Nairobi to Masai Mara Distance, Safari Packages, & Info

Masai Mara Game Reserve, one of the Seven Wonders of Africa and a world-renowned safari destination, is about 310 kilometers from Nairobi. The journey by road takes about five hours without stops, but it can take longer if you plan to make some sightseeing detours on the way.

If you are in a hurry or don’t feel like having the road trip, there are also several flights between Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) and the Masai Mara airstrip daily. In this guide, we’ll provide all the information you will need on how to get from Nairobi to Masai Mara – whether getting to the reserve by road or air – as we look at Nairobi to Masai Mara distance.

Contact us to Book Your Masai Mara Safari from Nairobi

We invite you to contact us via Phone, Whatsapp, or email to start planning the best Kenya safari package from India or other parts of the world. You can reach us at +254-748-258-880 or james@ajkenyasafaris.com, or safarioffers@ajkenyasafaris.com. We are the local experts in Kenya travel and will provide you with the best safari in Masai Mara.

Our Most Booked Masai Mara Holiday Packages from Nairobi & Other Tours

The Best Masai Mara Travel Packages	Detailed Itinerary	Price Per Person Sharing
3-Day African Safari in Kenya	View the Itinerary	From USD 880
3-Day Masai Mara Budget Safari	View the Itinerary	From USD 880
4-Day Ashnil Mara Camp Safari	View the Itinerary	From USD 1190
4-Day Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara Safari	View the Itinerary	From USD 1180
4-Day Mara Serena Safari Lodge Trip	View the Itinerary	From USD 1262
4-Day Masai Mara Flying Safari	View the Itinerary	From USD 1450
4-Day Masai Mara Group Safari	View the Itinerary	From USD 750
4-Day Masai Mara Migration Safari	View the Itinerary	From USD 1430
5-Day Naivasha & Masai Mara Group Safari	View the Itinerary	From USD 854
6-Day Amboseli, L. Naivasha, & Masai Mara Safari	View the Itinerary	From USD 1764
6-Day Amboseli, L. Nakuru, & Masai Mara Group Safari	View the Itinerary	From USD 1186
6-Day Hell’s Gate, L. Nakuru, & Masai Mara Safari	View the Itinerary	From USD 1788
6-Day L. Nakuru, Hell’s Gate, & Masai Mara Group Safari	View the Itinerary	From USD 1123
6-Day Nairobi & Masai Mara Family Safari	View the Itinerary	Adult From USD 2000 Child From USD 628
6-Day Nairobi, L. Nakuru, & Masai Mara Safari	View the Itinerary	From USD 1795
7-Day Amboseli, Naivasha, & Masai Mara Group Safari	View the Itinerary	From USD 1130
13-Day Kenya Wildlife & Beach Safari	View the Itinerary	From USD 5258

How to Get from Nairobi to Masai Mara – By Road, Flight, or Combination

Road trips remain the most popular method of traveling to the Mara from Nairobi. However, you can also get to this reserve by flight or combine the two options. The road trip to Masai Mara is recommended if you want to experience the countryside.

Getting to Masai Mara by Road

The distance from Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve is 225 Kilometers (140 miles), a trip that takes approximately 6 hours by road. However, the distance from Nairobi to Masai Mara may vary slightly based on your preferred entry point into the Mara.

The nearest entry is 225 Kilometers from Nairobi, while the farthest point of access by road is approximately 270 Kilometers from Nairobi.

As part of your drive, our driver shall make two brief stops at the scenic Rift Valley viewpoint and Narok town. These are meant to give you a chance to sample the breathtaking views of the Rift Valley and shop for any personal effects you may need at Narok town.

Getting from Nairobi to Maasai Mara by Flight

The other option when traveling from Nairobi to Masai Mara is to take a flight. Flights are boarded at Wilson Airport and take you directly to the Mara. Typically, going to Masai Mara from Nairobi by air takes about 45 minutes, reducing the time taken to cover the distance during the safari.

There are numerous airstrips around the reserve, and the one you choose depends on where you’ll stay while on your Maasai Mara safari. A flight to the Mara means you have more time to spend at the reserve.

Getting to Masai Mara by Road/Flight & to Nairobi by Flight/Road

The best option of the Masai Mara safari would be to travel one way to/from the reserve by road or flight. This would mean you don’t spend as much as having a two-way, and you get to experience the adventure of a road trip.

How Much Does it Cost from Nairobi to Masai Mara?

The transport costs to the Masai Mara vary depending on how you reach Masai Mara from Nairobi. Flights to the Masai Mara from Nairobi typically start from USD 100, with the flight covering an approximate distance of 190 Kilometers.

Meanwhile, the cost of traveling to Maasai Mara by road depends on your vehicle. These may range from hired vehicles (whose prices also vary based on the type of car you use), personal cars, or vehicles your travel agency provides.

As your travel agent, our package will include all these transfers so that you need not worry about the cost of domestic travel or the distance between Nairobi and Masai Mara.

How to Get to Masai Mara: Journey from Nairobi to Masai Mara Reserve

In this section, we will summarize the various options for how to reach Masai Mara National Reserve from Nairobi, including driving and flying.

Nairobi to Masai Mara Distance by Road: Approximate Drive Times To Masai Mara

The total distance to Masai Mara National Reserve is approximately 375 km or 235 miles, and this is typically covered in a 5-6 hour drive from Nairobi.

Nairobi to Masai Mara at the Oloololo Gate – 6.5 hrs
Nairobi to Maasai Mara at the Musiara Gate – 6.5 hrs
Nairobi to Masai Mara at the Oloolaimutia Gate – 6 hrs
Nairobi to Maasai Mara at the Talek Gate – 5.5 to 6 hrs
Nairobi to Maasai Mara at the Sekenani gate – 5.5 to 6 hrs

Getting By Road from Nairobi to Masai Mara Road – Road Condition

The road is generally in good condition and it is also all tarmacked from Kenya’s capital to the gates. This means you will have a comfortable and safe journey to Masai Mara and get the most out of your safari.

Drivers should also watch out for wildlife crossing the roads, particularly along the Oloololo Gate route.

Safari Vehicles to Masai Mara National Park

The are several safari vehicles that make the journey to Masai Mara National Park, offering tourists a convenient and comfortable way to explore this iconic region of Kenya.

Options include air-conditioned coaches, private vans, 4×4 jeeps, and other vehicles that are specially designed for safari tours.

4×4 Safari Van

If you are looking for a more personalized experience, you have the option of the private van that can pick you up from your hotel in Nairobi and drive you directly to the park.

These vans typically have luxurious interiors with comfortable seating, as well as wi-fi and other amenities to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.

4×4 Safari Land Cruisers

If you are looking for a more rugged and adventurous experience, many safaris, the 4x 4 safari land cruisers are the way to go.

These vehicles are specially designed with off-road capabilities and can take you deeper into the park, allowing you to get closer to nature and wildlife in its natural habitat.

4×4 Open-Sided Jeep

Finally, if you want to enjoy the full scope of the African landscape and savor the fresh air, you may opt for an open-sided jeep safari.

These vehicles are typically less expensive than other options, but they offer a thrilling and exhilarating experience that is sure to be memorable.

Distance between Nairobi and Masai Mara: Flights to Masai Mara

Flights from Wilson Airport in Nairobi typically take around 45 minutes to 1 hour to reach Masai Mara, depending on weather conditions. There are several flight options available, including small twin-engine planes and large jets, and here is their schedule from the Nairobi and Masai Mara Game Reserve:

Morning Flight: Depart Nairobi 8, 10, 11 am
Return Morning Flight: Depart Masai Mara 8, 10, 11 am
Afternoon Flight: Depart Nairobi 12, 2, 3 pm
Return Afternoon Flight: Depart Masai Mara 12, 2, 3, 5 pm

Airstrips To Masai Mara from Nairobi

There are several airstrips in Masai Mara located close to the safari attraction areas, and most of these offer charter flights to Masai Mara from Nairobi. Some of the more popular airstrips in Masai Mara Game Reserve are: