Tourism stakeholders from the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya have assured visitors that it remains a premier safari destination for the upcoming high-season, as the region seeks to rebuild from devastating floods that have severely impacted tourist infrastructure and communities.
The three main waterways in the reserve – the Mara, Talek and Sand Rivers – all experienced an unprecedented rise in water levels last week after days of heavy rainfall, leading to the displacement and destruction of camps and lodges.
“Camps and lodges situated near the Mara River, Talek River, and Sand River have borne the brunt of the flooding, with reports of severe damage to property and infrastructure. Many establishments have been partially or fully submerged, leading to disruptions in tourism activities and accommodations,” said Mara Managers Association Chairperson Harison Nampaso in a press statement on Saturday, May 4.
Main access bridges including the Talek Gate Bridge, the Mara Simba Bridge and the Mara Rianta Bridge were also severely damaged, with ‘immediate reconstruction’ needed to restore full access to the reserve.
Nampaso confirmed that no human casualties had been reported in the reserve, with all tourists (numbering around 100) being safely evacuated from the affected camps and lodges.
A spokesperson for JW Marriott Masai Mara, one of the lodges most seriously affected, said staff had rapidly responded to evacuate guests from the flood waters.
“Our team acted quickly to get all our guests to safety, looking after them in very challenging circumstances. We arranged for evacuation flights away from the rising waters and found alternative accommodation to make them as comfortable as possible. Like all impacted properties in the area, we will have to assess the damage by these unusually heavy rains, and will reopen for business as soon as we are able.”
‘Unverified information’ on wildlife casualties
Nampaso said the circulation of various reports regarding wildlife casualties were currently unverified.
“We encourage a cautious approach in disseminating information and emphasise the importance of relying on verified updates from authoritative sources. While challenges persist, we remain optimistic about the resilience of the region's ecosystems and wildlife.”
“Regarding the upcoming high season, scheduled to commence from June 2024 onwards, we want to reassure visitors and tour operators that the Maasai Mara remains a prime destination for safari experiences. Efforts are under way to address the impact of the floods, and we are confident in our ability to ensure a memorable and fulfilling safari experience for all guests,” Nampaso said.
Communities face hardships
In addition to the impact on tourism, local communities residing near the flooded rivers are facing significant hardships.
“Homes have been inundated, and essential services disrupted, leading to humanitarian concerns such as displacement, shortages of food, clean water, and medical supplies,” said Nampaso, calling for assistance from the international community.
“We appeal to the international community, NGOs, and concerned stakeholders to extend their support to the ongoing relief efforts. Contributions of essential supplies, financial aid, and expertise in disaster management are crucial to addressing the immediate needs and facilitating recovery.”
Letter to government
On Sunday, Nampaso penned a letter to Cabinet Secretary for Wildlife and Tourism Alfred Mutua, requesting support in the form of food assistance, emergency shelter and relief supplies, medical aid and healthcare services, reconstruction of infrastructure and livelihood support programmes.
“We are convinced that focusing on rehabilitating communities addresses not only their immediate humanitarian needs but also the long-term sustainability of the tourism industry in the Maasai Mara,” Nampaso wrote.
In a briefing on Tuesday, government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said the death toll from the floods had risen to 238, with 78 still missing. More than 240 000 people from 47 000 households have been displaced across the country, the majority in Nairobi County.
The heavy rainfall during the country’s long rainy season, which runs from March to May, has been precipitated by El Niño, a global climate phenomenon caused by warming of the ocean surface in the central and eastern Pacific.
