Africa - by Katie

If you ever wondered what would happen if you had the unfortunate luck of experiencing a serious medical issue whilst you are travelling with Steppes, my 'On location' should reassure you.

I was travelling on another work trip to Africa to visit some exciting new safari ventures. Having lived in and travelled extensively throughout Africa, I am used to the environment, wildlife and necessary precautions and prophylaxis that one should take. Or at least I thought I was.

I had a strong allergic reaction to a bite and took some anti-histamine and decided to lie down. When I woke up I was feeling quite ill. I had chest pains and difficultly swallowing, huge bite swellings and strange wheals developing on my legs and arms.

I went to the camp managers who gave me a quick examination and then given the sun was setting, they decided to take no chances and arranged for me to be air evacuated out of the camp. On arrival at a local airport, a doctor met us on the airstrip, assessed the situation and prescribed immediate drugs. I was monitored overnight in a local lodge and flown back to the capital the next morning, where I was taken to the local medical centre. After being diagnosed with an acute and rare reaction, I was given the correct prescription and then flown home.

Overall, it was an extremely stressful experience but I am indebted to the speedy response of my local agent, who took costly measures to ensure my safety. Once the sun has set in Africa, you cannot fly to camp airstrips that do not have landing lights. There was obviously concern that if my condition deteriorated overnight, I could only be driven to the nearest medical centre, which was at least a six hour journey on extremely bad roads.

Despite our thoroughness, our risk assessments, things do go wrong - accidents and illnesses do occur. It is how one copes with such scenarios that make the really good companies stand out.