Mulika Lodge Airport (JJM)

Mulika Lodge Airport (IATA: JJM, ICAO: HKMK) is a small yet vital airstrip that serves as the primary air gateway to the rugged and scenic Meru National Park in Kenya. Its principal role is to facilitate tourism, providing direct and convenient access for visitors heading to the park's lodges and camps. By significantly reducing the long overland travel time from Nairobi, the airport is crucial to the region's high-end safari circuit, enabling travelers to maximize their time enjoying the wildlife and landscapes that Meru is famous for.

The airstrip's history is directly tied to the development of tourism within Meru National Park. It was established to support the logistical needs of safari operations and to provide a more efficient entry point for international and domestic visitors. Located within the park's boundaries near the Mulika Lodge, it places travelers directly in the heart of the wilderness upon arrival. Access from the airstrip to various accommodations is not handled by public transport or taxis; instead, transfers are exclusively conducted via pre-arranged 4x4 safari vehicles provided by the traveler's chosen lodge or tour operator. This seamless transfer is an integral part of the safari experience.

Operations at Mulika Lodge Airport are entirely domestic, consisting of both scheduled services and private charter flights. Major local airlines, such as Safarilink and AirKenya Express, operate regular flights connecting Meru to Nairobi's Wilson Airport (WIL), which is the central hub for Kenya's safari aviation network. These flights are operated using small, durable aircraft like the Cessna Caravan or De Havilland Dash 8, which are well-suited for landing on short, unpaved runways. The airport handles a modest but steady flow of passengers, with volume fluctuating according to peak tourist seasons.

Facilities at the airstrip are basic and functional, designed for efficient passenger transit rather than extended stays. The infrastructure consists of little more than a well-maintained gravel runway and a simple, often open-air, waiting shelter. There are no traditional terminal buildings, lounges, shops, or restaurants. The focus is on a quick and efficient transition from aircraft to safari vehicle.

For travelers, it is essential to have all onward transfers confirmed prior to landing at Mulika. Luggage allowances on the small aircraft serving this route are typically strict, often limited to 15 kg per person in soft-sided bags. Passengers should coordinate arrival and departure times closely with their accommodation providers to ensure a smooth pickup. The airstrip’s purpose is purely functional, serving as a simple, effective portal to the adventures waiting within Meru National Park.