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?
Trails, Tour and Adventure Companies: Who Can Help?
Let’s Get Started: Choose Your Destination
1. Accessible Safaris and Tour Companies
– South African National Parks
2. Accessible Botanical Gardens and Wine Farms
3. Accessible Beaches, Beach Wheelchairs, Mobi-Mats & Beach Permits in SA
– What is a Beach Wheelchair?
– What is a Mobi-Mat?
– What Are Beach Permits and How Do Apply For One?
– Beaches In SA That Have Beach Wheelchairs & Mobi-Mats
4. How Do I Become Accessible and Inclusive?
5. International Accessible Beaches, Safaris & Tour Companies
Trails, Tour and Adventure Companies: Who Can Help:
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 with disabilities in Wheelchairs, thanks to various new innovations and equipment
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 access services to the various service providers who offer “Trails, Tours, Accommodation, Transport and restaurants to ensure South Africa is inclusive to everyone of all ages, including persons with disabilities.
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 ….
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.
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 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.
DiSA provides a One-Stop Solution specialising in Accessibility for persons with Disabilities. This includes Easy Access to Information and advocating and providing services to insure Access to the built and digital environment.
This includes but is not limited to Disability Awareness & Sensitization Training and Universal Access Services:
Disability Awareness & Sensitization Training
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.
Read more about disability Awareness and Sensitisation Training that we provide.
Universal Access Services & Solutions
Disability Info South Africa (DiSA) offers Accessibility Audits, Reporting and Implementation Plans through Igor Rix, a qualified access consultant and co-founder of Disability Info South Africa (DiSA).
Igor Rix specialises in conducting Accessibility Audits and providing detailed reports on barriers within physical spaces and services.
He develops practical Implementation Plans to address these challenges, ensuring compliance with both national accessibility standards and international best practices. Thereby fostering inclusivity for all individuals to fully participate and contribute to society in a meaningful way.
Read more about the Universal Access solutions and services that we provide.
Let’s Get Started: Choose Your Destination
1. Safaris, Tours & Trails
South Africa now offers a growing range of accessible safaris, tours and trails designed for travellers of all abilities. From wheelchair-friendly game drives with adapted vehicles to specialist tour operators arranging tailored accessible excursions across South Africa and beyond. These inclusive experiences often include sensory tours for those with sensory needs, making it easier for everyone to explore South Africa’s rich landscapes and wildlife.
2. Botanical Gardens & Wine Farms
There are various wines farms and botanical gardens throughout South Africa that offer extensive paved paths, wheelchair-friendly routes and accessible facilities so visitors with physical impairments can enjoy indigenous flora and scenic landscapes, while some gardens also include raised beds, tactile signage and audio guides for a universally accessible experience that engages visitors with sensory-rich plant displays.
3. Beaches, Wheelchairs & Permits
Various South African beaches now offer improved access for visitors with mobility challenges, by featuring beach wheelchairs to rent as well as Mobi Mats available at popular spots like Muizenberg Beach.
While beach permits can also be applied for, in order to get vehicle access on selected beaches for those that requires this extra assistance.
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 travelers with disabilities 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, there is a company that specializes in catering for your needs or can organise the event to ensure that you have an experience you will never forget.
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:
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, but unfortunately this does not necessarily mean that they are accessible to people who use wheelchairs, or other people with disabilities.
Having said that there have been a number of innitiatives to improve access at several beaches accross the country, this includes the introduction of Beach Wheelchairs; Mobi Mats; Ramps; Accessible Pathways; Accessible Bathrooms and Beach Permits which allow for people with disabilities to be off-loaded and picked up by vehicle.
Please use the links below to find out more about Beach Wheelchairs and Beaches with Mobi Mats, which beaches have them and how to apply for a Beach Permit.
Beach wheelchairs are specially designed all-terrain chairs built to move easily over soft sand and uneven coastal surfaces. They typically have a lightweight, rust-resistant frame (often aluminium or PVC) and very large, wide, low-pressure balloon wheels that prevent them from sinking into the sand.
They generally do not have small front caster wheels like standard wheelchairs; instead, they use fixed wide wheels for stability, and some include flotation components so they can safely enter shallow water. Beach wheelchairs are usually pushed by a companion and their design focuses on comfort, stability and easy cleaning after exposure to sand and saltwater.
A Mobi-Mat is a lightweight, roll-out access mat made from durable, non-slip, recycled polyester that creates a firm, stable pathway over soft surfaces like sand, grass or gravel, allowing people using wheelchairs, walkers, strollers, or with other mobility challenges to move more easily from beach entrances toward the water’s edge and other outdoor areas.
These mats can be installed quickly for temporary or seasonal use and are designed to be visible, comfortable to walk on barefoot, and environmentally friendly, helping improve inclusivity and accessibility at beaches and parks without extensive construction.
There are several Mobi-Mats available at beaches throughout South Africa, including at beaches in Durban, Cape Town and East London. Please view the section below to find out more about these Mobi-Mats, including, where they are situated and how to make use of them.
People with physical impairments, such as those who use wheelchairs may from time to time need to use a vehicle to get onto a beach.
South Africa’s coastal zones are protected conservation areas, and legislation generally prohibits motor vehicles on beaches to preserve the environment. While wheelchair users may use power or manual wheelchairs on these beaches, accessing the sand safely is often extremely difficult without a motor vehicle.
To address this, specific permits are issued to persons with disabilities who require vehicles to access the beach. These permits are allocated by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DoFFE), with NCPD serving as the official partner to screen and certify applicants as persons with severe mobility impairments.
View the Accordion Menu below to find out more about Beach Permit Applications and How To Apply.
Across South Africa, a growing number of beaches are introducing Beach Wheelchairs and Mobi-Mats to improve access for people with disabilities, including people with mobility impairments.
These features help visitors move across soft sand, reach the water’s edge, and enjoy the coastline with greater independence, comfort, and dignity, while allowing families and friends to share the experience together.
Please check the Accordion Menus below to see which cities and beaches in South Africa offer beach wheelchairs or Mobi-Mats. Contact them directly for details on the use of this equipment and be sure to verify if accessible bathrooms, parking, restaurants and other necessary facilities are also accessible, as Universal Accessibility is not guaranteed.
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
4. How Do I Become Accessible and Inclusive?
Persons with disabilities, particularly those who use wheelchairs and scooters regularly find it difficult when looking for accessible accommodation while Travelling in South Africa or Internationally. This is largely due to lack of physical access to many hotels, guest houses, trails and safaris, dispite various regulations. – This can however change!
If you are in the “Tourism Business”, you can play your part in creating an Accessible Tourist destination.
A significant part of providing Reasonable Accommodation is making physical spaces accessible, by Implementing changes such as ramps, elevators, accessible bathrooms and wider doorways and spacious bedrooms to ensure mobility and comfort.
To ensure that this is done correctly, it is important to use Organisations and Companies that specialise in Universal Design and Access and follow standards set by “The National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act” and implementing Universal Access Principals.
By contacting Organisations and Companies such as those listed below that are qualified in Universal Design, you ensure that you are not only on the right side of the law, but also don’t exclude anyone.
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 about the training that NCPD provides
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 ….
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.
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.
Independent access assessors such as are available to conduct assessment visits, provide feedback reports, and give an endorsement of your facilities. They charge a basic daily rate and travelling costs as stipulated on their rates page. A designated team member will be available to visit and experience an establishment’s facilities and provide a comprehensive feedback report on current accessible features with recommendations on adaptations for consideration. For establishments that meet accessibility requirements, an endorsement badge will be awarded and available for display on your website and marketing materials.
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