Safari Accessibility for Individuals with Reduced Mobility and Special Needs
The Big Question: Is a Safari Accessible?
Many seniors and individuals with reduced mobility often wonder if a safari will be too challenging. However, the good news is that safari accessibility is achievable. In fact, if you can travel in a vehicle or board a plane with assistance, a safari is entirely manageable. Moreover, safaris are designed to cater to a wide range of needs, ensuring a comfortable and memorable experience.
Options for Accessibility
1. Custom Transport:
- Personalized Experience: Unlike standard tours, our safari vehicles avoid crowding to ensure a personalized experience. We can remove seats for easy access and provide support to assist with entry and exit.
- Vehicle Design: The 4×4 vehicles, typically 7-seaters, are equipped with large windows for clear wildlife viewing. A pop-up roof allows plenty of room to stand and observe the surroundings comfortably.
- Firstly, we address medical needs by equipping vehicles with a cooler box for storing medication and a power outlet for any necessary medical equipment.
- Additionally, we offer internal flights to cut down travel fatigue, reducing the travel time from up to 6 hours by road to just 45 minutes. We also provide assistance for boarding the aircraft and arrange for a driver/guide to meet you upon arrival.
- For those who prefer overland travel, we arrange frequent stops, as part of our Accessible Safaris mandate
2. Flexible Itinerary:
- Tailored Schedule: Safaris offer flexibility in scheduling. Whether you prefer to start your morning safari at sunrise or after breakfast, the itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Options include having breakfast in camp or taking a packed meal.
- Full-Day Drives: While many safaris offer morning and afternoon drives, we provide full-day drives at no extra cost, allowing you to maximize your time in the park without feeling rushed
Safari Accessibility – Safety First
1. On-Site Medical Assistance:
- All safari camps ensure healthcare availability with a nurse or doctor on duty to assist with any medical needs. Consultations usually cost between $20 and $50, and medications are provided that meet European and FDA standards.
2. Emergency Services:
- Flying Doctor Service: Our safari package includes access to a flying doctor service. In an emergency, we can fly you to a city hospital for more advanced care. Even though this service hasn’t been needed so far, knowing it’s available gives you peace of mind.
Statistics and Trends:
- Growing Demographic: According to recent studies, the number of senior travelers is on the rise (37%), with more than 60% of those over 50 expressing a desire to travel internationally. Safari tourism has seen an increase in senior participation, with many operators now offering tailored experiences to accommodate this growing demographic.
- Safety and Satisfaction: Surveys indicate that 95% of seniors who have taken a safari report high levels of satisfaction, citing the accessibility features and personalized attention as key factors.
This information should inspire confidence by showing that a safari is not only possible but can also be enjoyed comfortably and fully, even by those with reduced mobility or special needs