Tropic Air helicopters supported a humanitarian mission to distribute household supplies to 200 families in Kajiado County, who had been marooned by the heavy rains and floods. The initiative was carried out by the Kenya Red Cross Society and made possible by Airbus Foundation who support the work of disaster relief and emergency responders world wide.
Our H125 Airbus helicopter was used to help deliver the supplies, some of which were done by long line.
Southern Kenya
May 2020
A heartbreaking story of a rescue that involved a tiny new born baby elephant (umbilical cord still evident), who was abandoned by his herd after he fell into a shallow well, and was attacked by hyenas during the night, losing most of his truck.
On the 18th April, the tiny calf was found at dawn by the wildlife ranges at Loisaba Conservancy in Laikipia. They alerted Kenya Wildlife Service and Northern Ranglands Trust to support a rescue mission, which was coordinated by Batian Craig of 51 Degrees, and required Tropic Air’s aerial support to airlift him to Reteti Elephant Sanctuary located in Samburu just an hours flight away, where he is receiving the critical care that he needs. In the company of other orphans, will be hand raised and hopefully one day reintroduced into the wild.
Thank you to everyone who did so much on this day to make his rescue a success, and against all odds he’s doing remarkably well!
Named ‘Longuro’ which in Samburu refers to someone who has lost a limb, he is getting stronger everyday, is full of character and adapting well to his disability.
March in Gambella National Park, western Ethiopia, where the grass is long and dry – a bush fire broke out and raged towards our camp at terrifying speeds. Jamie, the camp team and community members rallied together to set up a fire break by back-burning – which was effective, and the excitement soon came to an end!
This is what is so special about our East African helicopter adventures – there is no predictability about what we will experience, above and beyond the wonderful nature, landscapes, wildlife, history, people and culture.
COVID-19 has turned all our lives upside down, BUT somethings will never change. Our travel adventures will be waiting for us when the time is right again! Stay safe everyone, we will get through this!
Over $100,000 was raised by the 2020 10to4 Mountain Bike Challenge, all of which will go towards protecting Mount Kenya, Borana Conservancy and Ngare Ndare Forest. As the proud Title Sponsors, we are overwhelmed by the support from the participants, the local community and the event organisers – Mount Kenya Trust. Thank you EVERYONE who helped make this year such a great success!
No challenge too much! Heli-longlining a picnic breakfast onto the summit of Ol Lolokwe (also known as Ol Donyo Sabache) – Northern Kenya’s most striking landmark. This sacred mountain in Samburu rises 1000 feet from its base, with sheer cliffs and a summit with pockets of mist forests and giant cycads. Thanks to Lattitude Adventures Africa for the ground logistics and providing a picnic that will not be forgotten anytime soon!
Photos, Will Dyer, Feb 2020
Helicopter adventures and safaris in Kenya, and beyond, operating Airbus H125 and H130 helicopters.
We are selling our Waco bi-plane, serial number 118, manufactured new in 2008 at Waco Classic Aircraft Corporation. Located and registered in Kenya (5Y-HOP), this aircraft (airframe and engine) has only done 80 hours since new, and is in mint condition. She has always been stored in a hanger, and is fully maintained and airworthy.
5Y-HOP is bright yellow with gold pin stripes, and has a deluxe beige leather interior with dark brown carpeting.
She has a 275 horsepower Jacobs Radial engine with a fuel injection system. She also has a Constant Speed Propeller System, extended range fuels tanks, and front cockpit breaks.
A great video of her sister plane flying in Kenya on this link (Serial number 117)
