Travelling from Toronto to the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya is a long-haul journey, but it is one of the most rewarding safari experiences in the world. With the right routing and planning, the trip is smooth, well-connected, and can easily be combined into a fully arranged safari package.
At Safari Travel Plus, we can handle everything for you — international flights, internal connections, accommodation, park fees, and full-board safari arrangements so your journey is seamless from Canada to the savannah.
Step 1: International Flight – Toronto to Nairobi
Your journey begins at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ). There are no direct flights to Kenya, so you will transit through major international hubs such as:
- London (Heathrow)
- Amsterdam
- Paris
- Doha
- Istanbul
- Dubai
Your destination in Kenya is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), located in Nairobi.
Typical total travel time: 15–22 hours (depending on layover)
Airlines commonly used include:
- Emirates
- Qatar Airways
- KLM
- Turkish Airlines
- British Airways
Step 2: Entry Requirements for Kenya
Before travelling, you must apply for a Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) online. It is mandatory for Canadian citizens and most international travellers.
You will also need:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Return or onward ticket
- Accommodation details (provided in your safari package)
Health & Vaccinations
Recommended (not always mandatory, but advised):
- Yellow Fever vaccination (especially if transiting through endemic countries)
- Hepatitis A & B
- Typhoid
- Routine vaccines (tetanus, etc.)
Malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended when visiting safari regions like the Masai Mara.
Step 3: Nairobi to Masai Mara (Final Leg)
Once you land in Nairobi, you will connect to the Masai Mara National Reserve by either:
Option A: Flight (Fastest & Most Popular)
- 45–60 minute scenic flight from Nairobi Wilson Airport
- Land at airstrips inside or near the reserve (e.g. Keekorok, Ol Kiombo)
Option B: Road Safari
- 5–6 hour drive through the Great Rift Valley
- Perfect for travellers wanting scenic stops and cultural experiences
Safari Travel Plus Recommendation
For travellers coming all the way from Canada, we strongly recommend a fly-in safari package to maximize your time in the bush and reduce travel fatigue.
Our packages typically include:
- International flight guidance or booking support
- Domestic flights or road transfers
- Full-board luxury or mid-range lodges
- Park fees
- Game drives with professional guides
- Optional balloon safari over the Mara
Why the Masai Mara is Worth the Journey
The Masai Mara is one of the world’s most iconic safari destinations, famous for:
- The Great Wildebeest Migration (July–October)
- Big Five wildlife sightings
- Luxury tented camps in the wilderness
- Stunning golden savannah landscapes
Final Tip
Because this is a long-haul trip, it is best to combine your safari with a few days in Nairobi or even the Kenyan coast (Diani or Mombasa) for a perfect bush-and-beach experience.
