United States
£ GBP
In Europe, 14% of the adult population is classed as disabled; the figure is 21% in the US. But the horizons of people with limited mobility, whether through disability or age, are fast expanding. This guidebook is the first to explore the six major safari countries – Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa – specifically with limited mobility in mind. It discovers accessible accommodation in world-famous locations such as the Serengeti/Masai Mara ecosystem in East Africa, Zambia's South Luangwa and Botswana's elephant paradise, Chobe. With explanations of flight and airport procedure, travel insurance and health concerns, and suggestions for the best itineraries for each region, it opens the doors of Africa to those with limited mobility.
- Introduction
- How to Use this Book
- Part One: General Information
- Planning and Preparation
- Where to go, When to go, Highlights, Itinerary planning tips, Style of travel, Booking a safari, Agents and operators, Self-drive vehicle rental, Red tape, Embassies and consulates worldwide, Insurance, Personal assistance, What to take, Money and budgeting
- Health Issues
- Before leaving home, On safari, Returning home
- The Trip
- Getting there by air, Getting around, Accommodation, Eating and drinking, Interacting with Africans, Staying in touch, Dealing with medical problems, Security, Experiencing the wilderness
- Part Two: The Guide
- Kenya
- General Information, Nairobi, North towards Samburu, Samburu, Buffalo Springs and Shaba national reserves, Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Naivasha, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Park, Tsavo East and West national parks, Mombasa
- Tanzania
- General Information, Arusha, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Karatu and surrounding area, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Serengeti National Park, Zanzibar
- Namibia
- General Information, Windhoek and surrounding area, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, Sesriem and Sossusvlei, North to Etosha, Etosha National Park, The Triangle, Rundu and the Caprivi Strip
- Botswana (including Victoria Falls)
- General Information, Maun, Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, The Okavango Delta, Nata, Chobe National Park and Kasane, Livingstone and the Victoria Falls
- South Africa
- General Information, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Kruger National Park, MalaMala Game Reserve, Addo Elephant National Park
- Appendices
- Further Information
- Index
Gordon Rattray worked in Africa as an overland driver until his adventure was cut short by an accident which resulted in quadriplegia. He runs a disability travel advice website and still travels regularly.
"As a wheelchair user, I know how difficult and stressful it can be to travel abroad. I've travelled all over the world and have experienced the problems people with limited mobility can face. There are so many unknowns and options are often limited, which is why this book is such a fantastic resource and will be a great help for people who would like more adventurous holidays."
- Stephen Miller, 3 times Paralympics champion
"Before discovering this guidebook, I would have considered an organized African safari or - bolder yet - independent travel in east and southern Africa, to be among the most challenging holiday options any person with limited mobility could undertake. Access Africa: Safaris for Travellers with Limited Mobility argues convincingly against such perceptions even for wheelchair users. Speaking from the heart as well as from personal experience, the author offers plenty of travel tips for people with special needs as well as detailed action plans for independent exploration, disability-friendly tour operators and accommodations in Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, South Africa and Namibia. The author marries inspiration and strategic reality within every page of this path-breaking book."
- Alison Gardner, Editor www.travelwithachallenge.com
"Gordon Rattray is well-respected for his work among African tour operators who offer accessible safaris. Access Africa: Safaris for People with Limited Mobility is carefully researched by an author with intimate knowledge of African tourism as well as the unique travel priorities of persons with disabilities. If you plan to safari in Africa buy this book!"
-Dr Scott Rains, international advisor on disability travel and owner of The Rolling Rains Report
"An excellent guidebook offering practical and comprehensive advice to the less mobile traveller. It is not uncommon to find journals offering this level of detail and advice to able bodied travellers, but regrettably, it is a rarity to find such wide ranging, first-hand knowledge and experience, offered in a well-respected publication, for the disabled traveller. Let's hope that there are more to come!"
- Andy Wright, MD of Accessible Travel
"This unique book is an inspiring and invaluable resource for those with a can-do attitude and a sense of adventure. With thorough firsthand research, Gordon Rattray opens up safari holidays to those who may have thought them an impossibility. This book is a must for those who refuse to let limited mobility stop them exploring the world's most exciting places."
- Ade Adepitan, MBE paralympian and TV presenter
