Helicopter rescue as flooded rivers damage bridges and disrupt camps in Maasai Mara

Panic and disruption have been reported in parts of the Maasai Mara National Reserve after rising floodwaters caused by heavy rains led rivers in the area to burst their banks, flooding sections of the reserve, sweeping away key bridges and leaving camp staff stranded.

A helicopter was dispatched to rescue workers marooned at Sunworld-Mara Bush Camp after the Intiakitiak River, a tributary of the Mara River, overflowed following days of intense rainfall.

The rising waters cut off access roads to the camp, trapping staff inside the facility as surrounding areas became inundated.

Video from the scene showed a helicopter landing near the flooded camp as rescue teams coordinated the evacuation of the stranded workers to safety. No injuries were immediately reported.

The heavy rains have also caused widespread damage to infrastructure within and around the reserve. Several bridges that connect to the world-famed reserve have reportedly been swept away by raging waters, including the Mara Simba Bridge, Talek Bridge, and the Mara Bridge.

The swollen Mara River burst its banks and submerged sections near the Mara Bridge, raising concern among tourism operators, residents and officers from Narok County who were in the area.

Several safari camps located along the Talek River have also been affected, with rising water levels causing localized flooding and disrupting access to lodges and tourism facilities.

Reports further indicate that Mara Trails Camp, located along the Olare Orok River, and Mara MeasuRes Camp, situated along the Talek River, are among the camps affected by the flooding.

Staff at the affected camps described tense moments as water levels rose rapidly after hours of heavy rainfall.

“We woke up to find the river had expanded far beyond its normal banks. Some of the paths leading out of the camp were already underwater, and it became clear that movement in and out would be impossible,” said one staff member from a camp along the Talek River during a phone interview.

Another staff member from Mara Trails Camp said the rising waters forced workers to remain on higher ground while monitoring the situation.

“The water kept rising throughout the morning. We had to move some equipment and supplies to safer areas while waiting for guidance from authorities,” the staff member said.

At Sunworld-Mara Bush Camp, a worker who was among those rescued said the helicopter evacuation came as a relief after access roads were completely cut off.

“We could see the river swelling and the road disappearing under the water. When the helicopter arrived, everyone felt relieved because it meant we could finally move to safety,” the worker said.

Authorities say they are closely monitoring the situation as water levels continue to fluctuate following persistent rains across parts of southwestern Kenya. Officials are also assessing the extent of damage to roads and bridges that serve as key entry points to the reserve.

The Mara River, which flows through the Maasai Mara before crossing into Serengeti National Park, is known to swell significantly during periods of heavy rainfall, occasionally causing flooding in low-lying areas.

Officials have urged motorists, tour operators and visitors to exercise caution when traveling near rivers and damaged bridges as authorities continue assessing the impact of the flooding.

Transport along the Mai Mahiu-Narok road was cut off after a section of the road near Kedong ranch was damaged.

Tonnes of sand was washed into the busy road paraysing transport as the ongoing rains in parts of the country continued to wreak havoc.

A statement by the Kenya National Highway Authority (KENHA) confirmed that the affected section was covered in silt, making it impossible to maneuver through.

The authority advised motorists to use alternative route of Ngong-Suswa road as it embarked on clearing the affected sections.

"The Authority wishes to notify motorists that sections of the Mai Mahiu-Narok road experienced flooding and deposition due to ongoing rains and we are working around the clock to restore normal flow of traffic," said the Authority in a statement.

In Naivasha, transport along the Moi South Lake road was also affected due to flooding caused by the ongoing rains.

Tens of workers heading to flower farms, Kengen and hotels were stranded as they waited for the water levels to subside before matatus could resume operations.

A hotel worker, Whitney Nyambura, said in some sections, it was impossible to cross from one side to the other due to the intensity of the waters

"Some matatus pulled out of the route due to the raging waters forcing workers to report to work late but the levels are going down gradually," she said.