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For other destinations and types of holiday, visit Kuoni
For other destinations and types of holiday, visit Kuoni 

Things to do in Kenya

The scenic flight over the Maasai Mara

Just before landing, you might see an ostrich to the right, an elephant to the left and a herd of topi straight ahead …

By Captain Charles Wachira
Pilot and Head of Safety at Governors’ Aviation

Governors' scenic flight over the Maasai Mara

On this scenic flight, you’ll enjoy aerial views over the famous Maasai Mara from a private Cessna plane. I think we’re very blessed in Kenya to have such diverse landscape. The flight to Governors’ Camp in the Mara takes about 35 minutes and as we fly, we pass over the great gorges of the Rift Valley, which are really deep and dramatic. The Great Rift Valley starts in Ethiopia and runs all the way through Kenya to Mozambique, it’s a beautiful piece of artwork.

Once you get into the Mara and start descending towards the Musiara airstrip, the view gets even better. You’ll see the Mara River, which winds alongside the Governors’ Camps. During the Great Migration between July and September, wildebeest cross the river in huge herds. If you visit at this time, we’ll fly around so you can get an aerial view of the migration – it’s the perfect welcome to the Maasai Mara.

Even when the migration isn’t happening, the Musiara airstrip attracts all kinds of animals because it’s set near the river. So, right before landing you might see an ostrich to the right side, an elephant to the left and straight ahead they’ll be a herd of topi. Sometimes you hear guests saying: “Oh boy, I’ve just seen about everything I wanted to in the Maasai Mara and we haven’t even landed yet!”

We fly in Cessna Caravans, which are very good for short take offs or landings and function well at high elevation. We call the Cessna the Land Cruiser of the skies, as they have an excellent safety record and low maintenance needs. The aircraft carries 13 passengers and the pilot, so everyone usually has a window seat and can enjoy views of the landscape and wildlife through the large windows.

I’ve been with Governors’ for four years and love meeting passengers from all over the world. I think guests enjoy flying in a small plane with incredible views over Kenya but also having that one-on-one interaction with the pilot – it’s an intimate experience. We get many repeat guests who are excited to see you again, it’s great to watch people return with huge smiles on their faces, ready to explore Kenya.

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Alfred & Captain Charles Wachira

Captain Charles Wachira is a seasoned pilot who has flown all over East Africa, mainly in the Maasai Mara region. After completing his flight training, he also spent 15 years working in hospitality management. Charles joined Governors’ Aviation in 2017 as a pilot and is also now Head of Safety. He enjoys meeting passengers from all corners of the globe and welcoming back repeat clients.    
Charles Wachira, Pilot for Governors' Aviation

Plan your holiday withAlfred&

Your journey will start with one of our UK team – someone like Becky, who's travelled extensively in Kenya. They’ll shape your ideas into the trip of a lifetime. But they won't do it alone. They'll draw on the expertise of our contacts on the ground, connecting you to the people who'll make your holiday one you'll always remember - the safari rangers, local village chiefs and camp managers you'll be talking about for years to come. Start planning today, call us, email an enquiry or arrange a phone or video appointment for ideas and advice.

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