Riverside near Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Global Rescue’s medical, security, and intelligence teams of critical care paramedics, physicians and special operations veterans routinely perform boots-on-the-ground assessments of destinations important to our traveling members.

Comprehensive in-country reconnaissance and on-going intelligence reporting are just a few of the reasons why serious travelers trust Global Rescue.

SECURITY / AVIATION / MEDICAL AWARENESS FOR OUR TRAVELERS TO AFRICA:

KENYA

Security – Kenya is a large country with many remote areas. The employment of security assets is frequently assessed through the lens of distance. The capital, Nairobi, is large, densely populated and poor, as are many of the large cities. Navigation is difficult. A local driver with local knowledge should always be used if possible. Vetted drivers can usually be contracted through reputable hotels.

Aviation – There are numerous aviation providers that support local tourism. Global Rescue has numerous assets under contract and our recent site visit reinforced the quality of maintenance and professionalism of these aviation outfits. The airport that supports local tourism is not co-located at the international airport. Visitors to Kenya via Nairobi have to arrive at the international airport and take ground transportation to a regional airport. Travel during the day is best.

Medical – Excellent hospitals are available, particularly in Nairobi, which provide tertiary care approaching western standards.

TANZANIA

Security – Tanzania is a large country with many remote areas. The employment of security assets is frequently assessed depending on the distance one needs to travel from the areas with a visible security presence. The capital, Dar-es-Salaam, is large, densely populated and poor, as are many of the large cities. Navigation is difficult. A local driver with local knowledge should always be used if possible. Vetted drivers can usually be contracted through reputable hotels.

Aviation – There are numerous aviation providers that support local tourism. We have numerous assets under contract and availability of air resources is good. Visitors to Tanzania via Dar-es-Salaam will arrive at the international airport but may have to move to the domestic airport for travel inland. This will require ground transportation. The domestic airport is not easy to find. Employ a local driver. Travel during the day is best. Interior aviation assets that support tourism are adequate but surrounding towns can be a security risk. Always employ a local, vetted guide.

Medical – Depending on the location, there is a wide range of hospital capabilities. We have surveyed many facilities in Tanzania. In the capital, Dar-es-Salaam, in particular, there are several facilities that provide high quality care, but that changes dramatically outside the capital.

MOZAMBIQUE

Security – We have physically surveyed nearly all coastal airports in Mozambique. Most are outdated. Towns in which the airports are located are very poor and potentially dangerous to tourists, especially at night. Local drivers are highly recommended. Use of reputable hotels is required.

Aviation – The planes our survey teams traveled in — into the country and out to camps — appeared well maintained and crewed. Mozambique is a large country with little infrastructure. Aviation assets used in support of extraction require local relationships for best results and significant contingency planning. Immediate availability is not guaranteed.

Medical – Medical facilities in Nampula and Beira have been vetted by our teams. There are some new facilities being built, but currently these areas have a few more challenges. Medevac to a higher level of care is necessary for serious medical conditions.

CAMEROON

Security – Cameroon is a large country with many remote areas. By and large, Cameroon is safe to travel except for a few remote regions, particularly in the North where there is ongoing conflict with Islamic extremists. Travelers would still need to take precautions operating after 10 PM due to generalized crime. Global Rescue has security assets in place to assist our members as needed.

Aviation – Aviation assets in support of tourism are modern and well maintained, but limited in number. Currently, there is only one reputable air provider operating in the country, so availability can be limited. Aircraft used in support of extraction operations are located at a smaller airport than the international airport in Yaoundé, and their offices are not easy to locate. The international airport is small but efficient and has regular service to Africa, Middle East, and Europe. Global Rescue’s medevac provider has both fixed wing and rotary aircraft.

Medical – Facilities have been vetted by our teams in Cameroon. Members that require hospitalization have several options for stabilization particularly in Yaoundé, although medevac to a higher level of care will be necessary for serious medical conditions.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO (DRC)

Security – The DRC is a large country with many remote areas and many security challenges. The employment of security assets is frequently utilized by private citizens, corporations, universities, and NGOs operating in the DRC. Global Rescue has local security assets in-country and has security evacuation plans in place to assist our members in the event they need to be evacuated. It is advised that travelers utilize reputable international hotel chains.

Aviation – Aviation assets in support of tourism are modern and well maintained. Aircraft used in support of extraction operations are located at the international airport and their offices are easy to locate. The international airport is small but efficient and has regular service to Africa, Middle East, and Europe. Global Rescue’s aviation provider in Kinshasa utilizes various assets, but availability can be limited.

Medical – Our teams have evaluated medical facilities in the DRC and evacuation for serious medical issues is recommended. There are private facilities in Kinshasa that can provide appropriate care for minor medical issues.

ETHIOPIA

Security – Ethiopia is a large country with many remote areas. By and large, Ethiopia is safe for travel by visitors, except for a few remote regions. The infrastructure appears to be in good repair compared to many other African nations. Travelers should still take precautions operating after 10 PM due to generalized crime. Global Rescue has security assets in place to assist our members.

Aviation – Aviation assets in support of tourism are modern and well maintained. Aircraft used in support of extraction operations are located at the international airport and their offices are easy to locate. The international airport is small but efficient and has regular service to Africa and the Middle East. Our medical evacuation assets include both small fixed wing assets for bush rescue operations and access to one in-theater air ambulance; availability can be limited.

Medical – There is one excellent clinic in the capital, Addis Ababa, but serious medical issues will require evacuation to a higher level of care.

SEYCHELLES

Security – Seychelles is one of the safest nations in Africa. Crime and poverty are low. There is no overwhelming sense of crowding. Tourism is embraced. The only caution is operating motor vehicles — narrow roads and traffic is on the left. Taxis and Uber service from the airport are very safe.

Aviation – Aviation assets in support of tourism are modern and well maintained. Aircraft used in support of extraction operations are located at the international airport and their offices are easy to locate. The international airport is small but efficient and has regular service to Africa and the Middle East.

Medical – Our teams have vetted the medical facilities on the main island of Mahe. Appropriate care is available and medevac should be considered for serious medical conditions.

Ambulances outside of a medical clinic in Ethiopia