Ol Kiombo Airstrip is a small airstrip located in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, a popular wildlife conservation area in Kenya. It serves as one of the key access points for visitors traveling to the Maasai Mara by air. The airstrip provides a convenient way for tourists to reach the reserve quickly, avoiding long road journeys and offering a more efficient way to begin their safari experience.

Key Features of Ol Kiombo Airstrip:

1. Location:

   • Ol Kiombo Airstrip is situated in the western part of the Maasai Mara reserve, not far from the Ol Kiombo camp, a well-known safari lodge.

   • It is strategically positioned to serve visitors who are staying in or around the Mara Conservancy or other camps and lodges in the region.

2. Accessibility:

   • The airstrip is primarily used for charter flights and scheduled flights coming from Nairobi or other regional hubs like Wilson Airport or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

   • It's a popular entry point for travelers who want to avoid the long and often bumpy road journey from Nairobi (which takes about 5 to 6 hours). Flying into the airstrip can reduce the travel time to 45 minutes to 1 hour by plane.

   • It is also a hub for light aircraft operated by local airlines, providing quick access to various luxury lodges and camps in the Mara region.

3. Aircraft and Services:

   • Ol Kiombo Airstrip accommodates small aircraft, typically light aircraft like Cessna 208s, Twin Otters, and Pilatus PC-12 planes, which can land and take off from the strip.

   • Most of these planes are operated by airlines like Safarilink, Air Kenya, and Mara Air, which provide flights to the Maasai Mara from Nairobi or Mombasa.

   • Upon arrival, visitors are often met by representatives from their respective lodges or camps, who will then transfer them to their accommodations, often via safari vehicle.

4. Facilities:

   • The Ol Kiombo Airstrip is a basic airstrip with minimal facilities. There are usually no passenger terminals or major amenities on-site.

   • It has a simple runway, parking area for planes, and a small waiting area where passengers can relax before their onward journey or transfer.

   • Some airstrips like Ol Kiombo do not have major commercial services, so travelers should be prepared for a more basic experience in terms of facilities.

5. Proximity to Lodges and Camps:

   • Ol Kiombo Airstrip is very close to some popular lodges and camps in the Maasai Mara region. Notable lodges and camps near this airstrip include:

     • Ol Kiombo Camp: A luxury tented camp offering a unique safari experience.

     • Mara Plains Camp: A high-end, exclusive tented camp offering an intimate safari experience.

     • Kicheche Mara Camp: An intimate and exclusive camp in the Mara North Conservancy.

   • Being close to these camps and lodges makes the airstrip a convenient arrival point for tourists heading to these accommodations.

6. Best Time to Visit:

   • Ol Kiombo Airstrip is operational year-round, but the best time to visit the Maasai Mara (and by extension the airstrip) is during the dry seasons from June to October, which coincide with the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebras through the reserve.

   • The rainy season, typically from November to May, can cause some disruptions in terms of flight schedules, as certain weather conditions may affect visibility and aircraft operations.

7. Travel Tips:

   • While the airstrip offers quick access to the Maasai Mara, flights can be expensive compared to traveling by road, so it's important to plan your trip and budget accordingly.

   • Ensure that your travel itinerary is well-coordinated with the flight schedules, as flights to Ol Kiombo Airstrip are often subject to availability and timings.

   • Consider booking a package that includes flights from Nairobi to the Maasai Mara, as many tour operators offer seamless connections that include both flights and safari packages.

Summary:

Ol Kiombo Airstrip serves as a convenient entry point for travelers visiting the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Its proximity to several luxury lodges and camps makes it an ideal access point for safari-goers who prefer flying to the reserve. Although basic in terms of amenities, the airstrip offers quick and efficient access to the stunning landscapes of the Maasai Mara, making it a popular choice for safari tourists who want to maximize their time on the reserve.

Would you like more details about airlines operating in the region, or information on safari lodges and camps near Ol Kiombo?