{"id":2442,"date":"2026-05-24T11:32:01","date_gmt":"2026-05-24T11:32:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.safaritravelplus.com\/travel\/?p=2442"},"modified":"2026-05-24T11:33:48","modified_gmt":"2026-05-24T11:33:48","slug":"how-to-reach-the-masai-mara-from-new-york","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.safaritravelplus.com\/travel\/how-to-reach-the-masai-mara-from-new-york\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Reach the Masai Mara from New York"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you book with Safari Travel Plus, everything can be arranged for you including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>International and domestic flights<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Airport transfers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hotels<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Full-board safari accommodation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Park fees<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Private safari transport<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Game drives<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bush meals and special experiences<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.safaritravelplus.com\/travel\/how-to-reach-the-masai-mara-from-new-york\/#Step_1_Fly_from_New_York_to_Nairobi\" >Step 1: Fly from New York to Nairobi<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.safaritravelplus.com\/travel\/how-to-reach-the-masai-mara-from-new-york\/#Step_2_Kenya_Electronic_Travel_Authorization_eTA\" >Step 2: Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.safaritravelplus.com\/travel\/how-to-reach-the-masai-mara-from-new-york\/#Step_3_Health_Vaccinations\" >Step 3: Health &amp; Vaccinations<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.safaritravelplus.com\/travel\/how-to-reach-the-masai-mara-from-new-york\/#Step_4_Getting_from_Nairobi_to_the_Masai_Mara\" >Step 4: Getting from Nairobi to the Masai Mara<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.safaritravelplus.com\/travel\/how-to-reach-the-masai-mara-from-new-york\/#Option_1_Fly_to_the_Masai_Mara_Recommended\" >Option 1: Fly to the Masai Mara (Recommended)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.safaritravelplus.com\/travel\/how-to-reach-the-masai-mara-from-new-york\/#Option_2_Drive_from_Nairobi_to_the_Masai_Mara\" >Option 2: Drive from Nairobi to the Masai Mara<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.safaritravelplus.com\/travel\/how-to-reach-the-masai-mara-from-new-york\/#How_Long_Should_You_Stay\" >How Long Should You Stay?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.safaritravelplus.com\/travel\/how-to-reach-the-masai-mara-from-new-york\/#Best_Time_to_Visit\" >Best Time to Visit<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.safaritravelplus.com\/travel\/how-to-reach-the-masai-mara-from-new-york\/#Why_Book_Your_Safari_with_Safari_Travel_Plus\" >Why Book Your Safari with Safari Travel Plus<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_1_Fly_from_New_York_to_Nairobi\"><\/span><strong>Step 1: Fly from New York to Nairobi<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your safari starts with an international flight from:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>JFK<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Newark (EWR)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>LaGuardia (via connections)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You will arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are no direct flights from New York to Kenya currently, so most routes connect through:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Doha<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dubai<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Amsterdam<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>London<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Paris<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Istanbul<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Popular airlines include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Qatar Airways<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Emirates<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kenya Airways<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>KLM<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Turkish Airlines<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Flights usually take about 18\u201324 hours depending on the connection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_2_Kenya_Electronic_Travel_Authorization_eTA\"><\/span><strong>Step 2: Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">U.S. travelers need a Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization before entering the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Requirements typically include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Passport valid for at least 6 months<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Passport photo<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Flight details<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Accommodation details<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Apply several days before travel to avoid delays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_3_Health_Vaccinations\"><\/span><strong>Step 3: Health &amp; Vaccinations<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before traveling to Kenya, consult your doctor or travel clinic several weeks before departure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Common recommendations include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Routine vaccinations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hepatitis A<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Typhoid<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tetanus update<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Malaria prevention medication<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also pack:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sunscreen<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Insect repellent<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Motion sickness tablets if driving to the Mara<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A small safari medical kit<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_4_Getting_from_Nairobi_to_the_Masai_Mara\"><\/span><strong>Step 4: Getting from Nairobi to the Masai Mara<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once in Nairobi, there are two main ways to reach the Masai Mara National Reserve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Option_1_Fly_to_the_Masai_Mara_Recommended\"><\/span><strong>Option 1: Fly to the Masai Mara (Recommended)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is the fastest and most comfortable option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Flights leave from Wilson Airport and take about 45\u201360 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Airlines include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Safarilink Aviation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>AirKenya<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Governors Aviation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Benefits:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Saves time<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoids long drives<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Amazing aerial views<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ideal for luxury safaris, families, honeymooners, and shorter trips<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many experienced safari travelers online recommend flying if the budget allows because it gives you more actual safari time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Option_2_Drive_from_Nairobi_to_the_Masai_Mara\"><\/span><strong>Option 2: Drive from Nairobi to the Masai Mara<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Driving takes approximately 5\u20136.5 hours depending on which gate or lodge you are visiting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The drive includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Scenic Great Rift Valley viewpoints<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Small Kenyan towns<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rural landscapes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wildlife sightings closer to the reserve<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Road safaris are excellent for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Travelers on a tighter budget<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Photographers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Visitors who enjoy road trips<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Travelers combining multiple parks<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most safari companies use custom 4&#215;4 safari Land Cruisers with pop-up roofs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Long_Should_You_Stay\"><\/span><strong>How Long Should You Stay?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A common mistake many international visitors make is staying too short a time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A 2-night safari can feel rushed because of travel time. Many travelers recommend at least:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>3 nights minimum<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>4\u20136 nights for a fuller experience<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you are traveling all the way from New York, it is worth considering:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A luxury safari camp<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Private game drives<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A hot air balloon safari<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Conservancy experiences<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bush breakfasts and sundowners<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Masai Mara has options for nearly every budget:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Budget camps<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mid-range lodges<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ultra-luxury tented camps<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some luxury camps in Kenya rival the best hotels in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Best_Time_to_Visit\"><\/span><strong>Best Time to Visit<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The famous Great Migration usually happens between July and October when millions of wildebeest and zebras move into the Mara from Tanzania.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>January\u2013March is excellent for predators and fewer crowds<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>June\u2013October offers prime wildlife viewing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Green season months can offer lower prices and beautiful scenery<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Book_Your_Safari_with_Safari_Travel_Plus\"><\/span><strong>Why Book Your Safari with Safari Travel Plus<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We help travelers from the U.S. organize seamless Kenya safaris with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Customized itineraries<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>International flight guidance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Luxury and mid-range options<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Family safaris<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Honeymoons<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Private safaris<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fly-in safaris<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Beach extensions to Diani Beach or Zanzibar<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We can arrange your entire journey from New York to the Masai Mara so you can simply arrive and enjoy the adventure.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2446,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[13,41],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2442","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-tips","category-safaris"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.safaritravelplus.com\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2442","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.safaritravelplus.com\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.safaritravelplus.com\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.safaritravelplus.com\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.safaritravelplus.com\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2442"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.safaritravelplus.com\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2442\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2445,"href":"https:\/\/www.safaritravelplus.com\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2442\/revisions\/2445"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.safaritravelplus.com\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2446"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.safaritravelplus.com\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2442"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.safaritravelplus.com\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2442"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.safaritravelplus.com\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2442"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}