Devastating Floods Impact Kenya’s Stunning Masai Mara—Here’s What Occurred and How You Can Assist

May holds a special significance for me each year. It’s the month when I embark on my annual journey to Kenya’s Masai Mara, where I immerse myself in its breathtaking landscapes and observe preparations for the wildebeest migration, typically happening from late June to October. As a travel writer residing in Kenya, I feel a deep responsibility and privilege to share this remarkable event with the world, one of nature’s most spectacular displays.

However, this May has been markedly different from previous years, not just for me but for all Kenyans. As I prepared for my trip from Nairobi to the Mara, severe rains and flooding struck various regions, including the Mara. Areas like Nairobi, Kisumu, Narok, Nakuru, Kiambu, Machakos, Kajiado, and Meru faced the brunt of the storms. My reservation at the sDinogoi camp, Elewana Sand River, located near the flooded Sand River, made travel too dangerous, leading to the cancellation of my plans. (The Elewana Sand River has since reopened and welcomed guests as of May 12.) Since then, I’ve been inundated with heartbreaking stories of loss—homes, loved ones, businesses—due to the floods. This rainfall has proven to be a double-edged sword: a blessing of needed water and a curse of destruction when too much falls at once.

The recent flash floods have displaced nearly 200,000 people, according to the latest data from Kenya’s Ministry of Interior and National Administration. Tragically, 210 lives have been lost, with 90 individuals still unaccounted for. While some schools are reopening this week after a month-long closure for regular holidays, many others will remain shut for at least another two weeks as local authorities evaluate the damage. Over 15,000 schoolchildren are unable to return to their studies due to submerged classrooms and homes. Numerous businesses, both small and large, have also suffered extensive flooding.

Among all of Kenya’s travel destinations, the Mara has been the hardest hit, with wildlife suffering greatly (exact figures are still unknown, but the impact is evident), residents facing displacement, and employment at risk due to numerous camps being destroyed. According to the Mara Managers Association, more than 20 camps and lodges along the Mara, Talek, and Sand Rivers have been affected to varying extents. Some lodges, like the JW Marriott, were forced to airlift guests to safety. Fortunately, thanks to the swift actions of the Narok County government and various organizations, including Proflight Helicopters, the Red Cross, Masai Mara game reserve authorities, and the James Savage rescue team, those trapped by the floods—including tourists, staff, and locals—were successfully rescued. In total, over 90 tourists were evacuated from the Mara.

It's worth noting that some camps and lodges in the Mara remain unaffected and are currently open for visitors.

While scientists and conservationists highlight the severe flooding as a stark reminder of the devastating impacts of climate change, others argue it underscores the necessity for improved disaster management preparedness, not just in the Mara but across all of Kenya.

“In light of this crisis, we have united as an association and reached out to various stakeholders of the Masai Mara National Reserve, urging collaboration to sustainably safeguard this delicate ecosystem for future generations. We are currently speaking as one voice for the future of the Mara,” stated Fairman Muhingi, a patron of the Mara Managers Association, a group of professional camp managers committed to enhancing tourism in the Masai Mara, empowering local communities, and advocating for wildlife conservation.

Some believe that the scale of this disaster could have been averted if appropriate infrastructure had been established and if authorities had halted the overdevelopment of these vulnerable ecosystems.

“The failure of state authorities to oversee development, particularly along riverbanks, has contributed to this disaster in the Mara. Many approvals are granted without proper site evaluations. The carrying capacity of the Mara ecosystem regarding lodge developments, beds, and occupancy has never been properly assessed. The destination must reflect on its past mistakes regarding the placement of camps and lodges, defining bed density and overall carrying capacity,” said Judy Kepher-Gona, founder and lead consultant of Sustainable Travel and Tourism Africa, an organization in Kenya that collaborates with businesses, governments, and the tourism sector to promote sustainability.

She emphasized that the tourism industry must reinvest its earnings into adequate infrastructure.

“Over the years, little progress has been made in terms of infrastructure, except for the Narok Sekanani Road [one of the access routes to the Masai Mara game reserve], which is already deteriorating in certain areas. How can the eighth wonder of the world function with makeshift bridges that are washed away with each rainfall? Benefiting from nature and wildlife without investing back into the environment is tantamount to exploiting it,” Kepher-Gona remarked.

Amidst the turmoil and devastation, the true essence of the Kenyan people has shone through—resilient, resourceful, and steadfast in the face of challenges, whether in the Mara or in regions like Nairobi, Nakuru, Kisumu, and Kiambu.

Stakeholders in the region have also come together to communicate that not all of the Masai Mara is submerged in floods, with representatives from the travel sector encouraging visitors to still explore the destination. Although the floods are anticipated to negatively impact this year’s high season from July to October, especially since some camps and lodges have been damaged, many are working tirelessly to ensure accommodations and services are restored well in advance.

“This entire situation highlights the power of nature, and travelers can still experience this beauty when they visit this year. We are dedicated to establishing a new camp before the high season,” stated Valery Joanne Super, co-founder and CEO of Emboo Camps, one of the camps affected by the floods.

Ways to Support Kenya Right Now

Numerous organizations, both local and international, are actively aiding flood victims in Kenya. Here are some of them.

The Kenya Red Cross

To contribute: Redcross.or.ke

The Kenya Red Cross has initiated an emergency appeal for both food and non-food donations to assist families affected by the floods. Their team is working diligently to provide swift emergency responses, conduct search and rescue operations, distribute shelter kits, and ensure essential supplies reach those in need.

Savage Wilderness

To contribute: SavageWilderness.org

James Savage and his team at Savage Wilderness utilize their swift water rescue expertise to assist individuals needing evacuation during floods. Your donations will significantly aid in ensuring victims are safely relocated.

Mathare Social Justice Center

To contribute: MathareSocialJustice.org

This community-based organization in Mathare, Nairobi, advocates for social justice and human rights documentation. During this time, it has been actively supporting flood victims in informal settlements, where residents often endure poor housing conditions with limited access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities.

Rotary Club International

To contribute: RotaryNairobi.org

Through their various local branches, the organization is working to assist those affected by donating food, clothing, and bedding.

Ethel Foundation for the Aged

To contribute: EthelFoundation.or.ke

This foundation was created to ensure that elderly individuals can live with dignity, free from abuse and neglect. Crises like floods highlight the vulnerabilities of these communities, prompting the foundation to provide essential assistance, including food, clothing, and shelter to the elderly.

Team Pankaj Foundation

To contribute: M-Changa Africa

In partnership with the Masai Mara Association, Narok County Government, and the Kenya Tourism Board, the foundation is distributing relief packages that include mattresses, blankets, and food hampers to families affected by the floods in the Mara region.