How to Get to Kenya: Flight guide

Author โ€” Ololo Safaris

Safaris Travel tips

Flights from the USA, Australia & the UK

Planning a safari in Kenya? Getting here is easier than ever, with excellent international flight connections to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi from the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom and destinations across the globe. As East Africa’s leading aviation hub, Nairobi is the gateway to Kenya’s iconic safari destinations, including the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu, Laikipia and the Kenyan Coast. From the moment you arrive, our team takes care of everything from airport transfers and domestic safari flights to accommodation and logistics – ensuring a seamless journey from touchdown to your first game drive.

Flights to Kenya from the United States

Travellers from the United States have several convenient options for reaching Kenya. The fastest route is the non-stop Kenya Airways service from New York (JFK) to Nairobi (NBO), taking approximately 15 hours. One-stop connections are also available from most major U.S. cities via Europe or the Middle East. Popular airlines include:

    • Qatar Airways via Doha
    • Emirates via Dubai
    • Turkish Airlines via Istanbul
    • Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa
    • KLM via Amsterdam
    • Air France via Paris

    These airlines operate from major gateways including New York, Washington D.C., Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas, Boston, Atlanta and Seattle.

    Flights to Kenya from Australia

    Although there are currently no direct flights between Australia and Kenya, travelling to Nairobi is straightforward with a single connection. Most travellers fly via Dubai, Doha, Singapore or Johannesburg, with departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. Popular airlines include:

    • Qatar Airways via Doha
    • Emirates via Dubai
    • Etihad Airways via Abu Dhabi
    • Singapore Airlines via Singapore (connecting onwards with partner airlines)
    • Qantas via Johannesburg or Dubai (connecting onwards with Kenya Airways KQ)

    Journey times generally range between 20 and 28 hours, depending on your connection. Many guests choose to include a stopover in Dubai, Doha or Singapore before continuing to Kenya.

    Flights to Kenya from the United Kingdom

    The United Kingdom offers some of the most convenient flight options to Kenya. British Airways and Kenya Airways operate direct flights from London Heathrow to Nairobi in approximately 8ยฝ to 9 hours. Alternatively, one-stop connections are available with:

      • Emirates via Dubai
      • Qatar Airways via Doha
      • Turkish Airlines via Istanbul
      • KLM via Amsterdam
      • Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa

      These airlines also provide convenient connections from regional airports across the UK.

      Arriving in Nairobi

      Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), one of our friendly Ololo drivers/guides will be waiting to welcome you outside the arrivals hall, holding a sign with your name. From there, you’ll be transferred to Ololo Safari Lodge or your onward destination, allowing you to relax and enjoy a seamless start to your Kenyan adventure. We recommend spending three nights at Ololo Safari Lodge to settle into Kenya, recover from your international journey, and enjoy game drives in Nairobi National Park, as well as nearby attractions including the Elephant Orphanage, Giraffe Centre, and Karen Blixen Museum. From Nairobi, you’ll continue to Kenya’s iconic safari destinations by scheduled light aircraft or private road transfer, with every detail arranged by our on-hand team.

      Before You Travel

      • Book your international flights as early as possible if travelling during the Great Migration (July to October) or over Christmas and New Year.
      • Domestic safari flights generally permit 15 kg (33 lbs) of luggage per person in soft-sided bags.
      • We recommend arriving in Nairobi at least one day before travelling onwards to the safari parks to allow time to rest after your international flight.
      • Allow at least two to three hours for international connections.

      Let Us Take Care of the Rest

      From the moment you arrive in Kenya, every detail of your journey is taken care of. Our experienced team arranges airport transfers, domestic flights, accommodation, park fees and safari logistics, allowing you to relax and enjoy an unforgettable safari experience. If you have any questions about flights or planning your journey to Kenya, our team is always happy to help.

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