Flying to Nairobi for Safari: A Guide for Ugandan Travelers

Nairobi: East Africa's Safari Gateway — Right Next Door

If you're in Kampala dreaming of lions, giraffes, and the sweeping savannah of the Masai Mara, here's a secret most Ugandans overlook: Nairobi is your fastest, most affordable safari launchpad — and it's just a short flight away.

With multiple daily flights from Entebbe International Airport to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), you can be in Nairobi in under 2 hours. From there, Karen Plains Hotel puts you in the heart of Karen — Nairobi's most scenic suburb, just minutes from the Nairobi National Park and a smooth drive to the Masai Mara. 

Getting Here: Flights from Entebbe to Nairobi

Several airlines operate the Entebbe–Nairobi route daily:

• Kenya Airways – Multiple daily flights, often the most convenient option with good connections
• Uganda Airlines – Direct flights with competitive fares
• RwandAir – Connecting via Kigali, great for flexible itineraries

Flight time is approximately 1 hour 20 minutes. Book early for fares as low as $80–$120 return. We recommend arriving a day before your safari departs so you can rest, explore Karen, and be ready for an early morning game drive.

What to Do in Nairobi Before Your Safari

Nairobi isn't just a stopover — it's a destination in itself. Here's what we recommend for Ugandan visitors:

• 🦒 Nairobi National Park & Giraffe Centre Tour – See the Big Five just 7km from the city centre. Our guided tour departs from Karen Plains Hotel and includes a visit to the famous Giraffe Centre where you can hand-feed Rothschild giraffes.
• 🐘 David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust – Watch baby elephants being raised by dedicated keepers. A must-see for wildlife lovers.
• ☕ Karen Blixen Museum – Step into the world of Out of Africa right in our neighbourhood.

The Masai Mara: Worth Every Kilometre

The Masai Mara is one of the world's greatest wildlife reserves — and from Nairobi, it's just a 5–6 hour scenic drive or a short charter flight. Our Masai Mara Transfer service departs directly from Karen Plains Hotel, making your journey seamless and stress-free.

The best time to visit for the Great Migration is July to October, but the Mara offers incredible game viewing year-round.

Your Karen Plains Hotel Package

We've designed our stay experience specifically for regional East African travelers:

• ✅ Airport Transfer from JKIA directly to Karen Plains Hotel
• ✅ Nairobi National Park & Giraffe Tour on Day 1
• ✅ Masai Mara Transfer for your onward safari journey
• ✅ Comfortable rooms in the leafy Karen suburb — peaceful, safe, and perfectly located

Ready to Plan Your Trip?

Whether you're coming for a weekend escape or a full safari adventure, Karen Plains Hotel is your home base in Nairobi. We understand East African travel — and we're here to make your Nairobi experience effortless.

Book your stay today and let us handle the rest. Questions? Contact us directly and our team will help you plan the perfect Nairobi safari itinerary from Kampala.