Flight Duration
~45–60 minutes from Wilson Airport
Fares From
$190 per person (scheduled)
Airstrips Served
8+ Mara airstrips including Keekorok & Serena
Book In Advance
3–6 months ahead for peak season
Why Flying to Maasai Mara Is the Smartest Safari Decision You'll Make
The road journey from Nairobi to the Maasai Mara National Reserve takes between five and seven hours, crossing stretches of rough, unpaved terrain through the Rift Valley. By contrast, a flight from FlyAirVan covers the same distance in under an hour, depositing you directly at the airstrip closest to your lodge. You arrive rested, unhurried, and ready for your first afternoon game drive.
Beyond the time savings, flying over the Mara is itself an experience. As the aircraft descends, you'll often spot herds of wildebeest, zebra, and elephant from the air — a preview of the spectacular wildlife that awaits on the ground. For families, couples, and business travellers looking for efficiency, a flight to Maasai Mara is simply the most sensible choice.
FlyAirVan's Maasai Mara Airstrip Network: Where Do We Fly?
One of the most common questions travellers ask is: which airstrip should I fly into? The answer depends entirely on where your lodge or camp is located. FlyAirVan serves all the major Maasai Mara airstrips, giving you direct access to every corner of this vast ecosystem.
| Airstrip | Best For | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Keekorok | Migration river crossings, historic lodges near Tanzania border | Year-round |
| Serena | Panoramic Mara River views, clifftop luxury lodge | Year-round |
| Ol Kiombo | Central Mara camps, elephant & leopard territory | Year-round |
| Ol Seki | Private conservancy, exclusive crowd-free game drives | Peak Season |
| Angama | Luxury experience, "Out of Africa" escarpment setting | Peak Season |
| Musiara | Hot-air balloon rides, Governor's Camp, river crossings | Peak Season |
| Kichwa Tembo | Prime lion country, luxury tented camps | Year-round |
| Naboisho | Community conservancy, low-density safari experience | Year-round |
If you're unsure which airstrip is closest to your lodge, our reservations team is available seven days a week to advise you. Simply call +254 115 500400 or email reservations@flyairvan.com and we'll confirm your options within the hour.
Scheduled Flights vs. Charter Flights to Maasai Mara: Which Is Right for You?
Scheduled Flights: Affordable, Straightforward, Reliable
FlyAirVan's scheduled service from Wilson Airport offers set departure times at highly competitive prices, making these the most affordable flights to Maasai Mara available. This is the ideal option for solo travellers, couples, or small groups who are flexible with timing and want a simple, hassle-free booking experience. With fares starting from $190 per person, scheduled flights represent exceptional value without compromising on safety or comfort.
Charter Flights to Maasai Mara: Flexibility & Privacy
A charter flight to Maasai Mara gives you complete control over your travel experience. You choose the departure time, select your exact airstrip, and travel as a private group — no waiting, no sharing, no schedule constraints. This is the preferred option for:
- Families travelling with young children who need flexibility
- Wildlife photographers who want early morning departures for optimal light
- Corporate safari groups and incentive travel programmes
- Honeymoon couples seeking a bespoke, romantic itinerary
- Safari operators requiring a safari charter across Kenya with multi-stop routing
FlyAirVan's modern Airvan fleet is perfectly suited for the short-field airstrips found throughout the Mara ecosystem, offering a smooth, safe, and scenic journey every time.
Peak Season Flights to Maasai Mara: The Great Migration Guide
Great Migration Calendar: When to Fly
The wildebeest migration peaks in the Maasai Mara from July to October, with the iconic Mara River crossings typically occurring from August through September. This is the most sought-after time for Maasai Mara migration flights, and demand for both scheduled and charter seats surges dramatically. Booking 3–6 months in advance is strongly advised.
During peak season, FlyAirVan increases its flight frequency to the Mara, operating additional services to handle the surge in demand. Despite this, seats are never guaranteed without a confirmed reservation — so if you're planning to witness one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on Earth, book early.
It's also worth noting that the Maasai Mara offers exceptional game viewing year-round. The Green Season (November to June) brings lush landscapes, newborn wildlife, and significantly lower accommodation prices — with far more availability for last-minute flights. For travellers with flexibility, this represents outstanding value.
For a detailed breakdown of what to expect each month, visit the official Maasai Mara conservation resource — an authoritative guide to wildlife, weather, and seasonal highlights.
How to Book Cheap Flights to Maasai Mara with FlyAirVan
Booking your flight is straightforward. Here's exactly how the process works:
Choose Your Airstrip
Select the airstrip closest to your lodge — Keekorok, Serena, Ol Seki, Angama, Ol Kiombo, or another destination. Cross-reference with your accommodation provider if unsure.
Select Your Travel Dates
For peak season (July–October), aim to confirm dates at least 3–6 months in advance. For off-peak travel, 4–6 weeks is usually sufficient.
Book Online or Request a Charter Quote
Use the FlyAirVan online booking engine for scheduled flights. For charter enquiries, contact our reservations team directly for a personalised quote.
Confirm Payment
We accept Visa, Mastercard, M-Pesa, and PayPal for maximum convenience. Receive your e-ticket and flight details by email upon confirmation.
Arrive at Wilson Airport
Report to Wilson Airport, Nairobi at least 45 minutes before your departure. Our ground team will guide you through check-in. Baggage allowance details are outlined in our Baggage Policy.
Why Choose FlyAirVan for Your Flight to Maasai Mara?
There are several operators offering flights to the Mara — so why do thousands of travellers, lodge operators, and safari companies choose FlyAirVan year after year?
- Safety First: All FlyAirVan flights are operated by experienced, professionally licensed pilots with extensive knowledge of Kenya's bush airstrips and weather patterns.
- Purpose-Built Aircraft: Our Airvan fleet is specifically designed for short-field operations, making it the ideal aircraft for the Mara's grass and dirt airstrips.
- Transparent Pricing: No hidden fees. What you see when you book is what you pay. Our scheduled fares start from $190, making us one of the most competitive operators in Kenya.
- Local Expertise: Based at Wilson Airport, Nairobi, we have an intimate understanding of every airstrip in the Mara ecosystem and the lodges they serve.
- Flexible Charter Options: Our safari charter service across Kenya can be customised to include multi-destination itineraries, combining Maasai Mara with Amboseli, Lake Nakuru, Samburu, or any other Kenyan destination.
- Trusted by 4.9★ Guests: With over 127 verified reviews, FlyAirVan consistently earns top ratings for professionalism, punctuality, and in-flight experience.
For a broader understanding of Kenya's aviation safety standards and tourism regulations, the Kenya Tourism Board provides authoritative guidance on certified air operators.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to Maasai Mara
How much do cheap flights to Maasai Mara cost with FlyAirVan?
Scheduled flights to Maasai Mara with FlyAirVan start from as low as $190 per person from Wilson Airport, Nairobi. Charter flight pricing depends on aircraft type, number of passengers, and your specific airstrip destination. For a personalised charter quote, contact our team at +254 115 500400 or reservations@flyairvan.com.
Which Maasai Mara airstrips does FlyAirVan fly to?
FlyAirVan operates flights to all major Maasai Mara airstrips including Keekorok, Serena, Ol Kiombo, Angama, Ol Seki, Musiara, Kichwa Tembo, and Naboisho Conservancy. The right airstrip depends on the location of your safari lodge or camp — our team can confirm the best option for you.
When is the best time to book flights to Maasai Mara for the Great Migration?
The Great Migration peaks in the Maasai Mara from July to October, with the most dramatic wildebeest river crossings occurring from August through September. To guarantee peak season flights to Maasai Mara during this window, we strongly recommend booking 3 to 6 months in advance, as both scheduled and charter capacity fills very quickly.
What is the difference between a scheduled flight and a charter flight to Maasai Mara?
A scheduled flight departs at fixed times and is the most affordable option — ideal for individuals or small groups. A charter flight offers complete flexibility: you set your own departure time, choose your airstrip, and travel privately. Charter flights are popular with families, photography groups, corporate safari programmes, and anyone seeking a fully bespoke experience.
How long is the flight from Nairobi to Maasai Mara?
A flight from Wilson Airport, Nairobi to the Maasai Mara takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes depending on the specific airstrip — Keekorok, Serena, Ol Seki, or another destination. This compares favourably to the 5–7 hour road journey, making it by far the most time-efficient way to reach your safari.