โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
30
minutes
Domestic โ International
45
minutes
Interline Connections
60
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Mara Serena Airport (MRE), also known as Mara Lodges Airport, is a safari airstrip located in the northwestern Masai Mara National Reserve, 225 kilometers southwest of Nairobi. At 5,620 feet elevation in the Mara Triangle, the airstrip operates a single unpaved gravel runway (09/27) measuring 3,445 feet, designed for light aircraft serving the safari tourism industry. As one of approximately 10 airstrips scattered throughout the Masai Mara and surrounding conservancies, it primarily serves guests of Mara Serena Safari Lodge and camps in the northern reserve area.
The airstrip operates without a terminal building in the traditional sense - instead, a simple thatched shelter provides minimal shade for arriving and departing passengers. Check-in procedures are handled by lodge staff who meet each flight, with luggage weighed on portable scales due to strict 15kg soft-bag limits on safari aircraft. The facility operates during daylight hours only, with no lighting or navigation aids, making it entirely weather-dependent.
Despite its basic infrastructure, the airstrip efficiently handles approximately 42 weekly flights connecting to Wilson Airport in Nairobi, with additional services to other Kenyan destinations. The location offers spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities even during takeoff and landing, as the runway sits within the active game reserve. Aircraft must occasionally wait for wildlife to clear the runway, adding to the authentic safari experience that begins the moment passengers arrive.
๐ Connection Tips
Mara Serena Airport (MRE) operates as a bush airstrip with ground transportation exclusively coordinated by safari lodges and camps. No public transportation, taxis, or car rentals are available - this is a restricted game reserve area where only authorized safari vehicles operate. Flights to Wilson Airport in Nairobi operate multiple times daily, with morning departures at 07:30 and 10:30, and afternoon flights at 15:30. Connections to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport require flying to Wilson Airport first, then arranging separate ground transfer across Nairobi (45-90 minutes depending on traffic).
All transfers are pre-arranged as part of safari packages, with lodge vehicles meeting each scheduled flight. Lodge transfers are conducted in open-sided 4x4 safari vehicles, providing game viewing opportunities during the journey. The 40-60 minute flight (depending on stops at other airstrips) costs approximately $300-350 one-way. Some lodges offer helicopter transfers for premium guests.
The journey to Mara Serena Safari Lodge takes approximately 5-10 minutes on rough dirt tracks, while transfers to other northern Mara camps can take 30-60 minutes depending on wildlife sightings en route. Drivers are trained guides who often stop for wildlife photography, so transfer times are variable. Strict baggage limits of 15kg per person in soft bags apply - excess luggage cannot be accommodated on these small aircraft. Weather can cause sudden cancellations during the rainy seasons (March-May and November-December), so flexible travel plans are essential.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Amboseli Airport (ASV) serves as the primary aviation gateway for visitors exploring the Amboseli National Park in southern Kenya. More of a specialized bush airstrip than a conventional commercial hub, the facility features a minimalist terminal area consisting of a small administrative building and a sheltered waiting zone. The airport is strategically located near the park's main gate, providing immediate access to the region's famous elephant-filled plains.
Facilities at the terminal are limited to essential services. There are basic restrooms and a small ranger post managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to ensure the security of the airfield. While there are no full-service restaurants or retail boutiques inside the terminal, a few local kiosks offering snacks and handmade Maasai crafts can often be found just outside the airport perimeter. The environment is rustic and immersive, with Mount Kilimanjaro often visible in the distance on clear days.
Operations at Amboseli are restricted to daylight hours and are primarily conducted by regional safari carriers using turboprop aircraft like the Cessna Grand Caravan. There are no automated baggage handling systems or jet bridges; instead, passengers walk directly across the apron to their aircraft. The facility is well-maintained to support the high volume of tourist traffic during the peak safari seasons, serving as a vital link between the national park and Nairobi's specialized regional airports.
๐ Connection Tips
Amboseli Airport (ASV) is the essential arrival point for safaris in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro. For travelers, 'connecting' at ASV involves a short regional flight followed by a transition to a safari vehicle for a game drive. Most flights originate from Nairobi's Wilson Airport (WIL) and take 45 to 60 minutes. Because these services utilize light aircraft, it is vital to adhere to strict baggage restrictions, which limit passengers to 15kg in soft-sided bags. Hard-shell suitcases are often rejected as they cannot fit into the cargo pods.
Ground transportation is almost exclusively pre-arranged. Upon landing, you will typically be met on the apron by your lodge's specialized 4x4 vehicle. It is essential to coordinate your arrival time with your camp in advance, as there are no on-demand taxi ranks available in the park. The drive from the terminal to major camps can vary from 15 to 45 minutes, often serving as your first game drive. If arriving by road from Nairobi, the journey takes about 5 hours, making the flight a significantly more efficient connection.
Travelers should be aware that the terminal is basic, with no Wi-Fi, ATMs, or formal dining. Ensure you have sufficient Kenyan Shillings (KES) in cash for park fees, as credit card processing can be unreliable in this remote area. The best time for views of Kilimanjaro is usually early morning, so try to book a flight window that aligns with this. For any schedule disruptions, maintain contact with your safari operator or the regional airline's office at Wilson Airport, as the on-site staff at ASV primarily focus on ground logistics and ranger duties.
โ Back to Mara Lodges Airport