The Masai Mara Game Reserve is located 250 kilometers west of the city of Nairobi. If you are looking for an opportunity to catch a glimpse of the Big 5 (lion, buffalo, elephant, rhino, and leopard), or to view the annual wildebeest migration, the Masai Mara is the place to visit!

To get to the Masai Mara, you can either go by air or by road. The 5 to 6-hour drive, however, gets a little tiring. If you want to get there quickly you can opt to take a flight, which will give you a chance to enjoy stunning aerial views, and to experience a game drive shortly after you touch down!

1. Where to Take Flights to Masai Mara

Flights to the Masai Mara depart from Wilson Airport, 6 kilometers south of the Nairobi CBD.

2. How Many Hours to Masai Mara by Flight?

A flight to the Masai Mara from Wilson Airport takes between 40 and 45 minutes.

3. Landing Airstrips in Masai Mara

The main airstrips in Masai Mara are:-

1. Keekorok
2. Serena
3. Ol Kiombo
4. Angama
5. Mara North
6. Olare Orok
7. Cottars
8. Kichwa Tembo
9. Musiara
10. Siana
11. Ol Seki
12. Ngerende

4. Airlines That Fly to Masai Mara

4.1 Air Kenya

Air Kenya, based in Nairobi at Wilson Airport, is one of Africa’s leading aviation companies. Visitors to the Masai Mara who choose to use this airline get to choose from either one of three daily flights.

4.2 Safarilink

Safarilink, a premier safari airline in Kenya, boasts a network that connects leading safari destinations in the country. Safarilink flies twice daily to the Mara, with stops at either of the 8 major airstrips.

4.3 Fly-SAX

Fly-SAX is a private charter airline that operates out of Wilson Airport. This airline offers reasonably priced flights to the Mara region’s most spectacular tourist destinations.

4.4 Silverstone Air

Silverstone Air offers flights that are fairly priced, as well as safe and reliable. This airline, based at Wilson Airport, flies twice daily to the Masai Mara, making stops at Ol Kiombo, Kichwa Tembo, Mara Serena, Keekorok and Musiara airstrips.

4.5 Mombasa Air Safaris

Though Mombasa Air Safaris has its head office in Mombasa, it also operates from the Wilson Airport. This airline makes daily flights from Wilson Airport to the Masai Mara.

5. About Masai Mara Game Reserve

The Masai Mara Game Reserve has an abundance of wildlife, including the Big 5 (elephant, buffalo, leopard, lion, and rhino), as well as the serval cat, cheetah, bat-eared fox, crocodile, baboon, warthog, eland, jackal, etc.

If you happen to go on a Kenya safari during the annual wildebeest migration, you will get to see the spectacular sight of the hundreds of thousands of animals running across the plains.

Below are a few of the activities available for visitors to the Masai Mara.

5.1 Masai Mara Walking Safaris

If you love walking, this is the perfect activity for you. You will get a close-up of all the animals, as well as a trek through the Mara ecosystem.

Walking safaris are conducted by trained Masai guides within the group ranches and conservancies bordering the Mara. See my article on cheap Masai Mara safari packages.

5.2 Masai Mara Hot Air Balloon Rides

Nothing beats the experience of a one-hour hot air balloon ride over the Mara. The rides take place early in the morning, giving you a chance to savor the beautiful Mara sunrise lighting up the expansive game reserve. Once the balloon ride is done, you get to relax over a sumptuous breakfast. See more on Masai Mara balloon rates here

5.3 Masai Village Visit

Now that you are in the Masai Mara, why not visit a Masai village and catch a snippet of their lifestyle and culture? Mud thatched houses, brightly colored jewelry and a lifestyle that is largely unchanged filled with song and dance will characterize your Masai village visit.

5.4 Game Drives

Game drives take you right into the wild where you get to see the animals at close range as you drive through their natural habitat. You may be lucky enough to witness a lion hunt in action!

Game drives are often done during the day, using a local driver or a guide familiar with the territory; someone who can give you interesting information on the animals, their daily activities, and their habitat. See more information on Masai Mara safari packages cost guide

6. Nairobi Attractions

As you plan to fly to Masai Mara, below are attractions found in Nairobi that are worth visiting while on business or leisure in Kenya.

6.1 Nairobi National Park

Nairobi National Park’s uniqueness lies in the fact that it is in a capital city. Its wide open grass plains dotted with acacia trees lies against a backdrop of busy roads and towering skyscrapers.

In this park, you will get to see a variety of wildlife, including the endangered black rhino, cheetahs, hyena, lions, giraffes, etc., as well as more than 400 different species of birdlife. Nairobi National Park is 10 kilometers south of the City Centre and has an area of 117 square kilometers.

6.2 Giraffe Centre

Visiting the Giraffe Centre will not take up much of your day, as it is only 40 minutes away from the City Centre, in the Karen suburbs. Here you will get to see Rothschild Giraffes of all sizes, feed them, and even get a kiss! You can also sample the 1.5-kilometer nature trail.

6.3 Nairobi National Museum

A visit to Nairobi is not complete without a visit to the National Museum. This museum is located just 10 minutes from the City Centre on Museum Hill.

Here you will have a taste of Kenya’s rich heritage, and learn a little about the customs and traditions of the various tribes. You can also visit the Art Gallery, the Botanical Gardens, the exhibitions in the different rooms, and last but not least, the nature trail.

6.4 Masai Market

A visit to Nairobi is never complete without a visit to the Masai Market. The Masai Market is a great source for authentic Masai jewelry, shoes, clothes, and beads. There are also items from other communities, including batiks, carvings, etc. The Masai Market operates at a different location every day, with the exception of Sunday.

6.5 Daphne Sheldrick Trust

The Daphne Sheldrick Trust is an orphanage for abandoned elephant calves and rhinos. It is located at the edge of Nairobi National Park and accessed through the gate facing Banda School. This center is open to the public every day from 11 am to 12 pm.

Summary

The Masai Mara is one of the most interesting places to visit in Kenya, and must-have on your destination list. Most importantly, taking a flight to the Mara is best if you want to make the most of your holiday there!

Lake Nakuru, located on the floor of the Great Rift Valley, is a beautiful lake surrounded by trees and bushy grassland, home to various animals and birds.

In this guide I will be writing info on the distance, hrs drive, attractions and best hotels or lodges between Nairobi to Nakuru to enable you have a greater understanding as you plan your Kenya safari.

1. Distance From Nairobi to Nakuru by Road

The distance from Nairobi to Lake Nakuru is 157 kilometers.

2.How Many Hours from Nairobi to Nakuru by Road

The drive from Nairobi to Nakuru takes 2 hours 54 minutes via the main Nairobi – Nakuru highway, and about 3 hours 12 minutes using the Mai Mahiu Escarpment route.

3. Tourist Attractions from Nairobi to Nakuru

3.1 Lake Naivasha

Lake Naivasha is a beautiful freshwater lake located just outside Naivasha town. There are lots of animals to see in this area, like buffalos, hippos, colobus monkeys and giraffes. You can also take a boat ride to Crescent Island. I did write another article giving you info on the best time to travel to Kenya for safari

3.2 Hell’s Gate National Park

Towering cliffs, rock towers, and gorges are the main attraction at this park. Here, you can enjoy bird watching, camping, hiking, bike rides, and rock climbing.

3.3 Kigio Wildlife Conservancy

Kigio Wildlife Conservancy was originally a cattle ranch that was converted into a conservancy by the locals. It is located between Naivasha and Gilgil. This conservancy is home to the endangered Rothschild Giraffe, as well as zebras, impalas, leopards, and hippos.

3.4 Olkaria Hot Spa

Olkaria Hot Spa is a natural hot water spa owned by Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KENGEN), located inside the Hell’s Gate National Park. Prepare to enjoy an invigorating and relaxing swim in warm water of temperatures between 30 and 40 degrees.

3.5 Lake Elementaita

Lake Elementaita is a soda lake located between Naivasha and Gilgil, 120 kilometers from Nairobi. It is an important feeding and breeding ground for many bird species, including the greater and lesser flamingo and the Great White Pelican.

3.6 Mount Longonot National Park

This park is located south of Naivasha and is an hour’s drive from Nairobi along the Mai Mahiu escarpment road. The main attraction here is Mount Longonot, an extinct volcano with thick forest inside the crater.

Activities here including game viewing, hiking, biking, rock climbing and viewing Lake Naivasha. You can also take a hike to the top of Mount Longonot and walk around the crater.

3.7 Great Rift Valley Viewpoint

The views of the Rift Valley from this viewpoint located 18,000 meters above sea level on the road shoulder of the Mai Mahiu escarpment road are breathtaking!

3.8 Mount Suswa Conservancy

The main attraction at this conservancy located between Narok and Nairobi is Mount Suswa, an extinct shield volcano with several caves filled with endangered bats.

4. Nairobi Tourist Attractions

4.1 Nairobi National Park

The Nairobi National Park should be your first stop when you get to Nairobi. Enjoy a quick game drive, a picnic at any of the three designated sites, or take a hike along the walking trail.

4.2 Giraffe Centre

Located in the leafy suburbs of Karen, this conservation center for the endangered Rothschild Giraffe is a great place for an educational and fun visit.

4.3 Nairobi National Museum

A ten-minute drive from the Nairobi CBD will get you to this Museum, located on Museum Hill. Here, Kenya’s history is depicted chronologically using art, artifacts, old photos, etc.

4.4 Masai Market

The Masai Market is the perfect place to do your souvenir shopping. This market is found at major malls and open-air sites on different days of the week.

4.5 Daphne Sheldrick Trust

Here, you will get to see abandoned baby elephants being fed and exercised at close range. A great outing for the whole family!

5. Attractions Surrounding Nakuru

Here are a few of the places you can visit during your stay in Nakuru.

5.1 Lake Baringo

Lake Baringo is a freshwater lake located in Baringo County, 120 kilometers from Nakuru. It is renowned the world over for its birdlife, hippos, crocodiles, and giraffes. Visitors enjoy bird watching, watersports, and fishing at this picturesque lake.

5.2 Lake Bogoria

Lake Bogoria is located 82 kilometers from Nakuru, south of Lake Baringo. This saline, alkaline lake hosts the country’s largest population of the lesser flamingo, as well as geysers and hot springs.

5.3 Menengai Crater

Menengai Crater is a dormant volcano just 28 kilometers north of Nakuru. Activities here include camping, hiking, trekking, photography, bird watching and picnicking at designated campsites.

5.4 Hyrax Hill Prehistoric Site

The Hyrax Hill Prehistoric Site is located 4 kilometers from Nakuru. A guided tour of the museum, picnicking, camping, savoring the view of Lake Nakuru and visiting the tortoise pit are some of the activities available here.

5.5 Lake Nakuru National Park

This park is one place you must visit when in Nakuru. It is located just 30 minutes from Nakuru town and is a great location for game drives, hiking, picnics and bird watching.

6. Best Hotels/Lodges in Nakuru

6.1 Sarova Lion Hill

Sarova Lion Hill is located right inside Lake Nakuru National Park, and its rooms offer panoramic views of the lake and the park. Some of the activities offered here include swimming in the heated pool, kid’s activities, outdoor games, bird watching, and game drives.

6.2 Sarova Woodlands

This hotel is located just off the Nairobi – Nakuru highway, in the up-market Milimani Estate within Nakuru Town. Guests are able to choose between excursions to Lake Baringo, Lake Bogoria and Menengai Crater, and game drives to the nearby park.

6.3 Lake Nakuru Lodge

If you are looking to stay at an eco-lodge within the Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Nakuru lodge is the place to be! This lodge, located at the south-east end of the park, offers its guests game drives, swimming, spa treatments at the in-house spa, horse riding and bird watching.

6.4 Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge

Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge is located 21 kilometers inside the park, 46 kilometers from Nakuru town. Bush dining, nature walks, board games, swimming, and game drives are some of the activities available at this lodge.

6.5 The Cliff Tented Camp

If you are looking for a place to stay that has a safari lodge/tented camp feel, the Cliff may be what you need. This camp is perched right at the top of a 100-meter high rock face overlooking Lake Nakuru. Enjoy the game drives, bird watching, spa, and swimming while you are there.

Lake Nakuru is a stunning place to visit, surrounded by so many other places you can check out during your holiday. Take advantage of your time away and visit each one.

Discounted Lake Nakuru National Park Safaris

Diani Beach, with its white sandy beaches, is located just 30 kilometers from Mombasa. It is found in Kwale County, close to the town of Ukunda.

The beach itself is 10 kilometers long, providing visitors with a variety of leisure activities, hotels, and restaurants to choose from. One of the best places where you can get fabulous hotels to stay in your all inclusive Mombasa holiday beach trip.

In this blog post, I will be reviewing information related to distances, flights and tourists attractions between Diani and Nairobi.

1. Distance Between Nairobi to Diani by Road

The drive from Nairobi to Diani covers a distance of just below 520 kilometers, including a ferry ride across the Likoni channel.

2. Nairobi to Diani Flights

Below is a list of the airlines that fly to Diani and their approximate flying time and costs. Note that flight costs vary depending on the day on which you choose to fly.

• Safarilink: The flight takes 1 hour 20 minutes. There are two flights daily, costing between Ksh 11,000 and 15,000 depending on the day chosen.
• Jambojet: Jambojet takes 1 hour 5 minutes to Diani, fling out of Nairobi once a day. Costs start at Ksh 8,500.
• Skyward Express: This airline flies to Diani once a day, taking 1 hour 10 minutes to get to Ukunda airstrip. Costs range from Ksh 4,500 to 13,500 depending on the day chosen, the season, and seat availability.
• Fly-SAX: Fly-SAX takes only an hour to get to Diani from Wilson Airport in Nairobi. This airline flies to Diani once daily, and the flight costs start at Ksh 6,750.
• Silverstone Air: This airline takes 1 hour 10 minutes to get to Diani, and offers two flights daily. Flight charges on this airline start at Ksh 4,500.

3. Diani Tourist Attractions

While traveling from Nairobi to Diani, below are top tourist attractions in Diani that you can visit while on holiday there.

3.1 Diani Beach

Characterized by clean water and spotless, white, sandy beaches, Diani Beach offers a variety of fun-filled activities for its visitors. Among these include whale shark adventure expeditions, snorkeling, skydiving, diving, paddle surfing, swimming, and water safaris.

3.2 Colobus Conservation

A visit to the Colobus Conservation premises located just 30 kilometers south of the Likoni Ferry must be part of your itinerary while in Diani.

You will get to see how this conservation organization protects, preserves and conserves the Angolan Colobus Monkey, as well as get a guided tour down the nature trail. Read my review on the best time to travel to Kenya on holiday

3.3 Kaya Kinondo Sacred Forest

The Kaya Kinondo Sacred Forest is one of the many sacred forests that were originally home to the Digo people, and the only that is open to the public. Here you will enjoy a guided nature walk as you savor the culture and history of the Digo people.

3.4 Diani Beach Art Gallery

This gallery, the first of its kind at the Kenyan coast, brings together a collection of artistic works from all over Africa. Prepare yourself for breathtaking displays of contemporary African art from Kenya and beyond.

3.5 Diani Beach Shopping Centre

The Diani Beach Shopping Centre provides you with a place to shop for essentials and go to the bank, as well as pop into various shops selling African merchandise, including jewelry, artifacts, and fabrics.

4. Diani Hotels and Resorts

This beautiful holiday destination has several hotels and resorts where you can get great food, accommodation, and leisure activities. Check out a few of them as listed below.

4.1 The Sands at Chale Island

The Sands, with its beautiful white beaches surrounded by coral reefs and tidal saltwater lake, is the only individual resort island on the Kenyan coast.

This resort, located 600 meters off the mainland, and 10 kilometers South of Diani, lies within 15 acres of indigenous forest.

On your visit, you will thoroughly enjoy watersports (snorkeling, kayaking, glass bottom boat rides, game fishing), excursions to Gazi (a local fishing village), shopping in the two boutiques, and spoiling yourself in the spa.

4.2 Jacaranda Indian Beach Resort

This lovely, Swahili-style resort is located just 9 kilometers from the Ukunda Airstrip. Here you will enjoy the lush gardens filled with indigenous trees and bushes, 3 Jacuzzi-style plunge pools, and a lovely view of the beachfront.

Activities available at this resort include swimming, surfing, watersports, tennis, beach volleyball, and bird watching.

4.3 Diani Reef Beach Resort and Spa

Diani Reef Beach Resort and Spa is an award-winning resort located on Diani Beach Road in Ukunda. It is described as a magical paradise ideal for beach holidays, weddings and social events.

There are a variety of fun activities for all ages available, including swimming, gym, snooker, and shopping!

There is also a mini movie theater that screens at least two children’s movies daily, and a kids club (Coco Jumbo Kids Club) with table tennis, a pool table, and play stations.

4. Nairobi Attractions

While in Nairobi and have the time to go for sightseeing, below are some must visit attractions for you to consider.

4.1 Nairobi National Park

The Nairobi National Park is the only protected area in the world that is home to a variety of wild animals just ten kilometers from a capital city. Inside this park, visitors enjoy game drives, walking trails, picnicking at designated picnic sites, and camping at any of the three campsites.

4.2 Giraffe Centre

The Giraffe Centre, located 17 kilometers from the Nairobi City Centre, in the Karen suburbs, plays host to several Rothschild Giraffes. At this conservation center, you will get lots of information on the Rothschild Giraffe, as well as meet the giraffes face to face on the elevated feeding platform.

4.3 Nairobi National Museum

History lovers will enjoy a visit to the Nairobi National Museum. Here, you will see Kenya’s history and culture displayed chronologically, and beautiful displays of Kenyan contemporary art and nature. At the Museum’s premises on Museum Hill, there is also a Snake Park, Botanical Garden, and nature trail.

4.5 Masai Market

If you want to get authentic African hand-crafted jewelry, art, fabrics, clothing and curios, you must visit the Masai Market. This market operates at various open-air locations and malls around Nairobi on different days of the week.

4.5 Daphne Sheldrick Trust

The Daphne Sheldrick Trust hosts elephant calves orphaned by poaching and rhinos at its premises at the edge of the Nairobi National Park. If you make time for a morning visit (11 am to 12 pm), you will be just in time to see the calves getting a bath and some exercise.

Flights from Nairobi to Diani make the distance between the two destinations so much shorter. This means that you can visit Nairobi attractions before you travel to Diani, or after you come from Diani as you wait to connect to another destination. Hope the above information was useful to you as you plan your Kenya Safari.

Can a foreigner get a Kenyan visa on arrival at the JKIA airport in Nairobi Kenya? YES YOU CAN. Also note that if you acquire a visa at a Kenyan embassy or High Commission before you travel, it will also be honored.

However citizens of the countries listed below CANNOT obtain their visas online OR on arrival but must apply in advance through a Kenyan embassy. These countries are:-

1. Afghanistan
2. Armenia
3. Azerbaijan
4. Cameroon
5. Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
6. Eritrea
7. Iraq
8. Kosovo
9. Lebanon
10. Libya
11. Mali
12. Palestine
13. Senegal
14. Somalia
15. Syria
16. Tajikistan

Can I Apply Online?

Yes you can. Many governments around the world over are moving service delivery online and the Kenyan government has not been left behind. The beauty of online applications make it possible for visitors to Kenyan to get their visas beforehand.

The process is not complicated and has been simplified through an online portal which can be accessed here:- http://www.evisa.go.ke. Visa approvals are done in real time

Is A Passport Photo Needed For Online an Visa Application?

Yes! For those interested in applying online, a scanned passport size photo or a photo taken by a mobile phone AND a scanned copy of the passport is required. The online portal is able to resize the passport photo automatically to fit in the photo size requirement.

Do note that the visa fees are NOT refundable should your application be rejected. The online payment of visa fee is in US dollars.

Will Photo/Fingerprints Still Taken On Arrival in Kenya (For Online Applicants)?

Yes they will. This is required to verify or authenticate that the individual who applied for the Visa is the same person at the port of entry. This is a best practice world over now

Compared to the old method of applying manually, online applications help saves your time at the point of entry as eliminates writing of visa stickers and receipt as they wait.

For Transit Travelers, Does One Need To Purchase A Visa?

If you are in transit at JKIA with an onward ticket to another destination such as Kilimanjaro, and need to clear with immigration in order to enter Kenya, you will need a transit visa. The Department has made it easy for you by setting up a desk where you can apply for the transit visa at the port of entry in case of such unexpected circumstances.

How Does One Know If Their Application Has Been Approved or Rejected?

The notifications of visa approvals/rejections will be sent to the email that you used with your application. After completing your application, the system will redirect your details to the nearest Embassy or High Commission (to the place/country of application) and an immediate response will be initiated.

What of Multi Entry Visa Online Applications?

Its not possible to purchase a multi-entry visa online. Multi entry visas can only be issued by immigration offices in Nairobi headquarters. Therefore, an applicant will apply for single entry on the e-visa portal, upon confirmation and arrival in the country then go to Immigration offices to apply for multi-entry visa.

Travel Bookings in Kenya

If you are looking for more information on other travel related services such as hotel bookings, flight bookings, city tours, Masai Mara hot air balloon trips, masai mara safaris, Kenya honeymoon packages etc, we can assist you. Read also on the best time to visit Kenya’s Masai Mara and Masai Mara safari packages
Use the form below to contact us and Agnes will get back to you ASAP

If you’re convinced and are positive that you’d like to visit Kenya for your honeymoon, you should consider some of our honeymoon package. At a discounted price, you can get to experience a great honeymoon that is above and beyond your expectations.

Below are some honeymoon packages that we have on offer for you

6 Days/5 Nights Beach Kenya Honeymoon Package

You can book a six days and five nights Kenya Beach Honeymoon package.  With this package, you’ll get to experience the breath-taking beauty that Mombasa, Malindi and Diani beach has to offer.

5 Days/4 Nights Mount Kenya Region

By booking this honeymoon package, you can get to view the big five from the balcony of the Fairmont Country Club and the Ark.

7 Days/6 Nights Kenya Honeymoon Safari Package

With this package, you can get to visit the gem of Kenya, Masai Mara at a fair price. Added by a luxurious stay at the Nanyuki and Sarova Shaba making your honeymoon a memorable one.

5 Days/4 Nights (Aberdares, Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara)

With this package, you can get to experience three of the top tourist destinations: Aberdares, Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara. With your very own personal tour guide, you’ll get to take in every escarpment and valley hidden behind every corner.

Since time immemorial, Kenya has proved to be the cradle of beauty, magic and wonder. It’s an unfathomable natural beauty coupled with its intriguing culture has managed to attract millions the world over. Statistically speaking, Kenya ranks as one of the top three tourist destinations in the East African region.

That said, Kenya is also regarded as one of the top honeymoon destinations not only in East Africa but in the entire African continent. So much so, that Queen Elizabeth II chose to celebrate her nuptials with Prine Phillip in 1952 at Treetops. The hotel, nestled between the Aberdare Forest, undoubtedly offered a seamless blend of nature and modernity.

If you are currently searching for the perfect honeymoon destination, Kenya should definitely at the top of your list. Below we take a few minutes to discuss various famous Kenyan destinations to consider going on honeymoon.

Masai Mara

Masai Mara is truly and undoubtedly the gem of Kenya. Masai Mara brings adventure right to your hotels’ doorstep, allowing you to view the big five while basking in luxury. Perfect place to go on a Kenya honeymoon

The National Reserve is a land of wonder just waiting for you to discover it. Go out and quench your adventurous spirit on a romantic safari. A mix of abundant wildlife is always well complimented by a jungle atmosphere to offer the perfect experience. Other than the big five, you can expect to see exotic wildlife such as the Thompson Impala Bat Eared Fox and even the African Buffalo. So, don’t forget to carry your cameras with you.

Lake Nakuru

If you choose to visit Lake Nakuru, you can be assured of another- worldly experience. By offering a combination of indulgence and luxury, you’ll definitely want to come back after your visit is over.

From its salty lake coloured by dozens of flamingos and beautiful escarpments offered by the Lake Nakuru National Park, you’ll have a lot to see.

Additionally, you’ll get to view a number of wildlife such as the black rhinoceros, Lions and Leopards just to name a few. Behind the perfect backdrop of the woodlands, you can be assured of a breathtaking experience.

Mt Kenya: Aberdare

The beauty of Mt Kenya hasn’t escaped the notice of the British Royal Family itself. At Rutundu log cabin, Prince William went down on one knee, proposing to the love of his life. Nestled at the foot of Mt. Kenya, we can only imagine that it was nothing short of magical.

The majestic Mt. Kenya created the perfect backdrop as you view wildlife such as Zebras and the big five. Go on long romantic safari drives in the reserve, fly fishing, bird watching or a quick visit to the historical sites.

Mombasa

Have you always wanted to walk the hours away on beautiful stretches of white sandy beaches on your honeymoon? Well, a Mombasa beach holiday for your honeymoon is your chance. This destination offers one of the perfect escape, offering an atmosphere of relaxation, luxury and love.

Be sure to visit the famous Fort Jesus is you have a love for history. Once you’re done, you can tease your taste buds with the local cuisine offered by the numerous hotels.

Diani Beach

Diani beach continues to attract numerous tourists from all over the world, and rightly so. From its magical white sandy beaches broken by a stretch of beautiful blue water, Diani Beach is nothing short of magical.

Due to the perfect escape atmosphere that it offers, it is known as one of the best honeymoon destinations in Kenya. Trip Advisor has consistently rated Diani beach as one of the top beach destinations in Africa

Malindi

Malindi, a coastal town, is immersed in intriguing history, culture and breathtaking beauty. If you are looking to experience a dream, Malindi is your go-to place. Sure, it offers white sandy beaches that you can find in Mombasa or at Diani beach.

However, Malindi is the paradise that we’ve all been looking for and wish we could experience. Each hour spent in the coastal town will have you forgetting all your troubles. Hence, making for a perfect honeymoon environment.

All in all, don’t forget to carry your cameras with you. Capture the breathtaking beauty that only Kenya.  Additionally, do not hesitate to discover and rediscover our rich culture, intriguing history and heritage.

Get A Discounted Honeymoon Package Quote

Distance between Nairobi and Masai Mara? Depends on which property you are going to within the Masai Mara but generally…

1. Its 260 km from Nairobi to Masai Mara (Sekanani gate). This is the distance you’d cover if you are going to Keekorok lodge, Mara Sopa or Mara Leisure Lodge
2. Its 320 km from Nairobi to Masai Mara if you are going to Mara Serena, Ashnil, Mara Sopa or Kichwa Tembo lodge

Nairobi is not only the capital city of Kenya but also the largest. It is renowned for its vibrancy and modernity earning Kenya a name among the top five most technologically advanced countries in East Africa.

Coupled with its unfathomable beauty of multi-ethnicity and rich history, Nairobi remains to be an attraction the world over.

The vibrant city is home to a number of advanced skyscrapers, state- of the- art malls and numerous local and international hotels. For those seeking to fulfill their wanderlust and curiosity, take a drive to a drive to the famous Nairobi National Park that is right at the heart of the city.

However, if you wish to see and experience the gem of all National parks, then take a drive down to Masai Mara.

Maasai Mara is home to the beautiful and majestic animals often referred to as the Big Five. The big five consists of the Lions, Elephants, Buffaloes, Rhinos and Leopards.

That is not all, however; as this game reserve prides itself in being the home of the seventh wonder in the world. Care to take a guess on what that is exactly? If you guessed the annual wildebeest migration, you got it right.

The crossing of the wildebeest from the Serengeti into the Maasai Mara is a natural phenomenon in and of itself. One that, to fully capture the moment, you have to see it yourself.

Masai Mara Game Reserve Distance By Road

If you’re planning on driving to Maasai Mara from Nairobi, it should take you about five to six hours to get there. You should expect to cover a distance of 260 Km by road.

However, if you opt to fly to Maasai Mara, it will only take you around 45 minutes to get to your destination. If you prefer to save on time and to maximize on comfort, flying is the best option for you.

However, if you wish to experience the wonder and beauty that Kenya prides itself on, then why not drive to Masai Mara? During your drive, you’ll get to experience culture, scenery and relive history that only Kenya and the people in it, can offer. See my article detailing the best time to visit Kenya.

After a 2 hour drive, your first destination should be Narok. Narok holds a culture of its own colored by the natural green beauty that seems to surround it.

A few kilometres past Narok is The Great Rift Valley and the escarpments Viewpoint.

Needless to say, that they are nothing short of breathtaking. So, don’t forget to carry your cameras with you.

You can also grab some handcrafted ornaments for souvenirs along the way. For a quick pit stop, there are numerous malls and hotels you can stop at.

To fully enjoy the stunning escarpments that are parched alongside the winding grey roads on your way to Maasai Mara, there are a few things to consider.

One of those things being the road conditions to Maasai Mara, and the appropriate car to use.

The roads leading to Maasai Mara are all-weather roads.

Hence, the best cars to use are 4 by 4 vehicles, Landcruisers or Safari vans. By using the appropriate cars, you are likely to experience a blend of comfort and luxury during your drive.

Masai Mara Safari Packages

As a visitor or tourist visiting Maasai Mara, there are a number of safari packages which you can choose from. Below are two of them that we offer as Mara Gates Safaris.

a) 2 Nights/3 Days Maasai Mara Camping Safari

With this 3 days/2 nights Masai Mara safari package, we offer transport services, tour guide services as well as accommodation. After booking for the service package, pickup time and departure dates are set accordingly.

Transport services

We ensure that our clients are picked up and taken on a scenic drive to Maasai Mara. This way, you as the client, won’t miss out on the wonder and magic waiting to be discovered with each winding road. We also take out clients back to Nairobi marking the end of the Safari package.

Accommodation

The accommodation entailed in this particular safari package is set at the property that fits your budget, from basic camping to staying at luxurious lodges.

However, if you wish to have more options to choose from, you will be offered a myriad of other accommodations to choose from.

What To Expect On Day One

The pickup time is essentially 0830 hrs in Nairobi. The five-hour drive to Maasai Mara should be filled with the scenery of breathtaking vegetation and escarpments.

Keep an eye out for Mountains such as Mt.Longot as you drive through the Great Rift Valley.

You’ll be at Maasai Mara in time for lunch, before proceeding for a tour of the game drive. To finish the magical day off in style, you’ll get to dine and spend the night the luxurious Lenchada Touristic Camp.

What To Expect On Day Two

Day two marks the end of the Safari package. You should expect to be picked up at  0630 hrs for an early morning tour around the Mara.

After the drive, you can have your breakfast before checking out. Our transport services will hence drive and drop you off in Nairobi.

How Much Will It Cost?

Prices vary depending on the type of accommodation that you want and any extra options that might interest you eg see the prices of a balloon safari over Masai Mara. Our costs factor in government taxes, accommodation, tour guide services, transport services and so forth. See my other detailed article where I give more information on Masai Mara trip cost.

b) 4 Days/3 Nights At The Masai Mara & Lake Nakuru Safari

Day One Of The Safari Package

The Safari starts off with a tour of the Maasai Mara where you’ll get to see the big five. At lunchtime, you should be able to relax at the Maasai Mara Lodge. To finish the tour, you’ll get to kick your feet up and dine at the Sarova Tented Camp.

Day Two Of The Safari Package

Day two of the safari, you get to the Maasai Mara game reserve. Do not forget to carry your cameras with you for this one. Lunch and dinner are also included.

Day Three Of The Safari Package

Day three of the Safari tour entails an extensive visit and tour to Lake Nakuru National Park.  During this tour, you’ll get to experience the breathtaking Lake Nakuru Safari Park which is home to the Rhinos. Since the tour starts early, breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

Day Four Of The Safari Package

Day four starts with an early tour to Lake Nakuru before finishing off with a late lunch at the Hotel. After checking off, you’ll be dropped off in Nairobi to mark the ends of your visit.

Want A Discounted Safari Quote?

If you would like to experience the full wonder of the Maasai Mara, a 3 days Kenya safari is just what you need. Three days in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve allows you to spot the Big Five, enjoy the expanse of nature without any rush, and spend a few nights in luxury. Travel agencies keep these factors in mind when designing their 3 days Mara safaris, which typically go as described below. (more…)