TSAVO EAST, Kenya — A family of four who went missing in Tsavo East National Park has been found safe and in good health following a high-stakes 24-hour search operation led by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and its partners.
The couple and their two children were spotted on Tuesday morning near Kabaguchi Ranger Camp on the Yatta Plateau, roughly 50 kilometers north of their planned route, by Tsavo Trust pilot Nick Haller.
Acting quickly, Haller landed his helicopter, confirmed the family’s condition, and alerted ground teams to begin evacuation.
The family had entered the park through Manyani Gate on Saturday evening, planning a two-night stay at Lugard Falls Special Campsite.
They were scheduled to exit through Sala Gate by Monday, but when they failed to check out by the 8:00 PM deadline, park authorities launched a swift search and rescue effort.
How the Rescue Unfolded
Search teams began combing the area Monday night, sweeping the route between Lugard Falls and Sala Gate.
Early signs of concern surfaced when rangers found abandoned camping gear at the designated site.
By dawn Tuesday, aerial teams were deployed, including two fixed-wing aircraft and a helicopter, as the search widened across the park’s vast and rugged terrain.
At around 9:30 AM, Haller spotted the family’s stranded vehicle and the group nearby.
According to KWS, preliminary reports indicate that the family deviated from their planned game drive route and became immobilized on an unmarked trail.
𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐑𝐓: 𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐅𝐀𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐘 𝐒𝐀𝐅𝐄𝐋𝐘 𝐋𝐎𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐒𝐀𝐕𝐎 𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐓 𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐊#PartnershipsForWildlifeConservation #ExploreKenyaParks #TunzaMaliYako
Fortunately, they stayed near their vehicle—a move that authorities say was critical to their quick rescue.
A Test of Coordination and Preparedness
The rescue was a coordinated effort involving KWS, Tsavo Trust, local rangers, and aerial surveillance teams.
Officials praised the joint response as an example of the country’s growing capacity to manage emergencies in remote conservation areas.
“This operation highlights the strength of our emergency protocols and the power of collaboration between conservation partners,” KWS said in a statement.
The family is undergoing routine medical checks and will soon be reunited with relatives.
A full debrief is expected in the coming days to determine how they lost their way and assess whether signage or security protocols need improvement.
KWS reaffirmed its commitment to visitor safety and thanked the family for their calm cooperation during the ordeal.
