Fly above Kenya’s breathtaking landscapes and maximise your time among Africa’s most spectacular wildlife.
Overview
This exclusive fly-in safari is designed for travellers who want to experience the magic of Maasai Mara National Reserve without the lengthy road transfers traditionally associated with safari travel. Departing directly from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport, the journey takes you across the Great Rift Valley and into the heart of Kenya’s most celebrated wildlife destination, allowing you to spend more time exploring the reserve and less time travelling.
From exceptional Big Five encounters to breathtaking savannah landscapes and abundant predator sightings, this safari delivers an authentic Maasai Mara experience within a compact timeframe. Ideal for honeymooners, families, business travellers and visitors with limited holiday time, the itinerary combines convenience, comfort and unforgettable wildlife viewing in one of Africa’s premier safari destinations.
Trip Highlights
- Return scheduled flights between Nairobi and Maasai Mara
- Big Five wildlife viewing opportunities
- Stunning sunrise and sunset wildlife encounters
- Morning and afternoon game drives
- Optional hot air balloon safari experience
Itinerary
This fly-in safari begins with an early morning transfer to Wilson Airport in Nairobi, where a scheduled safari flight transports you directly to Maasai Mara National Reserve. Upon arrival, your professional safari guide will meet you at the airstrip and begin an exciting game drive through one of Africa's richest wildlife ecosystems.
Following an afternoon exploring the reserve's wildlife-filled plains, enjoy an overnight stay in the heart of the savannah. The second day begins with a sunrise game drive before returning by air to Nairobi, offering an unforgettable safari experience while maximising your time in the reserve.
Flight Distance: Approx. 225 km
Flight Time: Approx. 45 minutes - 1 hour
06:00 - 07:00 | Nairobi Hotel Pickup - Safari Departure
Begin your adventure with an early morning pick-up from your Nairobi hotel, residence or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Transfer to Wilson Airport, Kenya's primary safari aviation hub, where preparations begin for your flight into the Maasai Mara.
The excitement builds as you prepare to leave the city behind and embark on one of Africa's most iconic wildlife experiences.
08:00 - 09:00 | Scenic Flight - Nairobi to Maasai Mara
Board your scheduled safari flight and enjoy spectacular aerial views of Kenya's landscapes. The journey passes over the Great Rift Valley, revealing dramatic escarpments, volcanic features and vast stretches of wilderness below.
As the aircraft approaches Maasai Mara, the reserve's endless plains and winding river systems come into view, offering a remarkable introduction to this world-famous safari destination.
09:00 - 01:00 | Airstrip Pickup and En-Route Game Drive
Upon landing, meet your professional safari guide and immediately begin your first game drive as you make your way towards the lodge or camp.
Wildlife encounters frequently begin moments after leaving the airstrip. Zebras, gazelles and giraffes are commonly seen grazing across the open plains while elephants move steadily between feeding grounds.
The reserve's exceptional wildlife density ensures that every drive presents exciting opportunities for memorable sightings.
Predators are among the highlights of the Maasai Mara ecosystem. Lions often rest beneath acacia trees while cheetahs survey the landscape from elevated vantage points. With a little luck, elusive leopards may also be encountered within woodland and riverine habitats.
01:00 - 02:00 | Lunch - Wilderness Lodge Experience
Arrive at your lodge or luxury tented camp and enjoy lunch overlooking the surrounding savannah.
Many properties are strategically positioned near wildlife corridors, allowing guests to observe animals directly from camp while enjoying the comfort of their accommodation.
03:30 - 06:30 | Afternoon Game Drive - Big Five Safari Experience
Set out for an extensive afternoon game drive across the legendary Maasai Mara National Reserve.
The reserve supports one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa. Vast herds of wildebeests, zebras and gazelles move across the plains, creating ideal conditions for predator activity.
Lions are commonly observed resting in prides or monitoring prey movements. Cheetahs utilise the open terrain to their advantage while hyenas patrol territories throughout the reserve.
Elephants, buffalo and giraffes are frequently encountered, while numerous bird species add colour and diversity to the landscape.
As the afternoon sun begins to set, the golden light transforms the savannah into a spectacular wildlife photography setting.
07:30 - 09:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Enjoy dinner and overnight stay in the heart of the Maasai Mara at the accommodation of your choice from the options below.
Option 1 : Budget | Amboseli Mountain View Camp | Manjaro Tented Camp | Nyati Safari Camp
Option 2 : Standard | Little Amanya Camp | Penety Amboseli Resort | Olemayian Amboseli Cottages
Option 3 : Luxury | AA Lodge | Sopa Lodge | Sentrim Amboseli | Kibo Safari Camp | Kilima Safari Camp
Option 4 : Above Luxury | Oltukai Lodge | Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge | Tulia Amboseli Safari Camp
As darkness settles across the plains, the sounds of the African wilderness create an unforgettable safari atmosphere beneath star-filled skies.
Optional Activities (at Extra Cost):
-Maasai cultural village visit
-Sundowner experience
-Private game drive
-Nature walk within designated areas
Flight Distance: Approx. 225 km
Flight Time: Approx. 45 minutes - 1 hour
06:00 - 08:30 | Early Morning Game Drive - Sunrise Wildlife Experience
Begin the day before sunrise when wildlife activity reaches its peak. The cooler morning temperatures encourage movement throughout the reserve, making this one of the most productive periods for game viewing.
Predators are often active during these early hours. Lions may be observed returning from night-time hunts while cheetahs prepare for the day's activities across the open plains.
Elephants move between feeding areas while giraffes browse on acacia trees and large herds of herbivores spread across the savannah.
The sunrise itself provides one of the most memorable moments of the safari as golden light spreads across the landscape and illuminates the surrounding wildlife.
08:30 - 09:30 | Breakfast - Farewell to the Mara
Return to camp for breakfast while enjoying your final views of the Maasai Mara ecosystem.
The peaceful surroundings offer an opportunity to reflect on the remarkable wildlife encounters experienced during your stay.
10:00 - 11:30 | Leisure Time and Transfer to Airstrip
Enjoy time at the lodge before transferring to the nearby airstrip for your scheduled flight.
Even during the transfer, wildlife sightings remain possible, providing one final opportunity to appreciate the reserve's extraordinary biodiversity.
12:00 - 01:00 | Scenic Flight - Maasai Mara to Nairobi
Board your return flight and enjoy a final aerial perspective of the Maasai Mara and Great Rift Valley.
The dramatic scenery below highlights the immense scale and beauty of Kenya's landscapes before gradually transitioning back towards Nairobi.
01:00 onwards | Arrival in Nairobi
Arrive at Wilson Airport and transfer to your hotel, residence or airport.
This marks the conclusion of a memorable fly-in safari experience, perfectly combining convenience, comfort and exceptional wildlife viewing.
Optional Activities (at Extra Cost):
-Hot air balloon safari
-Bush breakfast experience
-Private photography safari
Inclusions / Exclusions
Package includes
- Return scheduled flights between Nairobi and Maasai Mara
- Transport in a customised 4x4 Land Cruiser safari vehicle with pop-up roof during game drives
- Services of a professional English-speaking safari driver-guide
- Park entrance fees for Maasai Mara National Reserve
- Accommodation for 1 night
- All meals as specified in the itinerary
- Scheduled game drives and safari activities as outlined in the itinerary
- Airstrip transfers within Maasai Mara
- Bottled mineral water during game drives and transfers
- Government taxes and statutory levies
- Pick up from Nairobi hotel, residence or airport
- Drop off in Nairobi hotel, residence or airport
Excludes
- International and domestic flights not specified as included
- Visa fees where applicable
- Personal travel insurance
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Optional activities and excursions not listed as included
- Tips and gratuities (optional but appreciated)
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls and souvenirs
- Additional accommodation before or after the safari unless stated
- Medical expenses and emergency evacuation cover
Frequently Asked Questions
Flying significantly reduces travel time, allowing guests to spend more time exploring Maasai Mara and less time on transfers. It is also one of the most scenic ways to experience Kenya’s landscapes.
Flights depart from Wilson Airport in Nairobi, Kenya’s primary airport for scheduled safari flights and charter services.
The flight typically takes between 45 minutes and one hour, depending on routing and airstrip operations.
The Maasai Mara is home to lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, hyenas, hippos, crocodiles and hundreds of bird species.
If travelling between approximately July and October, there is an excellent chance of witnessing the Great Migration, when millions of wildebeests and zebras move through the ecosystem.
A two-day fly-in safari offers an excellent introduction to the reserve and provides significantly more game-viewing time than a comparable road safari.
Yes. It is one of the most popular safari options for first-time visitors due to its convenience, comfort and exceptional wildlife opportunities.
Most scheduled safari flights allow a maximum baggage allowance of approximately 15 kg per person in soft-sided luggage due to aircraft storage limitations.
Pack lightweight neutral-coloured clothing, a warm jacket for early mornings, comfortable walking shoes, sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, personal toiletries, camera and binoculars. Soft-sided luggage is recommended for ease of storage in the safari vehicle.
Yes. Accommodation categories, private charter flights, exclusive-use safari vehicles, hot air balloon safaris and additional nights in Maasai Mara can all be customised to suit individual travel preferences and budgets.