The Kenya Wildlife Service has temporarily shut down the main airstrip at Amboseli National Park following severe flooding triggered by heavy ongoing rainfall — a closure disrupting air access to one of East Africa’s most visited wildlife destinations.
KWS confirmed the suspension of all aircraft operations at the main Amboseli Airstrip in an official notice, citing waterlogged conditions that render the runway unsafe for landings and take-offs.
The service gave no fixed reopening date, saying it will continue to monitor the situation and issue updates as conditions evolve.Amboseli National Park, famed for its sweeping views of Mount Kilimanjaro and Kenya’s largest elephant herds, sits in a low-lying basin historically vulnerable to seasonal flooding.
This year, however, rainfall intensity has exceeded typical patterns, leaving the main airstrip submerged and inoperable.KWS moved swiftly once conditions deteriorated. “Aircraft operations to the main airstrip are temporarily suspended until conditions improve and the airstrip is deemed safe for landing and take-off,” the service stated, underlining that visitor and crew safety is the overriding priority.
To maintain park access, KWS has directed all airlines and pilots to redirect flights to Tawi Airstrip — located approximately five kilometers from Kimana Gate on the park’s southeastern boundary. The short distance means disruption to game drives and lodge access is expected to remain minimal for most visitors.
Travelers with existing bookings are strongly advised to contact their airlines and tour operators to confirm revised routing before departure.
The wildlife service is closely tracking airstrip conditions and prevailing weather across the Amboseli region. No reopening timeline has been announced. Authorities say the runway will not resume operations until a full safety assessment confirms it is airworthy.
