Mara Floods | Great Plains Conservation

The Calm After The Storm
Last week I sent a note to our teams about how our camps in the Mara are all built above the flood lines and safe from flooding. That is true, although they are within inches of the water as it rushes in and breaks banks of swollen rivers.
Kenya’s floods are on all the major news channels, and I believe that the death toll will be thousands. Then I woke up one night and thought how selfish I was being, asking staff to host guests while their families and communities were under threat. As a result, I immediately closed camps so everyone could go off and take care of families and their homes. We have positioned our new helicopter for relief and rescue efforts where needed.
Mara Expedition Camp remains open manned by volunteers from my staff to accommodate anyone in the Great Plains Mara camps that may be closed. ol Donyo Lodge opens from a rebuild in late May, and our other camps will open at the end of the month as well.
Another concern of course in all this, one that cannot be compared, is how wildlife in the area is coping, where they go when their territories get washed away. A few years ago, a baby hippo washed into our dining area and hid behind the bar (we returned him to his family). But there may be thousands of animals displaced so we are starting surveys to understand what that looks like and we will bring that news to you when we have it.
Ultimately animals don’t build camps or villages along rivers so the majority of the loss will end up being to our friends in the tourism industry, and the communities living nearby and our thoughts are with them.
Our video today is a record of good rains, how they start and what happens, and the rainbows once they pass and we can all open our camps, homes and hearts to visitors and travellers once again.
greatplainsconservation.com

[@strivedi20]

Amazing video - one can feel the fury of the flood waters and the majestic beauty of Nature as the rain showers increase their intensity.

[@GreatPlains]

Well said! We appreciate it

[@jonisler3267]

It’s interesting that when we think of the rains in Africa we don’t think of the damage that these torrential rains bring. We know they replenish the earth but far less about the damage done, the lives lost. Thank You for highlighting that side of the coin and what we can do to help not only the animals but also the people who will be affected.

[@GreatPlains]

Thank you for your support. Extreme weather is always difficult to deal with, whether it's droughts or floods. We just need to do what we can given the circumstances.

[@travelswithsara3174]

Quite spectacular.

[@GreatPlains]

Thank you

[@user-ud6su5pt1c]

Amazing!! 😎

[@GreatPlains]

Thank you!

[@costumegirl103]

I know Kenya needed the rains so badly, but mother nature could have watered her Earth a little slower. Be safe, and we can't wait to spend 12 days with you next year at Mara Nyika, and Mara plains. Peace and love.

[@GreatPlains]

Thank you for your kind words. We so look forward to having you next year!