A family of four that went missing during a weekend camping trip in Tsavo East National Park has been found safe and in good health, following a dramatic rescue operation led by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and Tsavo Trust.
The family — a couple and their two children — were located on the morning of Tuesday, April 8, near Kabaguchil Ranger Camp on the remote Yatta Plateau, approximately 50 kilometers north of their planned route.
Tsavo Trust pilot Nick Haller was credited with spotting the family during an aerial patrol. “Haller immediately landed his helicopter and confirmed that all four individuals were unharmed,” KWS said in an official statement. Ground teams from KWS and Tsavo Trust were dispatched to extract the family safely.
Family spokesperson Erin confirmed the rescue to The Star, stating, “They have been found and we would divulge information later.”
Preliminary investigations by KWS indicate that the family’s vehicle became immobile after they took an unauthorized detour from their planned game drive route. Their decision to remain with the vehicle is being hailed as critical to their successful and timely rescue.
“The family is currently undergoing routine medical evaluations and will soon be reunited with their loved ones,” KWS added, promising a full debrief on the incident at a later date.
The family had entered the park through Manyani Gate on Saturday and was scheduled to camp at the remote Lugard’s Falls Special Campsite for two nights. They were expected to exit via Sala Gate by Monday. When there was no sign of their departure by 8:00 PM, authorities initiated a large-scale search and rescue operation.
The response included aerial surveillance using two fixed-wing aircraft and a helicopter, as well as three ground teams deployed in Land Cruiser units.
KWS has urged park visitors to stick to authorized routes and maintain communication, especially when exploring remote areas, to enhance safety and ease potential emergency responses.