Trails, Safari’s 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, beautiful Trails and 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 that offer accessible transport, or can organize accessible tours and adventures.
In the article you will find out more about accessible tourist attractions and services that are available for persons with Mobility Impairments in specific areas around South Africa, Africa and Internationally and how you would go about using them.
What Are You Looking For?
1. Trails, Tour and Adventure Companies
– South African National Parks
– Independent Access Assessors
2. Accessible Safaris and Tour Companies
– Accessible International Tours
i. Accessible Botanical Gardens
ii. Accessiible Beaches and Beach Wheelchairs
– Beach Permit Applications
– Accessible Beaches in South Africa
– International Accessible Beaches
Trails, Tour and Adventure Companies
Many of these Accessible Tour 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 new innovations and equipment
There are various “Trails, Tour and Adventure Companies” that offer accessible Trails and Tours, as well as Accommodation, Transport and accessible restaurants for everyone of all ages, including persons with disabilities. Many of these companies offer a variety of outdoor activities that you can enjoy on your own, as family, or in bigger groups.
There are a variety of companies in South Africa who specialize in providing Accessible Safaris and Tours for persons with disabilities, including persons with Mobility Impairments who use Wheelchairs or Scooters.
Some of these companies not only include transport that is accessible, but also accessible accommodation and activities to provide disabled travelers with an exciting and adventurous experience that is structured and meticulously planned to accommodate all their needs.
Whether you are wanting to see the Big 5 and are up for taking a few weeks holiday, or just want to get out for the day to visit a Wine Farm or view the beautiful countryside or lovely Beaches, there is a company that specializes in catering for your needs and ensuring that you have an experience you will never forget. The below listed are some of the most reputable, and offer a great place to start:
The Gautrain’s train, bus and parking services are all fully integrated and may be used separately or jointly by transferring from one to another. These services are all accessed by means of a contactless smart card. The company is owned by Renè Moses who is a quadriplegic as a result of a motor vehicle accident in 1995. She uses a motorised wheelchair & is a people’s–person and thrives on her dedication to customer care. She is a tour operator based in Cape Town and specialises in wheelchair accessible tours and transfers.
We specialise in tailor–made itineraries, transport services and tours for groups. Our listed Services include:
– Transport of mobility impaired persons.
– Airport to hotel transfers
– Customised private tours with a Registered Tour Guide or driver
– Reservation’s – Accommodation, activities, etc
– Extreme Activities: Shark cage diving, para-gliding
– Sourcing of medical products
– Surgical Tours
Our vehicles have been adapted with hydraulic wheelchair lifts to cater for wheelchair users, family and companions.
For the clients safety the wheelchair is secured to the floor by means of x4 floor restraints.
A body belt is placed around the wheelchair user and the wheelchair to ensure their safety.
We have the necessary permits, drivers have PDPs along with passenger and pubic liability covers.
Our vehicles are configured as follows:
The Toyota Quantum 2012 which caters for: 3 wheelchair users and 3 walkers (excl driver)
The New Toyota Quantum which caters for: 3 wheelchairs and 6 walkers
For More Information: Contact René on +(27) 82 770 9430,
Email: rene@travelwithrene.co.za, or visit their website at: www.travelwithrene.co.za
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. Read More
For more information contact Fanie Swanepoel or Danie Marais
Tel: +27 11 452 2774
Email: fanies@ncpd.org.za or danie@ncpd.org.za,
Visit www.ncpd.org.za
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. We continually expand our product offerings, ensuring you have access to the latest advancements in adaptive solutions. Our online store is regularly updated with new products, reaffirming our unwavering commitment to universal accessibility.
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.
At DAATS, we’ve set the standard for accessible solutions. Join us in our mission to promote universal access and explore our extensive product range through our user-friendly online store. Experience the DAATS difference today.
DAATS are based in Johannesburg but can provide products throughout South Africa.
You can contact them at: Tell 011 395 5189, Cell 067 744 9729, Email info@daats.co.za, or visit our website at: www.daats.co.za.
If these companies cannot assist you with the particular services you require, check out our list of the companies below and click on their web site to find out more:
The South African National Parks cater for all persons regardless of their mental, sensory or physical capabilities, persons with Mobility Impairments can travel and explore South Africa and experience the beauty and diversity of the South African National Parks.
Most of the camps and visitor destinations in the The South African National Parks provide ramped access into their mainstream facilities and in many cases accessible public ablution facilities are provided. Most of the parks also have selected units that have been adapted for use by guests with Mobility Impairments which includes persons who use wheelchairs, crutches, prams, or persons with frailty or reduced energy levels, it has had many of its accommodation which is accessible to persons with Mobility Impairments assessed by Independent Access Assessors.
Click the link to find out more about this, or the link below to find out more about “Travelling with disabilities in The South African National Parks. You can also visit their “Accommodation” Button on the main menu to find accommodation that is accessible to persons with Mobility Impairments in the National Parks.
Read More: ….
There are a variety of Botanical Gardens around South Africa that are accessible to persons with Mobility Impairments, including persons who use wheelchairs and other Mobility Aids.
‘Conservation Gardens’ is the international term for botanical gardens that include both landscaped and natural areas within their boundaries. SANBI’s Conservation Gardens and Tourism Division manages SANBI’s network of ten National Botanical Gardens (NBGs), each with their associated tourism infrastructure and conservation estate, and Interpretation Section.
Contact Sanbi – The National Botanical Gardens to find an accessible Botanical Garden near you.
South Africa has some of the best beaches in the world, the coastline stretches for more than 1,500 miles and includes trendy hot spots and vast unspoilt beaches. Many of these beaches have been awarded Blue Flag status, meaning they adhere to international safety, cleanliness and environmental standards. Going on holiday in South Africa and not being able to go the beach would be a great pity as everyone has a right to enjoy South Africa’s beautiful coastline, but this is not always so easy, especially for persons with Mobility Impairments who use Wheelchairs and Scooters.
Over the last few decades, there have however been some amazing developments in mobility technology, especially when it comes to Off-Road Motorized Wheelchairs, which make beaches accessible.
Read More: What Makes For An Accessible Beach
Durban have a number of Wheelchair friendly Beaches and are also blessed with warm water and stretches of beautiful sand which people in wheelchairs can now enjoy, thanks to a project to install MobiMats at Ushaka Beach and the donation of a number of Beach Wheelchairs which are available to rent at different beaches around Durban.
Today you can find Beach Wheelchairs at: Suncoast Beach; uShaka Beach; Grotto Beach; Hermanus; Soutbroom (KZN) and Marine Life Savings Club, Durban.
With their floating armrest and tyres, the beach wheelchair allows persons with mobility impairments to easily transport over beach sand down to the water’s edge and in calm conditions, with no shore break, one can float safely on the water. The beach wheelchair provides the user with long lasting comfort so they can relax and enjoy the outdoors and water with family and friends!
To find out more, visit: www.ilovedurban.co.za: Wheelchair Access For Promenade – Durban
Gaansbaai
Disabled Gansbaai residents receive PVC beach wheelchairs: Vinyls Association (SAVA) recently donated an imported Beach Wheelchair to Cross Home Care based in the Gansbaai area in the Western Cape. The wheelchair was imported from the USA and is the first of its kind in South Africa. It is made from PVC pipes and has non-corrosive plastic bearings and high flotation heavy duty wheels, which allows persons with Mobility Impairments to access the water and also provides better mobility over unpaved areas.
This PVC beach wheelchair has the ability to take them all the way to the breakwater and makes it possible for them to spend a day on the beach with friends and family,”
The balloon flotation tyres allow for stability and easy rolling can even be taken right into the salty sea water. Overberg based Cross Home Care, runs various community projects and offers free emergency assistance to both residents and visitors to the Pearly Beach Resort.
Hermanus Grotto Beach
If you are in Hermanus, you can visit and enjoy the sand and sea in there new beach wheelchair we have available to rent, it is the only beach wheelchair along the coast from Cape Town to George and can be used to easily move along the sandy beaches, it may be used by the aged and persons with disabilities who would like to enjoy the beach environment together with their families. Proof of identification and address is required to reserve the chair at no charge.
Learn More: Visit https://www.overstrand.gov.za/ and Hermananus.co.za: The Blue Flag Grotto Beach in Hermanus
Other Useful links: South African Beaches: 15 of the best Blue Flag beaches in South Africa and
Western Cape Government: Beach Wheelchairs Available at Nine City Beaches this Festive Season
Person with Mobility Impairments that are going to be travelling overseas can also visit some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Beach Wheelchairs are available to rent at some beaches around the world and Mobi-Mats and wheelchair-friendly promenades are also available at some of these beaches.
Visit the links below to view information about some of the world’s best and most accessible beaches for travellers who use Wheelchairs and are keen to enjoy the sun and the surf:
Mic.com: What Makes For An Accessible Beach
International Accessible Beaches: The World’s Best Wheelchair Friendly Beaches
www.lonelyplanet.com: Beaches, coasts and islands
Disability Horizons: Britain’s 10 most accessible coastal walks
The Bimblers: Wheelchair friendly days out in North West Coast of England
Accessible Beaches Australia: Wheelchair Accessible Beach in Mt Martha, Victoria