Wheelchair Accessible Adventure Travel

Mozambique

Mozambique's idyllic coastal resorts and stunning colonial architecture are, by their very nature, inaccessible. Soft sand, potholed pavements and steep stone stairways are certain wheelchair stoppers, and even people with fewer mobility problems will be challenged. However, if you are well organised, prepared to compromise and can put up with some hardship, then a rewarding visit is quite possible.

Accommodation
I have yet to find accommodation in Mozambique that is completely suitable for disabled people. Occasionally, (more by accident than through design) bathrooms will be wheelchair accessible, but where this is not the case you should be prepared to be carried, or improvise and use the bedroom for your ablutions.
The more upmarket the hotel is, the greater the chance that the rooms will be spacious and that conveniences like bedside telephones will be present. The best advice is to research your options thoroughly in advance and you should find that most good tour operators take time to listen to your needs. If you prefer to travel independently, many establishments can be found on, and contacted directly from the internet.

Transport

By Air
For people with mobility problems, entering and exiting aircraft will not be as slick a procedure as you may be used to. It is unlikely that there will be an aisle chair or wheelchairs in the airport, especially in smaller domestic terminals, and staff are not used to handling disabled travellers.
Buses
Buses are cramped, with no facilities for wheelchairs and getting off and on can be a hectic affair. You will need to ask for help from fellow passengers to lift you to your seat, it will often be crowded and there will not be an accessible toilet. Therefore, unless you can walk at least to some degree, taxi is going to be your only easy way of getting around.
By Car
Unless you use local taxis, most vehicles will be 4x4s or minibuses, which are higher than normal cars making transfers more difficult. Although drivers and guides are normally happy to help, they are not trained in this skill. You must thoroughly explain your needs before transferring and stay in control of the situation.
Distances are great and roads are often bumpy, meaning people prone to skin damage 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.

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.
Mozambique 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.