Family of four rescued after being lost in Tsavo National Park since Saturday
KWS says preliminary reports indicate their vehicle became immobilised during an unauthorised deviation from their planned route
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has successfully located arid rescued a family of four who went missing in Tsavo East National Park, following an intensive 24-hour search operation.
In a dramatic tum of events this morning, Tsavo Trust pilot Nick Haller spotted the family – a couple and their two children – near Kabaguchi Ranger Camp on the remote Yalta Plateau, approximately 50 kilometres north of their planned route. Haller immediately landed his helicopter and confirmed that all the four individuals were unharmed and in good health. Ground teams from KWS and Tsavo Trust are currently facilitating their safe extraction.
The family had entered the park on Saturday at 5:40 pm through Manyani Gate, intending to camp for two nights at Luggards Falls Special campsite and exit via Sala Gate by Monday evening. When they failed to check out by the 8 pm deadline, park authorities launched an immediate search operation.
A ground operation was launched along the Luggards Falls – Sala Gate route before KWS teams using two Land Cruisers cleared the route overnight and found camping gear abandoned at the campsite.
Aerial support was deployed at pre-dawn today using two fixed wing planes and two helicopters. The family was spotted at 9.30 am.
In a statement, KWS said preliminary reports indicate the family’s vehicle became immobilised during an unauthorised deviation from their planned route while on a game drive. Their decision to remain with the vehicle played a critical role in their timely rescue.
“This successful operation highlights the strength or Kenya’s emergency response protocols and the value of interagency collaboration. We commend the sharp vigilance of pilot Nick Haller and the dedication or all teams involved in the rescue,” KWS added.
It said the family is currently undergoing routing medical evaluations and will soon be reunited with their loved ones. A full debriefing will follow to better understand how they became disoriented.
KWS said the rescue operation demonstrated the rapid mobilisation of resources, including two fixed wing surveillance aircraft, one helicopter unit, multiple ground teams from the agency and Tsavo Trust and local ranger support.
“This seamless coordination between government agencies, conservation partners, and local stakeholders exemplifies Kenya’s leadership in Wildlife area management. The successful outcome is a testament to sustained investment In training, technology, and strong partnerships across the conservation ecosystem,” it added.
