Can I store my big suitcase in Nairobi?

Yes. Most safari operators or your initial Nairobi hotel will store your large luggage for a small fee while you take your light bag on safari.

What is the weight limit for internal safari flights?

Most bush airlines strictly enforce a 15kg (33lb) limit, and it must be in a soft-sided bag to fit into the cargo hold of a Cessna Caravan.

Is it better to fly or drive to the parks?

Flying is recommended if you have less than 7 days, as driving to parks like the Masai Mara can take 6–7 hours on bumpy, unpaved roads.

Booking flights to Nairobi for a safari

Fly into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) and book your connecting safari bush flight from Wilson Airport (WIL) at least 4-5 hours later. Always book your international and bush flights on separate tickets to save money and ensure you have enough transit time to navigate Nairobi traffic.

Choose the right arrival time. Book international flights that land in NBO before 10:00 AM. This gives you a buffer to clear customs, get your visa, and navigate the heavy Nairobi traffic to Wilson Airport for a mid-afternoon bush flight.
Separate your tickets. Book your international flight on a major carrier (like Kenya Airways, British Airways, or Emirates) and your safari bush flight (like Safarilink or AirKenya) separately. Do not try to bundle them through a single airline website; local carriers rarely interline with international ones.
Use Wilson Airport (WIL) for bush flights. Almost all internal safari flights depart from Wilson Airport, not Jomo Kenyatta. Ensure your booking confirmation explicitly states 'WIL' for the departure airport to avoid missing your connection.
Book your ground transfer in advance. Do not rely on hailing a taxi at the airport. Pre-book a private car transfer from NBO to Wilson Airport through your safari operator. A transfer between airports takes 60–90 minutes depending on traffic.

Can I store my big suitcase in Nairobi?: Yes. Most safari operators or your initial Nairobi hotel will store your large luggage for a small fee while you take your light bag on safari.
What is the weight limit for internal safari flights?: Most bush airlines strictly enforce a 15kg (33lb) limit, and it must be in a soft-sided bag to fit into the cargo hold of a Cessna Caravan.
Is it better to fly or drive to the parks?: Flying is recommended if you have less than 7 days, as driving to parks like the Masai Mara can take 6–7 hours on bumpy, unpaved roads.