| Although Zambia's tourism
infrastructure is developing fast, proper facilities
for people with mobility problem are still rare. But
don't let this put you off; depending on your ability
and sense of adventure, most obstacles are surmountable
and Africans are used to finding solutions for practical
problems: if you need help, you will receive it.
PLANNING
AND BOOKING
Although there aren't
many operators running specialised trips to Zambia
for disabled people, most travel companies will listen
to your needs and try to create an itinerary suitable
for you. For the more independent traveller, it is
possible to limit potential surprises by contacting
local operators and establishments by email in advance.
ACCOMMODATION
Lusaka's Holiday Inn
has one adapted room. In Livingstone, the Zambezi
Sun and the Royal Livingstone have roll-in showers
and bathroom grab-rails, and the less pricey Zig Zag
Guesthouse has fairly wide doorways and level access
around the complex. I have yet to hear of completely
accessible accommodation in any of Zambia's national
parks.
TRANSPORT
Air travel
Both Lusaka and Livingstone international airports
have assistance, wheelchairs and aisle chairs for
those who need help entering or leaving the aircraft.
Livingstone also has accessible toilets and at the
time of writing this feature is part of Lusaka's current
'five year plan'.
Buses and trains
There is no effective legislation in Zambia to facilitate
disabled travellers' journeys by public transport;
therefore, 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.
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.
If you're not sticking to the main roads, you will
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.
'Hemingways' (see 'Specialist Operators') can provide
wheelchair accessible transport.
HEALTH
AND INSURANCE
Doctors will know about
'everyday' illnesses, but you must understand and
be able to explain your own particular medical requirements.
Zambian hospitals and pharmacies are often basic,
so it is wise to take as much essential medication
and equipment as possible with you, and it is advisable
to pack this in your hand luggage during flights in
case your main luggage gets lost. Zambia can be hot;
if this is a problem for you then try to book accommodation
with fans or air-conditioning, and a useful cooling
aid is a plant-spray bottle.
Travel insurance can be purchased from Age Concern
(tel: 0845 601 2234; web: www.ageconcern.org.uk),
who have no upper age limit, and Free Spirit (tel:
0845 230 5000; web: www.free-spirit.com), who cater
for people with pre-existing medical conditions. Most
insurance companies will insure disabled travellers,
but it is essential that they are made aware of your
disability.
SECURITY
Although the vast majority
of people will only want to help you, it is worth
remembering that, as a disabled person, you are more
vulnerable. Stay aware of who is around you and where
your bags are, especially during car transfers and
similar.
SPECIALIST OPERATORS
Hemingways - Zambian
(Livingstone) based operator offering transfers and
safaris using wheelchair accessible vehicles.
Tel: +260 3 320996; mob: +260 97 866 492, 97 870 232;
e-mail: info(at)hemingwayszambia.com; web: www.hemingwayszambia.com
Endeavour Safaris - Southern
African specialists in accessible travel for disabled
people.
Tel/fax: +27 21 556 6114; mob: +27 73 206 7733; e-mail:
info(at)endeavour-safaris.com; web: www.endeavour-safaris.com
Flamingo Tours - Cape
Town based operator running trips for disabled travellers.
Tel: + 27 21 557 4496; Fax: +27 21 556 5853; e-mail:
info(at)flamingotours.co.za; web: www.flamingotours.co.za
Titch Tours - Cape Town
based operator running trips for disabled travellers.
Tel: +27 21 686-5501; fax: +27 21 686-5506; e-mail:
titcheve(at)iafrica.com; web: http://titchtours.co.za
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