Wheelchair-Friendly Holidays: Exploring South Africa with Ease
Sometimes the best adventures don’t require an international flight or a week off work – just a short drive, a sense of curiosity, and maybe a playlist for the road. The good news for wheelchair users? There are plenty of holiday spots within 3–4 hours of Johannesburg that combine comfort, scenery, and just enough adventure to make you feel like you’ve really “got away.”
Here are some carefully scouted options for accessible escapes that don’t skimp on charm.
Sun City & the Pilanesberg Area
Drive time: 2–2.5 hours
Sun City is a classic for a reason: it’s glitzy, fun, and surprisingly wheelchair-friendly. With paved walkways, accessible hotel rooms, ramps, and elevators where needed, it’s easy to get around.
And there’s no shortage of things to do – from lounging by pools to splashing around in the Valley of Waves. Feeling adventurous? The nearby Pilanesberg National Park offers game drives where you might spot elephants, lions, or that one zebra that always looks like it’s judging you. Just double-check with the lodge about accessibility on the game vehicles and pathways, because “safari chic” doesn’t always equal smooth tarmac.
Dinokeng Game Reserve
Drive time: About an hour from Pretoria
If you love the idea of spotting the Big Five but not the long drive that usually comes with it, Dinokeng is your place! Just a short hop from the city, it’s one of the few places where you can swap traffic for trumpeting elephants before dinner. There’s a wide range of lodges to choose from, and Mongena Game Lodge deserves a special mention for its accessibility – offering a fully wheelchair-friendly twin room and a paraplegic bathroom, it makes comfort and adventure go hand in hand.
Clarens
Drive time: Around 3 hours
If wildlife isn’t your thing, Clarens offers hills, art, and coffee shops instead of lions and elephants. The town is as charming as it is scenic, with galleries, boutiques, and plenty of photo opportunities. Just remember that its cobbled streets and boutique hotels might require a little pre-trip recon. A wheelchair-friendly guesthouse can make all the difference between a stress-free stay and a repeated game of “how do I get up these stairs?”
And here’s a fun fact for you: A wheelchair-friendly trail was opened in 2023 that provides access to the natural beauty of the area. The trail was built in partnership with the National Council for Persons with Disabilities.
Hartbeespoort Dam
Drive time: 1 hour
Another non-wildlife option just on Joburg’s doorstep is Hartbeespoort Dam – a serene getaway offering a blend of natural beauty and leisure activities. The area boasts wheelchair-friendly accommodations and attractions, making it a convenient and relaxing destination. Some of the fun activities you can get involved in are:
- Elephant Sanctuary: Visit The Elephant Sanctuary to learn about and interact with rescued elephants in a controlled environment.
- Cable Car Ride: Take a ride on the Hartbeespoort Aerial Cableway for panoramic views of the dam and surrounding areas – hopefully you’re not afraid of heights!
A few tips to remember before you go
Being on holiday should be about relaxing and taking in the scenery, not worrying about how you’re going to access that incredible sight because you’re mobility impaired. Here are a few questions that you can ask / think of when beginning to plan your trip.
- Do they offer accessible rooms or units (roll-in showers, grab rails, wide doors)?
- Are pathways and public areas paved or at least even?
- What’s the situation with vehicles – can they accommodate a wheelchair, ramp, or lift?
- How close is parking or drop-off to the main facilities?
- Are there accessible toilets in public areas?
- Do the staff understand and support accessibility needs?
And remember, wheelchair travel in South Africa shouldn’t be complicated. With a little research, a sense of adventure, and maybe a good playlist for the drive, you can enjoy bushveld sunsets, artsy towns, or poolside cocktails without missing a beat.