KWS Issues Update on Family That Went Missing in Tsavo National Park

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has issued an update on a family of four who went missing in Tsavo East National Park.

In a statement on Tuesday, April 4, KWS said that the family had entered the park on Saturday last week at 5:40 PM through Manyani Gate.

The family —a couple and their two children—intended to camp for two nights at Luggards Falls Special Campsite and exit via Sala Gate by Monday evening.

However, they failed to check out by the 8:00 PM deadline, prompting park authorities to launch an immediate search operation.

The family was successfully located and rescued after an intensive 24-hour search operation.

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According to KWS, Tsavo Trust pilot Nick Haller spotted the family near Kabaguchi Ranger Camp on the remote Yatta Plateau, approximately 50 Kilometers north of their planned route.

“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,” read part of the statement.

How the KWS search happened

The wildlife service said that Ground search was initiated on Monday at 8:00 PM – along the Luggards Falls-Sala Gate route.

Overnight, KWS teams using two land cruisers cleared the route where an abandoned camping gear was found at the campsite.

Aerial support comprising two fixed-wing aircraft and one helicopter was further deployed on Tuesday pre-dawn.

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This was before the family was spotted on the Yatta Plateau by Tsavo Trust pilot on Tuesday at 9:30 AM.

The wildlife service further said that the family is currently undergoing routine medical evaluations and will soon be reunited with their loved ones.

In addition, a full debriefing will follow to better understand how they became disoriented.

“This successful operation highlights the strength of Kenya’s emergency response protocols and the value of inter-agency collaboration. We commend the sharp vigilance of Pilot Nick Haller, and the dedication of all teams involved in the rescue,” added KWS.

“The rescue operation demonstrated the rapid mobilization of resources, including Two fixed-wing surveillance aircraft, One helicopter unit, multiple ground teams from KWS and Tsavo Trust, and local ranger support.”

At the same time, KWS appreciated the family’s cooperation and composure during the ordeal, adding that it remains committed to safeguarding both Kenya’s treasured wildlife and the safety of all visitors. 

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