Kenya floods hit Massai Mara game reserve, trapping tourists who climbed trees to await rescue by helicopter

Johannesburg — Tourists were evacuated by helicopter on Wednesday from Kenya's Maasai Mara National Reserve as devastating flooding in the east African nation hit the renowned wildlife sanctuary. More than 14 tourist camps were flooded, with tents being swept away as the Talek river burst its banks Tuesday afternoon.  

The Kenyan Red Cross said in a message posted on social media that it had rescued 36 people by air and 25 others by ground.

Tour operators said the Talek gate, one of the park's entrances, was left impassable by the floodwaters and tourists were still waiting to be evacuated by helicopter.