Flights, Transfers & Road
Lemek Conservancy sits in one of the most rewarding corners of the Greater Maasai Mara ecosystem, a private, community-managed wilderness in the north of the Mara with outstanding wildlife, very few vehicles, and a sense of space that is increasingly rare. If you are planning a safari here, you will be pleased to know that getting to Lemek is straightforward. There are two main options: a scenic 45-minute flight from Nairobi, or a classic road trip through the Kenyan highlands. This guide covers both in full.
Images by Alan Hewitt & Kaleel Zibe
Option 1: Flying to Lemek Conservancy
For most visitors, especially those on shorter trips or combining Lemek with other Kenyan destinations, flying is the obvious choice. It is fast, comfortable, and the aerial views of the Rift Valley and Mara plains make the journey part of the experience.
Your departure point: Wilson Airport, Nairobi
All scheduled flights to the Maasai Mara depart from Wilson Airport (WIL), Nairobi’s domestic airport on Langata Road – not from the international Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). If you are arriving into Nairobi on an international flight, you will need to transfer between the two airports. Allow at least two to three hours for this, more during morning rush hour, and factor in the 30-minute check-in requirement at Wilson.
Wilson is a compact, busy airport with a straightforward layout. Most airlines serving the Mara have check-in desks at the main terminal.
Which airstrip to fly into for Lemek?
This is the single most important detail when booking your Mara flight. There are around a dozen airstrips across the Greater Mara area and it is essential to fly into the one closest to your camp, as transfers from the wrong airstrip can add an hour or more to your journey – and cost considerably more.
For Lemek Conservancy, the most convenient airstrip are:
- Mara North Airstrip. This is the closest and most straightforward option for camps in the northern and central part of Lemek, including Mattikoko Safari Camp. From Mara North, we’ll collect you for a scenic 20–30 minute drive across the conservancy – often your first proper game drive, with wildlife visible almost immediately.
- Ngerende Airstrip. Also serves camps in and around Lemek, particularly those towards the western side of the conservancy. Check with your specific camp which airstrip suits them best before booking. (If you’re staying at Mattikoko, there will be a small extra charge for airport transfers, but we can make it happen!)
Airlines and Schedules
Several airlines operate daily scheduled flights from Wilson Airport to the Mara airstrips, including AirKenya, Safarilink, Governors Aviation, and Fly ALS. Most offer morning and afternoon departures. The morning flights typically leave Wilson around 8:00am and arrive in the Mara around 8:45am, which means you can be out on a game drive by late morning. A second wave of flights usually departs around 10:30am – 11:00am, and there is often an early afternoon service too.
Note that Mara-bound flights operate as a shuttle service, meaning the plane may make one or two stops at other airstrips en route. This is perfectly normal and adds only a short time to your journey; the total flight time from Wilson to the Mara is typically 40–60 minutes depending on routing.
Flight costs and booking tips
Return flights from Nairobi to the Maasai Mara area currently range from around US$300 to US$550 per person depending on the season, airline, and how far in advance you book. One-way fares generally run US$150–$230. Peak season (July to October, coinciding with the Great Migration) sees higher prices and fuller flights, so booking early is strongly recommended.
A few practical points to note:
- Baggage is strictly limited to 15kg per person (including carry-on). Safari-friendly soft bags are much better than hard-shell suitcases on bush flights.
- Aircraft are small — typically Cessna Caravans or Dash 8 turboprops. Seats are compact. Passengers significantly over average weight may be advised to book an additional seat for comfort and safety.
- Schedules operate year-round but are subject to change. Always confirm departure and pick-up times directly with your airline the day before travel.
Charter flights
If you are travelling in a group or simply want a private, door-to-door service, charter flights are available from Wilson and can be arranged to land at any Mara airstrip. They cost more but offer complete flexibility on timing and routing. We are happy to help co-ordinate charters for guests staying at Mattikoko.
Option 2: Driving to Lemek Conservancy
The overland route to Lemek is a genuine adventure in its own right. Kenya’s Great Rift Valley unfolds before you as you leave Nairobi behind, the road rises to the escarpment, and by the time you are weaving through the wheat fields of Narok County, you already feel far from the city. Families, road-trippers, and those combining Lemek with other destinations often choose to drive at least one leg of the journey.
The route: Nairobi to Lemek
The drive from Nairobi to Lemek Conservancy takes approximately 5 to 6 hours including a short stop, and covers around 250–280km depending on your starting point. The route breaks down into three sections:
Nairobi to Narok (roughly 2 hours): Leave Nairobi on the A104 highway, then pick up the B3 before the Limuru junction. If departing from JKIA, the Southern Bypass connects you to the A104 at Kikuyu, cutting out city traffic. The road is well-sealed all the way and passes through beautiful Rift Valley scenery. Narok town is a useful stop for fuel, snacks, and a comfort break.
Narok to Lemek (roughly 1.5 to 2 hours): From Narok, continue west on the B3/C13 towards Ololunga and Mulot. Do not take the turning towards Sekenani Gate, as that leads to the main reserve rather than the conservancies. After Ololunga, you will take the Olonini junction turn-off (look for Olonini Primary School as a landmark), then head through the small settlement of Ngorengore. At the Y-junction beyond Ngorengore, turn left and continue straight through the hills. You will pass through Lemek town approximately 62km from Narok, and from there the road eventually brings you down towards the conservancy itself.
Final stretch to camp: Once inside the conservancy boundary, your camp will have shared its GPS coordinates and specific directions. At Mattikoko Safari Camp, we will send you detailed waypoints and are always available by phone to guide you in.
Road conditions
The B3 and the main Narok road are sealed and in reasonable condition, though like much of Kenya’s road network they have the occasional pothole, particularly after the long rains (April–June). The section from Narok towards Lemek involves progressively rougher murram (dirt) road as you leave the main highway. It’s manageable in a standard 4WD but we strongly advise against attempting it in a standard saloon car or low-clearance vehicle.
During and immediately after the rainy seasons, some stretches can be muddy and slow. A high-clearance 4WD is the right vehicle for this road. If you are renting in Nairobi, book a 4WD, ideally a Toyota Land Cruiser or similar.
Road trip tips
- Leave Nairobi by 7am to avoid peak city traffic and arrive at Lemek by early afternoon.
- Fill up with fuel in Narok, as it is the last reliable stop before the conservancy.
- Mobile signal can be patchy on the final stretch, so download your GPS route (Google Maps works offline with a downloaded area) or use What3Words.
- Note that private vehicles are not permitted on game drives within the conservancy. You will need to use your camp’s safari vehicle once inside.
Flying vs Driving: Which Is Right for You?
Both routes have real appeal. Here is a quick comparison to help you decide:
Choose to fly if: you have a shorter trip (3–4 nights) and want to maximise time on the plains; if you are travelling with young children who may struggle with a long road journey; or if you are combining Lemek with other Kenyan destinations (the Maasai Mara connects to the Serengeti, Amboseli, or the coast via onward flights from Wilson).
Choose to drive if: you are a road-tripper at heart and want the full overland experience; if you are travelling in a larger group where flight costs per head add up significantly; or if you are self-driving around Kenya and Lemek is one stop on a longer route.
Arriving at Mattikoko Safari Camp
Mattikoko Safari Camp is set in the heart of Lemek Conservancy, accessed via Mara North Airstrip (by air) or by road from Narok as described above. We co-ordinate all arrival logistics for our guests, whether that means meeting you at the airstrip, sharing GPS waypoints for the drive in, or helping to arrange flights and transfers from Nairobi.
Once you arrive, the camp experience begins immediately. The conservancy borders your tent, wildlife wanders freely through the site, and your Maasai guides are ready to take you out on your first game drive. The logistics are the easy part, the harder part is leaving!
If you have any questions about getting here, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We are happy to help plan every detail of your journey to Lemek.