Tourist Travel Information
Stay Safe While Exploring Botswana
Welcome to Botswana – Your Premier Safari Destination
Thank you for choosing Botswana for your safari adventure.
If you are travelling to the Okavango Delta or the Kalahari, you are entering one of the world’s last truly untouched wilderness areas — over 20,000 km² of pristine habitat and home to Africa’s highest concentration of wildlife.
Why Emergency Support Matters in the Okavango Delta
When travelling in such remote regions, it is important to understand that traditional travel insurance providers do not have on-site evacuation capabilities.
They rely entirely on local emergency services — and in the Okavango Delta and Kalahari, Okavango Air Rescue (OAR) is the only medically staffed Helicopter Rescue Service operating in these wilderness areas.
However, insurance coverage does not automatically guarantee access to our helicopter and medical teams.
Why We Use the Patronage System
In 2024, Okavango Air Rescue flew an average of five helicopter rescues per month in the Okavango Delta. Each mission cost approximately USD 3,000, totalling USD 72,000 per year — far from enough to maintain:
- A fully equipped rescue helicopter
- Professional pilots
- Emergency doctors
- 24/7 operational readiness
To remain available for life-saving missions, we follow the proven “Patronage System”, created and successfully used by REGA Switzerland for over 60 years. This model acknowledges that air rescue operations in remote regions cannot survive on a “fee-for-service” basis.
Become a Patron – For Only P175 (approx. USD 16.50)
By becoming an OAR Patron, you directly support our air rescue operations and, in return:
- You will receive priority evacuation by our medically equipped helicopter.
- A qualified Emergency Doctor will be on board.
- Your travel insurance will only be invoiced after the rescue.
- You gain peace of mind throughout your journey.
What Happens If You Are Not a Patron?
If you are not registered as an OAR Patron, you will still be evacuated — but the process is managed by your insurance provider, who is not on location.
This may involve:
– a boat transfer,
– followed by a vehicle transport,
– and later a fixed-wing aircraft
none of which are medically equipped or staffed with a doctor.
Rescue may take significantly longer depending on your location in the Delta or Kalahari.
Your Support Helps Tourists and Local Communities
By becoming a Patron, you not only ensure your own safety — you also enable us to provide emergency support to local residents, many of whom have no insurance at all.
Your contribution helps improve healthcare access and supports the overall wellbeing of Botswana.
Important: We Only Fly for Our Patrons
Please ensure your Travel Agent has registered you with Okavango Air Rescue before starting your safari.
Explore Botswana with confidence.
Become an OAR Patron.
Thank you for choosing Botswana for your safari adventure.
If you are travelling to the Okavango Delta or the Kalahari, you are entering one of the world’s last truly untouched wilderness areas — over 20,000 km² of pristine habitat and home to Africa’s highest concentration of wildlife.