From well-known national parks to energetic cities, Kenya’s aviation market serves several of East Africa’s most unforgettable spots. From wildlife conservancies to the coastal towns and cross-border national parks, private aviation is still the quickest way to get around this country’s varied landscape. Some of Kenya’s most popular destinations are reachable only by air, while others offer the convenience of a private aircraft that can outcompete commercial service in both speed and comfort.
Below, we’ve prepared an up-to-date list of popular private jet destinations from Nairobi based on where our passengers are traveling and new client requests.
Mombasa
Mombasa is Kenya’s multicultural heart and enjoys a dual advantage: an Indian Ocean coastline complete with a marine national park, fine beaches, historical architecture, and access to holiday hideaways at Nyali, Bamburi, and Diani. The majority of guests come for beach relaxation combined with diving, cultural trips, and family holidays.
Available aircraft from Nairobi
- Citation Sovereign (8 seats): USD 12,000
- Caravan 208B (12 seats): USD 5,800
Flight time
- Citation Sovereign: 1 hour
- Caravan 208B: 1 hour 20 minutes
Travelers often pair Mombasa with multi-stop itineraries that include Amboseli or the Masai Mara, making coastal-safari combinations one of Kenya’s strongest tourism patterns.
Moi International Airport (HKMO/MBA)
Moi International Airport is a convenient gateway for private jet clientele.
Airport details
- Runway: 10,988 ft x 151 ft, 03/21
- Airport of entry
- Customs and immigration are available
- Slots required
- Fuel available
Its long runway supports operations for light, midsize, and large aircraft. This makes it suitable for corporate flights, family groups, and international arrivals connecting onward to the coast.
Masai Mara
The Masai Mara is internationally famous for wildlife viewing and the seasonal Great Migration. Tourists come here to see big predators and vast savannahs, and to experience hot-air balloon rides over the savannah, and Lodge experiences that dominate Kenya’s safari market. The area relies on small airstrips rather than large airports.
Flight time and cost
- Caravan 208B (12 seats): USD 2,800
- Flight time is about 45 minutes
Most travelers using this route are heading directly to private conservancies surrounding the reserve, where wildlife density is among the highest in East Africa.
Airstrip details
- Runway: about 5,200 ft
- No fuel available
- No slots required
- Not an airport of entry
- Turboprop aircraft only
The surface and runway length limit operations to turboprops such as the Caravan 208B or Pilatus PC-12. Crews must plan fuel requirements out of Nairobi or on the return leg. Operations remain straightforward with short taxi times and fast transfer to safari lodges.
Seronera, Tanzania: Serengeti National Park
Seronera airstrip is a busy safari hub in Tanzania and serves the central Serengeti region. Serengeti is the region tourists fly into to see the Serengeti ecosystem, big migrations, and year-round large game viewing. It is a popular stopover for those combining private charters Kenya and Tanzania.
The Seronera airstrip, like the Masai Mara, is a remote dirt airstrip.
Total flight time and cost
Total flight time is about 1 hour 40 minutes, including the HTMU stop
- Pilatus PC-12 (8 seats): USD 7,900
- Caravan 208B (12 seats): also suitable for this route
Seronera Airstrip
Seronera offers access to lodges and wildlife zones that are quieter than Kenya’s more concentrated Mara sectors. Many travelers choose this flight to experience both sides of the greater Serengeti migration.
Airstrip details
- Runway: about 5,080 ft
- No fuel available
- No slots required
- Turboprop aircraft only
Because this is an international routing from Kenya into Tanzania, the customs and immigration process must be completed en route. The standard procedure involves stopping at Musoma Airport (HTMU).
Customs stop
- Processing time at HTMU is about 45 minutes.
- After clearance, the aircraft proceeds directly to Seronera.
Malindi
Malindi’s beach is popular with those seeking quieter beaches, water sports, sport fishing, and access to the Watamu Marine National Park. The vibe is looser than in Mombasa, and the city is known for boutique hotels, Italian-flavored dining, and the kinds of extended-stay tourism formerly associated with East Africa.
Available aircraft from Nairobi
- Citation Bravo (8 seats): USD 7,200
- Caravan 208B (12 seats): USD 5,800
Flight time
- Citation Bravo: 40 minutes
- Caravan 208B: 1 hour
Malindi is frequently included in itineraries that combine Nairobi, Tsavo, and the coast, providing a mix of wildlife, beaches, and marine exploration.
Malindi International Airport (HKML / MYD)
Malindi airport has the potential to handle private jets and direct international traffic.
Airport details
- Airport of entry
- Customs and immigration are available
- Fuel available
- Runways: 4,600 ft and 3,549 ft
These runway lengths allow operations for light jets and turboprops, making Malindi a practical option for both leisure and corporate travel.
Amboseli
Elephant herds and views of Mount Kilimanjaro are just some of the attractions for which Amboseli National Park is famous. Travelers come to take photos, view wildlife, and stay in a private camp that offers unobstructed views of the mountain.
Available aircraft and cost
- Caravan 208B: USD 2,700
- Flight time is about 40 minutes
Amboseli flights are often combined with the Masai Mara or Tsavo in multi-park itineraries designed for wildlife photographers and wildlife-focused travelers.
The airstrip is small and can only accommodate short-takeoff aircraft.
Airstrip details
- Runway: about 2,871 ft
- No customs or immigration
- No fuel available
- Turboprop aircraft only
The runway length and conditions make the Caravan 208B the standard option for this route. Crews must plan fuel uplifts in Nairobi and typically operate with strict weight considerations for passenger bags.
Choosing the right aircraft for Kenya’s main routes
Should you charter a jet or turboprop? The decision to fly a jet or a turboprop aircraft center solely on runway length and airport infrastructure, along with the type of flying experience passengers would like to enjoy.
Airports where jets can land, such as Mombasa or Malindi, are well equipped with fuel and customs/immigration facilities. Ideal for passengers who value comfort above all and don’t mind spending a bit more time travelling.
Safari landings, such as Masai Mara, Amboseli, and Seronera, require a propeller aircraft due to short airstrips and rough terrain. The planes are built for remote locations and can reach areas well beyond commercial airport traffic patterns.
Cross-border flights require additional planning. The Nairobi to Seronera one stops in Musoma for customs. There are no safari airstrips with immigration facilities; therefore, you will need to pass through an official entry airport to arrive or depart by private aircraft.
Operational considerations for private flights in Kenya
Runway performance: Airstrips shorter than 5,000 ft require accurate performance calculations. Turboprops are preferred for these conditions.
Fuel planning: Fuel is available at major Kenyan airports but not at wildlife airstrips. Crews must plan uplift timing carefully.
Slot requirements: Mombasa requires slots. Other destinations listed do not.
Wildlife movement: At safari strips, wildlife may cross or graze near the runway. Approach and departure procedures often include additional visual checks.
Weather and scheduling: Morning flights offer clearer views and more stable conditions, particularly for coastal destinations and itineraries facing Kilimanjaro.
FAQs
Which aircraft type is most suitable for Kenya’s safari destinations?
Turboprops such as the Caravan 208B or Pilatus PC-12. These aircraft can safely and efficiently operate on shorter, unpaved runways.
Can jets land in the Masai Mara or Serengeti?
No. These destinations rely on bush airstrips and cannot support jet operations.
Do I need to stop for customs when flying from Nairobi to Seronera?
Yes. All Nairobi-to-Seronera flights must stop at Musoma Airport for customs and immigration processing before continuing to the airstrip.
Is fuel available at safari destinations like the Mara or Amboseli?
Fuel is not available at wildlife airstrips, so crews must plan fueling at departure or return airports.
How early should travelers book private flights to these destinations?
During peak tourism seasons such as July to October and December, aircraft availability can tighten quickly. Booking several weeks in advance is recommended.
