How to Get to Maasai Mara National Reserve
Maasai Mara National Reserve sits in southwestern Kenya, right along the border with Tanzania’s Serengeti, about 270 kilometers from Nairobi. This iconic reserve draws travelers from around the world for its abundant wildlife and the Great Wildebeest Migration. Visitors can enter through several gates, including Sekenani, Talek, Oloolaimutia, Musiara, Olololo, and Sand River Gate, depending on the lodge location or travel route. You can reach the Mara by road or by air, each offering different levels of convenience and scenery.
By Road: Nairobi to Maasai Mara
Route 1: Nairobi – Narok – Sekenani Gate (Main Route)
- Distance: ~270 km
- Drive Time: 5 to 6 hours
- Surface: Tarmac to Narok, gravel from Narok to the Mara
This is the most popular route. Leave Nairobi via the Mai Mahiu Road or Ngong Road. Drive west toward Narok town, then continue on a gravel road to Sekenani Gate, the main entrance for most central lodges. Expect a scenic journey with views of the Great Rift Valley.
Route 2: Nairobi – Mai Mahiu – Ngorengore – Talek or Oloolaimutia Gate
- Slightly longer but leads to lodges near eastern Mara
- Ideal for visitors staying at Osero, Keekorok, or Mara Sopa Lodges
Route 3: Nairobi – Bomet – Lemek or Olololo Gate (Western Mara)
- Best for accessing camps in the Mara Triangle
- Road conditions improve with regular upgrades, but 4×4 vehicles remain essential
Road Travel Tips:
- Use a 4WD, especially during the rainy season.
- Roads after Narok may become bumpy or muddy.
- Carry snacks, water, and cash for fuel or local stops.
By Air: Flights to Maasai Mara
Departure Airport: Wilson Airport (WIL), Nairobi
Airlines: Safarilink, AirKenya, Fly ALS, and Governors’ Aviation
Flight Duration: ~45 minutes
Arrival: Multiple airstrips inside or near the reserve
Main Airstrips in Maasai Mara
| Airstrip Name | Nearest Gates / Lodges |
| Keekorok Airstrip | Sekenani, Keekorok Lodge |
| Ol Kiombo Airstrip | Talek, Mara Intrepids, Rekero |
| Musiara Airstrip | Musiara Gate, Governor’s Camp |
| Serena / Mara North | Olololo, Kichwa Tembo, Bateleur |
| Kichwa Tembo Airstrip | Olololo, western Mara Triangle |
| Ngerende / Mara North | Mara North Conservancy Camps |
Most lodges and camps offer airstrip pick-up with prior booking.
Check luggage restrictions (usually 15 kg soft bags per person).
By Scheduled Safari Vehicle (Group Safari)
Some tour operators offer shared safaris in 4×4 land cruisers or safari vans. These depart from Nairobi and include transport, guide, and park entry. It’s a cost-effective option for solo travelers or groups on a budget.
From Tanzania: Cross-Border Access
If you’re coming from Serengeti National Park, enter Kenya via the Sand River Gate.
- Use the Isebania border post or Namanga, depending on your route.
- You’ll need a Kenyan tourist visa or East Africa Tourist Visa.
- Advance permits may be required for cross-border safaris.
Many safari operators offer combined Serengeti–Mara itineraries using this route.
Maasai Mara Entry Gates Summary
| Gate Name | Best For |
| Sekenani Gate | Central Mara, most popular lodges |
| Talek Gate | Eastern and central lodges |
| Oloolaimutia Gate | Eastern Mara, budget camps |
| Musiara Gate | Northern Mara, Governor’s area |
| Olololo Gate | Western Mara Triangle, luxury camps |
| Sand River Gate | Cross-border entry from Serengeti |
| Mara Bridge Gate | Between Mara Triangle and central Mara |
Accessibility Summary
- By Road: Affordable and scenic. Best for budget and mid-range safaris.
- By Air: Fast and efficient. Ideal for luxury safaris or limited time.
- From Tanzania: Ideal for cross-border packages from Serengeti.
Plan Your Safari to Maasai Mara
Getting to Maasai Mara is easier than ever. Whether you drive through the Rift Valley or fly over Kenya’s savannahs, the journey is worth it. With elephants, big cats, and dramatic landscapes waiting, your adventure begins the moment you hit the road—or runway.
