Nairobi Hotel Before Your Masai Mara Trip
Arriving in Nairobi the night before your Masai Mara trip? Karen Plains Hotel in Karen is 10 minutes from Wilson Airport — the departure point for Mara flights. Rest well, wake up to breakfast, and make your transfer with no stress. The most convenient boutique hotel base for pre-Mara overnight stays in Nairobi.
The Pre-Mara Overnight — Why It Matters
Most international visitors arriving for a Masai Mara safari fly into JKIA and connect to a Mara flight from Wilson Airport the following morning. The gap between JKIA arrival and Wilson departure makes an overnight in Nairobi both necessary and, if chosen well, genuinely enjoyable.
Karen Plains Hotel is the optimal choice for this overnight: Wilson Airport is 10 minutes away, the hotel is comfortable and well-run, breakfast is included, and Karen itself has excellent daytime options if you arrive with time to explore.
The Pre-Mara Day at Karen Plains Hotel
If you arrive with a full day before your Mara flight, Karen has excellent wildlife options within easy reach:
- Morning: Game drive at Nairobi National Park — 10 minutes from the hotel, lions and rhinos within a capital city
- Mid-morning: David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephant orphanage — open for public visits 11am to 12pm daily, adjacent to Nairobi National Park
- Afternoon: Giraffe Centre — 15 minutes from Karen Plains Hotel, a uniquely interactive wildlife experience
- Evening: Dinner at Moss Oasis restaurant at Karen Plains Hotel
Read our guide on what to expect on a Nairobi National Park game drive for planning tips.
Masai Mara Flight Logistics
All scheduled flights to the Masai Mara depart from Wilson Airport. Carriers include Safarilink, AirKenya, and Fly540, with multiple daily departures. Flight time to the Mara is approximately 45 minutes. Our guide on Nairobi to Masai Mara: road vs. flight covers everything you need to know about getting to the Mara from Nairobi.
We can arrange your transfer from JKIA to Karen Plains Hotel, and your onward transfer to Wilson Airport. WhatsApp us on +254 796 989 928 to coordinate your arrival and departure times.
Migration Season Timing
Read our guide on the best time to visit Kenya for a safari to time your Mara trip for the best migration season experience — river crossings peak between July and September.
Book Your Pre-Mara Overnight
Book direct for the best available rate — daily breakfast included. Book your pre-Mara night here or WhatsApp +254 796 989 928.