KWS closes Amboseli Airstrip due to floods

Tourists during a visit to the Amboseli National Park/HANDOUT

The Amboseli National Park’s airstrip has been temporarily shut down after being flooded due to heavy rains that have hit the country.

The Main Amboseli Airstrip is located at the centre of the park near the Kenya Wildlife Service headquarters.

The 1,180m long landing strip receives daily scheduled flights from Wilson Airport and charter flights mainly operated by AirKenya Express and Mombasa Air Safari.

The KWS mentioned on X that flight operations remain shut until the weather clears up.

“As a result, aircraft operations to the main airstrip are temporarily suspended until conditions improve, and the airstrip is deemed safe for landing and take-off,” KWS said.

The service notified the tourists, tour operators, and airlines to instead use the nearby Tawi Airstrip as the alternative landing airstrip.

The service noted that the airstrip is located about 5 kilometers from the Kimana gate, located at the southeastern part of the park.

KWS commended that the airstrip would conveniently provide continued access to the park for their visitors.

“Kenya Wildlife Service is closely monitoring the situation, and we will continue to provide timely updates regarding the status of the airstrip and prevailing weather conditions,” KWS said.

The service encouraged visitors and tour operators to remain in contact with them for the latest updates, as they prioritised their safety and that of the crew and aircraft operations.

This notice affecting the park comes days after the KWS urged visitors to be vigilant about ongoing heavy rains, which have affected roads within national parks and protected areas in the country.

The service cautioned visitors to strictly follow ranger guidance and signposts while navigating within the parks.

The notice called upon the public to avoid travelling to affected sections and further warned against attempting to cross flooded roads or swollen rivers.

“Exercise caution as wildlife movement may increase during heavy rains,” the advisory stated, noting the danger of wild animal attacks and emphasising the importance of vigilance.

“These precautionary measures support national safety priorities and sustainable environmental management,” the KWS said.