Soar above Kenya’s magnificent landscapes and immerse yourself in extraordinary wildlife experiences.
Overview
This fly-in safari combines Kenya’s spectacular coastline with the legendary Maasai Mara, creating the perfect bush-and-beach safari experience. Departing directly from the Kenyan coast, the journey takes you from the Indian Ocean shoreline to the vast savannahs of Maasai Mara in just a few hours, allowing you to enjoy two of Kenya’s most iconic destinations within a single holiday.
Whether you are staying in Mombasa, Diani, Kilifi, Malindi or Watamu, scheduled safari flights connect the coast to the Maasai Mara through convenient departures from coastal airports and airstrips. Upon arrival, you will immediately begin exploring the reserve’s remarkable wildlife before returning to the coast the following day with unforgettable memories of Africa’s greatest safari destination.
Trip Highlights
- Scheduled return flights between the Kenyan coast and Maasai Mara
- Convenient departures from Mombasa, Diani, Malindi and surrounding coastal regions
- Spectacular aerial views of Kenya's diverse landscapes
- Big Five wildlife viewing opportunities
- Exceptional predator sightings including lions, cheetahs and leopards
- Morning and afternoon game drives Ideal bush-and-beach safari combination
- Optional hot air balloon safari experience
Itinerary
The safari begins with a transfer from your beach resort or coastal accommodation to the nearest departure airport or airstrip. Scheduled flights operate from Mombasa, Ukunda (Diani) and Malindi, connecting travellers from Mombasa, Diani, Kilifi, Watamu and Malindi to Maasai Mara through convenient air transfers.
Upon arrival in the reserve, your guide will meet you for immediate game viewing as you transfer to your lodge or camp. Enjoy an afternoon game drive through Maasai Mara's wildlife-rich plains before spending the night in the heart of the wilderness. The following morning, a sunrise game drive offers one final opportunity to experience the Mara's extraordinary wildlife before flying back to the coast and transferring to your beach resort.
Flight Distance: Approx. 600 - 750 km
Flight Time: Approx. 2 - 3 hours (including scheduled stops where applicable)
06:00 - 07:00 | Coastal Hotel Pickup - Safari Departure
Begin your safari with an early morning pick-up from your beach resort, hotel or residence in Mombasa, Diani, Kilifi, Malindi or Watamu. As you leave the coastline behind, anticipation builds for the adventure ahead.
Transfer to the nearest departure point, which may include Moi International Airport in Mombasa, Ukunda Airstrip in Diani or Malindi Airport depending on your location and flight schedule.
07:30 - 10:30 | Scenic Flight - Coast to Maasai Mara
Board your scheduled safari flight and enjoy one of the most spectacular aerial journeys in East Africa. The flight traverses Kenya's remarkably varied landscapes, revealing coastal forests, agricultural regions, volcanic formations and the dramatic escarpments of the Great Rift Valley.
As the aircraft approaches the Maasai Mara, vast open plains stretch across the horizon, providing an exciting introduction to Kenya's most famous safari destination.
10:30 - 01:00 | Airstrip Pickup and En-Route Game Drive
Upon arrival at the Mara airstrip, meet your professional safari guide and immediately begin your first game drive while travelling to your lodge or camp.
Wildlife encounters often begin within minutes of landing. Zebras, giraffes, gazelles and elephants are commonly sighted across the open plains, while predators may occasionally be observed resting beneath acacia trees or scanning the landscape for prey.
The reserve's remarkable wildlife density ensures that every drive offers exciting opportunities for memorable sightings.
01:00 - 02:00 | Lunch - Wilderness Lodge Experience
Arrive at your lodge or luxury tented camp and enjoy lunch surrounded by the sights and sounds of the African wilderness.
Many accommodations overlook wildlife corridors, river systems or open savannahs where animals can often be observed directly from the property.
03:30 - 06:30 | Afternoon Game Drive - Big Five Exploration
Set out for an extensive afternoon game drive across the legendary Maasai Mara National Reserve. Widely regarded as one of Africa's greatest wildlife destinations, the reserve supports extraordinary concentrations of animals throughout the year.
Large herds of wildebeests, zebras and gazelles dominate the grasslands, attracting an impressive range of predators. Lions are frequently observed resting in prides or strategically positioning themselves for hunting opportunities. Cheetahs utilise elevated termite mounds as lookout points while elusive leopards inhabit woodland areas and riverine forests.
Elephants move gracefully across the plains, buffalo gather near water sources and giraffes browse among scattered acacia trees, creating the classic safari scenes for which Maasai Mara is renowned.
As the afternoon progresses, the golden light transforms the landscape into a photographer's paradise.
07:30 - 09:00 | Dinner and Overnight
Enjoy dinner and overnight stay in the heart of the savannah 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
The sounds of the African wilderness, from distant lion calls to the laughter of hyenas, create an authentic 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. 600 - 750 km
Flight Time: Approx. 2 - 3 hours (including scheduled stops where applicable)
06:00 - 08:30 | Early Morning Game Drive - Sunrise Safari Experience
Begin the day before sunrise when wildlife activity is at its peak. The cool morning temperatures encourage movement across the plains, creating ideal conditions for game viewing.
Predators are often active during these early hours. Lions may be observed returning from nocturnal hunts while cheetahs begin scanning the savannah for potential prey. Elephants emerge from woodland areas and herbivores take advantage of the cooler conditions to graze across the open grasslands.
The sunrise itself is one of the highlights of the Maasai Mara experience, bathing the landscape in warm golden light and creating exceptional photography opportunities.
08:30 - 09:30 | Breakfast - Wilderness Farewell
Return to camp for breakfast while enjoying your final views of the surrounding savannah.
This is an ideal opportunity to reflect on the extraordinary wildlife encounters and experiences that have defined your time in the Maasai Mara.
10:00 - 11:30 | Leisure Time and Transfer to Airstrip
Enjoy a period of relaxation before transferring to the nearby airstrip for your scheduled return flight.
Even during the transfer, wildlife sightings remain possible, providing one final opportunity to appreciate the reserve's remarkable biodiversity.
12:00 - 03:00 | Scenic Return Flight - Maasai Mara to the Coast
Board your scheduled return flight and enjoy a final aerial perspective of the Maasai Mara, Great Rift Valley and Kenya's diverse landscapes.
As the aircraft descends towards the coast, the scenery gradually transforms into tropical vegetation, coastal settlements and the sparkling waters of the Indian Ocean.
03:00 onwards | Arrival and Transfer to Beach Resort
Arrive at your designated coastal airport or airstrip and transfer back to your hotel, resort or residence in Mombasa, Diani, Kilifi, Malindi or Watamu.
This marks the conclusion of an unforgettable fly-in safari adventure combining Kenya's spectacular coastline with its most iconic wildlife destination.
Optional Activities (at Extra Cost):
-Hot air balloon safari (early morning departure)
-Bush breakfast experience
-Private photography safari
Inclusions / Exclusions
Package includes
- Return scheduled flights between the Kenyan coast 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 Mombasa, Diani, Kilifi, Malindi or Watamu
- Drop off in Mombasa, Diani, Kilifi, Malindi or Watamu
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
A fly-in safari allows travellers staying along Kenya’s coastline to experience Maasai Mara without spending long hours travelling by road. The flights maximise time spent on safari while providing spectacular aerial views of Kenya’s diverse landscapes.
Flights typically operate from Moi International Airport (Mombasa), Ukunda Airstrip (Diani) and Malindi Airport. Guests staying in Kilifi and Watamu are transferred to the nearest operating airport depending on flight schedules.
Flight times generally range between two and three hours, depending on the departure airport, routing and scheduled stopovers.
The Maasai Mara is home to lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, hyenas, hippos, crocodiles and hundreds of bird species. Wildlife viewing is excellent throughout the year.
If travelling between approximately July and October, there is an excellent chance of witnessing the Great Migration as vast herds of wildebeests and zebras move through the reserve.
A two-day fly-in safari is ideal for travellers with limited time because it maximises wildlife viewing opportunities by eliminating lengthy road transfers.
Yes. This itinerary is specifically designed as a bush-and-beach safari extension and is one of the most popular additions to coastal holidays in Kenya.
Most scheduled safari flights allow a baggage limit of approximately 15 kg per person in soft-sided luggage due to aircraft storage restrictions.
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 preferences and budgets.
