Access2Africa Safaris arranges accessible tours throughout South Africa to bring the beauty of the country to people with disabilities
South Africa boasts breathtaking scenery and diverse wildlife some of which are often nestled in the more rural areas of the country. Access2Africa Safaris offers accessible tours in Durban and Cape Town, specialising in the KwaZulu- Natal area, that allow people with disabilities to truly enjoy all the beauty the county has to offer. Their focus is accessible safaris in and around Hluhluwe, including the Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve.
Founded by Jennae Bezuidenhout, who has a hearing impairment, and her husband JJ, a quadriplegic, Access2Africa boasts two wheelchair accessible vehicles with staff who are well versed in assisting people with disabilities to ensure safe and easy transfers.
On a recent visit to Hluhluwe to review the Leopard Walk Lodge, the Rolling Inspiration team had the opportunity to visit some of the popular sites that are included in the Access2Africa Safaris tours.
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve
Home to the big five, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve is particularly popular. With Access2Africa Safaris, travellers can enjoy all the beauty that the reserve has to offer from within the accessible vehicles. On the late afternoon drive of about two hours, we were able to spot elephants, buffalo, rhinos, lion, warthogs, zebras and a diverse range of buck.
During our visit, we drove through the park to the Hilltop Camp that boasts beautiful views of the game reserve. The building had ramps that were relatively easy to navigate with accessible bathrooms. The reserve is a definite must-see for any bush-lovers looking to enjoy beautiful vistas.
Zulu Croc
Hluhluwe has a crocodile and snake park that is mostly very accessible. The shop and restaurant at the front of the park is very accessible with accessible bathrooms in the gents and ladies. Travellers can visit these spaces without tickets for the park.
Beyond the restaurant lies the snake displays, which houses an impressive range of snakes including some very big anacondas. Most of the displays can be enjoyed through big windows from a wheelchair.
There is one small room that houses poisonous snakes and some spiders that has a step into the room, making it inaccessible. The descriptions of the snakes are also often placed up high, which would be difficult to read from a seated position.
The croc enclosures are a little less accessible with the divider walls taller than a standard wheelchair. The smaller crocodiles have wooden dividers that allow you to look between the panels, but for the bigger crocodiles, it is a bit more challenging.
There is a viewpoint at the centre of the park, but the ramp up to it is a bit steep and doesn’t necessarily guarantee a better view.
Ilala Weavers
With a wide range of beautiful, locally made products, Ilala Weavers is a great place to purchase your souvenirs. From baskets and wooden craved figurines to magnets and books, there is something for everyone.
There is also a restaurant on the premises and play area for children if you are looking for a reprieve. Some of the ramps in and around the property might be too steep to navigate independently.
Zululand Cat Conservation Project
A true highlight is the cat conservation that rehabilitates cheetahs, servals, caracals and African wildcats. Depending on when you visit, you might be able to see the cats feed, which is truly a majestic thing to witness.
There is also an opportunity to get close to a cheetah for a photo. There is a height minimum of 1,5 metres, but this is more for children. Entry to the enclosure is carefully managed and only selected persons can enter. On our visit, Mandy Latimore who is a wheelchair user was allowed into the enclosure.
The waiting area has some paving, but the walkways between the enclosures are grassy and uneven and might require assistance for manual wheelchair users.
St Lucia Estuary Boardwalk
When visiting the St Lucia Estuary, travellers can explore the boardwalk that lies just beyond the Ski Boat Club. The boardwalk winds along the tidal channel beneath the mangroves to the main beach. The walkway stops at a grassy, sandy area quite some distance away from the ocean with big sand dunes ahead. Beach wheelchairs are available at St Lucia.
On our visit, there were some panels missing from the boardwalk that should be carefully navigated. Aside from this, it was a lovely and easy adventure. The start of the boardwalk is next to several stalls with locally made souvenirs. There are public bathrooms, but these aren’t fully accessible.
River Safari Cruise
Another favourite is the river tours with Advantage Tours, which offer hippo and crocodile cruises. Their boat has a ramp to allow wheelchair users to board. Cruise times for special needs guests are coordinated to suit high or low tide for easy access with ramps.
Another highlight for St Lucia is a visit to the Game Reserve Cape Vidal with sightings of rhino. elephant, buffalo and hippos among others. There is also the wild beach with beach wheelchairs and accessible snorkelling at low tide. The team wasn’t able to visit these.
Community Engagement
Access2africa Safaris works closely with The Kulani Special Needs School just 20 minutes from Leopard Walk Lodge. The school is home to 420 children with disabilities from disadvantaged backgrounds.
In 2023, Access2Africa Safaris transported the children and their volunteers to Sodwana Beach. For many, it was their first time at a beach.
Contact Access2Africa Safaris via telephone on 072 585 4127 on e-mail at info@access2africasafaris.com or visit their website for more information.
