A family that went missing in Tsavo East National Park was found after a 24-hour search operation.
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) said the family of four was located by a Tsavo Trust pilot near Kabaguchi Ranger Camp on the remote Yatta Plateau, approximately 50 kilometres north of their planned route.
Their friends had sent a call for their search sending panic. The park has tens of wild animals.
“Haller immediately landed his helicopter and confirmed that all four individuals were unharmed and in good health,” read a statement from KWS.
Ground teams from KWS and Tsavo Trust embarked in facilitating their safe extraction.
KWS reported that the family, a couple and their children, had entered the park on Saturday April 5 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 April 7 evening.
Park authorities however launched an immediate search when the family failed to check out by the 8:00 PM deadline.
The family is believed to have taken an unauthorized deviation from their planned route while on a game drive using their vehicle.
“Their decision to remain with the vehicle played a critical role in their timely rescue,” KWS added.
The family is currently undergoing routine medical evaluations and will soon be reunited with their loved ones.
A further interrogation to establish details of the incident will follow.
Lauding the teams involved in the rescue, KWS maintained its commitment to ensure that all emergency response protocols will remain always be fully observed Like many parks, the area is regarded dangerous at night.
