Accessible Travel Guide
Zimbabwe welcomes all travelers, including those with disabilities and accessibility needs. While infrastructure is still developing, many operators and lodges are committed to providing inclusive experiences. This guide helps you plan an accessible trip.Advance Planning Essential: Accessible travel in Zimbabwe requires advance coordination. Contact accommodations and operators directly to discuss your specific needs well before arrival.
Overview of Accessibility in Zimbabwe
Current State:
Zimbabwe’s accessibility infrastructure is developing. Unlike some Western destinations, you won’t find universal accessibility standards. However:
- Safari lodges are often more accessible than expected (single-level, wide paths)
- Victoria Falls has some accessible pathways
- Major hotels in cities increasingly have accessible rooms
- Private operators can arrange customized accessible experiences
- Limited public transport accessibility
- Uneven sidewalks and paths in cities
- Few public accessible restrooms
- Limited signage for visual impairments
- Not all attractions are wheelchair-accessible
Mobility Impairments
Wheelchair Users
Safari Accessibility
Good News: Many safari experiences are accessibleAccessible Safari Options:
- Modified safari vehicles with ramps/lifts (request in advance)
- Ground-level game hides for viewing
- Lodges with accessible rooms (single-level, roll-in showers)
- Private vehicle safaris with adapted seating
- Victoria Falls Safari Lodge (accessible rooms)
- Ilala Lodge (ground floor accessible)
- The Hide (Hwange) - accessible suite
- Several Wilderness Safaris properties
Victoria Falls Access
Rainforest Walk:
- Paved pathways to most viewpoints
- Some steep sections and uneven surfaces
- Wheelchair users can access several viewpoints
- Electric wheelchair/scooter possible on main paths
- Assistance recommended
- Devil’s Cataract viewpoint (paved)
- Main Falls viewpoint (accessible with assistance)
- Some paths too steep/uneven
- Helicopter flights (transfer assistance available)
- Sunset cruises (accessible boats on request)
- Some dinner venues accessible
Wheelchair & Mobility Aid Information
Bringing Your Own Equipment:
- Airlines accommodate wheelchairs (notify in advance)
- Manual wheelchairs easier than powered
- Bring charger adapters for powered chairs (UK 3-pin plugs)
- Consider bringing cushions/parts that may be hard to find locally
- Limited wheelchair rental available in Harare
- Contact: Zimbabwe Red Cross Society (+263 24 277 5416)
- Safari lodges sometimes have wheelchairs on-site
- Repair services very limited outside Harare
- Crutches and walking frames available in major cities
- Cane users: Bring your own specialized canes
- Limited mobility scooter availability
Walking Difficulties
Tips for Limited Mobility:Safari:
- Request vehicles with easy entry/exit
- Game drives involve 3-4 hours sitting
- Walking safaris can be modified to shorter distances
- Some lodges offer seated wildlife viewing at waterholes
- Request ground floor rooms
- Ask about path distances between rooms and facilities
- Some lodges have golf carts for transport
- Check bathroom grab rail availability
- Boat cruises (seated viewing)
- Helicopter flights (spectacular, minimal walking)
- Sundowner spots (drive up, seated viewing)
- Cultural dinners (seated experiences)
Visual Impairments
Traveling with Visual Impairments
Safari Experiences:
Safari can be wonderful for those with visual impairments:
- Expert guides provide detailed verbal descriptions
- Sounds of the bush are powerful and evocative
- Close animal encounters don’t require perfect vision
- Request guides experienced with visually impaired guests
- Contact Zimbabwe Immigration for service animal entry requirements
- Quarantine may apply - check current regulations
- Not all safari areas permit dogs (predator risk)
- Hotels generally accept service animals with documentation
- Large hotels in Harare and Victoria Falls most accommodating
- Request rooms near elevators/stairs
- Ask about tactile room orientation assistance
- Staff assistance generally available
- Uneven pavements common - cane users take care
- Limited tactile paving in Zimbabwe
- Local guide/companion highly recommended
- Audio guides not widely available at attractions
- Zimbabwe Council for the Blind: +263 24 277 4066
Hearing Impairments
Deaf & Hard of Hearing Travelers
Communication:
- Zimbabwe Sign Language (ZSL) is used locally
- ASL and BSL not widely understood
- Written communication works well (English is official language)
- Some guides willing to learn basic signs
- Visual nature of safari works well for deaf travelers
- Request guides who use expressive communication
- Binoculars help spot what guides are pointing to
- Written species information available at most lodges
- Request visual fire alarms where available (limited)
- Doorbell/knock alerting systems rare
- Text/WhatsApp communication with staff may be arranged
- Major hotels may have limited deaf-accessible rooms
- Announcements in airports/stations are audio
- Limited sign language interpretation services
- Emergency broadcasts are audio
- Phone-based services may be difficult
- Carry a note card explaining your needs in English
- Use smartphone apps for text-based communication
- Arrange all bookings in writing
- Request written confirmations for everything
Cognitive & Invisible Disabilities
Autism Spectrum:
- Sensory considerations: Safari can be unpredictable (animal sounds, smells)
- Quiet accommodations available (private lodges vs. busy hotels)
- Discuss needs with tour operators in advance
- Flexible itineraries available through private tours
- Many lodges have quiet spaces
- Build rest days into itineraries
- Safari lodges have rest time built in (midday)
- Private vehicles allow flexibility to return early
- Air conditioning in most upscale accommodations
- Medical facilities in major centers
- Zimbabwe can be a healing destination
- Peaceful safari environments
- Limited mental health services in rural areas
- Bring sufficient medication (with prescription letter)
- Internet access for remote therapy sessions in major hotels
- Inform lodges well in advance
- Most accommodate allergies and medical diets
- Bring specialized foods if needed (processed/packaged)
- Diabetic supplies available in Harare pharmacies
Accessible Accommodations
Victoria Falls
| Property | Accessibility Features | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Victoria Falls Safari Lodge | Accessible rooms, ramps, accessible restaurant | +263 83 284 4566 |
| Ilala Lodge | Ground floor rooms, accessible common areas | +263 83 284 4737 |
| Victoria Falls Hotel | Some accessible rooms, historic building (limited) | +263 83 284 4751 |
| A’Zambezi River Lodge | River-level access, accessible rooms on request | +263 83 284 4561 |
- Roll-in shower vs. tub with grab bars
- Door width (standard wheelchair: 32” minimum)
- Bed height
- Distance from room to restaurant
Harare
| Property | Accessibility Features | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Meikles Hotel | Accessible rooms, elevators, accessible restaurant | +263 24 225 2720 |
| Rainbow Towers | Modern building, elevators, some accessible rooms | +263 24 277 4883 |
| Bronte Hotel | Ground floor options, garden access | +263 24 277 4405 |
- Sidewalks often uneven
- Few curb cuts
- Traffic challenging to navigate
- Use hotel transport services
Safari Lodges
Lodges Known for Accessibility:Hwange:
- The Hide - Has worked with mobility-impaired guests
- Imvelo Safari Lodges - Contact for accessibility options
- Ruckomechi - Some accessible facilities
- Note: Remote location limits emergency access
- Tented camps often single-level (good for mobility)
- Bush terrain can be challenging
- Many lodges built on ground level
- Outdoor showers may be more accessible than expected
- Path surfaces and distances
- Vehicle access to rooms
- Bathroom configurations
- Emergency evacuation procedures
Accessible Activities
Accessible Activities
Highly Accessible:
- Helicopter flights (most accessible activity!)
- Sunset cruises (accessible boats available)
- Game drives in adapted vehicles
- Cultural dinners (seated)
- Spa treatments (at lodges)
- Victoria Falls viewing (some paths)
- Boat safaris on Zambezi
- Birdwatching from vehicles/lodges
- Great Zimbabwe (some areas)
- Fishing (boat modifications)
- Photography hides (some accessible)
- Village visits (depending on terrain)
Challenging Activities
Difficult/Impossible:
- White water rafting
- Bungee jumping
- Walking safaris (depends on ability)
- Gorge swing
- Canoeing (limited accessibility)
- Zip lining (check with operators)
- Horse riding (adaptive options limited)
- Hot air balloon (depends on individual needs)
- Elephant experiences (evaluate individually)
Transportation
Getting Around
Airports:
- Wheelchair assistance available (arrange with airline)
- Accessible restrooms in Victoria Falls and Harare airports
- Request aisle chairs for boarding small aircraft
- Electric wheelchair battery restrictions on some flights
- Standard taxis/transfers not wheelchair accessible
- Request adapted vehicles in advance through tour operators
- Some operators have vehicles with ramps (limited)
- Private vehicle hire with driver can accommodate various needs
- Hand-controlled vehicles not available in Zimbabwe
- Automatic transmission vehicles available
- May need to bring portable hand controls
- Small aircraft have limited space
- Discuss mobility needs with charter companies
- Some can accommodate wheelchairs folded in cabin
Medical Considerations
Healthcare Access
Medical Facilities:
- Private hospitals in Harare have best accessibility
- Victoria Falls medical facilities limited
- Rural/safari areas have basic medical access
- Bring all medications with original packaging
- Carry prescription letters from doctor
- Refrigerated medications: confirm lodge capability
- Medical equipment batteries: bring backups
- Travel insurance with medical evacuation ESSENTIAL
- Confirm policy covers pre-existing conditions
- Medical Air Rescue Service (MARS): +263 24 273 4513
- Lodges have emergency procedures
- Zimbabwe uses 220V, UK 3-pin plugs
- Bring voltage converters if needed
- Power outages occur - bring backup batteries
- Safari lodges often have limited power hours
Planning Your Accessible Trip
Step-by-Step Guide
1
Contact Specialized Operators
Work with tour operators experienced in accessible travel:
- Endeavour Safaris (specializes in accessible safaris)
- Contact standard operators and clearly explain needs
- Get everything confirmed in writing
2
Communicate Specific Needs
Provide detailed information:
- Wheelchair dimensions and type
- Specific bathroom needs
- Medication storage requirements
- Assistance level needed
- Dietary restrictions
3
Book Appropriate Accommodations
- Confirm accessible room availability
- Request photos of accessible features
- Ask about distances between facilities
- Confirm emergency procedures
4
Arrange Transportation
- Airport assistance both ends
- Adapted vehicles where available
- Charter flights for remote areas
- Ground transport between lodges
5
Prepare Documentation
- Medical letters for equipment/medications
- Service animal documentation
- Insurance documents
- Emergency contact information
Questions to Ask
Accommodations:
- Is there step-free access to room?
- What is the door width?
- Is there a roll-in shower or bath with grab bars?
- What is the bed height?
- Are there grab bars near the toilet?
- What is the distance to dining/common areas?
- Is there a visual fire alarm?
- Do you have vehicles with ramps or lifts?
- Can a wheelchair be accommodated on game drives?
- What is the terrain like at camps?
- How do you handle emergencies?
- Have you worked with guests with similar needs?
- What is the physical requirement?
- Can modifications be made?
- What assistance is available?
- What are the bathroom facilities?
Resources & Contacts
Helpful Organizations
Zimbabwe:
- Zimbabwe Council for the Blind: +263 24 277 4066
- Zimbabwe Red Cross Society: +263 24 277 5416
- Jairos Jiri Association (disability services): +263 24 274 6951
- Endeavour Safaris (accessible safari specialists)
- Flying Wheels Travel (accessible travel agency)
- Accessible Travel Forum (online community)
- Ensure policy covers pre-existing conditions
- Verify medical evacuation coverage
- Check equipment coverage
Tips from Travelers
From Wheelchair Users:
- “The helicopter flight over Victoria Falls was the highlight - completely accessible and spectacular”
- “Safari lodges were better than expected - most are single level”
- “Bring a portable ramp for unexpected small steps”
- “A good attitude and flexibility go a long way”
- “The sounds of the African bush were incredible”
- “Safari guides were excellent at verbal descriptions”
- “Book private tours for personalized pace”
- Start with Victoria Falls - most accessible destination
- Use established tour operators
- Build in rest days
- Communicate early and often
- Be flexible but advocate for your needs
Last updated: January 2025 We welcome feedback from travelers with disabilities to improve this guide. Contact us