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
30
minutes
Domestic โ International
60
minutes
Interline Connections
90
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Eliye Springs Airport operates a basic airstrip facility serving this remote tourism destination on the western shore of Lake Turkana in Kenya's Turkana County. The terminal features minimal passenger processing facilities coordinated with Safarilink operations for scheduled service to this desert lake region. Security screening is basic and appropriate for domestic Kenyan flights, with walking distance from aircraft to terminal facilities approximately 40 meters across the single tarmac area.
Passenger processing follows standard Kenyan domestic procedures adapted for remote tourism operations accessing Lake Turkana's unique desert lake environment. No international flights operate from this remote location, eliminating customs and immigration requirements. The basic terminal layout provides essential services for tourists and researchers accessing the world's largest desert lake and surrounding archaeological sites.
Terminal amenities are minimal but include basic waiting areas with protection from the harsh desert climate, simple restroom facilities, and coordination with local ground transport operators. No commercial lounges or restaurants are available, though basic refreshments may be coordinated with local operators. Accessibility is limited to basic ground-level access suitable for the remote location. Family facilities are basic, with restroom access available, as the airport primarily serves eco-tourists, researchers, and local residents accessing Lake Turkana's unique ecosystem, archaeological significance, and the Cradle of Mankind heritage sites rather than conventional tourism, providing essential aviation access to one of Kenya's most remote and scientifically important regions.
๐ Connection Tips
Eliye Springs Airport (EYS) is an exceptionally unique and remote regional aviation facility located on the southwestern shore of Lake Turkana, famously known as the 'Jade Sea' in northern Kenya. For travelers, the most critical connection tip is recognizing its status as the premier entry point for eco-tourists and researchers heading to the 'Cradle of Mankind' archaeological sites and the nearby Central Island National Park. Commercial service is characterized by domestic flights provided by Safarilink, typically connecting Eliye Springs to Nairobiโs Wilson Airport (WIL); because these flights utilize smaller propeller aircraft, they are highly sensitive to the regionโs intense desert winds and extreme afternoon heat, which can frequently lead to short-notice schedule adjustments.
The 'terminal' at Eliye Springs is a minimalist, functional shelter providing essential waiting areas; there are no retail, dining, or currency exchange facilities on-site, so visitors must be completely self-sufficient, carrying ample potable water and essential supplies from Nairobi. Ground transportation is non-existent beyond pre-arranged private vehicle pickups coordinated through the Eliye Springs Resort or local camp operators; ensure you have confirmed your local logistics well in advance of your flight. Arriving at the airstrip during the cooler morning hours is highly recommended to mitigate the physical toll of the heat, which often exceeds 40ยฐC (104ยฐF).
Always confirm your flight status directly with Safarilink 24 hours before departure and ensure you have all necessary permits for visiting the Turkana region. EYS remains an atmospheric and indispensable link for those exploring one of the world's most remote and scientifically significant landscapes.
โ Back to Mara Lodges Airport