Flying to Samburu National Reserve offers a quick, scenic, and stress-free alternative to the long road journey from Nairobi. Whether you’re looking to save time, enjoy breathtaking aerial views of Kenya’s rugged landscapes, or avoid the bumpy roads, booking a flight to Samburu can be an excellent choice for safari-goers.
This guide provides everything you need to know about flights to Samburu—including schedules, airlines, airstrips, costs, pros and cons, and insider tips from traveler reviews and expert safari forums.
📍 Why Fly to Samburu National Reserve?
✈️ Advantages of Flying to Samburu
- Time-Saving: A flight from Nairobi to Samburu takes just 1.5 hours, compared to a 6–7-hour road journey from Nairobi to Samburu which is a distance of over 311.4 Kms according to Google Maps.
- Scenic Views: Enjoy aerial panoramas of Kenya’s diverse landscapes, from the Great Rift Valley to Mount Kenya.
- Comfort: Ideal for travelers with back issues or those prone to discomfort during long road trips.
- Convenient Transfers: Flights land near top lodges, reducing the need for long ground transfers.
- Efficient for Short Safaris: Perfect for 2–3 day safaris, maximizing your time in the reserve.
🚐 Disadvantages of Flying to Samburu
- Higher Cost: Flights can be expensive, especially for groups larger than 2–3 people.
- Baggage Restrictions: Limited to 15 kg (33 lbs) per person, including hand luggage.
- Less Immersive Journey: You miss out on the road trip experience, which offers views of rural Kenya and small towns along the way.
- Additional Transfers: While flights are quick, you still need to factor in time for airport transfers in Nairobi and Samburu.
🛫 Airlines Operating Flights to Samburu
Two major domestic airlines operate scheduled flights between Nairobi (Wilson Airport) and Samburu:
1. Safarilink Aviation
- Fleet: Modern Cessna Caravans
- Base: Wilson Airport, Nairobi
- Website: www.flysafarilink.com
- Reputation: Known for reliable service, professional pilots, and frequent flights to safari destinations.
Below is a schedule on Safarilink’s website about daily flights to Samburu:
| Daily Flights to Samburu | ||||
| Flight No. | From | To | Departure | Arrival |
| 021 | Wilson | Samburu | 08:00 | 09:30 |
| 031 | Samburu | Mara | 09:15 | 11:00 |
| 023 | Wilson | Samburu | 10:20 | 11:20 |
| 024 | Samburu | Wilson | 11:30 | 13:15 |
| 025(High) | Wilson | Samburu | 13:00 | 14:35 |
| High Season: 16 December-31 March & 1 July-31 OctoberLow Season: 1 April-30 June & 1 November-15 December | ||||
2. Air Kenya Express
- Fleet: De Havilland Dash 7 and Cessna Grand Caravans
- Base: Wilson Airport, Nairobi
- Website: www.airkenya.com
- Reputation: Strong safety record, efficient check-ins, and excellent connections to other Kenyan reserves like the Maasai Mara.
Below is Air Kenya’s schedule’
| SCHEDULE | FARES | |||||
| From | To | Depart | Arrive | Tax | ||
| Wilson | Samburu | 0900 | 1000 | One-way | $252 | $25 |
| Wilson | Samburu | 1000 | 1100 | Return | $419 | $34 |
| Samburu | Wilson | 1115 | 1325 | One-way | $252 | $25 |
| Samburu | Maasai Mara | 1015 | 1215 | One-Way | $419 | $20 |
Both airlines maintain high safety standards, with well-trained pilots experienced in bush flying.
📆 Flight Schedules to Samburu (2024)
| Flight Route | Departure (Wilson Airport) | Arrival (Samburu Airstrip) | Return Flight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning Flight | 09:15 AM | 10:45 AM | Departs Samburu at 11:00 AM |
| Afternoon Flight | 2:00 PM (Peak Season Only) | 3:30 PM | Departs Samburu at 3:45 PM |
🗓️ Seasonal Notes:
- High Season: July – October & December – March
- Low Season: April – June & November
- Extra Flights: During peak months, airlines add midday flights to meet demand.
Tip: Book early for peak seasons—flights often sell out, especially from July to October.
💰 Flight Costs to Samburu
| Flight Type | Price (One Way) | Price (Return) |
|---|---|---|
| High Season (July-Oct) | $200–$250 per person | $400–$450 per person |
| Low Season (April–June) | $180–$220 per person | $350–$400 per person |
💼 Baggage Allowance:
- 15 kg (33 lbs) per passenger (soft bags preferred for easy storage).
- Extra Baggage: Subject to availability and charged separately (~$3–5 per kg).
🛬 Airstrips in Samburu National Reserve
There are several airstrips serving different parts of Samburu, Buffalo Springs, and nearby conservancies. It’s crucial to choose the closest airstrip to your lodge to avoid long and costly transfers.
1. Samburu Oryx Airstrip (Main Airstrip)
- Location: Inside Samburu National Reserve
- Best For: Lodges within Samburu Reserve
- Facilities: Basic, but regularly maintained
2. Kalama Airstrip
- Location: Kalama Community Conservancy
- Best For: Lodges in northern Samburu and community conservancies
3. Buffalo Springs Airstrip
- Location: Buffalo Springs National Reserve (adjacent to Samburu)
- Best For: Camps and lodges near the southern border of Samburu
4. Sasaab Airstrip (Private Airstrip)
- Location: Near Sasaab Lodge
- Access: Charter flights or pre-arranged private flights only
Lodges and Camps Served by Flights to Samburu:
- Porini Lion Camp
- Sasaab
- Kitich camp
- Freeman Private Camp
- Wamba Hospital
- Elephant Watch Camp
- Lion King Lodge
- Elephant Bedroom
- Samburu Ashnil
- Samburu Simba
- Samburu Saruni
- Samburu Sopa
- Joys Camp
- Sarova Shaba
- Samburu Lodge
- Samburu Interpids
- Samburu Larsens
- Samburu Game Lodge
- Robin Hurt Camp
- Royal African Safari Private Camp
- Sarara
📦 Fly-In Safari Packages to Samburu
Many safari companies, including MasaiMara.ke, offer fly-in safari packages to Samburu. These packages often include:
- Round-trip flights from Nairobi
- Airport transfers to your lodge or camp
- Game drives in open-sided safari vehicles
- Accommodation with full-board meals
✅ Benefits of Fly-In Packages:
- Hassle-Free: No need to worry about coordinating transfers
- Exclusive Game Drives: Enjoy safaris in custom safari vehicles with expert guides
- Flexible: Options for both luxury and budget travelers
🌍 Connecting Flights from Samburu
Samburu is well-connected to other safari destinations:
- Samburu → Maasai Mara: Via Nanyuki (1-hour layover)
- Samburu → Lewa Conservancy: Direct flights available
- Samburu → Laikipia: Quick connections with scenic views of Mount Kenya
🚗 Getting to Wilson Airport (Nairobi)
Most flights to Samburu depart from Wilson Airport (WIL), Nairobi’s domestic hub.
Wilson Airport Details:
- Location: Langata Road, Nairobi
- Distance from CBD: ~6 km (~20 minutes without traffic, up to 45 mins during rush hour)
- Airport Facilities: Cafes, lounges, currency exchange, and Wi-Fi
🚖 Transfer Options to Wilson Airport:
- Private Transfers: $20–$40 (depending on your Nairobi location)
- Taxis/Uber: Readily available (~$10–$15 from the city center)
- Hotel Shuttles: Offered by many Nairobi hotels
Tip: Arrive at least 1 hour before departure for check-in and security procedures.
✨ Expert Tips for Flying to Samburu
- Book Early: Especially during peak seasons (July–October).
- Pack Light: Soft-sided bags are preferred due to small aircraft compartments.
- Carry Essentials: Keep valuables, medication, and cameras in your hand luggage.
- Stay Hydrated: The dry Samburu climate can be dehydrating, even during flights.
- Window Seat: For breathtaking aerial views of Mount Kenya, rivers, and arid landscapes.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I fly directly from JKIA (Nairobi’s international airport) to Samburu?
A: No. Most flights depart from Wilson Airport. However, private charters can be arranged from JKIA.
Q: Are charter flights available?
A: Yes. Charter flights offer flexibility in terms of departure times and direct routes, ideal for private groups or luxury travelers.
Q: What if my luggage exceeds 15 kg?
A: Extra baggage may be allowed, subject to space availability, and charged at around $3–$5 per kg.
Q: Are flights to Samburu safe?
A: Absolutely. Both Air Kenya and Safarilink maintain excellent safety records, with regular aircraft maintenance and experienced pilots.
🚀 Plan Your Flight to Samburu Today!
Flying to Samburu National Reserve is the perfect start to your safari adventure. Whether you’re looking to save time, enjoy scenic aerial views, or maximize your game-viewing opportunities, a flight offers convenience and comfort. Book your flight today and let the wild heart of Samburu welcome you!