Travel & Transport

Domestic flights, road transfers, rail, and ferry — everything you need to move around Kenya with confidence.

Kenya's main airports

Kenya has two international airports and a network of domestic airstrips serving safari parks and coastal destinations. Understanding which airport serves which destination saves confusion — especially the difference between JKIA and Wilson Airport in Nairobi.

Nairobi JKIA

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport — Nairobi

IATA Code: NBO Location: 15km southeast of Nairobi CBD Transfer to city: 30–60 min by taxi or hotel transfer

JKIA handles all major international arrivals. Kenya eTA (electronic travel authorisation) is required for most nationalities — apply online before you travel at etakenya.go.ke. East African Community citizens travel freely.

From JKIA, most safari flights depart from Wilson Airport — a small domestic airport 6km from JKIA. Allow at least 3 hours between your international arrival and any connecting domestic flight. We always build this buffer into itineraries.

Mombasa MIA

Moi International Airport — Mombasa

IATA Code: MBA Location: 9km west of Mombasa city Transfer to Diani: 45–90 min (including bridge crossing)

Flying into Mombasa is ideal if you're starting your trip on the coast — it puts you 90 minutes from Diani Beach without a Nairobi stopover. Charter connections from MBA to Ukunda (Diani), Malindi, and Lamu are available through local operators.

Domestic airports & airstrips

Safari and coastal destinations are served by small domestic airports and bush airstrips. Most domestic flights depart from Wilson Airport (WIL) in Nairobi — not JKIA.

WILSON AIRPORT (WIL) — NAIROBI

Hub for all domestic safari and coast flights. Located 6km from JKIA — allow 45 min transfer between the two.

UKUNDA AIRSTRIP — DIANI BEACH

Small airstrip 5 min from Diani Beach. Much faster than flying into Mombasa and transferring by road.

KISUMU AIRPORT (KIS)

Serves western Kenya and Lake Victoria. Gateway to Kisumu city, Rusinga Island, and the western safari circuit. Regional airport with scheduled services.

MALINDI AIRPORT (MYD)

Gateway to Watamu (30 min transfer) and northern coast. Also a hub for onward Lamu connections.

MANDA AIRPORT (LAU) — LAMU

Serves Lamu Island via a short motorboat transfer. No cars on Lamu — you're met at the jetty.

MARA AIRSTRIPS (MULTIPLE)

Ol Kiombo, Keekorok, Musiara, Angama — confirm which airstrip your lodge uses before booking.

ELDORET INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (EDL)

Serves the North Rift Valley. Gateway to Eldoret city and surrounding highlands. Useful for visitors connecting to western Kenya or Uganda.

NANYUKI AIRPORT (NYK)

Gateway to Laikipia Plateau conservancies and Mount Kenya. Many private conservancies have their own airstrips.

AMBOSELI AIRPORT (ASV)

Serves Amboseli National Park. Clear day views of Kilimanjaro on approach.

SAMBURU AIRPORT

Serves Samburu National Reserve in northern Kenya. Often combined with Laikipia on multi-park circuits.

Travel tips
  • — Apply for your Kenya eTA at etakenya.go.ke at least 3 days before travel
  • — Wilson Airport (WIL) is where domestic flights depart — not JKIA
  • — Allow 3+ hours between international and domestic connections
  • — Yellow fever vaccination certificate required from certain countries
  • — USD cash widely accepted — carry small denominations
  • — M-Pesa is essential for Kenyan residents and locals
Luggage rules
✓ 15kg (33lbs) maximum per person on all bush flights
✓ Soft bags only — no hard suitcases
✓ Most hotels in Nairobi store excess luggage for free
✓ Carry-on: small daypack only
✓ Larger luggage allowances on full charter
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