Accessible Travel
South Africa is a very popular and relatively accessible tourist destination. The aim is to ensure that all aspects of tourism are accessible to all people, regardless of their physical limitations, disabilities or age.
Despite this, one of the biggest obstacles still faced by many travelers with Mobility Impairments, is finding suitable Accessible Travel and Transport which can cater for persons who use Mobility Aids such as Wheelchairs or Scooters. Who not only require extra space to maneuver 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.
To varying degrees Air, Sea, Rail and Road, travel is possible, But, each person is different and each form of travel offer its own pro’s and cons.
In many cases, your travel arrangements can be booked online via the company web site which may also specify more details on what disabilities they can cater for.
Please read the article below to find more information, links and tips about the different forms of travelling that is accessible to you,as well as some of the companies, organisations and web sites that can assist you in specific areas.
What Are You Looking For?
Accessible Travel & Transport in SA – Who Can Help?
Accessible Travel and Transport Unpacked
– Pre – Planning: What you Need? Who can help?
– i. Event and Travel Organisers
– ii. Equipment for Hire
1. Travelling By Air
i. South African Airways
ii. Travelling with Service and Guide Dogs
2. Travelling by Sea
– Royal Caribbean Cruises
– Other International Cruises
3. Travelling by Rail
4. Travelling by Road
– Bus Trips
– Public Bus Services
– Vehicle Hire and Transport Companies
Tips for Travelling in a wheelchair
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 Consulting, Universal 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.
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 ….
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 ….
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
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
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.
Accessible Travel and Transport Unpacked
There are various options when traveling in South Africa or overseas, including traveling by Air, Sea, Rail or Road. Please select your category of interest below to find more information, links and tips about the different forms of travelling that is accessible to you, as well as some of the companies, organisations and web sites that can assist you in specific areas.
Pre – Planning: What you Need? Who can help?
i. Event and Travel Organisers
Event Organization Companies are available that can organize any events, including Disabled Sports Events, as well as your Traveling, Accommodation and Tours. These companies take the stress out of planning your trip or event and leave you time to enjoy yourself, with the knowledge that everything will run smoothly. These Event Organization Companies include companies such as Bradshaw LeRoux Consulting, they can assist you to organize your trip, event and accommodation.
Bradshaw LeRoux Consulting conducts Campaigns and Events.
Our Disability Inclusive campaigns and events are designed to raise awareness around barriers to inclusion of persons with a disability, to highlight the value of workplace adjustments, and to showcase the value of the diversity of disability to business and the economy in general.
Entertaining, inclusive and impactful, these campaigns include communication content and events coordination which are disability accessible and inclusive.
Read More: ….
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
ii. 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 Aids, Solutions Medical, be-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 Aids, Solutions Medical, be-Able Solutions and Pro Mobility that provide this service in South Africa. Read More About the Equipment that is available to rent and the companies that supply them
Travelling by plane is the fastest way to travel if you are going to be travelling to another city or country.
Booking flights is fairly easy these days. And non-stop is obviously better, especially if you travel in a wheelchair, or with a mobility aid.
Some planes do not have lifts or aisle chairs to accommodate persons in wheelchairs. Passengers who use wheelchairs need to be transferred from their wheelchair to a regular airplane seat, which usually involves a transfer to an “aisle chair.”
There are also strict rules regarding seating arrangements of passengers who need assistance and use wheelchairs, such as where they can be seated; how many persons with disabilities are allowed to fly per flight and what is allowed onboard.
Wheelchairs are usually not allowed in the cabin and are normally stored with the cargo and luggage. Airlines are not allowed to charge more for traveling with adaptive equipment such as a wheelchairs.
i. South African Airways
Airlines such as South African Airways or SAA offer special services for travellers who require medical or other special assistance, many of these services need to be booked in advance, so they recommend that you make your travel plans as early as possible and inform them when making your reservation or at least 48 hours prior to the departure of your flight. “We want all our passengers to feel at ease and comfortable during their journey. If you require any mobility assistance (wheelchair, mobility aids, etc.) before, during or after your flight; please contact us in advance so that the necessary arrangements can be made.”
If you are “Travelling with a Disability” you should provide them with detailed information, such as:
– The type of Mobility Aids you are travelling with and whether your mobility aids are collapsible, electric or non-electric.
– The dimensions and weight of the Mobility Aid and if it can be adjusted or disassembled.
Learn More about SAA Special Travelling Assistance
ii. Travelling with Service and Guide Dogs
Service & Guide Dogs accompanying its owner, is accepted on most flights in the passenger cabin of any class, free of charge. Passengers with disabilities, who require the services of a Service or Guide Dogs, can request to travel with their service animal in the cabin. The dog will not be able to occupy a seat, and must not be seated in a location that would block escape routes in the event of an emergency. The service dog must be properly harnessed, and remain with the traveller at all times.
South African Airways
Guide dogs are allowed to travel on local South African flights. Passengers with disabilities, who require the services of a guide dog, can request to travel with their service animal in the cabin. In the cabin with their owner. Dog should not take up a seat and be harnessed. Free of charge. Travelers with service dogs are required to contact their local SAA Office prior to booking for further information, flight eligibility and to be allocated a suitable seat.
Learn More about SAA Special Travelling Assistance
Comair – In the cabin with their owner. Dog should not take up a seat and be harnessed. Free of charge.
Learn More About BAA Disability Assistance – Travelling with your assistance dog
Mango Airlines – Travelling with your assistance dog
Be sure to confirm this when making your booking
Traveling by airplane might be the fastest way to travel, but travelling by sea on cruise ships is probably the most comfortable, especially for persons with Mobility Impairments who use Mobility Aids such as Wheelchairs or Scooters. Some cruise ships are like hotels on water and offers many benefits including restaurants, bars, shopping centres, health centres, swimming pools, a running track, casinos, an art gallery, ice rink, a theatre and lots of entertainment.
Not all Cruise Ships however are fully accessible to all persons with Mobility Impairments but most major cruise lines, such as Celebrity, Princess and Norwegian, have very good access on board, while Royal Caribbean and Holland America are very accessible as they have accessible tenders, which is very important for wheelchair users, especially an electric wheelchair user, who may otherwise be stuck on the ship for the day. Using the right company will ensure a very accessible holiday with lots of freedom on board and lots of exploration ahead of you if you take the trouble to some planning and research, so that you can disembark in every port.
i. Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean International aims to make all their guests as comfortable as possible, both on and off the ship. Their cruise ships have spacious corridors to accommodate 180 degree turns for wheelchairs, with most decks accessible through automatic doors, and all public rooms feature entrances with gradual inclines. They provide complimentary wheelchair assistance for embarkation and disembarkation.
Royal Caribbean International strives to provide it’s guests with the best accessible cruise experience possible. Guests with mobility disabilities and other disabilities are requested to please submit their Special Needs Form at time of booking – but no later than 30 days prior to sailing, to enable them to make the necessary arrangements.
While they do not require information about the extent of your disability the more information they have, the better they can meet your specific needs. Learn more:
Other Accessible Cruises
There are various other International cruises that accommodate persons with Mobility Impairments, some of these cruises include companies such as: P&O Disabled Cruises, Cunard Disabled Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Fred. Olsen, Princess Cruises. These cruises can also arrange mobility equipment to be delivered directly to your cabin, thanks to their partnership with Mobility at Sea. Mobility at Sea are the preferred supplier of mobility equipment from UK ports.
Call them on 0161 804 9898 to book your accessible cruise holiday. Learn More Here.
Assistive Devices are available to be rented or hired from companies & Organisations such as Mobility Aids, be-Able Solutions and Pro Mobility in certain provinces in South Africa, visit our “Equipment For Hire In South Africa” section above to find out more about this.
Travelling by Rail can be a rewarding way to explore South Africa, as you simply sit back and see the countryside flying past your window and hear the rattling of the wheels.
There are several companies that offer train travel within South Africa, but there are unfortunately not many that are accessible for persons with Mobility Impairments who use wheelchairs.
Visit Exploring Scenic Southern Africa by Rail to find out what is available.
And bare in mind it’s not simply a matter of being accessible on the train, it’s the departure and arrival stations as well. It is recommended that you contact each company individually to establish whether or not they can accommodate your needs, prior to making a booking.
Air travel is still the fastest way to travel, but travelling by road offers many benefits and is one of the easiest, fun and cheaper ways for wheelchair users to travel and enjoy the picturesque natural landscape, world renowned game reserves, beautiful beaches and highly regarded wine farms around South Africa.
Travelling with a wheelchair can present challenges but with some planning and preparation, small road trips away from home can help to break your routine and can often help to take our mind off your worries. There are various ways for persons with Mobility Impairments to enjoy travelling by road, whether you live in South Africa or are an international visitor travelling around South Africa.
Bus Trips
Persons with Mobility Impairments who don’t have their own vehicle, or prefer not to drive themselves can opt for Private Transport Companies and Organisations who offer persons with disabilities an alternative to Public Transport services which are not always available.
Persons with Mobility Impairments who you use Mobility Aids such as Wheelchairs or Scooters and who are travelling within South Africa may need to rent an accessible minivan with a wheelchair accessible lift, or a vehicle with Hand Controls.
There are private companies and organisations such as QASA, Travel With René, DAATS and National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), who also specialize in the transport of persons with disabilities in South Africa.
Read More about Private Transport companies that rent out Accessible Vehicles
Public Bus Services
Persons with disabilities who use wheelchairs and rely on Public Transport often battle to get around. There are however projects in place in certain areas, to improve Public Transport and make it more accessible to all persons with disabilities. Public Transport includes transport services such as: Buses, Trains and Taxis.
Read More about Private Transport and Car Rental Companies
Vehicle Hire and Transport Companies
Private Transport Companies and Organisations offer persons with disabilities an alternative to Public Transport services which are not always available. Persons with Mobility Impairments who you use Mobility Aids such as Wheelchairs or Scooters and who are travelling 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 and organisations such as Travel With René, QASA, DAATS and National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (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 companies and organizations such as QASA also rent out accessible or adapted vehicles with Hand Controls suitable for persons with Mobility Impairments to be able to drive themselves.
You can rent wheelchair accessible vehicles in major cities in South Africa, including Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town, Western Cape, Free State, Polokwane ( not entire Limpopo), Upington, Port Elizabeth and some other parts of the Eastern Cape. Some rental companies are situated near the airports to make renting a vehicle easier if arriving by airplane. Some companies will drop off and pick up the vans from the airport for an extra fee, while some companies can also provide a driver with vehicle for an extra fee, making Transportation in these cities fairly easy if booked far enough in advance.
If you require accessible transportation for longer periods of time, or will be driving outside of the city you’re flying into, renting a van from one of these companies may be your best option. Read the article below to find out more about the Companies or Organisations that provide these services for persons with disabilities in specific areas and how you would go about using them:
NCPD: The National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) have vehicles to rent with hand controls and various other larger vehicles where persons can remain in their wheelchairs while in transit. These Accessible Vehicles are available to rent in Jhb and Gauteng area, Natal, Western Cape, Free State, Polokwane ( not entire Limpopo), Upington and Port Elizabeth.
Please contact NCPD via Fanie Swanepoel or Danie Marais
Tel: +27 11 452 2774
Email: fanies@ncpd.org.za or danie@ncpd.org.za,
Website: www.ncpd.org.za
Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAV) For hire:
Persons with mobility impairments can hire specially adapted vehicles.
QASA has one such vehicle in Durban, Kwazulu-Natal.
The Vehicle is equipped with a wheelchair lift and is available for rental with a driver.
QASA also offers the vehicles fitted with hand controls for hire to wheelchair users travelling in South Africa.
Read More about QASA Adapted Car Hire
DAATS – Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAV) For hire
Disability Accessible Accommodation Travel & Supply (DAATS) was established in 2018 under the visionary leadership of Caroline Khomisani Malatji. Our unwavering commitment is to provide comprehensive and transparent solutions to a diverse clientele, while simultaneously championing the cause of universal accessibility.
At DAATS, innovation is at our core. Beyond our product catalogue, DAATS offers adaptive transportation services for individuals with disabilities and special needs. Our reliable and compassionate transportation services facilitate seamless journeys from clients’ homes to healthcare facilities, workplaces,airports, railway stations, and other important events. DAATS are based in Johannesburg but can provide products throughout South Africa.
Contact DAATS at:
Tell 011 395 5189,
Cell 067 744 9729,
Email: info@daats.co.za,
or visit our website at: www.daats.co.za.
Learn More about DAATS Services Here
Click here to visit our Private Transport and Car Rental Services available for persons with disabilities
Tips For Traveling
In A Wheelchair
Persons with Mobility Impairments who would like to travel in and around South Africa or overseas, have a variety of options, with each offering its own pro’s and cons. Persons who use Mobility Aids such as Wheelchairs or Scooters traditionally face many obstacles when travelling, but some companies are accessible and are listed on Accessible Travel & Holiday Websites.
Some experienced travellers have put together various Blogs, Web Sites, Facebook Pages or Twitter Feeds, which persons with Mobility Impairments who do regularly travel and often have to find accessible accommodation in South Africa or in other countries around the world. Some of these people have gained a wealth of knowledge and experience and can advise you on what to do when looking for accessible accommodation or booking into a hotel.
Click on the links below to find information that might prevent you from making mistakes that could ruin your holiday:
– WheelchairTravelling.com: Transportation
– WheelchairTravel.org: Tips, Tricks and Advice For Wheelchair Traveling
– www.sanparks.org: Travel Tips