Access2Africa Safaris: Creating Unforgettable and Accessible Safari Adventures

For many travelers, an African safari is the adventure of a lifetime; a chance to witness the Big Five, explore landscapes previously seen only on their TV screens, and learn about the traditions and cultures of the land around them. Sadly, for those with a disability, such once-in-a-lifetime experiences are difficult to arrange and plan and can often feel totally out of reach. That’s where Access2Africa Safaris comes into its own, crushing barriers and creating a South African accessible Safari that’ll live long in the memory of anyone who undertakes it.

Founded by Jennae Bezuidenhout, Access2Africa Safaris was born from personal experience. “The inspiration behind Access2Africa Safaris was my husband, JJ,” Jennae explains. “He became a quadriplegic after diving into a swimming pool in 2001. It has been an incredible journey, and JJ’s legacy lives on with the wonderful safari experiences our guests from all over the world enjoy.”

But creating accessible safari adventures in South Africa, where rugged terrain and wildlife reserves are the norm, comes with its own unique challenges. Through innovation, determination, and firsthand understanding, Access2Africa Safaris has crafted an experience that caters to travelers with diverse accessibility needs, from wheelchair users to visually impaired and neurodivergent guests. No matter the needs, Access2Africa Safaris will find a way to cater to them. 

Overcoming the Challenges of Accessible Safaris

Navigating South Africa’s stunning yet untamed landscapes presents logistical hurdles. One major challenge? Finding suitable wheelchair-accessible vehicles.

“South Africa doesn’t have vehicles that are lowered like in other countries, so windows can be too low for sightseeing,” Jennae explains. “We overcame this by importing a vehicle to be modified specifically with larger windows. Our fleet now includes a VW Crafter 50; a higher vehicle with large windows and a spacious interior, offering a world-class safari experience with excellent views.”

Another challenge is ensuring that safari accommodations remain accessible. “Many lodges are only accessible via rough gravel roads, which can be uncomfortable for guests needing neck support,” she notes. “That’s why we carefully select lodges that offer comfortable, accessible roads.”

Tailored Safari Experiences for Every Traveler

Access2Africa Safaris goes beyond just providing accessibility, it tailors each trip to the individual needs of its guests, ensuring that every safari is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

“We take our guests’ specific needs into account when planning their safaris,” Jennae shares. “For example, we coordinate travel times to suit personal care routines, and we can arrange for assistive equipment such as profiling beds, hoists, scooters, portable shower chairs, and more.”

The team also ensures that safari game drives are positioned for the best possible views, particularly for guests with limited mobility. “Aligning vehicles during game drives is crucial,” she says. “For guests with limited neck and shoulder mobility, we make sure they have a clear, uninterrupted view of the incredible wildlife.”

For an extra-special experience, guests can visit St Lucia during the Cape Vidal Game Reserve safari, where a beach wheelchair allows them to access a wild beach and even enjoy the warm Indian Ocean. “It’s the only place in South Africa where you can experience a game drive and then head straight to a fully accessible beach,” Jennae says. “We even take guests into the sea for an unforgettable experience.”

Beyond Wildlife: Cultural and Immersive Experiences

A safari isn’t just about seeing lions and elephants — it’s also about connecting with local cultures. Access2Africa Safaris places a strong emphasis on ensuring that guests experience the amazing history and heritage of South Africa while still maintaining accessibility.

“One of the highlights of our safaris is a visit to a local rural special needs school,” Jennae shares. “Many of the children come from disadvantaged backgrounds and have had little interaction with the outside world. In May 2024, with an incredible volunteer group, we took 420 children to the beach — most had never seen the ocean before. It was a magical day.”

Guests also have the opportunity to visit a Zulu Cultural Village, where they can watch traditional Zulu dancing, explore authentic huts, and learn about crafts such as basket weaving and beadwork.

Ensuring Safety and Comfort Every Step of the Way

Traveling in a safari environment means taking extra precautions to ensure safety and comfort, particularly for guests with disabilities.

“We have strict safety measures in place,” Jennae explains. “We limit speeds in vehicles, check road conditions after rain, and use solid ramps and tie-downs to keep wheelchair users safe and comfortable during transit. Walkie-talkies are also used in game reserves in case network signals drop, and if guests stay overnight in the park, our guides escort them back to their chalets after dark.”

Comfort is also a top priority. “We provide pillows in vehicles, keep cold water bottles on hand, and ensure that all accommodations and vehicles have air conditioning — which is essential during South Africa’s summer months.”

Looking to the Future: New Adventures Await

As Access2Africa Safaris continues to grow, exciting new opportunities are on the horizon. One particularly exciting initiative is a collaboration with Club Med, which is set to open South Africa’s first Club Med Resort in Durban.

“We’re working closely with management to ensure they have all the necessary accessibility features,” Jennae says. “This includes wheelchair-accessible rooms, beach wheelchairs, and swimming pool hoists. The goal is to provide a luxurious and fully accessible experience where guests can relax for a few days after their flight before heading out on safari.”

Additionally, Access2Africa Safaris offers tours that head as far as Swaziland, Kruger National Park, and Cape Town — further enhancing the accessibility of some of South Africa’s most breathtaking destinations. Further down the line they intend to offer excursions to Mozambique and for accessible diving.

Moments That Make It All Worthwhile

For Jennae, the most rewarding part of her work is seeing the joy on guests’ faces as they experience the magic of the African wilderness.

“There are so many memorable moments,” she reflects. “Seeing the smiles and excitement when guests spot their first elephant, lion, or rhino. Watching them experience the wild beach in St Lucia, with whales in the distance. Seeing guests transformed by nature—especially those who arrive feeling low due to health challenges, but leave completely different, full of energy and happiness.”

Plan Your Own Accessible Safari

If you’re dreaming of a bucket-list safari adventure, Access2Africa Safaris is ready to make it happen. Whether you’re a wheelchair user, blind, deaf, or have other accessibility needs, Jennae and her team ensure that every guest experiences the wonder of Africa in a way that suits them best.

Her advice for first-time travelers? “Come to South Africa with an open mind and be flexible. Sometimes, you may need to wait because a herd of elephants is blocking the road! But that’s the magic of safari — you’re stepping into the wildlife’s home, and it’s always an adventure.”

For more information on booking your accessible African safari, visit Access2Africa Safaris and start planning your adventure today.