The silhouette of an elephant against the setting sun; the rich bouquet of a Cape Winelands Pinotage; the rhythmic beats of traditional drums during a cultural ceremony – for decades, these African experiences remained out of reach for many travellers with mobility impairments.
“The biggest misconception is that accessible services don’t exist in Africa,” explains Lorena Guillen, Senior Strategic Supply Manager for Wheel the World, an organisation dedicated to mapping accessibility across global destinations. “This simply isn’t true.”
Safaris without barriers
Game Drives have historically presented quite a challenge for wheelchair users. Dense bushland, remote locations, and your typical safari vehicle designs created some seemingly impossible barriers.
Select game reserves, such as the Ximuwu Lodge, now offer specially adapted vehicles with wheelchair lifts and secure locking systems. These modifications maintain the open-air safari experience while guaranteeing safety and comfort for all their guests.
“Wheelchair-accessible safaris have become a reality,” says Guillen. “What’s exciting is that accessibility no longer comes at the expense of authenticity.”
South African pioneers making a difference
With over two decades of experience, South African-based Travel Republic Africa is spearheading accessible tourism in Southern Africa. “We recognised that local tour operators weren’t doing enough to cater to travellers with disabilities, particularly wheelchair users,” explains Taryn Sacho, a consultant for Travel Republic Africa.
The company has developed specialised packages covering South Africa and neighbouring countries like Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. Their offering includes wheelchair-friendly accommodations, air-conditioned transport with professional drivers, and experiences ranging from Big 5 safaris to wine estate tours.
“We’ve taken small groups to remote regions in a manner that allows them to truly experience the full wonders of Southern Africa,” Taryn adds.
The Soroi Collection
Kenya’s iconic regions are also embracing accessible tourism through pioneering accommodations. The Soroi Collection has established accessible luxury experiences across the Masai Mara and Samburu regions.
In Masai Mara, properties like Soroi Mara Bush Camp, Soroi Private Wing, and Soroi Luxury Migration Camp offer varying levels of accessibility with different mobility needs in mind. These properties feature accessible pathways, adapted rooms with roll-in showers and grab bars, and specially designed safari vehicles.
In Samburu, Soroi Larsens Camp provides similar accommodations, while their LUMO region properties – Soroi Lions Bluff Lodge, Soroi Leopards Lair, and Soroi Cheetah Tented Camp – complete their accessible portfolio. All locations feature staff trained specifically to assist guests with mobility requirements, making the Kenyan safari experience accessible to all.
Transparency as a tool
For travellers with disabilities, detailed information can prove to be just as vital as physical adaptations. The unpredictability of new environments can give one pause when making travel plans, especially in destinations seen as challenging.
“It’s all about transparency and partnership,” Guillen notes. “We prioritise providing clear accessibility information upfront so travellers can choose what suits their comfort and accessibility needs.”
This approach allows travellers with disabilities to plan their journeys and make informed decisions based on their requirements.
The road forward
Many destinations across the continent still lack basic accessible infrastructure, while uneven development means your experiences may vary wildly between countries and regions.
Yet the goal is clear. As demand grows and awareness increases, more African tourism stakeholders recognise accessibility as both an ethical imperative and a lucrative business opportunity.
For travellers with disabilities considering Africa, the message is changing from “impossible” to “possible, with preparation.”
The sun setting over the savanna now belongs to everyone!
Disabled-friendly lodge information
XIMUWU LODGE
- Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, adjacent to Greater Kruger National Park
- Barrier-free accommodations with adjustable beds, accessible bathrooms with grab rails, and wide concrete paths throughout the property
- Contact: [email protected], +27 15 004 0340 (Landline), +27 73 670 5169 (After Hours, WhatsApp)
MASAI MARA
- Soroi Mara Bush Camp: Access with assistance, adapted rooms
- Soroi Private Wing: Full independent access
- Soroi Luxury Migration Camp: Easy accessibility
- Contact: [email protected]
