Accessible Travel, Transport and Accommodation

South Africa is a beautiful country, offering both domestic and international tourists a wide variety of options, including Picturesque Natural Landscapes; Beautiful Beaches; Tours; Trails & Botanical Gardens; World Renowned Game Reserves; Highly Regarded Wines and Wine Farms and so much more.

Traveling and going to new places can be daunting for persons with disabilities,
– but rest assured, the more you travel the easier it gets. On the page below you will find everything you need to help you plan your trip – including where to go and what to do, useful links and travel tips, as well as specialised resources you might need and companies and web sites that can assist you enjoy the best holiday possible.

On the page below, we will address all the considerations, needs and challenges you will face when travelling, just click on the links to the right, or read the information below

The vast majority of people live within a comfort zone that is relatively small. The comfort zone is defined by fear & our perception of our limitations.

We are occasionally willing to take small steps outside it, but few of us dare to expand it.

Those who dare sometimes fail & retreat, but many experience the satisfaction of moving into a larger comfort zone & the joyful anticipation of more success”- A quote from ‘Still Me’ by Christopher Reeve.

Accessible Travel, Transport and Accommodation: Who can Help?

While South Africa is a beautiful country, offering both domestic and international tourists a wide variety of attractions, Traveling is not always accessible for some people with disabilities.

But thanks to various companies and organisations such as the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD)Bradshaw LeRoux ConsultingUniversal Access Collective, Able2Travel, Daats and DiSA, who offer various services to people with disabilities and the various service providers. – South Africa is slowly becoming more inclusive to all tourists.

Logo for the National Council of Persons with Disabilities, an organisation which provides specialised services for persons with disabilities in South Africa

Training is done by an expert well trained team of persons with disabilities and is inclusive of all impairments and addresses definitions, an inclusive workplace, reasonable accommodation, terminology and much more!  

The sessions are at least 3 hours but can be up to two days (depending on the needs of the client).
“Training is done in inter – actively, using multimedia and is not “heavy”!!! Training is tailor made for every sector, including:  Tourism, Tertiary Education, Banking, Mining and more.”

For references, contact:
Leanne Channer, Schenker SA: W + 27 11 971 8400 | Switchboard or Email: Leanne.Channer@dbschenker.com
Alison Jänicke at Endangered Wildlife Trust on: Tel: 011 372 3600 | Ext 70 or Email: alisonj@ewt.org.za 
Contact Fanie Swanepoel or Thuli Witbooi for more information: fanies@ncpd.org.za or thuli@ncpd.org.za or Tel: 011 452 2774.
Read More ….

BradshawLeRoux - Disability Inclusion Specialists

In order to develop and create awareness in the organisation for persons with a disability which aligns to the organisation’s D&I strategy, Bradshaw LeRoux have proposed a focused training approach aimed at raising awareness about disability as a value adding form of diversity. Facilitated by Lesa Bradshaw, who is a recognised international disability inclusion specialist with over 23 years experience, these practically applicable courses focus on the critical success factors needed to create a transformative, inclusive and safe environment in which persons with a disability feel confident to compete and succeed.  Our training is designed to equip organisations and their stakeholders with relevant tools to drive the disability inclusion agenda with impact and effectiveness.
Read More ….

Universal Access Collective

Turn accessibility challenges into opportunities with inclusive design that actually works.

Whether you’re a business owner, facility manager, or someone navigating personal accessibility needs, most environments still create barriers instead of being accessible and welcoming.

Universal Access Collective (UAC) solves the accessibility puzzle for businesses and individuals across Africa, turning compliance requirements and personal challenges into practical solutions that work.

For Businesses:  We assist to create a Universal Access environment including National Building regulations as well as International Best practices spaces that welcome more customers. Our built environment audits, digital accessibility reviews, and staff training don’t just tick boxes—they unlock new revenue streams and reduce liability risks.

For Families, Individuals and the Elderly: Adapting your home or navigating new accessibility needs shouldn’t feel overwhelming. Our coaching and universal design advisory services provide practical guidance that transforms challenges into confidence.

What makes us different? We’re a women-led consultancy combining technical expertise with lived experience. Mandy Latimore (globally recognised universal design specialist) brings both compliance knowledge and real-world understanding to every project.

Our comprehensive services include:
– Built environment and digital access audits
– Universal design advisory for residential and commercial spaces
– Family coaching and caregiver support
– Staff disability confidence training
– Inclusive communication and content development
– Assistive technology recommendations

Beyond consulting, we’re building a supportive community where businesses, families, and professionals share knowledge and drive change together.

Ready to transform accessibility from obstacle to opportunity? Contact us to discover how inclusive design creates better outcomes for everyone—and better business results for you.

You can contact Universal Access Collective:
Cell: +27 83 283 3370,
E mail: info@ua-collective.com,
Website: www.universalaccesscollective.com, LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/universal-access-collective.

Casa iLanga Guest House Logo

Nestled in a safe and tranquil neighbourhood in Somerset West, Casa iLanga Guest House is an intimate retreat surrounded by the majestic Helderberg Mountains and the golden beaches of False Bay.

Recently renovated, Casa iLanga has been thoughtfully transformed to ensure full wheelchair accessibility. Every en-suite room, leisure area, and communal space has been designed to accommodate guests with mobility and special needs — without compromising on comfort or style. With its modern, elegant ambience and touches of contemporary African décor, Casa iLanga offers five beautifully appointed bedrooms that invite warmth, rest, and relaxation.

As a proud DiSA Access Warrior, Casa iLanga believes accessibility is about more than just ramps — it’s about creating comfort, dignity, and independence for every guest. The property has been professionally assessed by a Disability Expert to ensure that guests with mobility impairments are well catered for, with a range of accessible features and supportive equipment available. Casa iLanga takes pride in ensuring all their guests leave with wonderful memories.

Behind this inspiring guesthouse is Geertje Van den Broeck, a spirited 53-year-young Belgian who once worked as a caretaker. Her passion for Africa was born during voluntary work in Zambia and an unforgettable overland journey from Cape Town to Victoria Falls. Years later, she turned her dream into reality — and Casa iLanga Guest House became her shining story of heart, hospitality, and home.

Casa iLanga is only 30 km from Cape Town International airport and about 10 minutes’ drive from the world-famous Cape Winelands, and right next to the N2 national road to the Garden Route.

For more information: Contact us on: Tel: +27 (0)67 382 1603 | Email: info@casailanga.co.za, | Website: www.casailanga.co.za. | Address: 7 Weavers Way, Parel Vallei, Somerset West, Cape Town, South Africa

Able2Travel

Travel Without Limits
Accessible travel. Curated experiences. Total peace of mind.
At Able2Travel, we turn “Can I?” into “When do we go?”
Based in South Africa, we are an accessible travel concierge designing seamless, wheelchair-friendly journeys for our guests across the globe.
From hand-picked accessible accommodation and transport to restaurants, attractions and experiences you can actually enjoy — we’ve done the research, so you don’t have to.
No guesswork.
No awkward surprises.
Just confident, inclusive travel.
Because accessibility isn’t a luxury — it’s a right.
Why Travel with Able2Travel?

✔ Verified, real-world accessibility
✔ Personalised trip planning
✔ Honest, practical recommendations
✔ Trusted local and international partners
✔ Travel designed around you

Whether you’re visiting South Africa, planning an overseas adventure, or booking travel anywhere in the world, Able2Travel makes it possible — and enjoyable.
Find Your Freedom

We believe travel should be about freedom, dignity and joy — not barriers.
That’s why every experience we recommend is carefully assessed with accessibility in mind, so you can explore with confidence, wherever your journey takes you.
Explore more. Stress less. Travel free.
Call us to start planning your accessible journey.

Able2Travel Accessible Travel Concierge
Info@able2travel.co.za
+27 789261232
www.able2travel.co.za
📍 Based in Cape Town | 🌍 Booking accessible worldwide

DiSA - Your One-Stop Access Solution

Disability Awareness & Sensitization Training is an ongoing programme to ensure the successful integration of persons with disabilities into society and the workplace. The aim of the programme is to equip employers and employees the skills and knowledge required to interact with persons with disabilities with confidence.

This training enables employers and employees to have a better understanding of the variety of disabilities they may encounter and how to deal with this in a sensitive and practical manner; it will help them to overcome the natural fear we may have when we interact with people with disabilities and give tips on awareness and etiquette in these situations.

The training defines and describes disability, unpacks many of the myths which are associated with disabilities, provides a list of some do’s and don’ts and touches on the language of disability.

1. Unpacking Accessible Travel, Accommodation and Transport in South Africa

When deciding to take a trip, whether it is for a holiday or for business, it is important to start organizing and planning your transportation and travel arrangements a couple of weeks or months before departure. With the assistance to specialists and service providers listed, as well as links to web-sites and articles, this page will assist you to choose the best destinations, accommodation, travel style and entertainment for you – putting you in contact with the companies, organisations and people who can help make your journey not only possible, but painless.
Simply select your area of interest below, and let’s get going.

2. How Do I Become Accessible and Inclusive?

Modern society is becoming increasingly aware of the concept of the integration of persons with disabilities. The National Department of Tourism (NDT) has been focusing on Accessible Tourism and making more South African attractions universally accessible to all travelers. They have recently engaged with various organisations that represent persons with disabilities, to explore how the tourism industry can serve them better and to ensure that tourist destinations, products and services are accessible to all people, regardless of their physical limitations, disabilities or age.

Accessible Tourism encompasses publicly and privately owned tourist locations and enables persons with all disabilities to function independently and with equity and dignity, through the delivery of universally designed tourism products, services and environments. Steps have been taken to promote guidelines, and major resources are now dedicated to Accessible Tourism which includes:

Accessible Tourism in South Africa is built on four key aspects:

Physical Accessibility: – ensuring transport, accommodation, and attractions are barrier-free
Attitudinal Accessibility: – promoting disability awareness and respectful service
Information Accessibility: – providing clear, accessible travel information in multiple formats.
Affordability & Support Services: – ensuring inclusive tourism experiences are practical, safe, and sustainable for all travelers.

 Government Regulations have been put in place in South Africa and around the world to make public places more accessible to persons with disabilities, including persons with Mobility Impairments. These Government Regulations are known as Accessible Features and they ensure that accommodation and transport is accessible and that equal opportunities and rights are available for persons with disabilities.

 There are a variety of Companies who specialize in accessible travel and tours, some companies such as Bradshaw LeRoux Consulting can also assist you to organize your trip, event and accommodation, taking the stress out of the planning the event and leaving you time to enjoy yourself, with the knowledge that your holiday or event will run smoothly.

Travelling by Air, Sea, Rail or Road are all possible for persons with Mobility Impairments. There are private companies and organisations such as Travel With RenéDAATS and NCPD who specialize in the transport of persons with disabilities in South Africa, while some companies and organisations offer specially adapted rooms or areas that can accommodate persons in wheelchairs. Many of these companies and organisations that offer these services, also offer online booking via their web site.

Travelling, Tours and Accommodation can now be booked via a web site. These web sites allow you to list your disabilities and needs, so that they can better accommodate you in one of their accessible rooms and suites designed to accommodate wheelchairs. Accessible Travel Websites also make travelling easier as there are still some places that are not accessible for everyone, these web sites also provide information about which Restaurants, Safaris, Hotels, Guest Houses & Holiday Destinations in South Africa & around the world are Accessible and also how accessible they are and whether they will suit your disability needs.

Accessible Tourism encompasses a variety of attractions and forms of entertainment and enables people with access requirements to function independently and with equity and dignity. Watching Movies, Sports Matches and Music Concerts, usually take place in venues that have accessible platforms or areas, especially allocated for wheelchair users, they also include Disabled Parking and Disabled Toilets. Many Beaches, Trails and Botanical Gardens are also becoming accessible to persons who use wheelchairs.

Unpacking Accessibility

i. Physical Accessibility

South Africa is a very popular and relatively accessible tourist destination. While some companies aim to ensure that all aspects of tourism are accessible to all people, regardless of their physical limitations, disabilities or age, this is not the case for all companies. One of the biggest obstacles still faced by many travellers with Mobility Impairments, is finding suitable Accessible Travel and Transport which can cater for persons who use Mobility Aids such as Wheelchairs or Scooters. Persons who rely on this type of equipment traditionally face many obstacles when traveling, they not only require extra space to maneouver and store their Mobility Aids and other equipment, but many of these people also have difficulty transferring to and from their Mobility Aids into a seat or into a vehicle.

While there are various regulations promoting access in South Africa, the majority of the public transport services, tours and accommodation are not accessible to everyone.
But thanks to the companies/organisations, regulations and innovations, listed on this page, travelling by Air, Sea, Rail or Road for persons with Mobility Impairments is possible, with a little preperation.

Government Regulations

Government Regulations have been put in place in South Africa and around the world to make public places such as city streets, public buildings and restrooms more accessible for persons with disabilities, including persons with Mobility Impairments.

These government regulations are known as Accessible Features and include making provision for Accessible Toilets; Accessible Parking Bays and Accessible Seating in Movie Theaters, Sports stadiums and Music Concerts. They also include the installation of elevators, automatic doors, wide doors and corridors, transit lifts, wheelchair ramps, curb cuts, and the elimination of unnecessary steps, allowing persons in wheelchairs access to use public sidewalks and public transit more easily and safer.

Many of these laws also encourage companies to accommodate persons with disabilities when Traveling or been Transported, thus giving equal opportunities and rights to persons with disabilities who want to travel or enjoy nature and the outdoors.

Read More …

Making Your Venue Accessible – Who can help?

There are also various Organizations and Companies that specialize in Universal Design and Access to make sure that persons with disabilities are not excluded from any events, services, information, communication, products and venues.

These Organizations and Companies that can assist in different ways include The National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD)Bradshaw LeRoux ConsultingUniversal Access Collective and DiSA.

Logo for the National Council of Persons with Disabilities, an organisation which provides specialised services for persons with disabilities in South Africa

Training is done by an expert well trained team of persons with disabilities and is inclusive of all impairments and addresses definitions, an inclusive workplace, reasonable accommodation, terminology and much more!  

The sessions are at least 3 hours but can be up to two days (depending on the needs of the client).
“Training is done in inter – actively, using multimedia and is not “heavy”!!! Training is tailor made for every sector, including:  Tourism, Tertiary Education, Banking, Mining and more.”

For references, contact:
Leanne Channer, Schenker SA: W + 27 11 971 8400 | Switchboard or Email: Leanne.Channer@dbschenker.com
Alison Jänicke at Endangered Wildlife Trust on: Tel: 011 372 3600 | Ext 70 or Email: alisonj@ewt.org.za 
Contact Fanie Swanepoel or Thuli Witbooi for more information: fanies@ncpd.org.za or thuli@ncpd.org.za or Tel: 011 452 2774.
Read More ….

BradshawLeRoux - Disability Inclusion Specialists

In order to develop and create awareness in the organisation for persons with a disability which aligns to the organisation’s D&I strategy, Bradshaw LeRoux have proposed a focused training approach aimed at raising awareness about disability as a value adding form of diversity. Facilitated by Lesa Bradshaw, who is a recognised international disability inclusion specialist with over 23 years experience, these practically applicable courses focus on the critical success factors needed to create a transformative, inclusive and safe environment in which persons with a disability feel confident to compete and succeed.  Our training is designed to equip organisations and their stakeholders with relevant tools to drive the disability inclusion agenda with impact and effectiveness.
Read More ….

BradshawLeRoux - Disability Inclusion Specialists

In order to develop and create awareness in the organisation for persons with a disability which aligns to the organisation’s D&I strategy, Bradshaw LeRoux have proposed a focused training approach aimed at raising awareness about disability as a value adding form of diversity. Facilitated by Lesa Bradshaw, who is a recognised international disability inclusion specialist with over 23 years experience, these practically applicable courses focus on the critical success factors needed to create a transformative, inclusive and safe environment in which persons with a disability feel confident to compete and succeed.  Our training is designed to equip organisations and their stakeholders with relevant tools to drive the disability inclusion agenda with impact and effectiveness.
Read More ….

Disability Awareness & Sensitization Training is an ongoing programme to ensure the successful integration of persons with disabilities into society and the workplace. The aim of the programme is to equip employers and employees the skills and knowledge required to interact with persons with disabilities with confidence.

This training enables employers and employees to have a better understanding of the variety of disabilities they may encounter and how to deal with this in a sensitive and practical manner; it will help them to overcome the natural fear we may have when we interact with people with disabilities and give tips on awareness and etiquette in these situations.

The training defines and describes disability, unpacks many of the myths which are associated with disabilities, provides a list of some do’s and don’ts and touches on the language of disability.

ii. Attitudinal Accessibility – Who can help?

Disability Equity Training

Many public and private sector bodies have gradually realised that their work practices and policies fall far short of fulfilling the needs, rights and aspirations of people with disabilities who are their clients, customers and co-workers and that, in order to change this situation, they need to turn to disabled people for education and guidance. From this realisation has grown the demand for Disability Equality Training (DET) run by disabled people, which aims to help people understand the meaning of disability, identify changes in work practice, and plan strategies to implement change.

Disability Equality Training courses have been organised and run by people with disabilities and organisations to address the need for information about reality of disability. A DET course will enable participants to identify and address discriminatory forms of practice towards disabled people. Through training they will find ways to challenge the organisational behaviour which reinforces negative myths and values and which prevents disabled people from gaining equality and achieving full participation in society.

There are various Companies and Organizations who offer these Disability Equality Training courses and workshops, they include the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD)Bradshaw LeRoux Consulting and Universal Access Collective and DiSA.

Logo for the National Council of Persons with Disabilities, an organisation which provides specialised services for persons with disabilities in South Africa

Training is done by an expert well trained team of persons with disabilities and is inclusive of all impairments and addresses definitions, an inclusive workplace, reasonable accommodation, terminology and much more!  

The sessions are at least 3 hours but can be up to two days (depending on the needs of the client).
“Training is done in inter – actively, using multimedia and is not “heavy”!!! Training is tailor made for every sector, including:  Tourism, Tertiary Education, Banking, Mining and more.”

For references, contact:
Leanne Channer, Schenker SA: W + 27 11 971 8400 | Switchboard or Email: Leanne.Channer@dbschenker.com
Alison Jänicke at Endangered Wildlife Trust on: Tel: 011 372 3600 | Ext 70 or Email: alisonj@ewt.org.za 
Contact Fanie Swanepoel or Thuli Witbooi for more information: fanies@ncpd.org.za or thuli@ncpd.org.za or Tel: 011 452 2774.
Read More ….

BradshawLeRoux - Disability Inclusion Specialists

In order to develop and create awareness in the organisation for persons with a disability which aligns to the organisation’s D&I strategy, Bradshaw LeRoux have proposed a focused training approach aimed at raising awareness about disability as a value adding form of diversity. Facilitated by Lesa Bradshaw, who is a recognised international disability inclusion specialist with over 23 years experience, these practically applicable courses focus on the critical success factors needed to create a transformative, inclusive and safe environment in which persons with a disability feel confident to compete and succeed.  Our training is designed to equip organisations and their stakeholders with relevant tools to drive the disability inclusion agenda with impact and effectiveness. Read More ….

Disability Awareness & Sensitization Training is an ongoing programme to ensure the successful integration of persons with disabilities into society and the workplace. The aim of the programme is to equip employers and employees the skills and knowledge required to interact with persons with disabilities with confidence.

This training enables employers and employees to have a better understanding of the variety of disabilities they may encounter and how to deal with this in a sensitive and practical manner; it will help them to overcome the natural fear we may have when we interact with people with disabilities and give tips on awareness and etiquette in these situations.

The training defines and describes disability, unpacks many of the myths which are associated with disabilities, provides a list of some do’s and don’ts and touches on the language of disability.

iii. Information Accessibility

a. How To Plan Your Holiday
A man in a wheelchair sits at his laptop planning his holiday

If you are not a regular traveler, or are going to a new destination, it is advisable to start looking for accessible accommodation and planning all your traveling requirements two to three months in advance. While going on holiday should be relaxing, it can be stressful.

There are a wide variety of different things to consider including how you will be traveling, what type of holiday you would prefer and the type of accommodation you would require, as well as, whether you will need to hire Nurses and Specialized Transport at your place of destination and what entertainment, tours or trails you would like to enjoy. If you are traveling with an Assistant dog, you would also need to make arrangements for this with the Airline and Hotel.

While traveling can be extremely stressful, it often becomes easier, as we gain experience, learn from our mistakes and learn from others. The more we live outside our comfort zone, the more comfortable we become and ultimately, we end up doing things that we never thought was possible. On this page you will find everything you need to get started… let the adventure begin.

b. Useful Resources

If you still cannot find what you’re looking – or require more information when it comes to finding accessible accommodation or restaurants, you are welcome to Contact Us.

Alternatively, we would. recommend you visit some of the websites featured to your right. These are well-known, reputable sites providing additional, up to date information about Accessible Restaurants, Safaris, Hotels and Holiday Destinations in South Africa and around the world.
Some of them allow you to list your disabilities and needs, so that they can better accommodate you in one of their accessible rooms and suites.Others offer packages for accessible Traveling, Tours and Accommodation which can be booked online.

These Websites make holidays and traveling easier and take some of the stress out finding Restaurants, Safaris, Hotels and Holiday Destinations that suits your disability needs, thus making traveling a pleasure again.

Click the links alongside to learn more and find the resource/hotel/restaurant you need to make traveling easier and accessible to you.

Brand South Africa: Travel Advice for Tourists With Disabilities
South African National Parks: Transport & Tours
South African National Parks: Travel Tips
Accessible South Africa: Cape Town Travel Blogs
www.lonelyplanet.com: Travel Tips & Articles
Fearless On Four Wheels: Traveling in Southern Africa Facebook Page
Rolling Inspiration: Travel Information
Getaway: 16 wheelchair-friendly accessible attractions to visit in South Africa
Never Ending World Tour: Accessible Accommodation South Africa
Trip Buzz: Wheelchair Accessible Travel Guide

If you are traveling elsewhere in South Africa, Contact Us for more information, or visit various “Accessible Traveling Websites” which list companies who hire out Care Givers or Nurses in countries outside of South Africa.

Safari Bus & Tours: www.safaribus.co.za
South African National Parks: Transport & Tours
Disabled Access Holidays: www.disabledaccessholidays.com
Disabled Travel: www.disabledtravel.co.za
www.sa-venues.com: Wheelchair Friendly Accommodation
South Africa & International Travel Web Site: www.wheelchairtraveling.com
Disabled Holidays 4 U – South Africa: www.disabledholidays4u.com
Where To Stay: South Africa Accommodation – Has a disability section for each province.
Trip Buzz: Wheelchair Accessible Travel Guide

Disabled Access Holidays: www.disabledaccessholidays.com
Disabled Travel: www.disabledtravel.co.za
International Travel Web Site: www.wheelchairtraveling.com
Disabled Holidays 4 U: www.disabledholidays4u.com

A. Travel and Transport

A young man in a wheelchair boards an accessible train

There are various options when traveling in South Africa or overseas, including traveling by Air, Sea, Rail or Road, which are all possible to some degree for persons with Mobility Impairments.
Each person is different and each form of travel offer its own pro’s and cons.
Read More about available Air, Sea, Rail or Road options here

Persons with Mobility Impairments who you use a Wheelchair or Scooter and who are traveling within South Africa may need to rent an accessible minivan with a wheelchair accessible lift, or a vehicle with Hand Controls.  
There are however private companies & organisations such  QASADAATS and NCPD, who also specialize in the transport of persons with disabilities in South Africa, they offer services such as an Airport shuttle service,Charter Service or some include a Self-Drive option.

Some, like QASA also rent out accessible or adapted vehicles with Hand Controls suitable for persons with Mobility Impairments to be able to drive themselves, which is handy if you need accessible transportation for longer periods of time or will be driving around South Africa.

You can rent wheelchair accessible vehicles in most of the major cities in South Africa, such as Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town. Some rental companies are situated near the airports to make renting a vehicle easier if arriving by airplane. For an extra fee, some companies will drop off and pick up the vans from the airport, while other companies provide a driver with the vehicle for an extra fee, making transportation in these major cities fairly easy if booked far enough in advance.

ii. Accessible Parking Permits

If you are a visitor to South Africa and will be driving a vehicle or will be driven in a vehicle, an Accessible Parking Permit (Disabled Parking Badge) could be useful to allow you to park within dedicated parking spaces reserved for persons with disabilities who have satisfied requirements to receive the permit. If you have an international Blue Badge parking permit, this would be acceptable to use for a period up to a month, but if you are staying for more than a month, you should apply for a temporary Accessible Parking Permits. Click Here to Learn More About Accessible Parking Permits

Persons with Mobility Impairments who you use Mobility Aids such as Wheelchairs or Scooters and who are traveling overseas may need to rent an accessible minivan with a wheelchair accessible lift, or a vehicle with Hand Controls. There are a variety of companies who can assist with this, such as Accessible Vans of America in the USA which has a nationwide network of wheelchair van dealers and offer competitive rates and quality wheelchair van rentals to their customers, which makes renting wheelchair accessible transportation convenient and affordable overseas.
Read More: …..

B. Hotels and Accommodation

One of the obstacles that some persons with Mobility Impairments often encounter when traveling to new destination in and around South Africa and overseas, is finding Accessible Accommodation especially if they use Wheelchairs or Scooters.
This accommodation should not only have ramps, but also specially adapted rooms and bathrooms big enough to not only accommodate the person in wheelchair, but also spacious enough to allow them to move around and store their assistive devices.

Government Regulations and the increasing awareness of the needs of persons with disabilities have ensured that there are more and more companies who offer different types of this accommodation for travelers with Mobility Impairments, including Bed and Breakfast Accommodation Game Reserves and Bush Lodge Accommodation; Hotel and Holiday Resort Accommodation.

A man in a wheelchair speaks to a hotel manager to arrange accommodation

Unfortunately these adapted rooms are often limited to one or two rooms per hotel, resort, safari or guest lodge and should therefore be booked in advance to avoid disappointment. Some companies offer online booking via their web site and some websites allow you to list your disabilities and needs, so that they can better accommodate you in one of their accessible rooms. There are also a variety of  websites that list places that offer accessible accommodation and some Events Companies in South Africa can organise or book accessible accommodation for larger groups travelling around South Africa, such as disabled sports teams.

ii. Restaurants, Activities and Entertainment

There are a wide variety of things to do that are accessible to persons with Mobility Impairments if they are living or traveling in South Africa. Most Restaurants, Botanical Gardens, Tourist Attractions, Movie and Sports Stadiums in and around South Africa are fairly wheelchair friendly and happy to accommodate persons with but it would be best to confirm this with the Event or Transport Companies listed on this page, as some venues who describe themselves as wheelchair friendly may have ramps but do not necessarily have accessible toilets or may not be wheelchair accessible to all persons in wheelchairs.
Alternatively you can Contact Us, or view the links below to find out what is available and accessible to you.

According to the “The National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act” most buildings and Restaurants in South Africa should be wheelchair friendly and have disabled parking and toilet facilities, but unfortunately this is not always the case. Some restaurants who describe themselves as “wheelchair friendly” are not completely wheelchair friendly, they may be happy to accommodate persons who use wheelchairs, but may have some issues.

Tables: Many restaurants do not have tables high enough to fit your legs under the table top, which can cause some frustrations. I find a small Lap-Tray or wheelchair Tray very handy to solve this problem providing independence and convenience for wheelchair users.

Click Here to learn more about Wheelchair Tables, Lap Trays and Over Bed Tables XXXX

According to the “The South African National Standard for Building Regulations”, all public buildings, shopping centres and restaurants in South Africa should have wheelchair friendly toilets, but some of these toilets have mirrors which are often too high to use for a person seated in their wheelchair, while some don’t have mirrors at all. Carrying a small mirror in your handbag to touch up your make-up can solve this problem. If you are planning a trip, it is always best to do your preparation and phone ahead or ask for photos or videos of the venue to avoid disappointment.

Click here to learn more about Accessible Toilets XXX

 There are a variety of “Accessible Travel and Holiday Websites”, which can also assist you to find Accessible Restaurants designed to accommodate persons with Mobility Impairments, including those who use wheelchairs in South Africa & around the world. These web sites can assist you to choose Restaurants that suits your disability, so that you are not disappointed when you arrive at a restaurant and it is not accessible. Some of these websites do not only list which restaurants are accessible but supply links for you to be able to make a booking and confirm that they are accessible for you. Please remember to contact these Restaurants directly to make a booking and to confirm that they can accommodate you.

Click on the links below to find an Accessible Restaurant near you and make”Eating Out” a pleasure again.
Disabled Travel: Accessible Hotels & Restaurants
S.A. Venues.com: Restaurants
www.lonelyplanet.com: Food and drink

There are also a variety of other activities that persons with Mobility Impairments living or traveling in South Africa can enjoy, such as:
– Going to the Movies
– Live Sports matches
– Live Music Concerts, etc.
These are all great forms of entertainment which are accessible to persons who use wheelchairs. These Movies, Sports Matches and Music Concerts, usually take place in venues that have accessible platforms or areas, especially  allocated for wheelchair users, they also include Disabled Parking and Disabled Toilets.

According to The National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act these auditoriums, Sports Stadiums and Halls are regulated by law to be wheelchair friendly: Buildings that incorporate halls or auditoriums for public use are obliged to ensure that a reasonable percentage of space is available for people in wheelchairs or other “assistive devices”.

Click here to learn more about Accessible stadiums. XXX

C. Safaris, Tours, Trails and Beaches

South Africa is a popular tourist destination for both domestic and international tourists, as well as tourists with disabilities. Thanks to initiatives such as “Accessible Tourism”, persons with disabilities, including persons with Mobility Impairments can now enjoy the picturesque natural landscapes and beautiful Botanical Gardens, as well as the world renowned game reserves,  beautiful beaches,  and highly regarded wine farms in and around South Africa.

There are also a variety of companies such as QASANCPDDAATS and “Shark Trails Tours and Adventures” that offer or can organize some of these accessible tours and adventures, these companies specialize in catering for persons with disabilities, so that they can visit and enjoy some of the most popular and accessible publicly and privately owned tourist locations in South Africa including several national parks, such as the expansive Kruger National Park, the coastlines and beaches of the KwaZulu-Natal and Wine Farms in the Western Cape. Many of which have become accessible for persons in Wheelchairs, thanks to various Accessible Transport and Tour companies.

A man in a wheelchair enjoys a safari in africa

iv. Support Services

Travel requires a little preperation. Whether its Equipment for Hire, Nursing Assistance or Travelling Caregivers there are services and organisations available to help.
This is what you need to know:

a. How to plan an accessible holiday. Who Can Help?
a. Equipment for Hire

Persons with Mobility Impairments sometime rely on a variety of Assistive Devices to do something that they are unable to do without assistance. Some of these Assistive Devices are small items such as Adapted Eating Utensils; Hand Braces & Wheelchair Gloves, while other assistive devices include bigger equipment such as Wheelchairs, Hoists, Ramps, Commodes, Adjustable Beds, Pressure Care Mattresses, etc. Some of these bigger Assistive Devices are available to be rented or hired from companies & Organisations such as Mobility AidsSolutions Medicalbe-Able Solutions and Pro Mobility in certain provinces in South Africa.

This comes in very handy for persons with Mobility Impairments who are travelling or who’s impairment is only temporary and so can hire the equipment as they need it. Persons with Mobility Impairments who travel and rely on these larger Assistive Devices cannot always transport this equipment with them when travelling. When flying on SAA for example, persons with Mobility Impairments are only entitled to transport one Mobility Aid free of charge in addition to their standard baggage allowance, while persons flying to and from the EU are entitled to travel with two Mobility Aids.

Transporting all your Assistive Devices with you while travelling can work out very expensive and can also be an unnecessary hassle. Click the link below or the “Equipment For Hire” button on the menu on the left, to view more information about the equipment that is available for hire here in South Africa and overseas, as well as the companies such as Mobility AidsSolutions Medicalbe-Able Solutions and Pro Mobility that provide this service in South Africa. Read More about Equipment for Hire

b. Hiring Nurses and Care Givers while Travelling

In recent years more and more persons with Mobility Impairments are looking to travel both locally and abroad, South Africa is a popular tourist destination for all persons with or without or without disabilities. Some of these tourists with disabilities, may rely on assistance from Nurses or Caregivers while they are traveling away from home. This can work out very expensive to take the Caregivers with them, especially if they are traveling overseas and would need to pay the extra traveling costs for the Caregiver.

There are however some Organizations, Agencies or Companies, who hire Caregivers out as the client requires them, this is ideal for travelers with Mobility Impairments needing assistance. One Organization that offers this Service in Cape Town is the PlumRus Community Service Centre:

PlumRus Community Service Centre offers both Home Base Care and Day Care to ensure that their clients are catered for in the best possible way, offering different types of packages to suite the clients needs.

Home Base Care: Plumrus Community Service Centre (CSC) provides basic home base care in the comfort and familiarity of your own home. These services are tailor made to meet the individual clients needs and range from a basic care routine to light housekeeping, engaging activities and companionship. We are able to provide all of this and so much more. You also get to choose when (which days) and for how long (hours of shift) you would like to have us care for you.

Day Care: For up to 12 hours a day you can drop your family member off at our facility and we will take care of all their needs, as if they are a resident of ours. This Day Care includes 3 wholesome meals and activities such as, movies, crochet, bible study, bingo, reading and so much more. We also supply a free clinic service every Monday. Contact Plumrus Community Service Centre (CSC) to find out more.

The Plumrus Community Service Centre (CSC) are also available to assist you if you are traveling to Cape Town and need Home Base Caregivers to assist you. Contact Plumrus Community Service Centre (CSC) on Tel: 021 761 2323 or via email: rhodene@plumrus.co.za to find out more, or visit their website at: www.plumrus.co.za.
Read More: …. XXXX

If you are traveling in countries outside of South Africa, you can click on the links below to find tips on what to look for when hiring Nurses & Care Givers While Traveling:

Care Givers – Disabled Holidays 4 U: www.disabledholidays4u.com
Tips On Hiring Nurses/Care Givers While Traveling – International Travel Web Site: www.wheelchairtraveling.com
Caregiver.com: Caregiver Tips for Traveling

Disclaimers and References

DiSA is committed to promoting the rights, dignity, and inclusion of persons with disabilities as outlined in the White Paper on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. We strive to ensure that all content on our website reflects appropriate, respectful, and inclusive language in alignment with these principles.

However, we also provide a platform for companies and organisations to advertise their services and products. While we encourage advertisers to adhere to correct terminology and inclusive practices, DiSA cannot guarantee the accuracy or appropriateness of the language used by external parties in their content.

Please note: Any views, language, or terminology used in advertisements, promotional material, or external links do not necessarily represent the views of DiSA.

DiSA disclaims any responsibility for inaccuracies or language that may not align with the White Paper or best practices for disability terminology.

Should you however encounter language or content that you believe is inappropriate or offensive, we encourage you to contact us at info@disa.org.za, so that we can address the issue.

DiSA remains dedicated to fostering a respectful and inclusive environment for all individuals. We appreciate your understanding and collaboration in supporting our mission.


While we strive for accuracy and clarity, AI-generated visuals may not always reflect real-life conditions or representations.
In addition, we feature authentic images and videos of actual instances, events, circumstances that have occurred, as well as products and services supplied by companies who advertise with us.

These authentic visuals are intended to accurately depict our content or the offerings of our advertising partners.
If you have any questions or concerns about the content displayed on this site, please feel free to contact us.

DiSA provides a platform for companies and organisations to advertise their products and services to assist persons with disabilities and their families. While we make every effort to list reputable and credible service providers, the inclusion of any company, organisation, product, or service on our website does not constitute an endorsement or guarantee by DiSA.

Please note the following: DiSA is not involved in the delivery, quality control, or customer service of any product or service offered by advertisers listed on our platform.

Any agreements, purchases, or arrangements made between users of this website and advertisers are solely between those parties. DiSA is not responsible for the outcome of such interactions.

DiSA disclaims any liability for dissatisfaction, damages, or disputes arising from products or services supplied by companies or organisations listed on our website.

We encourage users to thoroughly research and verify any service provider or product before engaging with them. If you have concerns or encounter issues with an advertiser listed on our platform, please let us know at: info@disa.org.za. We value your feedback to help maintain the integrity of our platform.


While we strive for accuracy and clarity, AI-generated visuals may not always reflect real-life conditions or representations.
In addition, we feature authentic images and videos of actual instances, events, circumstances that have occurred, as well as products and services supplied by companies who advertise with us.

These authentic visuals are intended to accurately depict our content or the offerings of our advertising partners.
If you have any questions or concerns about the content displayed on this site, please feel free to contact us.

DiSA is committed to providing accurate and up-to-date information to assist persons with disabilities and their families. However, the nature of online content and external resources means that information can change frequently.

Please note the following: DiSA cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of all information on our website, particularly information obtained from external sources or links to third-party websites.
External websites may update or remove content without notice, which can result in broken links or outdated information. DiSA is not responsible for the content, accessibility, or functionality of external websites.

While we make every effort to keep our information current, some content may become outdated over time.
We encourage users to verify information directly with the relevant third parties or organisations before making any decisions based on the information found on our platform.

If you encounter a broken link or outdated content, please notify us at: info@disa.org.za and we will address it as soon as possible.
Thank you for understanding and helping us maintain a reliable and accessible platform.


While we strive for accuracy and clarity, AI-generated visuals may not always reflect real-life conditions or representations.
In addition, we feature authentic images and videos of actual instances, events, circumstances that have occurred, as well as products and services supplied by companies who advertise with us.

These authentic visuals are intended to accurately depict our content or the offerings of our advertising partners.
If you have any questions or concerns about the content displayed on this site, please feel free to contact us.

The Information services and website that we offer free of charge, is privately run and funded and is not run or funded by the government. We rely on advertising, paid services and donations to supply and improve this Free information service that we do provide.

The Companies, Clubs, Schools and Organisations that are listed on this site, have advertised or made donations to the Website and have therefore assisted us be able to provide this free Service.
Please support them as they have supported Us and please contact us via info@disa.org.za, if you can advertise with us or would like to make a donation. Alternatively, visit our “Support Us” page to find out how you can support us or acquire our services. – Thank You.

If you encounter a broken link or outdated content, please notify us at: info@disa.org.za and we will address it as soon as possible.
Thank you for understanding and helping us maintain a reliable and accessible platform.

Please Note: We do assist with inquiries via email but may need to send or copy your details and inquiry to various other organisations, companies or government departments, that we sometimes consult, so that we can help you in the best way possible.
If you have any objection to us sharing your query or contact details, please notify us in your email. We will only share your information to assist you and will never sell or use your personal information for any other purposes.

DiSA waivers any liability for what happens if information is shared or used for marketing or other purposes by other organisations who do have consent to view such information.


While we strive for accuracy and clarity, AI-generated visuals may not always reflect real-life conditions or representations.
In addition, we feature authentic images and videos of actual instances, events, circumstances that have occurred, as well as products and services supplied by companies who advertise with us.

These authentic visuals are intended to accurately depict our content or the offerings of our advertising partners.
If you have any questions or concerns about the content displayed on this site, please feel free to contact us.

Please note that this website uses images and videos that are AI-generated and created to visually represent certain information, concepts or scenarios for illustrative purposes.


While we strive for accuracy and clarity, AI-generated visuals may not always reflect real-life conditions or representations.
In addition, we feature authentic images and videos of actual instances, events, circumstances that have occurred, as well as products and services supplied by companies who advertise with us.

These authentic visuals are intended to accurately depict our content or the offerings of our advertising partners.
If you have any questions or concerns about the content displayed on this site, please feel free to contact us.

Disability Info South Africa (DiSA) is committed to protecting your personal information in compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), Act No. 4 of 2013. By using our free information service, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

Collection of Personal Information:
DiSA may collect and process your personal information (such as name, contact details, and inquiries) solely for the purpose of assisting you with your requests and providing relevant information or support.

Use and Storage:
Your personal information will only be used for the purpose it was collected for, we may need to send or copy your details and inquiry to various organisations, companies or government departments, that we sometimes consult, so that we can assist you in the best way possible.
If you have any objection to us sharing your query or contact details, please notify us in your email. We will only share your information to assist you and will never sell or use your personal information for any other purposes.
DiSA implements appropriate measures to secure your personal information against unauthorized access or loss.

Consent:
By submitting your details through our Contact Form, or contacting us via our email address, you consent to allow DiSA to process your information as outlined in this disclaimer. If you are not comfortable with DiSA sharing your information for the above purposes, please contact us directly at info@disa.org.za.

Access and Updates:
You have the right to request the deletion of your personal information at any time.
To do so, please contact us at: info@disa.org.za.

Third-Party Websites:
DiSA is not responsible for the privacy practices of external websites linked on our platform. Users are encouraged to review the privacy policies of third-party sites before sharing personal information.
For any queries or concerns regarding the handling of your personal information, please contact us at: info@disa.org.za.
Thank you for trusting DiSA to support you with accessible, inclusive, and reliable information.