Accessible Safaris

Everything about traveling with disabilities! Wheelchair travel tips, disability travel tips, and much more. Firstly, Wheel the World aims to give great experiences tailored to everyone’s needs and wants, around gorgeous destinations in the world. Secondly, we provide accessible accommodations, experiences, and transportation, for people with disabilities, their families and friends. Thirdly, everything is topped with premium customer service available 24/7. Above all, we are in love with what we do. However, let our pictures, videos, and testimonies do the talking! Check out our accessible trips and discover how to explore the world without limits.

Recently, Karagwe Tours and Safaris had the opportunity to create a tailor made luxury safari itinerary that was also a wheelchair-friendly holiday.

As bespoke travel providers, we are always up for a challenge to organize the best holiday catered to the client’s needs, tastes and preferences, and this accessible safari holiday was no exception.

For anyone with physical needs or mobility issues who is hesitant or concerned about wheelchair-friendly holidays and accessible travel, here we aim to answer any questions you may have and talk a little about how we can cater to different abilities and disabilities.

Are wheelchair-friendly holidays & safaris possible?

Yes. As a tailor made luxury travel provider, we are in the unique position to be able to offer flexibility, options and local on-the-ground knowledge to limit the walking needed in our holidays to literally zero and maximize step-free access.

Karagwe Tours and Safaris have previously worked with clients who use wheelchairs, creating bespoke itineraries which work for everyone involved and communicating any special requests to accommodation staff, safari providers, domestic flight carriers and any other local suppliers in advance – so that you can get on with the business of enjoying your holiday.

From cultural tours of Tanzania to safari holidays in Tanzania, we endeavor to make it happen.

We can even organize gorilla trekking expeditions in Uganda and Rwanda that cater to those with limited mobility; there is an option to be carried by porters on a sedan chair for non-walkers.

Size and spec of your wheelchair

Getting the size and spec of your wheelchair is the first step for us – the flexibility of your chair and how easy it is for you to maneuver are big factors to consider first and foremost.

As a general rule, small and collapsible wheelchairs are easier to plan holidays around, while larger scooters or electric wheelchairs require more complex logistical arrangements, but it's not impossible.

However, all mobility devices can be catered to, it’s just a matter of learning what we’re working with first in order to adapt our plans around that equipment.

Accessible accommodation

Next, we research accommodation to find the most wheelchair-friendly options. In the past, we have even built ramps to ensure accessibility.

In our recent wheelchair-friendly Tanzania itinerary, we worked with Rivertrees Country Inn, Four Seasons Serengeti and Kitela Lodge to ensure there were no inaccessible walkways and that all three were step free, and were suitable for the specifications of our client’s wheelchair.

Wheelchair-friendly safari vehicles

Accessible vehicles can be sourced for many of our holidays, including safaris.

In our recent wheelchair-friendly Tanzania safari holiday, we used a private vehicle and guide for the safari and booked a larger vehicle type (a seven-seater for three guests, plus guides) to ensure there was plenty of space and everyone was comfortable.

Karagwe Tours and Safaris are always up for the challenge on every enquiry and if we can’t help, we are honest and straightforward about it.

More often than not, this is due to budget or availability and we’ve never had to say no to anyone who has come to us with specific requirements, whether that’s wheelchair accessibility, hearing or visual impairments, or cognitive issues.

Blindness or visual impairment

The sounds and smells on safari are a huge part of the experience and sight is not the be all and end all of any holiday.

Our holidays feature private guided tours, so our local guides are on hand to assist and explain where necessary, while an audio-described safari can also be provided upon request.

Deafness or hearing impairment

Guides proficient in sign languages can be sourced or written correspondence can be used, including WhatsApp or other instant messaging services.

Cognitive conditions

Everyone’s needs are different, but this is definitely something that we can accommodate. For example, providing quiet, spacious and peaceful accommodation if needed.

We are constantly developing and adapting our tailor made holidays with each enquiry, opening up new routes for accessible holidays with every booking.

Being accessible, empathetic and welcoming is a huge part of our identity and every member of our team at Karagwe Tours and Safaris is caring, compassionate and committed to responsible travel values in every aspect of what we do, including making our holidays accessible to all.