The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has sent a public warning to tourists and tour operators on the disturbed tracks of access in the Tsavo East National Park due to continued high rainfall that has made major parts of the park impassable.
Taking it to their social media handle on Friday, February 27, 2026, KWS gave a notice to visitors that the Malindi-Sala Gate route connecting the coastal town of Malindi to the park is not open now because of flooding and poor road conditions.
It has also impacted the Sala Gate-Aruba Area route that links some of the popular areas in the park where wildlife can be seen. The agency was alarmed that the excessive downpours had greatly worsened the road conditions, making driving unsafe and exposing vehicles to the danger of being trapped or stalled.
“Tsavo East National Park Visitors and Tour Operators are advised that the following access routes are currently impassable due to ongoing heavy rainfall: 1. Malindi – Sala Gate 2. Sala Gate – Aruba Area,” the KWS statement read in part.
KWS also stressed that the safety of its visitors was its highest priority, and tourists should follow the temporary restrictions. In order to secure further access, KWS recommended that visitors be able to enter via different gates, such as the Bachuma gate and the Voi gate, which is accessible via the town of Voi.
According to KWS, these are the routes that are safe and always open, which allow the entry of the park and operations of tourism to proceed regardless of the disruptions.
This is one of the warnings given amidst increased rainfall in some regions of Kenya that has impacted transport facilities and movements in the national parks and other conservation areas.
KWS further said that wildlife drives, conservation patrols and tourism activities in Tsavo East National Park, which is one of the largest and most iconic wildlife sanctuaries in the country, depend on the accessibility of road networks.
Tour operators have been encouraged to design their itineraries well and keep updated by making use of official KWS communication channels. Visitors have been advised to consult authorities before travelling to parks so as not to be inconvenienced and to be safe.
KWS assured citizens that it is keeping a close eye on the situation and it is doing everything it can to allow normal access to the situation once weather conditions are normalised.
The unit further noted that more updates will be given once the road conditions stabilise. Nevertheless, KWS also reiterated its dedication to protecting both the wildlife and the visitors, and it will also promote more conservation efforts in the rainy season.
