Maasai Mara: Tourism Hit As Floods Submerge Major Camps In Kenya

• Heavy rains pounded Kenya, resulting in flooding that destroyed property and led to the loss of lives
• The tourism sector is one the worst hit following incidences of flooding at the Maasai Mara Wildlife Reserve camps in Narok County
• About 100 tourists and other people in the camps were rescued by the Kenya Red Cross on Thursday, April 2

Kenya's tourism sector is one of the worst hit following heavy rains that resulted in flooding across the country.

The latest reports indicate that Maasai Mara Wildlife Reserve camps in Narok County were hit after River Terek and the Mara River broke their banks.

Which Maasai Mara Camps have flooded?

The late-night flash floods hit several camps, including Mara Bush, JW Marriot, and Intrepid Mara.

This saw about 100 tourists and other people in the camps rescued by the Kenya Red Cross on Thursday, April 2.

The humanitarian organisation reported that most of the affected camps have been closed.

A video posted by CNN reporter Larry Madowo showed a section of tourists scrambling to be rescued from the flash floods.

The situation at several lodges, hotels and camps was the same, with water submerging tour cars and restrooms.

River Telek, the distributary to the Mara River, broke its banks, pushing water to the camps located nearby.

An aerial view showed most buildings in the camps fully submerged.

What Kenya government said about flooding and tourism

The tourism sector reported an upward trajectory in 2023, but the ongoing rains and floods could reverse the gains.

On Wednesday, May 1, Tourism Cabinet Secretary (CS) Alfred Mutua ordered the closure of several camps, hotels and lodges near rivers.

Mutua called for an immediate evacuation of tourists and staff, confirming that several camps were hit.

"Attention all hotels and camps adjacent to rivers within national parks and reserves: Prepare for potential evacuations should rivers overflow. Develop clear evacuation, transportation, and hospitality protocols," said Mutua.

What other sectors have been hit by floods in Kenya?

Other sectors that have been hit by the ongoing heavy rains and floods in Kenya include agriculture, transport and trade.

The Ministry of Trade pledged to support the businesses and industries affected by the floods that have resulted in the loss of life, destruction of property, and significant economic disruption.

Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano expressed the government's concern and assured Kenyans that her ministry would do everything possible to assist those impacted.

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) ordered owners of flooded petrol stations nationwide to temporarily shut down the premises until the rains subside.

Proofreading by Nyambura Guthua, journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke