Okavango Air Rescue

If you visit the Okavango Delta, you will be entering a pristine and untouched wilderness, measuring around 20,000 square kilometres, with the largest remaining concentration of wildlife in Africa. With this in mind, we would like to make you aware, that when emergencies occur, Travel Insurances do not have the 'on location' means available to evacuate their clients, and depend on locally available service providers - we are the only medically staffed and equipped Helicopter based Rescue Operation for the Okavango Delta and the Kalahari, and although you may have Insurance, we are not available to all. In 2015 Okavango Air Rescue flew an average of 2 rescues in the Okavango Delta per month. Rounding up, each rescue cost an average of US$ 3’000.00, which after one year adds up to a total revenue of US$ 72’000.00. For this amount we are unable to finance Helicopters, Pilots, Doctors and Administration, all on standby 24/7 and hence we have adopted the "Patronage" system. The system was invented and successfully implemented by "REGA" of Switzerland some 60 years ago. It defines that such machinery cannot survive on a "fee for service" basis and asks the public at large to become Patrons, by supporting the operation through a minimal contribution - in our case Pula 175.- (approx. US$ 16.50). In recognition of their support, Patrons in an emergency situation will be rescued by our medically equipped Helicopter and Emergency Doctor, ensuring smooth and swift operations. The Travel Insurance will only be invoiced for the costs thereafter. If you are not a Patron of Okavango Air Rescue, you will of course be evacuated too, however as it is organised by your Travel Insurance, who is not on location, it may, depending on where you are, involve a boat, then a car, then a fixed wing aircraft, all not medically equipped and without a Doctor. By becoming a Patron of OAR, your support not only keeps us airborne and puts your mind at rest, but it also enables us to fly local People, who do not have Insurances, which is a contribution to the overall wellbeing of Botswana. Remember: We only fly for our Patrons! Please check with your Travel Agent that you have indeed been registered with us!