Safaris in Africa for Those with Mobility Challenges

This involves providing facilities and infrastructure that accommodate wheelchairs, mobility aids, and people with limited physical mobility. It may include ramps, elevators, wide doorways, accessible bathrooms, and other modifications to make buildings and public spaces accessible.

Accessible travel extends to transportation options, and includes accessible vehicles, boarding assistance, and clear signage for travelers with limited mobility.

Hotels, resorts, and other accommodations should offer accessible rooms with features like widened doorways, roll-in showers, and grab bars to accommodate guests with limited mobility. Braille signage and visual alarms for individuals with hearing impairments are also important.

Making tourist attractions, cultural sites, museums, and recreational activities accessible to people with limited mobility. This may involve ramps, accessible pathways, audio descriptions, or tactile exhibits.

Providing trained staff who can offer assistance to travelers with limited mobility, from helping with boarding and deplaning to providing support in navigating new environments.

When booking your flight, inform the airline of any specific needs related to limited mobility. Airlines typically have options for passengers to request special assistance during the booking process.

Airlines provide wheelchair assistance at the airport. This may include assistance with check-in, security, and getting to the gate. Passengers can request wheelchair service in advance or at the airport.

Many aircraft are designed to accommodate non-ambulatory passengers. Airlines have designated spaces for wheelchairs on board, and some aircraft have accessible lavatories.

Airlines can provide transfer assistance to help passengers move from their wheelchairs to the aircraft seat, and vice versa. If needed, airlines can provide an aisle chair to facilitate this process.

The airline will store the passenger’s wheelchair in the cargo hold during the flight. It’s essential to inform the airline if the wheelchair is manual or powered and if it needs to be disassembled for storage.

Passengers can bring necessary medical devices like ventilators, oxygen concentrators, or assistive communication devices on board. Check with the airline for specific guidelines and regulations regarding these devices.

To ensure a smooth experience, it’s advisable to contact the airline well in advance of your flight to discuss your specific needs and make any necessary arrangements.

Some airlines offer seating with more legroom or other accommodations for passengers with limited mobility. Discuss your seating preferences with the airline.

Due to luggage and weight restrictions, taking a light aircraft shuttle flight to your safari destination is not possible. However, Africa is a wonderful destination to explore by road on a guided safari, including South Africa, Namibia, and Tanzania.

Ramps, elevators, and wheelchair-friendly pathways should be available to accommodate individuals with mobility impairments. Accessible parking spaces close to entrances or designated drop-off zones for those with mobility challenges. Wide doorways, corridors, and public restrooms are designed for wheelchair users.

Hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals with accessible rooms and bathrooms, featuring features like roll-in showers and grab bars.

Accessible accommodations should be conveniently located and have clear signage for guests with disabilities.

Accessible public transportation, including buses, trams, and trains with ramps or lifts.

Accessible taxi services with vehicles equipped to accommodate wheelchairs and mobility aids.

Availability of accessible airport and port facilities for travelers arriving by air or sea.

Accessible websites and information kiosks providing information about the destination and its attractions.

Signage and information available in multiple formats, such as Braille, large print, and digital formats for those with visual impairments.

Accessibility desks or information points at airports and tourist areas where travelers can receive assistance or information.

Access to sign language interpreters or personal care attendants for individuals with sensory or mobility impairments.

Accessible tourist attractions, museums, theaters, and recreational sites with ramps, elevators, and tactile exhibits.

Guided tours and interpretive materials available in accessible formats.

Restaurants, cafes, and shops with accessible entrances and seating arrangements.

Menus in multiple formats, including large print or digital options.

Public restrooms with accessible facilities and ample space for maneuvering wheelchairs.

Accessible medical facilities, pharmacies, and healthcare services for travelers with medical needs.

Emergency evacuation plans and procedures that consider the needs of travelers with disabilities.

Accessible emergency notification systems.

Compliance with national and local accessibility laws and standards that ensure equal access to facilities and services.

• It’s crucial to plan ahead and communicate with airlines, hotels, and tour operators to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip for the handicapped person while visiting Africa. Each country in Africa may have varying levels of accessibility, so researching your specific destination is vital to have a successful journey.  Research your destination in Africa and find out about the accessibility standards and facilities available in that specific country.  Your Specialist Luxury Travel Manager will be invaluable in this regard, as they have the correct information readily available.
• Contact airlines in advance to discuss special assistance options.
• Ensure you discuss options for accessible transportation within the country, such as wheelchair-accessible vehicles or adapted tour services with your Luxury Travel Manager.
• Your Luxury Travel Manager will assist you in identifying and selecting accommodations that are wheelchair-accessible or equipped with necessary facilities.
• Consult with your healthcare provider to ensure that the medical needs will be met during the trip.

• Ensure all necessary travel documents, including passports and visas, are in order.
• Carry essential medical documents and prescriptions, and make sure you have an ample supply of medications for the duration of your trip.

• Pack necessary mobility aids, such as wheelchairs or mobility scooters, or look in to Hiring if this is possible in the destination you are traveling to.
• Consider lightweight, portable equipment that can be easily transported.

• It is vital to have Travel Insurance that covers medical emergencies and trip cancellations.

• Have a list of emergency contacts and share these with your Luxury Travel Manager. They will in turn ensure you have all local healthcare facilities contacts on hand.
• Carry a mobile phone with international roaming or a local SIM card for communication.

• Research local disability organizations and support groups that may provide assistance or information.

• Be aware of potential health risks in the destination and take necessary precautions, such as vaccinations or medications.

• Use accessibility apps and websites to find information on accessible restaurants, attractions, and transportation options in the area. Your Luxury Travel Manager will also be able to make recommendations, as they are the local experts.

• Be flexible with your travel plans and prepared for unexpected challenges that may arise.