Family of four missing in Tsavo East National Park found safe after overnight search

A family of four that went missing in Tsavo East National Park has been found safe after a night-long search by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and other partners.

The couple and their two children were located on Tuesday morning near Kabaguji Rangers Camp, north of the Yatta Plateau, nearly 50 kilometres from their intended route.

The family was spotted by Tsavo Trust pilot Nick Hailer, who landed his helicopter and confirmed that all four were in good health.

“They were found near Kabaguji Rangers Camp. Their status is all okay, and they are currently being driven by rangers back to their camp before exiting the park,” KWS confirmed.

The family had entered the park on Saturday evening through the Manyani Gate for a two-night stay at Luggards Falls Special Campsite. They were expected to leave via Sala Gate by Monday evening, but when they failed to exit by 8 pm, a search was launched.

KWS began with a ground search along the route from Luggards Falls to Sala Gate on Monday night, deploying two Land Cruisers. Officers discovered abandoned camping gear at the site, which raised further concern.

By early Tuesday morning, the operation had expanded to include aerial support. Two fixed-wing aircraft and one helicopter were deployed to scan the vast terrain of the park.

Around 9:30 am, the breakthrough came when Hailer spotted the family during a flight over the Yatta Plateau.

Ground teams from both KWS and Tsavo Trust quickly moved in to secure the area and begin the family’s return journey.

“The safety of our visitors remains a priority, and we are relieved to have found the family safe,” said KWS.

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