Cheap flights to Nairobi

Finding cheap flights to Nairobi

Nairobi is East Africa's biggest hub and the starting point for safaris in the Masai Mara and Amboseli. Daily non-stops leave Heathrow, and Nairobi connects on to Mombasa, Zanzibar and Kilimanjaro.

Flights from UK airports to Nairobi

We book flights to Nairobi from London Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham, London Gatwick and Edinburgh. Flying from your nearest airport can save the trip to London, and we compare it with London fares so you can see the difference.

Arriving in Nairobi

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) is about 18 kilometres south-east of central Nairobi. The Nairobi Expressway can get you into the city in around 30 minutes, but allow longer at rush hour. Many safari flights leave from Wilson Airport, on the other side of the city, so leave time for the transfer.

Direct and one-stop flights

Kenya Airways and British Airways fly non-stop from Heathrow to Nairobi in about 8.5 hours. One-stop options include Emirates through Dubai, Qatar Airways through Doha, Turkish Airlines through Istanbul and KLM through Amsterdam, which suit travellers from Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh.

Baggage allowance

International fares to Nairobi usually include a checked bag. Light aircraft to safari camps often limit you to around 15 kilograms in a soft bag, so pack for the smallest flight in your trip.

Best time to fly to Nairobi

The Great Migration usually reaches the Masai Mara from around July to October, which is the peak safari season and the most expensive time to fly. January and February are dry and warm. The long rains fall from March to May and the short rains in November, when fares are usually lower.

Visas and entry

British passport holders need an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before travelling to Kenya, applied for on the official Kenyan government website. Check yellow fever and other vaccine advice with TravelHealthPro or your GP. Entry rules can change, so check the GOV.UK foreign travel advice before you book and again before you fly.

Tips for booking

July to October, the Great Migration season, and Christmas are the most expensive times. Ask us to price your onward flight to the coast or a safari airstrip on the same booking.

Airlines we book to Nairobi

We regularly book Kenya Airways, British Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways and KLM. Tell us your preferred airline, or let us find the best value on your dates.