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Mara Serena Lodge Airstrip (MRE) is a safari-focused airstrip situated within the Masai Mara National Reserve in southwestern Kenya, primarily serving guests of the Serena Safari Lodge and surrounding camps. The 1,000-meter unpaved runway accommodates small to medium safari aircraft, offering visitors one of the shortest and most scenic transfers from Nairobi to the world-famous Maasai Mara. It provides direct access to the reserve, renowned for the annual Great Migration and exceptional big cat sightings.
💡 Local Tip
Request a window seat on the left side of the aircraft when flying from Nairobi—you'll often catch your first glimpse of the Mara plains, the Talek River, and sometimes wildlife from the air before landing.
🚖 Getting There
Most visitors reach the airstrip via scheduled or charter flights from Nairobi's Wilson Airport, which is the main hub for safari connections. Ground transfers from the airstrip to Serena Safari Lodge are brief and typically arranged by the lodge, as vehicles are not generally permitted to drive into the reserve unaccompanied. Baggage allowances on safari flights are strictly limited to around 15 kg in soft-sided bags, so pack accordingly.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long is the flight from Nairobi to Mara Serena Airstrip?
A: Scheduled safari flights from Nairobi's Wilson Airport typically take around 45 minutes to one hour, depending on the aircraft type and routing.
Q: What type of aircraft use this airstrip?
A: The airstrip handles small to medium single and twin-engine aircraft commonly used on safari routes, such as Cessna Caravans, Dash 8s, and smaller bush planes operated by charter companies.
Q: Are there immigration or customs facilities at Mara Serena?
A: No, the airstrip is a domestic facility with no international services. International visitors clear customs and immigration at their port of entry in Kenya before connecting to this domestic flight.
Q: Is the airstrip paved?
A: No, the runway is murram (laterite) surfaced, which is standard for remote safari airstrips in Kenya and is suitable for the aircraft that operate here.
AI-generated content · Generated Jun 29, 2026 · MiniMax-M3