The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has confirmed the temporary closure of the main airstrip at Amboseli National Park as a safety precaution amid flooding.
In a statement, KWS revealed that the airstrip, which serves hundreds of tourists, both local and international, is currently flooded.
“The Kenya Wildlife Service wishes to notify all visitors, tour operators and airlines operating flights to Amboseli National Park that the Main Amboseli Airstrip is currently flooded due to ongoing heavy rainfall in the area,” stated KWS.
“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”, it added.
As a result, airlines and charter pilots have been urged to divert flights to Tawi Airstrip, which has been designated as the temporary landing point.
This will only be during the time the authorities are working to restore safe operations at the flooded main airstrip.
According to KWS, the alternative airstrip is roughly five kilometres from Kimana Gate, allowing visitors already booked for game drives to continue accessing the park despite waterlogged conditions affecting flights into Amboseli this week.
KWS further revealed that the situation is under close monitoring and an update on its reopening would be issued momentarily.
