Missing Family Found Safe After Night in Tsavo East Park

• Apr 08, 2025

A family of four that went missing in Tsavo East National Park was found safe on Tuesday morning after an overnight search. The couple and their two children were located near Kabaguji Rangers Camp, around 50 kilometres off their expected route, north of the Yatta Plateau.

The family had entered the park on Saturday evening through the Manyani Gate for a planned two-night stay at Luggards Falls Special Campsite. They were expected to exit via Sala Gate by Monday evening. When they failed to check out by 8 pm, park authorities grew concerned and launched a search.

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), together with partners including Tsavo Trust, began a ground search on Monday night. Two Land Cruisers were dispatched to patrol the route from Luggards Falls to Sala Gate. During the search, officers found abandoned camping gear, increasing worries about the family's safety.

By Tuesday morning, the search had expanded to include aerial surveillance. KWS deployed two fixed-wing aircraft and a helicopter to cover the vast terrain of Tsavo East, one of the largest national parks in Kenya. At around 9:30 am, Tsavo Trust pilot Nick Hailer spotted the family from the air. He landed his helicopter near them and confirmed that they were all 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 said in a statement.

Ground teams from both KWS and Tsavo Trust responded quickly to the location to ensure the family's safety and begin their return journey.

KWS thanked all those involved in the successful operation and reiterated its commitment to visitor safety. “The safety of our visitors remains a priority, and we are relieved to have found the family safe,” the agency said.

While the specific cause of the family’s detour was not provided, the incident highlights the challenges of navigating Tsavo’s vast and rugged terrain. KWS continues to advise visitors to follow designated routes and check in regularly for their own safety.