Accessible Safaris: 4 Wheelchair Accessible Safari Lodges in South Africa

The African wilderness calls to the soul. It’s a place where a lion’s roar isn’t just heard, it’s a resonant vibration felt deep in your chest. Where an African sunset isn’t just seen, it’s a vibrant spectacle that washes over your entire being. Unfortunately, mobility challenges have prevented many from answering this call and embarking on their dream safari in Africa.

Thankfully, some of Africa’s most breathtaking safari destinations now go above and beyond to cater to guests with mobility concerns. Get ready to explore wheelchair accessible safari options in South Africa.

Ximuwu Lodge, Klaserie Private Nature Reserve

Ximuwu Lodge – located in a 600-hectare private nature reserve next to the Greater Kruger National Park – has created a wheelchair accessible safari adventure that ticks all the accessibility boxes.

Safari-goers in wheelchairs aren’t left out of any activities here thanks to accessible game drive vehicles, mobile ramps, and electric wheelchair lifts.

For game drives, a mobile wheelchair ramp is attached to the game vehicle to ensure smooth and safe entry. The nature reserve is home to incredible wildlife that make excursions exciting, such as nyala antelopes, lions, hyenas, elephants, leopards, zebras, and rhinos.

Another way to explore the wilderness is by joining the birds. Ximuwu offers a free helicopter ride to its guests, including those in wheelchairs. Their mobile ramp and transfer board ensure that safari-goers can simply slide from their wheelchair into the helicopter.

Back at the lodge, the securely positioned pool lift gives guests the opportunity to safely go from their wheelchairs into the pool. This is the perfect place to cool down and watch the wilderness express itself in front of you. At the bar, an electric wheelchair lift allows all guests to be at the same height to have drinks and discuss the sightings of the day.

Ximuwu’s rooms are barrier-free and prioritise accessibility, with adjustable beds and navigation lights for easy movement. The bathrooms are equipped with easily accessible showers, hand-held showers, and grab rails. People in wheelchairs can easily move through the sliding doors and onto the spacious deck to enjoy coffee and soak in the view.

With this offering, Ximuwu has created a place where everyone can experience the magic of the African wilderness, regardless of the challenges they face.

Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge, Sabi Sand Nature Reserve

The family-friendly Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge is situated in a private reserve in the Greater Kruger area and is well-known for excellent big game viewing opportunities. Here, the Big Five roam, with sightings of elephants, buffaloes, lions, and leopards being common.

At the lodge there is a wheelchair-friendly suite which has been designed to meet all accessibility needs. Furniture has been modified for the optimal height, and in the bathroom, there are grab handles in the bath and shower as well as a hand-held nozzle.

Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge’s luxurious aesthetic can be seen and experienced in every corner of the suite. The main lodge area is flat and all areas – including the safari viewing deck, bar, dining area, boma, reception, and parking area – are easily accessible for people using wheelchairs.

Sabi Sabi’s game drive vehicles have a seat next to the driver’s seat with a seatbelt. The ranger and tracker will assist safari-goers in wheelchairs getting in and out of the vehicle safely.

MalaMala Main Camp, MalaMala Game Reserve

Exclusivity and peaceful, uninterrupted sightings are what make a MalaMala safari so special. Here, there is no shared traversing on more than half of the MalaMala property. This is to allow guests to enjoy uninterrupted game drives.

There is also no time limit on sightings and no “queue-to-view” on this enormous tract of land – perfect for photography enthusiasts who are eager for as much time as possible to get that winning shot.

MalaMala is a Big Five reserve famous for its leopard sightings. If you want the chance to see these elusive big cats, MalaMala is one of your best bets.

The main camp at the reserve has a universally accessible suite, designed in accordance with the Disabled People’s Information Service of South Africa and in line with international standards. With no loose rugs to hinder movement, ramps, and furniture at the correct height for wheelchairs, attention has been paid to all the details to ensure a comfortable stay for safari-goers in wheelchairs.

Guests in wheelchairs are comfortably accommodated in the spacious bathroom, which includes a wheel-in shower and all the required fittings. Game drives are conducted in Land Rovers that are disability-friendly. A wheelchair ramp is provided leading up to the front seat next to the ranger. On the seat, necessary cushions, blankets, and straps are provided.

Long Lee Manor, Shamwari Private Game Reserve

Shamwari Private Game Reserve is a natural extension of the Garden Route in the Eastern Cape and a perfect stop for a Big Five safari in South Africa. A safari here is made even better by a stay at Long Lee Manor, an Edwardian-style manor complete with manicured gardens in the wilderness.

The manor includes a room that can accommodate safari-goers in wheelchairs. With spacious interiors (including extra space beside the bed), a bathroom with specially designed amenities and a roll-in shower, and railings, this room ensures a comfortable stay.

7 Things To Consider For Accessible Safaris

The below will help ensure that people in wheelchairs and those with mobility issues choose safari lodges that can accommodate their needs:

1. Minimal to no steps (especially in-room)
2. Handrails on stairs
3. Ramps and walkways between rooms and common areas
4. Space in between seats in safari vehicles
5. Easily accessible photography hides
6. Reserve seat next to driver in safari vehicles
7. In-room Wi-Fi access

Our safari planners go in-depth when creating itineraries for our clients. This means that extensive work is done to ensure that the lodges we recommend suit your needs. If you dream of going on an African safari, but your mobility challenges are holding you back, chat to one of our safari planners.