helicopter evacuation
“Making Kilimanjaro the safest tourist destination in Africa”
Always ready to take off and make sure you are safe
We are the first and only helicopter-based search and rescue company in Africa operating on Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru and to all Tanzania’s national parks.
Driven by passion of saving lives our rescue team is on standby 5-minute after receiving a distress call. We believe that there is nothing more important than performing every rescue mission in a safe and right protocol.
For a successful helicopter evacuation on Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru, one should acquire a travel insurance that covers medical evacuation 6000 meters above sea level. For Safari goers any travel insurance is applicable.
- 100% proven track record for safety, reliability, professionalism and advanced operational performance capability.
- We hold a world-leading response time for civil search and rescue companies of a 5- minute response after receiving a distress call
- We use modern search and rescue gear for a quick and safe transport to extract causalities from danger.
- Rescue team is highly capable, professional response team with the experience and commitment to respond to all search and rescue emergencies
- Free Basic Course of Mountain Medicine, Physiology and Helicopter Safety to rangers and guides to help them secure the patient before calling for help
- Free provision of Patient Assessment Books to guides for proper patient assessment and knowing when to call for an evacuation
- Free provision of Climbing Manifest Forms to tour operators for client’s details before the trek for immediate and timely response when client is in distress
- Send our own team to the mountain to educate the mountaineers about safety measures
insurance details
- What kind of travel insurance do I need for a helicopter evacuation on Mt Kilimanjaro?
Travel Insurance that includes Medical Evacuation Coverage up to 6,000 meters above sea level. It is very important to ask your travel insurance provider to include this type of coverage within the policy that you purchase. Ensure your policy is not on a reimbursement basis.
- Is the same insurance required for evacuation on Mount Meru?
Technically no, climbers will require travel insurance coverage up to 5000 meters.
- Why standard insurance packages do not cover high altitude trekking?
The risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) increases dramatically above 2800 Meters, as do the costs of emergency medical services and evacuation.
- Is it possible for Kilimanjaro SAR to evacuate a client without a proper insurance?
Yes, it’s possible. Kilimanjaro SAR is committed to save the lives of all climbers. In case a climber lacks the proper insurance coverage, they will have to pay for evacuation costs after they have fully recovered.
- Can Kilimanjaro SAR help you attain proper insurance?
No, it is very simple and affordable to purchase travel insurance that covers climbing up to 6,000m online or over the phone in any country. But it is important that you understand your policy and what you are paying for.
- Do I have to submit my insurance policy to my tour operator prior to hiking?
Yes, the sooner the better — even a month prior to your visit is ideal.
- What kind of insurance is required for evacuation within national parks and game reserves?
Any travel insurer that lists medical evacuation (altitude detail is unnecessary), but remember to ensure that the policy is not a reimbursement policy, which means you “pay and claim” for the costs