OVERSEAS TRAVEL & EBOLA
I get it. I hear a lot from folks who are concerned about Ebola and traveling overseas, given the reports about the Ebola virus. As I’ve done with previous “events” in the past, I’ve always researched the situation in minute detail to find out the facts. This speaks to the disciplined way we train our guides to monitor our clients meticulously when leading our treks and climbs.
Here are the facts:
GEOGRAPHICALLY DISTANT
None of the areas where Tusker operates its treks and climbs have had any reported cases of Ebola. Geographically, these countries are extremely far from Tanzania. The Ebola outbreaks are occurring in WEST Africa; specifically in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea.
The distance between Liberia and Kilimanjaro is 3,367 miles. That’s like the distance from Los Angeles to Bogota, Columbia. And there are 9 countries which separate Liberia from Tanzania. If you live anywhere in the US, you were closer to the outbreak in Dallas than you would be if you were climbing Kilimanjaro.
NO FLIGHTS BETWEEN WEST AFRICA & TANZANIA
There are no direct flights from Liberia, Sierra Leone or Guinea to Tanzania. So Tanzania is extremely removed.
RAPID VACCINE & TREATMENT DEVELOPMENT
The good news at this point is that there are 4 large pharmaceutical companies developing a vaccine for Ebola, and 7 drug companies developing a treatment. The World Health Organization is coordinating trials of two vaccines on over 20,000 people in west Africa in December this year. So there’s a lot of promising developments.
TUSKER’S COMMITMENT TO HEALTH AND SAFETY
If you have traveled with us in the past, you are keenly aware of Tusker’s commitment to the health and safety of our trekkers. We are monitoring the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control, as well as our own medical colleagues who work for the US Government as epidemiologists. If we feel there is concern for you on our trips in Tanzania, we will let you know immediately.
For almost 40 years we have built a global reputation leading people on unique and memorable adventures all over the world. We understand that right now there is a lot of fear out there, a lot of bad information, and much uncertainty caused by this fear. Based on our stellar reputation, on our advanced medical knowledge, and assurances from our highly placed colleagues in the medical profession, we can say with confidence that we would never put our clients’ health at risk. Tanzania is safe. Kilimanjaro is safe. See you on the mountain.
So if you have any questions, or wish to discuss your travel plans, we’re here, and we’re eager to chat.
1.800.231.1919 – 1.775.833.9700 – [email protected]
