Raging Galana River smashes tourist camps in Tsavo

Doa Doa Safari camp in Tsavo East National Park after waters from Galana River flooded the area. Doa Doa is one of the nine safari camps destroyed by raging floods on Thursday, April 26, 2018. PHOTO | KNA 

In Summary

• Most of the camps are located deep in the heart of Tsavo East National Park, near the Galana River.
• Evacuation through ground routes was impossible after floods destroyed roads.
• Amongst the camps hardest hit by the floods include Doa Doa, Kulalu, Kiboko, Swara, Bufallo and Shoroa safari camps.

By KNA
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Properties worth millions of shillings have been destroyed after exclusive tourists’ safari camps in Tsavo National Park were washed away by raging floods on Thursday following heavy rainfall currently pounding the region.

Most of the camps are located deep in the heart of Tsavo East National Park, near the Galana River.

After heavy rainfall that has lasted for weeks, Galana River broke its banks and flooded over nine tent camps, completely obliterating them.

EVACUATION

Stranded tourists and panicky staff manning the camps had to be airlifted by Kenya Wildlife Services personnel.

Evacuation through the ground routes had become impossible, as raging waters destroyed roads rendering area inaccessible.

There was also the threat of crocodiles floating in the waters after the banks burst.

Raging waters destroyed tourist camps at the Tsavo East National Park after Galana River broke its banks on April 26, 2018 following heavy downpour. PHOTO | KNA

Amongst the camps hardest hit by the floods include Doa Doa, Kulalu, Kiboko, Swara, Bufallo and Shoroa safari camps.

Doa Doa camp and crocodile camps were washed away completely. Others affected include Galdessa Lodge and Bigi Camp that border Galana River.

Mr. Alex Njai, a tour driver, says he was forced to cancel his trip to Doa Doa after they were informed the camp was no more.

“The camps are now a flooded zone. It’s a big lose to tourism industry,” he said.

Property worth millions destroyed after floods hit tourist camps in the Tsavo East National Park near River Galana. KWS evacuated stranded tourists and staff following the flooding. PHOTO | KNA

Efforts to get a comment from Wilson Mwadilo, chairperson of hoteliers in the region, were unsuccessful as his phone went unanswered.

Tsavo Conservation Area Assistant Director George Osuri said he was in a meeting and would respond to questions later.