Planning a safari from New York to the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve is easier than many travelers think. Most visitors fly from New York to Nairobi, spend a night in the city, then continue to the Mara either by road or a short domestic flight.
If you book with Safari Travel Plus, everything can be arranged for you including:
- International and domestic flights
- Airport transfers
- Hotels
- Full-board safari accommodation
- Park fees
- Private safari transport
- Game drives
- Bush meals and special experiences
For travelers coming all the way from New York, this is often a once-in-a-lifetime journey. It makes sense to maximize the experience with a well-planned safari rather than rushing through it.
Step 1: Fly from New York to Nairobi
Your safari starts with an international flight from:
- JFK
- Newark (EWR)
- LaGuardia (via connections)
You will arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi.
There are no direct flights from New York to Kenya currently, so most routes connect through:
- Doha
- Dubai
- Amsterdam
- London
- Paris
- Istanbul
Popular airlines include:
- Qatar Airways
- Emirates
- Kenya Airways
- KLM
- Turkish Airlines
Flights usually take about 18–24 hours depending on the connection.
Step 2: Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
U.S. travelers need a Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization before entering the country.
Requirements typically include:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Passport photo
- Flight details
- Accommodation details
Apply several days before travel to avoid delays.
Step 3: Health & Vaccinations
Before traveling to Kenya, consult your doctor or travel clinic several weeks before departure.
Common recommendations include:
- Routine vaccinations
- Hepatitis A
- Typhoid
- Tetanus update
- Malaria prevention medication
Yellow fever vaccination is generally only required if you are arriving from a yellow fever risk country, but many travelers still choose to get vaccinated for added protection.
Also pack:
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Motion sickness tablets if driving to the Mara
- A small safari medical kit
Step 4: Getting from Nairobi to the Masai Mara
Once in Nairobi, there are two main ways to reach the Masai Mara National Reserve.
Option 1: Fly to the Masai Mara (Recommended)
This is the fastest and most comfortable option.
Flights leave from Wilson Airport and take about 45–60 minutes.
Airlines include:
- Safarilink Aviation
- AirKenya
- Governors Aviation
Benefits:
- Saves time
- Avoids long drives
- Amazing aerial views
- Ideal for luxury safaris, families, honeymooners, and shorter trips
Many experienced safari travelers online recommend flying if the budget allows because it gives you more actual safari time.
Option 2: Drive from Nairobi to the Masai Mara
Driving takes approximately 5–6.5 hours depending on which gate or lodge you are visiting.
The drive includes:
- Scenic Great Rift Valley viewpoints
- Small Kenyan towns
- Rural landscapes
- Wildlife sightings closer to the reserve
Road safaris are excellent for:
- Travelers on a tighter budget
- Photographers
- Visitors who enjoy road trips
- Travelers combining multiple parks
Most safari companies use custom 4×4 safari Land Cruisers with pop-up roofs.
How Long Should You Stay?
A common mistake many international visitors make is staying too short a time.
A 2-night safari can feel rushed because of travel time. Many travelers recommend at least:
- 3 nights minimum
- 4–6 nights for a fuller experience
If you are traveling all the way from New York, it is worth considering:
- A luxury safari camp
- Private game drives
- A hot air balloon safari
- Conservancy experiences
- Bush breakfasts and sundowners
The Masai Mara has options for nearly every budget:
- Budget camps
- Mid-range lodges
- Ultra-luxury tented camps
Some luxury camps in Kenya rival the best hotels in the world.
Best Time to Visit
The famous Great Migration usually happens between July and October when millions of wildebeest and zebras move into the Mara from Tanzania.
However:
- January–March is excellent for predators and fewer crowds
- June–October offers prime wildlife viewing
- Green season months can offer lower prices and beautiful scenery
Why Book Your Safari with Safari Travel Plus
We help travelers from the U.S. organize seamless Kenya safaris with:
- Customized itineraries
- International flight guidance
- Luxury and mid-range options
- Family safaris
- Honeymoons
- Private safaris
- Fly-in safaris
- Beach extensions to Diani Beach or Zanzibar
We can arrange your entire journey from New York to the Masai Mara so you can simply arrive and enjoy the adventure.
