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Botswana
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For wheelchair
users and people who have difficulties walking,
Botswana is a relatively accessible safari
destination. It is possible to book through
a specialised operator and be sure that your
needs are met, or to do enough preparation
in advance and travel independently. Either
way, with some endeavour, everybody can experience
the unique highlights this country has to
offer.
Transport
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Air
travel
Most international travellers will arrive
from Johannesburg, where the services and
facilities for disabled people at least
rival and often better those in Europe.
Maun airport, on the other hand, the usual
first stop in Botswana, does not yet have
an aisle chair. This means that non-ambulant
people must be manually carried from the
aircraft. However, the staff are used to
doing this, and with guidance from you the
process should go without a hitch. Maun
airport has a spacious, albeit not officially
wheelchair accessible toilet.
The shorter flights from Maun to Kasane
and into the Okavango Delta are also quite
possible; when I went, the pilot helped
lift me to my seat, and there was room to
stow my wheelchair with the luggage. However,
these planes are small so a folding wheelchair
is essential.
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By
car
Vehicles in Botswana are often four-wheel
drive, and are therefore higher than normal
cars. This means that unless you use an
operator with adapted vehicles, wheelchair
transfers will be more difficult. Drivers/guides
are normally happy to help, but are not
trained in this skill, so you must thoroughly
explain your needs and always stay in control
of the situation.
It is possible to hire self-drive vehicles,
but I know of no company providing cars
that are adapted for disabled drivers.
Distances are large and roads are often
bumpy, so if you are prone to skin damage
you need to take extra care. Place your
own pressure-relieving cushion on top of
(or instead of) the original car seat and
if necessary, pad around knees and elbows.
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Buses
and trains
There is no effective legislation in Botswana
to facilitate disabled travellers' journeys
by public transport. If you cannot walk
at all then both of these options are going
to be difficult. You will need to ask for
help from fellow passengers to lift you
to your seat, it will often be crowded and
it is unlikely that there will be an accessible
toilet.
Accommodation
In general, it is not easy to find disabled-friendly
accommodation in Botswana. Occasionally (more
by accident than through design), showers
and toilets are wheelchair accessible, but
where this is not the case, you should be
prepared to be carried again, or do your ablutions
in the bedroom.
In Maun, Island Safari Lodge has two 'paraplegic
chalets' with roll-in showers, and Riley's
Hotel has a bathroom where the bath has grab-handles.
There are several lodges and camps in the
Okavango Delta which have a degree of accessibility,
depending on your needs. It is worthwhile
spending some time researching these options
before you leave home. Local operators and
accommodation owners can be contacted by email
and will be happy to describe their facilities
and equipment.
Health
Doctors will know about 'everyday' illnesses,
but you must understand and be able to explain
your own particular medical requirements.
African hospitals are often basic, so if possible,
take all necessary medication and equipment
with you. It is advisable to pack this in
your hand luggage during flights in case your
main luggage gets lost.
Botswana can be extremely hot. If this is
a problem for you, be careful to book accommodation
with fans or air-conditioning, and a useful
cooling aid is a plant-spray bottle.
Personal assistance
I contacted the Delta Medical Centre in Maun
(tel +267 661411; email deltamed(at)info.bw
or pak(at)info.bw) who organised a qualified
nurse to help me with personal care. Rates
are negotiable.
Security
The usual security precautions apply, but
it is also worthwhile remembering that, as
a disabled person, you are even more vulnerable.
Stay aware of who is around you and where
your bags are, especially during car transfers
and similar. These activities often draw a
crowd, and the confusion creates easy pickings
for an opportunist thief.
Specialised
operators
Endeavour Safaris (email: info(at)endeavour-safaris.com;
www.endeavour-safaris.com) cater to many types
of disability and senior travellers.
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If you would like more detailed information, including
names of local contacts, personal assistants and
specialist operators, please contact
me. |
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