The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has announced the temporary closure of the Main Amboseli Airstrip.
This is after heavy rainfall that caused flooding in the area, making the runway unsafe for aircraft operations.
In a notice dated March 9th, 2025, KWS said aircraft operations at the main airstrip have been suspended until the conditions improve and the runway is deemed safe for landing and take-off.
The wildlife agency said the flooding follows the ongoing heavy rains in the country that have affected parts of the Amboseli ecosystem, leading to water accumulation on the airstrip. As a result, the runway cannot safely accommodate flights
“The Kenya Wildlife Service wishes to notify all visitors, tour operators and airlines operating flights to Amboseli National Park that the Main Amboseli Airstrip is currently flooded due to ongoing heavy rainfall in the area,” read the notice.
Flights to Amboseli Main Airstrip Diverted
To ensure continued access to Amboseli National Park, KWS has directed airlines and pilots to use the nearby Tawi Airstrip as an alternative landing facility.
Also read: KWS Shares Advisory After Tourist Van Was Swept Away on Mara River Bridge
The airstrip is located approximately five kilometers from Kimana Gate, one of the key access points to the park, making it a convenient option for visitors traveling to the wildlife destination.
KWS said it is closely monitoring the situation at the main airstrip and will provide timely updates regarding the prevailing weather conditions and the status of the runway.
The agency urged visitors, pilots and tour operators to remain in contact with KWS for the latest information before planning flights into the park.
In case of emergencies or for further information, KWS has advised the public to use its toll-free number 0800 597 000.
The wildlife agency thanked visitors and tourism stakeholders for their understanding and cooperation during the temporary disruption.
Also read: KWS Issues Warning After Fire Incident at Lake Nakuru National Park
Heavy Rains Affect Tourism
The tourism sector in Mara is now facing the challenge of rising waters that threaten wildlife corridors and lodges.
Due to the continued downpour, the IGAD Climate Prediction and Application Centre (ICPAC) issued flood alerts for southern regions through mid-March.
“There is a likelihood of flooding incidents over the flood-prone areas in southern, central, and northern parts of Kenya, southern Ethiopia, and central to central-northern and pockets in eastern Tanzania,” the ICPAC weekly forecast for March 5-12 stated.
According to the ICPAC, the rainfall in the areas was exceeding the 90th percentile.
In an update on Saturday, the Kenya Meteorological Department reminded the public that the heavy rain advisory issued on March 3 remained in place and would extend through March 9. The advisory warned that moderate to heavy rainfall is expected to continue through the weekend (7th to 8th March 2026), with isolated heavy storms of 40mm to 100 mm in some locations.
Rainfall, kenya Met warned, may persist into early next week, maintaining elevated risks of flooding, landslides, and water contamination.
System Kenyans Will Use to Pay for Park Access
In November 2025, KWS announced a new system for paying park access fees.
The new system is designed to enhance the experience of visitors booking and paying for conservation fees and other KWS services.
The agency announced that the new system, effective from 6:00 p.m. on November 1, 2025, replaces the old eCitizen platform and introduces a “seamless, enhanced, and flexible” payment process for both local and international users.
According to KWS Director General Professor Erustus Kanga, the transition addresses concerns raised by tourism stakeholders and the public regarding the efficiency and convenience of the previous system.
The new KWSPay platform will offer multiple payment options, including M-Pesa, bank cards, bank transfers, and eWallets.
The KWSPay system integrates multiple upgrades to align with modern financial technologies and the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) regulations.
All transactions will now include a monthly dollar ($) exchange rate, reviewed regularly in line with CBK rates.
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