Major Flood Damage: Bridge Repairs Underway in Maasai Mara

Authorities in Narok County have issued an update on the situation inside the Maasai Mara National Reserve after heavy rainfall triggered flooding that damaged key infrastructure and disrupted operations in parts of the park.

In a statement released on March 11, the county government said rising river levels had caused several rivers within the reserve to burst their banks, leading to flooding that swept away bridges and affected movement within the wildlife conservation area. The floods also left some camp workers stranded earlier in the week.

One of the incidents occurred at Sunworld–Mara Bush Camp, where staff and tourists required evacuation after the Intiakitiak River, a tributary of the Mara River, flooded surrounding areas on Friday, March 6. A helicopter was deployed to extract those trapped at the facility after the water cut off access routes.

County officials said assessment and recovery efforts are now underway, with engineering teams deployed to examine the extent of infrastructure damage within the reserve.

According to the county government, temporary repair works have already begun at Talek Bridge, one of the critical river crossings that supports movement through the reserve. Repairs to Simba Bridge are also planned and are expected to start soon as authorities restore access to affected areas.

Engineers are also waiting for water levels to fall before carrying out a structural assessment of Mara Bridge in the Purungat area. Floodwaters have made it difficult to safely inspect the structure, and officials say a full evaluation will only be possible once the river subsides.

The flooding has also prompted inspection plans for several other crossings within the reserve. Sanguriai Bridge and Kichwa Bridge have been prioritised for inspection to determine whether repair works will be necessary.

At the same time, county authorities said drift culverts and smaller drainage structures at Musiara Gate, Double Cross, and other locations are scheduled for immediate repairs.

Despite the flooding and damage to some structures, the county government said roads and airstrips within the reserve remain accessible. Maintenance crews are continuing to monitor conditions and carry out ongoing works aimed at keeping routes operational.

The Maasai Mara relies heavily on internal road networks, river crossings, and small airstrips to support tourism operations, logistics, and wildlife management. During periods of intense rainfall, swollen rivers can quickly disrupt these connections, particularly at bridge crossings built across seasonal waterways.

Officials said teams have been dispatched to affected sections of the reserve to assess the situation and coordinate the response. The county government noted that these efforts are focused on maintaining safety while ensuring continued access for tourism operators and visitors.

Authorities also acknowledged support offered by various stakeholders following the floods. However, the county urged partners to allow time for a comprehensive technical assessment before determining which repair works should be prioritised.

Infrastructure restoration within the reserve, officials said, will follow established government procedures and engineering evaluations before major repairs are carried out.

At the same time, Narok County called on the public and tourism stakeholders to rely on official communication channels when sharing information about the situation inside the reserve. The government warned that unverified photos and videos circulating online could create unnecessary alarm among visitors and tourism partners.

County officials also extended sympathies to camps, lodges, and tourism-related businesses affected by the flooding.

“The Narok County Government wishes to inform stakeholders and the public about the current situation in the Maasai Mara National Reserve following recent flooding caused by heavy rainfall in the region,” the statement said.

The county added that it remains focused on ensuring the safety of visitors, operators, and nearby communities while restoring infrastructure damaged by the floods.