Wilson to Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu—routes, typical fares, soft-bag limits, check-in times, and airstrip pickups. Plan your Kenya bush flights the smart way.
Kenya Bush Flights 101: Wilson ↔ Masai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu—Routes, Baggage, Fares & How Not to Miss Your Safari
Short answer: Fly from Wilson Airport (WIL), arrive 45–70 minutes later on a dirt airstrip next to lions, and don’t argue about luggage rules. The long answer below covers routes, times, baggage limits, fares, check-ins, diversions, and airstrip pickups so you stop guessing and start booking.
Table of Contents
- Why Wilson (WIL) matters
- Routes & flight times
- Baggage rules without tears
- Fares, fees & change terms
- Connection tactics that don’t fail
- Airstrip pickups & wet-season diversions
- Sample flight-first circuits (6–9 days)
- Packing list for bush flights
- FAQs
Why Wilson (WIL) matters
- Location: Nairobi’s domestic hub for safari flights. Closer to most hotels than NBO.
- Check-in: Plan 60–90 minutes before departure. Security + manual weight checks take time.
- Weather reality: Morning flights are more punctual; afternoon convective weather can add stops or delays.
Routes & flight times (typical)
Times are air-time; multi-stop hops add 10–25 minutes per stop.
| Route (WIL ↔) | Airstrips (examples) | Time | Indicative one-way fare (pp) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Masai Mara | Ol Kiombo, Keekorok, Mara North, Naboisho, Olare | 45–60 min | USD 120–280 |
| Amboseli | Amboseli NP | 40–50 min | USD 120–220 |
| Samburu / Buffalo Springs | Samburu, Buffalo Springs | 60–75 min | USD 150–280 |
| Laikipia / Nanyuki | Nanyuki, Loisaba, Lewa | 40–60 min | USD 100–220 |
| Coast | Diani/Ukunda, Lamu, Malindi | 60–90 min | USD 120–260 |
| Inter-park hops | Mara→Samburu, Mara→Diani, etc. | 45–120 min | USD 140–300 |
Tip: Ask your operator to book the earliest flight that still allows an unhurried hotel pick-up. Earlier = fewer delays, cooler air, better chance your first game drive isn’t rushed.
Baggage rules without tears
- Soft bags only. No hard suitcases. Think duffels with no rigid frame.
- Allowance: Normally 15–20 kg (33–44 lb) total per person, including hand luggage and camera gear.
- Dimensions: Keep to small-hold size so it fits the cargo pod/compartment.
- Heavy cameras/long lenses? Book a spare seat (charged at a discounted passenger fare). It buys weight allowance and guarantees space.
- Drones: Kenya requires permits; many parks/conservancies ban them. Don’t bring one unless you know the law.
- Liquids & batteries: Power banks stay in the cabin; fuel/flammables are prohibited, obviously.
Fares, fees & change terms
- Seasonality: Peak (Jul–Oct; Dec–Jan) sits at the top of the ranges. Shoulder/green season is cheaper.
- Infants/children: Policies vary; most carriers seat infants on lap with reduced or nil fare, but weight still counts.
- Changes/Cancellation: Many tickets are changeable up to 24–48h prior; no-shows lose value. Read your fare rules before you click pay.
- Excess baggage: If accepted, it moves on a space-available basis and may follow on the next flight. Don’t plan on it.
Connection tactics that don’t fail
- Avoid same-day NBO long-haul → WIL departures with less than 4–5 hours buffer. Immigration + baggage + cross-city drive can eat your day.
- Staging night: Land NBO late? Sleep in Nairobi, fly WIL early next morning. Your sanity will thank you.
- Excess luggage: Ask us to store hard cases in Nairobi and send you out with soft duffels.
- Driver timing: Your driver should arrive at hotel pick-up **15–20 min earlier** than you think you need.
Airstrip pickups & wet-season diversions
- Transfers: Your camp’s guide meets you at the strip—look for a board with your name/camp.
- Multi-stop flights: Don’t panic at en-route landings; they’re normal. Stay seated unless told otherwise.
- Apr–May diversions: If primary strips are waterlogged, carriers divert to usable alternatives; camps re-route vehicles to meet you. It’s routine, not a disaster.
Sample flight-first circuits (6–9 days)
6 days — Mara only
WIL → Masai Mara (3–4 nights, conservancy if possible) → WIL. Depth beats breadth if time is tight.
7–8 days — Samburu + Mara
WIL → Samburu (3) → Mara (3) → WIL. Two biomes, predator variety, minimal backtracking.
8–9 days — Amboseli + Mara + Coast
WIL → Amboseli (2–3) → Mara (3) → **Diani/Lamu** (2–3) → return to WIL/NBO.
Packing list for bush flights
- Soft duffel (no frame), daypack, light packable rain layer.
- Camera kit in a compact shoulder or messenger bag; lens wraps beat bulky cases.
- Power bank (carry-on), multi-USB charger, spare camera batteries.
- Dust covers, microfibre cloths, Ziplocs for sand/rain, tiny first-aid kit.
- Earplugs for the hop; sunglasses; hat with chin strap.
FAQs
Hard case or soft duffel?
Soft duffel. Hard cases are routinely refused on small aircraft.
Can I carry a 600mm lens?
Yes, but book an extra seat for weight/space and keep the lens in a slim soft case in the cabin.
Window seats—can I reserve?
Usually first-come-first-served. Ask the agent at check-in; be early.
What if my flight diverts?
Your camp monitors flights by tail number and will reposition to meet you. Worst case: a longer game drive; best case: unexpected sightings.
Can I fly direct Mara → Diani?
Often yes in peak season; otherwise expect a stop via WIL or a coastal hub.
Worried about baggage limits or tight connections?
Send your dates, group size, and estimated luggage weight. We’ll stitch the best Wilson routes, pre-arrange airstrip pickups, and store your excess bags in Nairobi.