Nairobi, Kenya – 3rd December 2024 – Tourists traveling across Africa this festive season will benefit from Safe Travels, a new emergency response plan by Rescue.co. Designed for both domestic and international travelers, the initiative offers fast, reliable assistance, ensuring safety and peace of mind while exploring urban centers, safari parks, and remote regions.
The plan recognizes the unique risks faced by tourists and adventure seekers, covering high-risk activities in rugged environments. Whether trekking Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya, visiting the Maasai Mara, or exploring remote coastal areas, travelers can count on quick support in emergencies. With air evacuation resources stationed near popular high-risk destinations, Rescue.co is fully prepared to address emergencies such as altitude sickness, unexpected injuries, and illnesses.
“As travel picks up during this festive season, we’re excited to offer travelers the reassurance of Safe Travels, a service that extends beyond traditional emergency assistance,” said Caitlin Dolkart, Co-CEO of Rescue. “Our goal is to empower travelers to explore Africa with confidence, knowing they have immediate access to lifesaving help anywhere on the continent.”
Designed with the traveler in mind, Safe Travels offers a wide array of emergency services. These include both ground and air evacuations, supported by a fleet of 67 fixed-wing and 7 rotary aircraft for medevac services. The company has maintained a 100% success rate with sub-one-hour response times for wilderness rescues. Additionally, roadside assistance and security services—such as towing, fuel delivery, and vehicle support—are available across Kenya, with an average response time of just 25 minutes. Rescue.co also provides round-the-clock medical and security response teams to handle emergencies on the road or in high-risk situations.
James Savage, Managing Director of Savage Wilderness, emphasized the importance of Rescue.co’s coverage, stating, “Many travelers assume their insurance covers emergency rescue operations. However, this is often not the case. In most situations, insurance coverage only begins once you’ve managed to get yourself to the hospital. For anybody traveling to Kenya or East Africa, whether for adventure, safari, or business, Rescue.co’s coverage is invaluable. It offers peace of mind knowing that if something goes wrong, Rescue.co can get them to a world-class facility quickly.”
For countries without a public emergency response system, Rescue.co leverages its advanced technology platform, Flare, connecting travelers with over 1,000 first responders. These responders include ambulances, air support, and roadside assistance providers, ensuring quick and appropriate responses to emergencies. Flare’s smart dispatch system uses real-time data to prioritize the closest provider, minimizing delays and coordinating responders for precise and rapid action.
Rescue.co’s emergency operations are supported by a team of highly trained doctors, nurses, and paramedics available 24/7. A specialized team, including a former US Army flight paramedic, provides around-the-clock air support, offering tele-guidance, ground coordination, and emergency medical care to ensure the best outcomes.
Safe Travels coverage is available across Africa (excluding Sudan and Somalia) with flexible membership options starting at $25 for Kenya, $50 for the East African Community (EAC) region, and $125 for a 30-day pan-African cover.
With its cutting-edge technology and vast network of responders, Safe Travels guarantees access to emergency help across the continent within minutes, making it an invaluable service for tourists seeking peace of mind during their festive season adventures.