Nairobi to Masai Mara: By Road or by Flight, Times and What to Expect

The drive from Nairobi to the Masai Mara takes roughly five to six hours, depending on traffic and road conditions, and passes through the Rift Valley and the town of Narok. The final stretch to some camps can be rough, so a four-wheel-drive safari vehicle is standard.

Light aircraft fly from Nairobi's Wilson Airport to airstrips in the Mara in about 45 to 60 minutes. Flights save time and give aerial views, but luggage limits are strict and soft bags are preferred. Many travellers fly in and drive out, or the reverse.

This guide is part of our East Africa travel guides. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

By Road

The road trip lets you see Rift Valley scenery and stop at viewpoints. Allow a full day, because delays can occur near Nairobi and on unpaved sections. Combined with an overnight at Nakuru or Naivasha, it becomes part of the safari.

By Air

Scheduled flights serve multiple Mara airstrips, and lodges meet guests at the runway. Weather can delay flights, so keep schedule buffers if you have international connections.

Which Is Better?

If time is short, fly. If you want scenery and flexibility, drive one way. Our Mara and Elementaita safari mixes both. If you are coming from Uganda, see Kampala to Nairobi.

Adding Kenya to a Uganda safari? Tell us your dates and we will build one itinerary with flights, transfers and lodges arranged for both countries.

Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
• How to book a Uganda safari
• Plan your safari with our team