Tour Kenya by Air

Tour Kenya by Air

Are you planning to tour Kenya by air and wondering how best you can do it? This article is yours. Exploring Kenya by air is a premium travel option for visitors to Africa. Air travel significantly reduces travel time compared to road transport. This type of tour features flights to various destinations across Kenya. Generally, these are domestic chartered flights connecting different locations. Travelers will come across several airstrips at the various destinations on their safaris. Notable destinations include:

Explore Masai Mara National Reserve by air

The Masai Mara National Reserve, situated in southwestern Kenya near the Tanzania border, was established in 1961. It is the most renowned park in Kenya, and travelers can visit it by air. The reserve is famous for its annual great wildebeest migration, primarily around the Mara River, and it is home to diverse wildlife. Additionally, this reserve is part of the larger Mara ecosystem, which includes areas such as Mara Triangle, Kimintet, Koiyaki, Lemek, Maji Moto, Mara North, Naikara, OLkinyei, Oloirien, and Siana. This section of the ecosystem encompasses the Telek River, Sand River, and the iconic Mara River.

When you explore the reserve, you’ll be delighted to spot various wildlife by air during your unforgettable Kenya tour. Some incredible creatures you might encounter include majestic lions, graceful leopards, mighty buffalo, gentle elephants, rare rhinos, striking zebras, and playful impalas. You’ll have the chance to experience these amazing animals while enjoying exciting activities such as game drives, refreshing nature walks, and engaging with vibrant cultural communities.

During safaris, travelers utilize various airstrips in the Masai Mara National Reserve, such as Keekorok, Serena, Muisara, Kichwa Tembo, Siana Conservancy, OL Kiombo, Ngerende, Olare Orok, Angama, and Olseki.

Tsavo National Park

This park is the largest in Kenya and is divided into two sections: Tsavo East and Tsavo West, located within the Nairobi province and along the Mombasa coast. The division occurred due to constructing a railway line connecting Mombasa to the interior of Kenya. Tsavo East National Park is one of the oldest parks in Kenya, situated in the southeast near the town of Voi in the Taita Taveta district. This section is slightly larger and characterized by generally flat plains alongside the Galana River, Yatta Plateau, Lugard Falls, and more. In contrast, Tsavo West National Park, established in 1948, is located in the coastal province and is more mountainous and wetter, featuring various water bodies such as swamps and lakes. It is renowned for its diverse bird species and large mammals, including rhinos, cape buffaloes, elephants, leopards, lions, and giraffes.

During air safaris in Kenya, travelers encounter several airstrips within the parks. In Tsavo East National Park, the airstrips include Voi, Aruba, Satao, Sala, Ithumba, Sangayaya, Mopeo, and others. In contrast, Tsavo West National Park features the Tsavo West airstrip and Finch Hatton’s airstrip.

Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park is in southern Kenya and is renowned for its large elephant herds and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro. The park is home to diverse wildlife, including lions, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos. Established in 1974, it was named after Lake Amboseli in the park’s western region. While exploring the park through safaris, visitors can enjoy various activities such as game drives, nature walks, camping, and more. Several airstrips are available for those wishing to access Amboseli National Park by air for safaris in Kenya, including the Kimana Airstrip.

Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru National Park is situated within the Rift Valley, named after the lake that lies within it. This soda lake is home to various bird species, including flamingos. The park boasts over 400 bird species that visitors may see during their safaris. Notable wildlife includes the African fishing eagle, long-tailed widowbird, montane white-eye, red-capped lark, northern puffback, and many more. Visitors may also encounter large herds of rhinos, giraffes, buffalo, lions, waterbucks, and impalas. For those wishing to explore Kenya via air safari, the Naishi airstrip within the park is available. 

Samburu National Reserve

The Samburu National Reserve, established in 1985, is situated along the Ewaso Ngiro River in the Rift Valley Province. It covers an area of approximately 165 square kilometers, around 345 kilometers from Nairobi in northern Kenya. Travelers visiting the reserve can encounter a variety of wildlife during their safaris, including lions, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, Beisa Oryx, cheetahs, leopards, and more. These animals can be observed during game drives, nature walks, and camping trips. For tours to Kenya, travelers must take domestic charter flights to the reserve. The reserve has multiple airstrips, including the Oryx Samburu airstrip and the Saruni Airstrip located within the park.

What is the best time to tour Kenya by air?

The country is accessible year-round, but the ideal times to visit are during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February. These periods offer excellent opportunities to observe wildlife and participate in various activities.