Planning a safari from London to Masai Mara National Reserve is easier than many travelers think. Most visitors fly from London to Nairobi and then continue to the Masai Mara either by a short domestic flight or by road safari.
At Safari Travel Plus, we can organize everything for you including international flights, airport transfers, luxury or budget safari accommodation, park fees, transport, meals on full board basis, and domestic flights to the Masai Mara.
If you are traveling all the way from London to Kenya, this is likely not a trip you take every year. Long-haul travel can be expensive, so it makes sense to maximize the experience with a well-planned safari itinerary. Whether you want an affordable adventure or a once-in-a-lifetime luxury safari, there are excellent options available.
Best Way to Travel from London to Masai Mara
Step 1: Fly from London to Nairobi
Most travelers depart from:
- Heathrow Airport (LHR)
- Gatwick Airport (LGW)
You will fly into:
- Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi
Popular airlines include:
- Kenya Airways
- Qatar Airways
- Emirates
- Turkish Airlines
- Ethiopian Airlines
- British Airways
Direct flights from London to Nairobi usually take around 8.5 to 9 hours.
Step 2: Nairobi to Masai Mara
Once you arrive in Nairobi, there are two main ways to reach the Masai Mara.
Option 1: Fly to Masai Mara (Recommended)
This is the fastest and most comfortable option.
You will take a small safari aircraft from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to one of the Masai Mara airstrips. The flight takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
This option is ideal for:
- Luxury travelers
- Honeymooners
- Families with children
- Travelers with limited time
- Anyone wanting to avoid long drives
Most luxury camps include airstrip transfers.
Option 2: Drive to Masai Mara
Driving from Nairobi to the Masai Mara takes approximately 5 to 6 hours depending on the camp location and road conditions.
A road safari allows you to:
- See the Great Rift Valley
- Stop at scenic viewpoints
- Visit local towns
- Experience Kenya beyond the airports
Road safaris are often more affordable and work well for budget and mid-range travelers.
Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
Kenya replaced traditional visas with an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
Before traveling, UK travelers need to apply online before departure. Approval is usually fairly quick, but it is best to apply several days before travel.
Important things to know:
- Your passport should generally have at least 6 months validity
- You may need proof of accommodation and return flights
- Airlines may deny boarding if you do not have valid travel authorization
You can find official Kenya travel authorization information here:
Kenya eTA Information
Health, Vaccinations & Malaria Advice
Before traveling to Kenya, it is recommended to visit a travel clinic in the UK at least 4–8 weeks before departure.
Commonly recommended vaccinations for Kenya include:
- Hepatitis A
- Typhoid
- Tetanus
- Polio
- Routine childhood vaccinations
Depending on your itinerary and medical history, some travelers may also be advised to consider:
- Hepatitis B
- Rabies
- Yellow Fever
The yellow fever vaccine is generally recommended for some travelers to Kenya and may be required if arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever risk country.
Many safari travelers also take malaria prevention medication, especially when visiting safari regions. Your travel clinic can advise which medication is suitable for you.
Useful official resources:
- NHS Travel Vaccinations
- UK Kenya Health Advice
Luxury Masai Mara Safaris from London
If you are traveling all the way from London, this is the perfect opportunity to experience one of Africa’s best safari destinations properly.
The Masai Mara has some extraordinary luxury safari camps and lodges offering:
- Private plunge pools
- Fine dining in the bush
- Champagne sundowners
- Spa treatments
- Butler service
- Hot air balloon safaris
- Private game drives
Some luxury camps completely transform what people imagine a safari to be. You can wake up to views of elephants, enjoy breakfast in the bush, and watch the sunset over the savannah with giraffes nearby.
Luxury safari experiences are especially popular for:
- Honeymoons
- Anniversary trips
- Family celebrations
- Bucket-list holidays
Budget and Mid-Range Safaris
Not every safari has to be ultra-luxury. Kenya has excellent safari options for nearly every budget.
You can choose:
- Budget camping safaris
- Mid-range tented camps
- Boutique safari lodges
- Family-friendly accommodations
- Fly-in or road safaris
A well-planned mid-range safari can still deliver incredible wildlife viewing and unforgettable experiences.
How Many Days Should You Spend?
If you are flying from London, we usually recommend:
- 5 to 7 days minimum for a safari-only trip
- 8 to 14 days if combining safari and beach
Popular combinations include:
- Masai Mara + Diani Beach
- Masai Mara + Amboseli
- Masai Mara + Zanzibar
- Kenya + Tanzania safari combinations
Why Book with Safari Travel Plus?
At Safari Travel Plus, we help travelers from the UK organize complete Kenya safari holidays including:
- International flights
- Kenya eTA guidance
- Domestic flights
- Safari accommodation
- Full-board meals
- Park fees
- Private safari vehicles
- Beach extensions
- Luxury and budget options
We tailor each safari based on your travel style, budget, and interests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Masai Mara safe for tourists?
Yes. The Masai Mara is one of Africa’s most visited safari destinations and receives travelers from around the world every year.
What is the best month to visit Masai Mara?
July to October is famous for the Great Migration, but wildlife viewing is excellent throughout the year.
Can you fly directly from London to Masai Mara?
No. You first fly to Nairobi, then connect to the Masai Mara by domestic flight or road transfer.
Do UK citizens need a visa for Kenya?
Travelers need a Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before travel.
Is yellow fever vaccination mandatory?
It depends on your travel route and transit countries. A travel clinic can advise based on your itinerary.
