara Conservancy and Mara Triangle). This includes a couple of short stops along the way for gas and a bathroom break in the small town of Narok.
How to get there: From Nairobi city, take the A104 route and turn onto the B3 just before the Limuru junction. Take the Southern Bypass to get to the A104 at Kikuyu town if you are going from JKIA Airport. This will avoid the traffic in the city. To get to Sekenani, Talek, and Ololaimutia gates, take the C12 road from Narok town. To get to Musiara and Olololo gates and Rianta town, take the C13 road. The second road is rougher, so it's best to take a 4x4 car.
Statuses of the roads
People who want to go on Kenya wildlife safaris often ask us how the road to Masai Mara is to them. Well, except for the last hour or so, most of the trip is on a tarmacked road, starting with highway A104 and going through B3 and then C12. Although the paved part of the road is in decent shape overall, there are some spots with potholes, and the last part that isn't paved can be rough and dusty, which some people see as part of the adventure of getting to Masai Mara National Reserve.
How to get to Masai Mara by road
Kenya wildlife safaris are usually done in 1-2 types of vehicles: Safari Tour Minibuses (also called Tour Vans) and 4x4 Safari Jeeps, which are usually Toyota Land cruiser or less often Land rover vehicles. Pop-up roof hatches for watching wild animals are built into all types of vehicles. The driver opens them when on a game drive in Masai Mara game reserve. All vehicles also have cooler boxes and UHF radio calls. The Tour Vans are a lot cheaper than the Safari Jeeps with 4-wheel drive. It's important to note that some tour vans can also go 4x4, though they don't have the same ground clearance or off-road capabilities as Land cruisers. Most of the time, both types of vehicles can fit up to 7 people, though 6 is best and 8 is the most that can fit if an extra seat is added. There are limits on luggage.
Several companies fly from Nairobi to different airstrips in Masai Mara for Kenya wildlife safaris. Some of these offer return flights to the reserve twice a day; a one-way flight takes about an hour. Having dropped off or picked up people at a number of airstrips in Masai Mara, the same plane normally goes back to Nairobi. Wilson airport in Nairobi, not JKIA international airport, is where most of these planes leave from. You only need to be at the airport about 45 minutes before the flight. Airlines like Air Kenya and Safarilink are the 2 big ones. Governors Aviation is a newcomer to the market. All 3 of these companies offer good service and a good track record when it comes to safety.
How to get to Masai Mara by Air
There are about 12 airstrips in Masai Mara National Reserve and the game farms and conservancies that are close by. These airstrips are spread out in different areas of the reserve so that lodges and camps can be close by and make the trip from the airstrip to the hotel faster.
Planes that fly to Masai Mara are mostly propeller-powered and have space for up to 13 people on Cessna Caravans and 40 people on DeHavilland Dash 7 and 8 planes. Each passenger can only bring 15 kg of carry-on and checked bags with them.
List of popular itineraries for Masai Mara Kenya wildlife safaris
Book Kenya wildlife safaris at Masai Mara with Dav Safaris
As a local tour operator based in East Africa, Dav Safaris is proud to offer special Kenya wildlife safaris and other tour and travel activities at Masai Mara National Reserve. For any inquiries, detailed itineraries or reservations contact us via email at info@davsafaris.com and davsafaris@gmail.com. For personalized assistance, kindly reach out via phone call or WhatsApp to +256701412430 and +256757795781.