AMREF Flying Doctors
AMREF Flying Doctors: Emergency Air Evacuation for Birding Tours in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania & Rwanda
At Avian Safaris, we understand that a birdwatching holiday is more than just a vacation—it is often a once-in-a-lifetime experience. While we strive to ensure that every tour runs smoothly, it is important to acknowledge that many of East Africa’s premier birding destinations are located in remote, off-grid areas where access to quality medical facilities may be limited. Hence the need to consider AMREF Flying Doctors
To safeguard your well-being during our tours, Avian Safaris has partnered with AMREF Flying Doctors, one of Africa’s most trusted providers of air ambulance and emergency medical evacuation services.
Reliable Emergency Support in Remote Birding Areas by AMREF Flying Doctors
In the rare event of a serious medical emergency, registered Avian Safaris clients benefit from swift aerial evacuation to appropriate medical facilities. AMREF Flying Doctors ensures fast, professional intervention that can be life-saving when time and distance matter most.
If you are already covered by an international travel insurance policy, AMREF Flying Doctors seamlessly coordinates with your insurer, reducing delays and ensuring a smooth response when it is needed most.
About AMREF Flying Doctors
AMREF Flying Doctors is a specialized unit under the African Medical and Research Foundation, operating 24/7, 365 days a year. Headquartered at Wilson Airport in Nairobi, their response network is unmatched in the region.
With over 100 HF radio stations spread across East Africa, AMREF operates the largest two-way radio network on the continent—ensuring they maintain real-time communication across the most isolated locations.
Why AMREF Flying Doctors Matter on Birding Tours in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania & Rwanda
When you are exploring the wild beauty of East Africa—tracking rare birds in remote forests, driving through vast savannahs, or cruising along riverine habitats—medical emergencies may be rare, but they do happen. That is why Avian Safaris partners with AMREF Flying Doctors, a world-class air ambulance service, to ensure fast and professional response when you need it most.
Quick Intervention in Remote Areas
If you or someone in your group becomes seriously ill, is involved in a road accident, or suffers a medical emergency, it could take hours for an overseas insurance provider to assess the situation. Many international insurers are unfamiliar with local healthcare infrastructure, which can delay approvals for evacuation.
By registering in advance for AMREF Flying Doctors’ Tourist Evacuation Scheme, you are guaranteed access to 24/7 medevac medical assistance, no matter how remote your current location may be.
What the AMREF Tourist Evacuation Scheme Covers
When you sign up for AMREF’s medical evacuation service through Avian Safaris, you receive:
Full coverage of air ambulance costs
- Ground transport from the nearest airstrip to a top-tier hospital
- The first 24 hours of hospital care
- Upon receiving your emergency call, AMREF’s control center immediately:
- Provides first aid guidance or referral to the nearest facility
- Assesses patient condition, insurance validity, and airstrip details
- Secures cross-border flight clearances (if necessary)
- Keeps the caller informed and updates expected aircraft arrival times
- Aircraft and crew can often be mobilized within 20 minutes of the call, though logistics such as weather, flight clearances, and local airstrip access may add some time.
World-Class Hospitals in Nairobi
Evacuated patients are typically transferred to the hospital of their choice in Nairobi. Most choose from two leading private institutions:
- The Nairobi Hospital
- The Aga Khan University Hospital
These hospitals are fully equipped and staffed with highly trained specialists for further treatment and recovery.
Hassle-Free Registration and Support
Registering is easy—Avian Safaris takes care of it for you. Once you are signed up, you will receive proof of registration. In the event of an emergency:
- AMREF will handle everything directly, including your insurer
- You avoid delays caused by third-party intermediaries
- You travel with confidence, knowing help is only a call away
What If You Don not Use the Service?
Even if you never need evacuation, your registration supports something greater. AMREF Flying Doctors uses part of its proceeds to fund outreach programs across East Africa, including:
- Charity evacuation flights for critically ill patients in poor or isolated communities
- Medical outreach missions that bring specialist surgeons to rural clinics
- Life-saving care in areas where the only “medical help” may be a man selling paracetamol at a roadside kiosk
By signing up, you not only protect yourself—you help save lives. Secure Your Peace of Mind Before You Travel
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is AMREF Flying Doctors coverage mandatory for birding tours?
No, it’s optional—but highly recommended, especially for remote safaris. It ensures you are not stranded during a medical emergency.
2. Can I use AMREF if I already have international travel insurance?
Yes! AMREF coordinates directly with your insurer. This often results in faster evacuation and fewer delays than relying on your insurer alone.
3. How do I register for AMREF through Avian Safaris?
Simply let us know at the time of booking. We will handle registration and send you proof of coverage before your trip.
4. What happens if I don not end up using the service?
Your registration fee helps fund life-saving charity evacuations and medical outreach in underserved East African communities.
5. How fast can AMREF evacuate me if needed?
Aircraft and crew can be mobilised in as little as 20 minutes from your call, subject to flight clearances and logistical conditions.
How to Sign Up
When sending us an enquiry for your tour, please tick the box “AMREF Air Ambulance Service” as an interest to be signed up