KWS closes key Tsavo East routes after flood incident, heavy rains render roads impassable

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has issued a safety advisory to tourists planning to visit Tsavo East National Park, warning them to steer clear of impassable routes following a flood-related incident in which a vehicle was swept away along the Mara River.

In the advisory dated February 27, KWS cautioned both tourists and tour operators against using specific access roads that have become hazardous due to ongoing heavy rainfall and deteriorating road conditions. The agency confirmed that the Malindi Sala Gate and Sala Gate Aruba Area routes are currently impassable and have been temporarily closed to the public.

According to KWS, persistent downpours in the region have significantly damaged the roads, rendering the two routes unsafe for travel by visitors and tour operators.

?????? ?? ????????
?????? ?? ??????? ?? ??????? ????? ???????? — Tsavo East National Park
Visitors and Tour Operators are advised that the following access routes are currently impassable due to ongoing heavy rainfall:
1.… pic.twitter.com/qyi42D3L6r

— Kenya Wildlife Service (@KWSKenya) February 27, 2026

To enhance safety for those heading to Tsavo East National Park, the agency has advised travellers to use alternative entry points, including Bachuma Gate and Voi Gate (via Voi), which remain accessible despite the adverse weather.

“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.

The warning comes in the wake of a serious incident in Narok, where a tourist Land Cruiser was swept away by raging floodwaters at the Mararianta Bridge along the Mara River. The river had swollen due to continuous heavy rainfall, producing powerful currents that overpowered the vehicle.

Narok County Police Commander Patrick Lobolia confirmed that while the wreckage has since been recovered, two occupants remain missing as search and rescue operations continue.

Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu has been personally overseeing the search efforts, with rescue teams operating under extremely dangerous conditions marked by deep waters, unstable terrain, and the presence of wildlife.

KWS reiterated that the safety of visitors remains its top priority and urged tourists and tour operators to comply with the temporary route closures and follow all safety directives as heavy rains persist across the country.