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An update from Evaneos
South Africa

Handicaps in South Africa

A land of extreme divisions, South Africa remains a destination worth considering for any handicapped person.

The local reality

Handicaps are still not really taken into consideration in South Africa. The people concerned are often recluses and suffer from discrimination tied to popular beliefs. A lack of access to education, difficulties in finding work, isolation, and ill-treatment are the daily lot of this part of society. Since the roads and pavements are not passable, individuals with reduced mobility are forced to stay at home and they seldom go out anywhere.

Affected by great poverty, South Africa does not offer the same possibilities to everyone. Treatment and infrastructure for people with disabilities is expensive and is still only available to the elite. Handicapped children in South Africa remain the most vulnerable and many associations try to make up for this need for dialogue, listening and comprehension, and to improve their living conditions.

Access to a tourist attraction

Travel to South Africa

Despite a very difficult reality, a stay in South Africa is still feasible in good conditions. We have noticed real efforts to provide high-quality services adapted for people with handicaps.

The large hotels, and even some guesthouses, offer suitable infrastructure, access ramps, and lifts to encourage people with reduced mobility to move around. If you wish to go on safari during your trip to South Africa, it is totally possible. The majority of national parks and reserves are equipped with means of access and helpful ways of getting around.

However, in order to make the most of your stay in South Africa if you are handicapped, it is recommended that you go through specialised agencies who can directly supply you with the essential pieces of information. In fact, although many hotels are equipped, places are limited. Therefore, it is necessary to get organised beforehand in order to avoid on-the-spot disappointments and problems.

Caroline Guibert
22 contributions