Special needs travelllers have another reason to visit South Africa. A Cape Town based company, Southern Africa 360, has devised a number of itineraries to cater to the special needs market.
Collin Thaver of Southern Africa 360 said the idea to create special needs travel packages happened after a visit to World Travel Market London in 2015.
“During our time in London, we met with international clients who specialised in disable tours. Curious about the market, we began months of research to find out how we can incorporate these types of tours for local and international travellers.
“Our research showed that designing tours were more than just finding places with wheelchair access, as there were many special needs people with visual impairments, were blind or infirm, but who still sought the thrill of travel,” he said.
Fortunately, it was easy to select routes in South Africa as many major attractions and facilities across the country can accommodate visitors with disabilities.
“The rights of disabled people are enshrined in South Africa’s Constitution, and legislation requires that public buildings and other places be accessible to everyone. This is why many visitor attractions, major attractions, airports, game reserves and shopping centres have appropriate access, accommodation, ablution facilities and parking.
“This makes South Africa even more appealing to market to this niche sector and position South Africa as a destination that has the ability to cater for travels needs and wants,” he said.
The 9-Day Wheelchair Accessible Cape Highlights Tour includes Cape Town, the Garden Route, the Cape Winelands and a safari at Aquila Private Game Reserve. The Big Five game viewing experience happens in a fully-equipped wheelchair friendly game-viewing vehicle. Plus, all the must-see attractions and destinations between Cape Town and the Garden Route are covered in this tour.
During the 12-Day Accessible Cape & Safari Circular Tour the trip starts and ends in Cape Town. Travellers will explore towns like Hermanus, Knysna and the Garden Route, before heading to the Addo Elephant National Park and a farm stay in the Overberg.
Thaber said all accommodation, including Protea Hotel by Marriott Knysna Quays, Mooiplaas Guest House, Madison Manor Boutique Hotel and Zuurberg Mountain Village were wheelchair friendly.
“All accommodation venues and attractions on our tours have been inspected to ensure that they are accessible and disabled friendly. Our itineraries detail these facts so that potential travellers are able to make informed decisions.
“All our packages have been designed to cater for 3, 4 or 5 star client needs as well are varying levels and types of disabilities – we even have tours suitable for blind and visually impaired visitors that we have designed and compiled,” he said.
For any further info and details, email [email protected]