A practical guide to planning a trip from Riyadh to Masai Mara in Kenya: distance, flights, visas, time difference and the best time to go.
- Approx. air distance
- 3,106 km
- Estimated non-stop flight time
- about 4.5 hours
- Arrival airport
- Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
- Airport to destination by road
- 5–6 hours approx.
- Time difference
- None
- Local currency
- KES
- Best time
- June to October
Flights from Riyadh
We are not aware of confirmed non-stop flights from Riyadh to NBO, so most travellers connect once through a Gulf or African hub. Check current schedules. Airlines based in Riyadh include Saudia, flynas, flyadeal and Riyadh Air.
Visa and entry
Kenya uses an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) that most visitors must obtain before travel. Requirements depend on nationality, so check the official portal for current rules before booking.
Official e-visa portal for Kenya
CDC recommends yellow fever vaccination for most travellers, and a vaccination certificate may be required if arriving from a yellow-fever-risk country. Malaria is present in certain areas. Consult a doctor or travel clinic well before your trip.
How many days you need
Counting travel days, plan around 6 days in total to enjoy Masai Mara without rushing.
Best time to go
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rain | Experience | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 12–28 | some rain | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| February | 12–28 | some rain | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| March | 12–27 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| April | 13–26 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| May | 13–25 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| June | 12–25 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| July | 11–25 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | peak season |
| August | 11–25 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | peak season |
| September | 12–27 | some rain | ★★★★★ | peak season |
| October | 12–28 | some rain | ★★★★★ | busy |
| November | 12–27 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| December | 12–27 | some rain | ★★★★★ | moderate |
Masai Mara from other cities: Jeddah · Dammam · Medina · Dubai · Abu Dhabi · Sharjah · Doha · Kuwait City · Manama · Muscat · Amman · Cairo · Beirut · Casablanca
No trips are listed for this destination yet. Send a request and we will check with providers.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the trip from Riyadh to Masai Mara?
A non-stop flight would take about 4.5 hours; add connections and the airport transfer.
Are there direct flights from Riyadh?
Usually you will need one connection.
Do I need a visa for Kenya?
Kenya uses an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) that most visitors must obtain before travel. Requirements depend on nationality, so check the official portal for current rules before booking.
Sources: Magical Kenya (Kenya Tourism Board) - Maasai Mara · Mara Conservancy - Mara Triangle · Climates to Travel - Masai Mara · Weather Spark - Narok · Kenya eTA – Directorate of Immigration Services · Magical Kenya – Kenya Tourism Board · CDC Travelers' Health – Kenya · Ethiopian Airlines press release (Dec 2025) · flynas news – Jeddah–Entebbe direct flights (Mar 2026) · Ahram Online – EgyptAir Riyadh frequencies (2026) · Arab News – Riyadh Air Cairo service (2026)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.