By air: The fastest and most comfortable approach. Charter flights from Nairobi's Wilson Airport to the Mara take about 45 minutes and land at one of several airstrips (Keekorok, Musiara, Olare Orok, or others depending on your camp). Most safari packages include the flight. Air Kenya and SafariLink are the main scheduled operators from Wilson.
By road: Nairobi to the main Sekenani Gate is about 270 km, taking 5 to 6 hours depending on traffic and road conditions. The main road passes through Narok — see Narok Town for services. The final stretch from Narok to the Mara is on dirt roads that can be rough after rain. A 4WD is not strictly necessary on the main road approach but is strongly advisable for getting around within the reserve.
Getting around: The reserve is large enough that your main vehicle is your game-drive vehicle, driven by your guide or driver. Self-drive is technically permitted but not recommended — distances are large, tracks unmarked, and the experience significantly poorer without a guide's knowledge of the terrain and animals. Within the reserve, game drives cover 50 to 100 km per day. If staying in multiple areas (e.g., the central reserve and a conservancy), transfers are usually arranged by the camps.