HOW TO HAVE A GREAT AFRICAN SAFARI EVEN IF YOU’RE DISABLED

Being in a wheelchair doesn’t exclude you from sights like this

When you mention “African Safari,” you think of climbing in and out of Land Rovers, walking through the bush in search of game, and jumping down from your jeep for “sundowner” cocktails. For years, Safari seemed completely inaccessible for people in wheelchairs or folks with other disabilities. Happily, those days are over, and an African safari even if you’re disabled is doable and affordable.

Individual lodges are becoming more accessible, but there is much more to the story. There is an entire crop of companies now facilitating this once-in-a-lifetime adventure and making it accessible for all. We can attest personally to how manageable it is. Derek’s 90-year old mother is wheelchair-bound – but that hasn’t stopped us from having some great safari experiences together.

What To Think About When You Plan

There is much to consider in your planning process. For example, many camps run a generator at least part of the time – important for people using power chairs or other electronic medical equipment. A good guide for international adapters specifically for special needs travelers is www.miusa.org/ncde/tipsheets/powerchairs .

For travelers with:

LIMITED MOBILITY: Whether you require the use of a cane, walker, manual wheelchair or a power chair, there are operators who’ve outfitted vehicles with hydraulic lifts. Some even offer vehicles with a wheelchair locking system that allows travelers to remain in their chair.

VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS: Yes, there are safari operators who create a very special experience using a traveler’s other senses to recreate aspects of the adventure they may otherwise miss. They interpret the experience by using descriptive, detailed explanations to paint a picture of the surroundings and the game.  PLEASE  NOTE: Guide dogs are prohibited from entering the national parks for several reasons: to prevent the spread of disease between animals; and to eliminate the danger of attracting predators.

SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS: There are companies who can help when an oxygen tank is required, or who can build a trip around South African dialysis centers.

Check Out These Resources to Have a Great African Safari Even If You’re Disabled

First, here are a couple of useful books to consider (which you can order from our affiliate, Amazon, by clicking on the images.

(Note: we get a small commission if you buy at no additional cost to you)

And here are some good websites to check:

Access Africa

http://www.access-africa.co.uk/main.html# A site for people with limited mobility, run by the same people that put out Bradt travel guides.

Disabled World

– Tour Operators. http://www.disabledtravelers.com/tour_operators.htm#africa A list of accessible tour operators around the world, including their websites and contact information.

East Africa Shuttles

– Kenya Wildlife Wheelchair Safari http://www.eastafricashuttles.com/kenyasafaridisabled/handicappedsafaris.htm Get information on a seven-day, wheelchair accessible wildlife safari in Kenya. This is a small group safari, staffed by individuals that have experience worked with disabled travelers. This site provides a sample itinerary, as well as a description of accommodations.

Emerging Horizons

http://emerginghorizons.com/ The site provides general travel tips and resources pertaining to accessibility, as well as links to other publications specializing in disabled travel.

Endeavour

www.endeavour-safaris.com/disability-safaris was founded upon the ethics of making the seemingly impossible, possible. The company is about access, no matter the difficulties.

Gimp on the Go

http://www.gimponthego.com/index.htm The company bills itself as the Internet’s premier disabilities travel publication. Find travel tips and reviews, as well as a bulletin board for travelers to interact with each other, as well as links to other resource geared towards disabled travelers.

Mobility International USA

http://www.miusa.org/ncde/tipsheets/powerchairs A guide on electrical adapters, converters, and transformers for international travel with power wheelchairs and other electrical devices.  Safari Guide Africa also has an article that can help here.

Society for Accessible Travel and Hospitality (SATH)

http://www.sath.org/index.php A variety of information for disabled travel, including accessibility reviews and information on various events that SATH participates in.

Transitions Abroad

– Health, Safety and Insurance for Travelers and Expatriates Abroad http://www.transitionsabroad.com/listings/living/resources/healthandsafety.shtml A good resource for health and safety information, including government agencies and other bodies that may be able to assist you during your travels, either remotely or in-country.

Victoria Safaris

– Disability Tours. http://www.victoriasafaris.com/africa/disabilitytours.htm Disability-friendly safari opportunities, especially for those in wheelchairs. This site offers basic information on traveling with disabilities, as well as links to their accessible programs.

World on Wheelz

http://worldonwheelz.com/ Specializes in travel for “wheelchair users, slow walkers, and seniors with special needs.” They offer both group and independent travel, and their site provides a variety of accessible safari opportunities in multiple countries of varying duration, complete with sample itineraries.

Just Do It

You’ll be amazed at how helpful safari operators are at accommodating wheelchairs or other disability challenges – especially in South Africa. So don’t hold back!