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Inclusive Adventures: Safaris in Africa for Those with Mobility Challenges. The good news is that inclusive travel options have expanded significantly, and Africa's boundless beauty is accessible to everyone.

The call of the wild, the mesmerizing landscapes, and the astonishing wildlife of Africa have long been a dream for travellers. However, for individuals with mobility challenges requiring wheelchair-accessible holidays, the prospect of embarking on a safari might seem daunting.

The good news is that access to African safaris has expanded significantly with wheelchair-accessible travel destinations, and Africa’s boundless beauty provides an accessible safari experience to everyone. Let’s explore just a few of the incredible safaris in Africa that cater to people with mobility challenges.

Best wheelchair-accessible safaris

See our guide to wheelchair-accessible travel destinations in Africa:

South African Safaris for the Disabled

South Africa has emerged as a leading destination for travellers with mobility challenges. Several game reserves and lodges in the Madikwe Game Reserve, and Great Kruger Park Private Reserve offer wheelchair-friendly accommodations, where spacious corridors, wide doorways and no steps allow for full access throughout.  A few lodges also offer adapted safari vehicles that come equipped with ramps and hydraulic lifts, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the thrilling wildlife encounters that South Africa has to offer.

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Ximuwu Safari Lodge - the world’s first luxury wheelchair-accessible safari

Ximuwu Safari Lodge

Ximuwu Safari Lodge is the world’s first luxury wheelchair-accessible safari. They have changed the landscape for mobility access. From specially designated transfer vehicles to large pathways, sufficient space between furnishings, automated pool and bed lifts, and all the comforts required which are designed to international accessibility standards. They also offer adapted safari vehicles that come equipped with ramps and hydraulic lifts, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the thrilling wildlife encounters in the Klaserie Nature Reserve. The lodge staff ensures that wheelchairs are brought along, and mobile ramps are put in place to allow guests to fully partake in these special occasions. Sophie Morgan, an award-winning disability advocate, TV presenter, producer, writer, artist and co-founder of @_making_space shares her experience in this video »

Kenya's Accessible Safari Camps

Kenya, famous for the Maasai Mara and its iconic Great Migration, has taken significant strides in making its safari destinations inclusive. Some safari camps in Kenya, such as Angama Mara and Ol Pejeta Bush Camp, are designed to accommodate guests with mobility challenges. These camps offer accessible pathways or ramps, and trained staff to ensure that every guest can relish the magic of the African wilderness.

Accessible bathroom at Angama Mara lodge

Angama Mara

Room with accessibility at Angama Mara

Angama Mara

Botswana safaris for disabled people

In the Elephant Haven of the Chobe National Park, Chobe Game Lodge has the option of fully accessible rooms with wheelchair access to the game drive and boat jetty entrance for safari activities.

In the Delta, we love Desert & Delta lodges, which feature wide wooden decks, and the guides are always on hand to assist guests onto vehicles.

Chobe Game lodge Room exterior

Chobe Game lodge Room exterior

Tanzania's Inclusive Camps

Tanzania, home to the iconic Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater, has also embraced inclusive travel. A number of safari camps and lodges have adapted their facilities and vehicles to cater to travelers with mobility challenges. These accommodations are committed to providing a welcoming and accessible environment for all guests. The excellent Northern Circuit can be navigated by road with a local guide as your host.

Hillside Suite at Singita Sasakwa Lodge

Hillside Suite at Singita Sasakwa Lodge

Singita Sasakwa Lodge

Singita Sasakwa Lodge

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking

Yes, gorilla trekking is possible!  Rangers and Porters at the Volcanoes National Park will do their upmost to help and guide the way, providing a strong arm to lean on or a stretcher for those confined to a wheelchair. They will ensure that you are carried to the location of a gorilla family, and you can experience the thrill of seeing these endangered Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat. You will directly be contributing to the preservation of the gorillas, as quite often these porters are former poachers who now actively work to conserve these endangered gentle giants.

Accessibility Resources

To make the most of your inclusive safari adventure, it’s advisable to research and plan ahead. Reach out well in advance to your luxury travel manager who will have the best advice and recommendations. Additionally, whilst there are rangers and guides are always ready to lend a hand should you require assistance, consider traveling with a support network or an experienced travel manager who can help arrange a seamless experience.

If you’ve ever dreamt of embarking on a safari, rest assured that Africa is more welcoming and accessible than ever before, and the wonders of the wilderness are yours to explore.

What is accessible travel:

Can a person in a wheelchair fly on an airline?


In this article
  • Accessible Africa
  • South Africa's Wheelchair-Friendly Safaris
  • Kenya's Accessible Safari Camps
  • Botswana's accessible safaris
  • Tanzania's Inclusive Camps
  • Rwanda Gorilla Trekking
  • Accessible Africa FAQ's

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