After confirming all his safari travelers and guides were safe, our partner in Kenya, Steve Turner, and his Origins Safaris team quickly took off in a chartered aircraft in order to evacuate those who had been staying at the affected camps. Meanwhile, the rest of Steve’s staff focused on finding appropriate accommodations in Nairobi and reorganized safari itineraries, as needed.

Last year, the government of Kenya established the Kenyan Crisis Response Team (KCRT). In Steve’s words, “Real thanks must go to the newly formed KCRT (Kenyan Crisis Response Team) for an incredibly well organized evacuation of all effected persons. Kenya is the only country in East Africa with a permanent secretariat for “Crisis Response” and they really proved how valuable they are in this instance, getting half a dozen rescue helicopters on the spot within 30 minutes was truly impressive.”

Here is more of Steve’s assessment: “All camps & lodges on the river itself EXCEPT SaSaab have been forced to close with immediate effect. Detailed assessments are underway as to the various redevelopment issues, and no doubt details of re-opening will emerge from various camp management in due course.

Otherwise game viewing in the park been spectacular. The main bridges across the river will probably be repaired pretty rapidly as it appears their damage was more “access road related” than anything more serious.”

Affected camps and lodges include: Intrepids, Serena, Samburu Lodge, Ashnil, Larsen’s and Elephant Bedroom.

We join Steve in praising the swift and professional efforts of the Kenyan Crisis Response Team.

For those of you who have traveled with us at Safari Professionals, Steve’s quick and effective actions should come as no surprise. We are, again, reminded how blessed we are that Origins Safaris is our exclusive safari partner in Kenya.