The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has successfully rescued a family of four who went missing in Tsavo East National Park following an intensive 24-hour search operation.
In a statement released on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, KWS revealed that the missing family was located and rescued this morning near Kabaguchi Ranger Camp on the remote Yatta Plateau.
“In a dramatic turn 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 Yatta Plateau, approximately 50 kilometres north of their planned route,” the KWS statement reads in part.
“Haller immediately landed his helicopter and confirmed that all four individuals were unharmed and in good health. Ground teams from KWS and Tsavo Trust are currently facilitating their safe extraction.”
In addition, the wildlife authority disclosed that the family is currently undergoing medical evaluation.
“The family is currently undergoing routine medical evaluations and will soon be reunited with their loved ones. A full debriefing will follow to better understand how they became disoriented,” the KWS statement reads in part.
Missing family
According to KWS, the family had intended to camp at the Luggards Falls Special Campsite for two nights, adding that they entered the park on Saturday, April 5, through Manyani Gate and were expected to exit via Sala Gate by Monday evening.
However, when they failed to check out by the deadline, park authorities launched an immediate search operation.
“The family had entered the park on Saturday, 5 April, 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 8:00 PM deadline, park authorities launched an immediate search operation,” the KWS statement reads in part.
Rescue operation
The wildlife authority further revealed that the rescue operation involved two fixed-wing surveillance aircraft, one helicopter unit, and multiple ground teams from KWS, Tsavo Trust, and local ranger support.
“We commend the sharp vigilance of Pilot Nick Haller and the dedication of all teams involved in the rescue,” KWS stated.
It also revealed that a preliminary report indicated that the family’s vehicle became immobilised after they deviated from their planned route without authorisation during a game drive.
“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,” KWS added.