A family of four that went missing in Tsavo East National Park has been found safe and in good health following an intense 24-hour search operation. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), in collaboration with Tsavo Trust, confirmed the successful rescue on Tuesday.
According to a statement from KWS, the family consisting of a couple and their two children was located near Kabaguchi Ranger Camp on the remote Yatta Plateau, approximately 50 kilometres north of their intended route. The discovery was made by a Tsavo Trust pilot, who immediately landed his helicopter to confirm the family’s condition.
“All four individuals were unharmed and in good health,” the KWS statement read. Ground teams from KWS and Tsavo Trust are now coordinating their safe extraction from the park.
The family had entered Tsavo East on Saturday at 5:40 PM through Manyani Gate. Their itinerary included two nights of camping at the Luggards Falls Special Campsite, with plans to exit via Sala Gate by Monday evening. Concerns were raised when the family failed to check out by the 8:00 PM deadline, prompting park authorities to initiate an immediate search operation.
Investigations suggest the family inadvertently took an unauthorized deviation from their planned route during a game drive. Their vehicle was eventually found, and it is believed that their decision to stay with the vehicle significantly contributed to their timely rescue.
“Their decision to remain with the vehicle played a critical role in their timely rescue,” KWS emphasized.
The family is currently undergoing standard medical evaluations before being reunited with other family members. Authorities have also stated that further interrogation will be conducted to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
KWS commended the collaborative efforts of all personnel involved in the operation and reaffirmed its commitment to upholding stringent emergency response protocols in all protected areas.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of following designated routes and guidelines while exploring Kenya’s national parks to ensure safety for all visitors.
