Tips for Travelers with Disabilities

While the legislation here is not the world's most sophisticated, it now demands that travelers with disabilities be taken into account. Great strides have been made at tourism facilities; many lodgings provide wheelchair-accessible and comfortable en-suite rooms. Plenty, however, are entirely unsuitable, and it may be easiest to join a tour provided by an operator that specializes in wheelchair travel and inspects every facility for your comfort. One such group is www.rollingsa.co.za, specializing in small group tours throughout South Africa; the reputable www.flamingotours.co.za, personally run by Jeff and Pam Taylor, offers trips tailored to clients' specific needs, interests, and budget. Adventure lovers should contact South African Bernard Goosen, who was an accountant until he climbed Kilimanjaro in a modified wheelchair, becoming the first person in the world to do so. After many requests for talks after this momentous achievement, Bernard now works full-time on motivational and team building, as well as assisting individuals, both able and disabled, to fulfill their dreams and experience the things that they never thought possible. His company, Get Motivated, has put together specially designed outings and is able to hire out "off-road" wheelchairs. Contact him at bern@getmotivated.co.za, or call tel. 27/83/648-7770. If you plan to travel with friends rather than join a group, Johannesburg-based Mobility One (tel. 27/11/892-0638; www.mobilityone.co.za) rents wheelchairs and scooters; they will deliver to the airport or hotel. For more information, contact the National Council for Persons with Physical Disabilities in South Africa (ncppdsa@cis.co.za).