Moses Mwatika
Google
Ah, Wilson Airport! Yes, I have spent some time there, quite a few times actually, given my travels. It's a rather unique experience compared to the larger international airports.
One thing that always strikes me is its accessibility and how central it feels despite being quite busy. You can often get there relatively quickly from various parts of Nairobi. The atmosphere is usually buzzing with activity – smaller aircraft taking off and landing, people heading to different parts of Kenya for business or leisure, and a real sense of local aviation.
The check-in and security processes tend to be more streamlined and less time-consuming than at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, which is always a plus. It has a more intimate feel, you know? You often see familiar faces – pilots, frequent flyers heading to the Maasai Mara or the coast.
The waiting areas are functional, and you can often grab a quick bite or a cup of Kenyan tea or coffee. There are also small shops selling local crafts and souvenirs if you have some time before your flight.
Of course, the aircraft you typically fly from Wilson are smaller – perhaps a Cessna or a similar propeller plane. The views during takeoff and landing can be quite spectacular, especially as you fly over the city or towards the stunning landscapes that Kenya is famous for.
I recall one particular flight to the Chyulu Hills. Taking off from Wilson as the sun was rising, seeing Nairobi slowly wake up beneath us, and then the transition to the vast open plains was simply breathtaking.
It's a different pace of travel from the international flights. It feels more connected to the local landscape and the destinations you're heading to. Wilson Airport, in its own way, is a gateway to experiencing the diverse beauty of Kenya. It's efficient, it's local, and it certainly has its own charm.
