Disability Travel: Africa

Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2015/03/07
Category Topic: Disability Travel Information - Academic Publications

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main

Synopsis: If you ever wanted to visit Africa to see the animals or pyramids then it is now possible to explore a great deal of the African continent with special disabled tours and safaris.

Introduction

Africa boasts perhaps the world's largest combination of density and "range of freedom" of wild animal populations and diversity, with wild populations of large carnivores (such as lions, hyenas, and cheetahs) and herbivores (such as buffalo, deer, elephants, camels, and giraffes) ranging freely on primarily open non-private plains. It is also home to a variety of jungle creatures (including snakes and primates) and aquatic life (including crocodiles and amphibians).

Main Content

Africa is the world's second-largest and second most-populous continent, after Asia.

If you ever wanted to visit Africa to see the animals or pyramids then it is now possible to explore a great deal of the African continent with special disabled tours and safaris.

Wheelchair explorers can take pleasure in traveling in specially designed sightseeing vehicles as there are now several operators running tailor made wheelchair trips, and in southern Africa it's even possible to go on fully accessible safaris.

There are many different tour operators in Africa that offer accessible travel & tours. Some specialize in cruises, safaris, scuba diving, travel with service dogs, and group travel, while others can arrange a wide variety of tours for individuals or groups

By planning in advance your specially designed access tour will ensure that your visit to Africa is a wonderful experience. Travel to South Africa and experience a safari of a lifetime that is disabled friendly. Enjoy camping at a wheelchair accessible campsite in the wild. Your physical disability no longer prevents your access to an adventure holiday & personal encounter with the African wild animals.

Disability Travel Tips for Africa

Tambo International airport have braille on elevator buttons only in the international terminal; domestic terminal and parkade elevators do not. There are no audio announcement when stopping at any floor. The moving walkway in the domestic terminal have audio announcement on reaching the end of the walkway, but not before entering it.

Pretoria

Voortrekker Monument Groenkloof (On Proclamation Hill. There is ramp access to the entrance and the monument is fitted with two lifts. One to access the Museum on the lower level and another to access the outside viewpoints at the top. Access to the top of the dome requires the climbing of stairs.

Durban beaches

QuadPara provides beach wheelchairs with wide wheels that can easily be pushed over sand and even into the water. The wheelchairs can be found at the Ocean Braai restaurant on the North Beach and uShaka Surf & Adventures on the South Beach in Durban. No usage charges.

Cape Town - Table Mountain

The lower station provides disabled parking close to the lifts and have toilets for wheelchair users. The cable car can be boarded easily by wheelchair and guide dogs are welcome aboard. On top of the mountain there is about 2km of walkways that can easily be explored in a wheelchair and all but two of the viewpoints are accessible. The restaurant is wheelchair friendly and wheelchair toilet facilities are provided.

The website Safari Guide Africa (www.safariguideafrica.com/safaris-for-the-disabled.php) provides a collection of excellent articles and resources for travelers with limited mobility.

Author Credentials: Ian is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability-a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.