The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has issued a safety advisory for tourists heading to Tsavo East National Park, urging them to avoid impassable routes after a vehicle was swept away by floods along the Mara River.
The agency is urging tourists and tour operators to avoid certain routes that have become dangerous due to flooding and poor road conditions.
In a notice dated February 27, KWS announced that the Malindi–Sala Gate and Sala Gate–Aruba Area access routes are currently impassable and have been temporarily closed to the public due to the heavy rainfall experienced in the region.
The agency explained that the continuous downpour has severely affected road conditions, making the two routes unsafe for both tourists and tour operators.
To ensure the safety of visitors heading to Tsavo East National Park, KWS is encouraging travellers to use alternative entry points such as Bachuma Gate or Voi Gate (via Voi), which remain accessible and safer under the current weather conditions.
Also Read: Heavy Rains to Extend to Early March in Multiple Counties as Kenya Met Issues Another Warning
“Visitors and tour operators are advised that the Malindi–Sala Gate and Sala Gate–Aruba Area access routes are currently impassable due to ongoing heavy rainfall,” read the advisory, stressing the importance of adhering to the updated park access guidelines until conditions improve.
Tourist Vehicle Incident Prompts Heightened Caution
The advisory follows a serious incident in the Mara where a tourist Land Cruiser was carried off by floodwaters at the Mararianta Bridge along the Mara River in Narok
The Mara River was swollen from continuous heavy rainfall, creating fast‑moving currents that overwhelmed the vehicle. Narok County Police Commander Patrick Lobolia confirmed that although the wreckage has since been recovered, two occupants of the vehicle are still missing as rescue efforts continue.
The governor of Narok County, Patrick Ole Ntutu, has been personally leading the ongoing search operations, with teams working in extremely risky conditions, worsened by deep waters, unstable ground, and the presence of wildlife in the area.
KWS reiterated that visitor safety remains its top priority, urging park visitors and tour operators to cooperate with temporary route closures and follow all safety instructions as heavy rains continue across the country.
Also Read: Traffic Disruption as KeNHA Closes Road Indefinitely After Heavy Rains
KMD Forecast Shows Rains to Continue
The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) issued its weekly forecast for February 24 to March 2, 2026, cautioning that wet weather will persist across many regions of the country as the current pattern of widespread rainfall continues.
According to the department, several areas may experience isolated heavy downpours, which could worsen flooding in places already affected by swollen rivers and waterlogged roads.
KMD further noted that weather conditions are expected to vary significantly during the week, with some regions seeing daytime temperatures rise above 30°C, while others may face chilly nights dipping below 10°C, especially in high-altitude areas.
“Rains are expected to continue over several parts of the country. Isolated heavy rainfall events may occur in the Central Highlands, Lake Victoria Basin, Rift Valley, South-eastern Lowlands, Coast, Western, and North-western Kenya,” KMD said in the statement.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
I spot that their should park they car well