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
International โ Domestic
90
minutes
International โ International
120
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Eldoret International Airport (EDL) is a critical aviation gateway located in the Uasin Gishu County of Kenya's North Rift region. Situated at a high altitude of 6,941 feet, the airport features a massive 3,500-meter runway, making it one of the few facilities in the region capable of handling large wide-body aircraft. It serves as a vital hub for both passenger travel and significant cargo operations, particularly for the export of fresh agricultural products like flowers and vegetables to European and Middle Eastern markets.
The passenger terminal is a modern, single-level facility designed for intuitive navigation, with clearly separated zones for domestic and international arrivals and departures. Within the terminal, travelers can find essential amenities including several cafes serving Kenyan coffee, a duty-free shop, and currency exchange bureaus. The facility also provides ample seating areas, free Wi-Fi, and ATMs. A dedicated cargo terminal with extensive warehouse space and cold storage facilities is located adjacent to the passenger building, reflecting the airport's strategic importance to Kenya's horticultural industry.
Scheduled air services at EDL are dominated by domestic carriers such as Jambojet and Skyward Express, which provide frequent daily links to Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta (NBO) and Wilson (WIL) airports. Kenya Airways and Safarilink also offer regional and seasonal services. Ground transportation to Eldoret city center, located approximately 16 kilometers to the north, is well-served by taxis and 'matatus' (shared shuttle vans). Travelers are advised to arrive at least two hours before departure and to stay well-hydrated, as the airport's high altitude can sometimes affect those unaccustomed to thinner air.
๐ Connection Tips
Eldoret International Airport (EDL) is a critical aviation gateway in Kenya's North Rift region, serving as a vital hub for the country's horticultural and flower export industries. For travelers connecting through EDL, the most important tip is to account for its high-altitude environment; situated at 6,941 feet, the airport frequently experiences 'Hot and High' operational conditions, which can lead to weight restrictions on smaller aircraft. It is also essential to stay well-hydrated during your stay, as the thinner air can accelerate dehydration. Ground transportation to the Eldoret city center, located 16 kilometers to the north, is well-organized.
Taxis are available at the arrivals curb, with a ride typically taking 20 minutes and costing between 1,500 and 2,000 KES; always negotiate the fare beforehand. For a more budget-friendly connection, local 'matatus' (shared shuttle vans) also serve the airport road. The terminal is a modern, single-level facility that is exceptionally easy to navigate, with check-in and security typically taking less than 20 minutes. Arriving at least two hours before your domestic flight to Nairobi (NBO or WIL) with Jambojet or Skyward Express is recommended.
Within the terminal, amenities include several cafes serving excellent Kenyan coffee and a duty-free shop. Because the airport handles large cargo wide-bodies for the European flower market, pilots should be mindful of mixed-traffic operations on the 3,500-meter runway. Lastly, for those visiting for the world-renowned 'City of Champions' athletic camps or the nearby Kerio Valley, EDL offers a professional and remarkably smooth entry point.
โ Back to Mara Lodges Airport