Enhancing Flood Resilience at JW Marriott Masai Mara with WaveDam Mobile Flood Barriers
Kenya
Project Overview
Background & Goal
In early 2024, Kenya’s iconic Masai Mara region experienced unprecedented flooding that severely impacted the area’s ecosystem and luxury safari accommodations. The prestigious JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge faced significant operational challenges as rising floodwaters from nearby rivers rendered guest tents inaccessible and threatened valuable infrastructure. Initial flood control measures including gabion installations provided basic protection, but comprehensive flood defense required an integrated approach to ensure complete resilience against future flood events.
This project aims to implement a comprehensive flood protection system at JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge by integrating WaveSave’s advanced WaveDam mobile flood barriers with existing gabion structures, creating a robust defense against seasonal flooding while preserving the property’s natural aesthetic and ensuring uninterrupted guest experiences.
Solution
Following a thorough hydrological assessment conducted by WaveSave’s expert team, we identified critical vulnerability points around the property, particularly near residential unit #22 where existing gabion structures required reinforcement.
Our integrated flood management solution included:
- Installation of ~100 meters of WaveDam
- Integrated with gabion structures
- Creation of a flood defense system
- Maintaining the resort’s natural aesthetics
- Patented reinforced EPDM construction
- Deployment of a rapid-installation system
Clients and Donors
JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge, part of Marriott International’s luxury portfolio.
Location
Location: JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge, situated along the Talek River in Kenya’s world-renowned Masai Mara National Reserve.
Timeline: 2025
Project impact
- Enhanced flood resilience for a flagship luxury destination in East Africa
- Protected critical infrastructure valued at millions of dollars from future flood damage
- Reduced operational downtime during heavy rainfall seasons
- Supported sustainable tourism practices through eco-friendly flood protection
- Successful integration of traditional and innovative flood control technologies
- Created a replicable model for hospitality venues in flood-prone regions worldwide
Gallery
Key highlights
WaveDam is a mobile flood barrier designed to provide rapid and effective flood protection. Unlike traditional flood defenses, WaveDam can be deployed quickly.
Rapid deployment
Deployed 200 m of SLAMDAM in less than 2 hours to prevent glacier-melt flooding.
Community training
Local teams were trained in deploying and managing SLAMDAM and the early warning system.
Early warning system
Enhanced early flood warning with integrated monitoring and communication tools.
Resilience building
Reduced flood damage to homes and protected 250 hectares of farmland.
Early warning system
Enhanced early flood warning with integrated monitoring and communication tools.
Sustainable impact
Increased long-term flood resilience through community empowerment and scalable technology
Testimonials
What our clients say
The SLAMDAM project has successfully demonstrated how innovative flood barriers can protect vulnerable areas in Gilgit-Baltistan, offering a sustainable solution for flood management..
Dr. Muhammad Zia ur Rahman Hashmi
Head of Water Resources & Glaciology, Islamabad,
Pakistan
SLAMDAM has transformed our community’s resilience to floods. With the technology and training, we now feel empowered to protect our homes and livelihoods.
Naveed Alam
Community Leader Passu Community
The SLAMDAM project has successfully demonstrated how innovative flood barriers can protect vulnerable areas in Gilgit-Baltistan, offering a sustainable solution for flood management..
Dr. Muhammad Zia ur Rahman Hashmi
Head of Water Resources & Glaciology, Islamabad,
Pakistan
