Amboseli National Park is one of Kenya’s most accessible parks by air, making it an ideal choice for travelers seeking speed, convenience, and scenic aerial arrivals. Whether you’re flying in from Nairobi, connecting from the Maasai Mara, or hopping between parks, Amboseli’s air access is efficient and increasingly popular among luxury, mid-range, and photographic safari travelers.
Let’s explore everything you need to know about Amboseli’s airstrips.
📍 Main Airstrip: Amboseli Airstrip (HKAM / ASV)
✈️ Overview:
- Name: Amboseli Airstrip
- IATA Code: ASV
- ICAO Code: HKAM
- Operator: Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), in partnership with Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS)
- Runway: Approx. 1,180 meters long, gravel surface
- Altitude: ~1,180 meters (3,871 ft) above sea level
- Type: Public bush airstrip, daylight operations only
📌 Location:
- Inside Amboseli National Park, near Ol Tukai Lodge and the central swamp area
- Short transfer (10–30 minutes) to most central and eastern lodges and tented camps
🛫 Which Airlines Fly to Amboseli?
Amboseli is served daily by domestic safari charter airlines operating from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport (WIL). Most flights are 40–60 minutes long.
🛩️ Popular Airlines:
- AirKenya
- Safarilink
- Fly ALS
- Yellow Wings
- Mombasa Air Safari (seasonal)
🛬 Common Routes:
| From | To Amboseli (ASV) | Flight Time |
|---|---|---|
| Nairobi (Wilson) | Amboseli | 45–60 min |
| Maasai Mara | Amboseli (via Wilson or direct) | 1–1.5 hrs |
| Samburu | Amboseli (via Nairobi) | ~2 hrs total |
| Diani / Ukunda | Amboseli (via Nairobi) | ~2 hrs |
| Tsavo West | Amboseli (custom charters) | 30–45 min |
Note: Flights from the Mara or Samburu may involve a stopover or route via Wilson Airport unless pre-booked as a multi-park circuit.
🧭 Transfer Times from Airstrip to Lodges
| Lodge/Camp | Approx. Transfer Time |
|---|---|
| Ol Tukai Lodge | 10–15 minutes |
| Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge | 15–20 minutes |
| Tortilis Camp | 30–40 minutes |
| Kibo Safari Camp | 25–35 minutes |
| Satao Elerai Camp | 35–45 minutes |
| Tawi Lodge | 40–50 minutes |
| Kimana Sanctuary Lodges | 45–60 minutes |
Most lodges offer complimentary or paid airport transfers, especially for guests arriving via scheduled flights.
✅ Why Fly Into Amboseli?
✨ Advantages:
- Save time: Avoid 4–5 hours of road travel from Nairobi
- Smooth connections: Combine with other parks like Mara, Tsavo, Samburu
- Stunning aerial views of Kilimanjaro, swamps, and wildlife from the sky
- Ideal for luxury travelers, families, or those with tight itineraries
📦 Luggage & Safari Flight Tips
- Weight limit: 15 kg per person in soft bags (including hand luggage)
- Extra baggage: May be allowed with advance notice (fees apply)
- Aircraft type: Light aircraft (Caravan, Dash-8, or similar)
- Timing: Most flights arrive by mid-morning, allowing for an afternoon game drive
🛃 Park Entry & Fees at the Airstrip
- You are still required to pay Amboseli park entry fees upon arrival if staying inside the park
- Fees:
- Non-residents: $60 USD per adult, $35 USD per child
- Kenyan Citizens: KES 800 (adult), KES 215 (child)
- Park rangers may check proof of payment at or near the airstrip
- Many lodges handle this in advance or assist you upon check-in
🚁 Private Charter Options
Custom air charters to Amboseli can be arranged for:
- Luxury private groups
- Film crews or photographers
- Medical or conservation missions
- Land on Amboseli airstrip or on nearby conservancy strips (Kimana, Satao Elerai, or Kitenden with permission)
🛑 Important Notes
- No flights operate after dark—bush airstrips are daylight-only operations
- During rainy seasons (April–May, Nov), weather may delay flights
- Confirm pickup with your lodge before arrival, especially if landing at off-peak hours
- Flight delays are rare, but be flexible—these are remote, weather-sensitive areas
🗺️ Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Airstrip | Amboseli Airstrip (ASV) |
| Runway Surface | Graded gravel, ~1,180 m length |
| Nearest Lodges | Ol Tukai, Serena, Tortilis, Kibo, Elerai |
| Best Access | From Nairobi Wilson Airport (daily flights) |
| Flight Time (Nairobi) | ~45–60 minutes |
| Park Entry Fees Apply? | Yes, payable at airstrip or via lodge |
| Transfers Needed? | Yes—coordinate with your lodge in advance |
| Ideal For | Luxury safaris, multi-park circuits, time-saving |
✈️ Final Thoughts
Flying into Amboseli is not just about convenience—it’s about effortless immersion into the wild, touching down just minutes from elephants, swamps, and iconic Kilimanjaro views. Whether you’re connecting from another park or starting your adventure fresh, Amboseli’s airstrip access makes every minute count.