Nairobi to Masai Mara by road
A private road transfer is usually simplest for families and small groups because pickup time, stops, luggage, and arrival pace are all controlled by one group.
Transfer planning
Use this page when you are deciding how to get here. Use the rates page when you want the transfer added into a full private-villa quote.
A private road transfer is usually simplest for families and small groups because pickup time, stops, luggage, and arrival pace are all controlled by one group.
Safarilink return fare from Nairobi Wilson is $405 per adult and $304 per child aged 2-11. Published Wilson-Mara times: 07:30-08:30, 10:00-11:00, 14:15-15:15, 16:00-17:00; Mara-Wilson: 08:30-09:30, 11:00-12:20, 15:15-16:15, 17:00-18:00.
The rates calculator keeps transfers separate from accommodation so you can compare road, airstrip, and safari vehicle costs clearly.
Road vs flight
A Safarilink return flight from Wilson at $405 per adult plus Kitumo's $360 return airstrip pickup/drop-off totals about $1170 for 2 adults, or $1980 for 4 adults. A private road transfer starts from $384 return for 2 guests, so road is often better for families and groups. Flying is better when saving time matters more than cost.
Airline fares, luggage rules, and airstrip routing can change. We use the current Safarilink fare in the quote builder and confirm the final flight plan before travel. Safarilink source
About 5-6 hours from Nairobi to the Sekenani side of the Mara
From $384 return for 2 guests; Land Cruiser return $600
Families, heavier luggage, door-to-door timing, and groups who prefer one private vehicle.
About 60 minutes in the air, plus Wilson check-in and the local airstrip pickup
$405 return per adult, $304 per child aged 2-11, plus $360 return airstrip pickup/drop-off
Short stays, guests avoiding a long road transfer, or trips where saving energy is worth the extra cost.
Possible, but slower once stops, gate timing, weather, and reserve roads are considered
Vehicle hire, fuel, insurance, gate handling, and recovery risk sit outside Kitumo pricing
Experienced Kenya drivers only. Most international guests are better served by a private transfer.

Everything you need to know about transportation options to Kitumo Mara Lodge
Planning your journey from Nairobi to Maasai Mara? Let's make your transit to paradise as smooth as your upcoming safari experience. At Kitumo Mara Lodges, we've helped countless guests navigate this crucial first step of their adventure, and we're here to share everything you need to know about reaching Maasai Mara from Nairobi.
3-5 hours from Nairobi
Multiple daily flights to local airstrips
5 minutes
Early morning departure from Nairobi
Check our best time to visit guide to help plan the perfect safari experience. For information about entry costs, see our park fees page.
The Maasai Mara sits about 240 kilometers (roughly 150 miles) southwest of Nairobi. How far it feels depends on how you travel: the drive from Nairobi to the Sekenani Gate area takes about 5-6 hours by road via Narok, while a light-aircraft flight from Nairobi Wilson Airport to Ol Kiombo airstrip takes under an hour, followed by a short game-viewing transfer to the villa.
| Journey | Distance | Typical time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nairobi to Narok | ~140 km | 2-2.5 hours | Tarmacked highway down the escarpment into the Great Rift Valley |
| Narok to Sekenani Gate | ~100 km | 1.5-2.5 hours | Final stretch on murram roads; rougher after rain |
| Nairobi to Sekenani Gate (full drive) | ~240 km / 150 miles | 5-6 hours door to gate | Private Land Cruiser transfer; Kitumo Mara is 5 minutes beyond the gate |
| Nairobi Wilson (WIL) to Ol Kiombo airstrip | ~190 km air distance | 45-60 minutes flight | Scheduled Safarilink flights daily; ~35-minute airstrip pickup to the villa |
| Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO) to the Mara | ~250 km total | Transfer or connecting flight | Most guests overnight in Nairobi, then fly from Wilson or drive the next morning |
International arrivals land at Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (IATA code NBO). Domestic safari flights to the Mara depart from Nairobi Wilson Airport (IATA code WIL).
Flying saves most of a day: about one hour in the air versus five-plus hours driving. Driving rewards you with Rift Valley viewpoints and is the more budget-friendly choice for families.
Yes - the route is busy and well travelled. We recommend a professional driver-guide, daylight travel and an early start so you reach the gate before dark.
Distances and times are typical figures for planning; traffic around Nairobi and park-road conditions after rain can shift them either way.
Our All-inclusive packages include all Transfers from Nairobi or the local airstrip to the lodge. How ever we can tailor any of our packages to suit your needs with the tranport options below.

up to 6 people (return)
The drive from Nairobi to Maasai Mara offers a genuine Kenyan experience. All of our packages are include already include

per person (each way)
The journey by matatu is the most adventurous and budget-friendly way to reach Maasai Mara. This local transport experience includes:

Safarilink return fare, per person
Prefer to maximize your safari time? Our air packages include:
Flights operated by Safarilink
Free baggage allowance: Free baggage allowance: STRICTLY 15kgs in soft bags, inclusive of hand luggage and cameras.
Excess baggage: Excess baggage: Charged at $3.50 per kg (up to maximum of 10kgs).
Pre-purchase option: Pre-purchase option: Clients can pre-purchase excess baggage in advance (minimum 96 hrs before flight) in batches of 10, 20 or 30kgs with applicable fees.
How this appears in the quote builder
Nairobi Wilson return fare: $405 per adult, $304 per child aged 2-11. The builder then adds the Kitumo Mara return airstrip pickup/drop-off as a separate group transfer.
Multiple airstrips serve the Maasai Mara region, each offering convenient access to different areas.

Several well-maintained airstrips serve the Maasai Mara region, with Olkiombo and Keekorok being the closest to Our Villa.
Drive times are approximate and may vary based on weather and road conditions.
Experience Villa Comfort in the Heart of Maasai Mara

Experience the perfect blend of comfort and adventure with our exclusive lodge offering.

Make your journey to Maasai Mara comfortable and enjoyable with these essential travel tips from our experienced team.
We recommend early morning departures from Nairobi (6-8 AM) to avoid traffic and arrive at the Mara with time to settle in before evening activities.
For road travel, bring sunglasses, a hat, water, snacks, and a camera for the scenic route. See our complete packing guide.
Several clean rest stops are available along the way, including the Great Rift Valley viewpoint. It's helpful to have some Kenyan Shillings (KES) for refreshments.
Let us help you arrange the perfect transportation option for your Maasai Mara adventure.