Wheelchair Accessible Adventure Travel

Malawi

Malawi is known for its Great Rift Valley mountains, sandy beaches and potholed roads. It therefore sounds like a thoroughly unattractive destination for somebody with mobility problems. However, the truth is that with enough preparation in advance and the ability to 'rough it' if need be, a trip through Africa's warm heart is quite feasible. The Malawians' innate friendliness, coupled with the ability of Africans to improvise should ensure that you have as varied and rewarding an itinerary as an able-bodied traveller.

Transport

Air travel
I flew with Air Malawi into Blantyre and found the disabled assistance service to be slow, but relatively well managed in comparison to some other African countries' airlines. Blantyre airport has an aisle chair, allowing a dignified exit from the plane for non-ambulant travellers, and although there is no designated disabled toilet, the rest of the building is level and accessible.
By car
Distances are great 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.
It is possible to hire self-drive vehicles, but I know of no company providing cars that are adapted for disabled drivers. If you're not sticking to the main roads, you may need to use a 4x4 vehicle, which will be higher than a normal car making transfers 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.
Buses and trains
There is no effective legislation in Malawi 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.
If you can cope with these difficulties, then travelling by bus is quite feasible and is a much more affordable option than hiring a car.

Accommodation
In general, it is not easy to find disabled-friendly accommodation in Malawi. Only top of the range lodges and hotels will have 'accessible' rooms and even then, I've yet to hear of anywhere sporting grab handles, roll-under sinks and a roll-in shower. Occasionally (more by accident than through design), bathrooms are wheelchair accessible, but where this is not the case, you should be prepared to be lifted, or do your ablutions in the bedroom.

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.
Lakeside Malawi can be 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.

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.

Specialist operators
There are, as yet, no operators who specialise in disability running trips in Malawi. Having said that, most travel companies will listen to your needs and try to create an itinerary suitable for you. For the independent traveller, it is possible to limit potential surprises by contacting local operators and establishments by email in advance.