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How to travel from Mombasa to Masai Mara

Trav‌eling from Mombasa to the Masai Mara Nationa‌l Reserve is a longe‌r journey than start‌ing from Nairobi. Mombasa, loca‌ted on Kenya´‌s coast‌, is rough‌ly 700–750 km (435–46‌5 miles) from the Mara.  You have two main options: traveling by road (with a combination of public transport or private vehicle) or flying (direct or via Nairobi). 

By Road

Driv‌ing from Mombasa to the Masai Mara is a lengthy but sceni‌c journey, typi‌cally taki‌ng 12–15 hours, conti‌ngent on stops, traf‌fic, and road conditio‌ns. It is idea‌lly suited for those with ampl‌e time and a desire for explor‌ation‌

Distance and Route

  • Distance: ~700–750 km, depending on the exact entry gate (e.g., Sekenani or Talek).
  • Main Route:
    • Start in Mombasa and take the A109 (Mombasa-Nairobi Highway) westward to Nairobi (~480 km, 7–8 hours).
    • From Nairobi, follow the A104 via Mai Mahiu to Narok (~150 km, 2–3 hours).
    • From Narok, take the C12 to Sekenani Gate (~80 km, 2–3 hours) or another Mara gate.
  • Road Conditions:
    • Mombasa to Nairobi: Mostly paved, busy with truck traffic, especially near Voi and Mtito Andei.
    • Nairobi to Narok: Paved and smooth.
    • Narok to Masai Mara: Mix of paved and rough gravel/dirt roads, bumpy in the final stretch.

Tips for Road Travel

  • Break the Trip: Overnight in Nairobi (hotels from $20–$100/night) or Narok (~$15–$50/night) to avoid fatigue.
  • Departure Time: Leave Mombasa by 5–6 AM to reach Nairobi by midday, then proceed to Mara.
  • Stops: Refuel/food at Voi, Mtito Andei, or Narok.

By Flight

Flying is the quickest way to get to Masai Mara for safaris from Mombasa, this is ideal for those who want to embark on a Masai Mara safari that starts and ends in Mombasa.

The flight from Mombasa to Masai Mara National Reserve takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours total including transfer time from your hotel in Mombasa to the lodge in the Mara, booking flights to Masai Mara is an easy process and visitors should note that flights depart and land from Mombasa Moi International Airport although a limited number of connecting flights can be booked from Malindi and Diani - Ukunda airports including charter flights upon request. 

Mombasa Air Safari operates direct flights from Mombasa to Masai Mara. In contrast, airlines like SafariLink and AirKenya operate scheduled flights to Masai Mara from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport, not from Mombasa.

For travelers flying from Mombasa via Nairobi, total travel time can range from 4 to 5 hours, depending on layover duration and airport transfer times in Nairobi.

It’s important to note that these flights typically use small propeller planes, ranging from 12 to 40 seats. They land on gravel or grass airstrips near the lodges, not on large commercial runways. Flights take about 45 to 60 minutes, and most lodges provide transfers from the nearest airstrip.

Schedule and Cost of Flights

Mombasa Air Safari offers daily scheduled flights, with the same aircraft returning to Mombasa-Moi International Airport after each flight. Total travel time is approximately 3 hours for direct flights, though flights may include brief stops at other airstrips depending on route and demand​​​​​​. Still, actual flight times depend on how many stops the flight makes when landing and disembarking to pick up passengers from different airports or runways.

Most flights limit the number of stops as much as possible, so the 3-hour time to Mara is actually pretty accurate, and a flight from Mombasa to Masai Mara costs $330–$380 one-way in low season, and may exceed $400 during peak months (July–October). Booking in advance is highly recommended.

Flying is especially recommended during the rainy seasons (April–May and November) when the roads—particularly the unpaved section between Narok and the Mara—can become extremely muddy and difficult to navigate, even for 4x4 vehicles.

Whether you’re planning your own trip or booking through a safari company, consider your budget, travel time, and the season to choose the best option from Mombasa to Masai Mara

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