Wheelchair friendly hiking trails and activities in KZN

Wheelchair friendly hiking trails and activities in KZN

These KwaZulu-Natal hiking trails and venues cater to people with mobility impairments.

Senior couple with wheelchair in autumn nature. stock photo
iStock
Tourism KZN
Tourism KZN

With the summer holidays around the corner, now is the time to plan your next fun adventure.

Wheelchair users have a lot more difficulty planning their holidays as there are few options available to them.

But that has been changing over the years with more and more venues finding ways to ensure their facilities cater to all.

Here’s a look at some activities suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Kamberg Nature Reserve

The Kamberg Nature Reserve is located in one of the most beautiful locations in KwaZulu-Natal - Maloti-Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site. The reserve is popular with beginner hikers looking for picturesque views and moderate hiking trails. There’s also a wheelchair-friendly trail that takes hikers around the dams situated along the Mooi River. The 4km long trail is level which makes it perfect for wheelchair users.

Hikers can enjoy a picnic after their hike or head to Fat Harry’s Kamberg, Bierfassl Restaurant and Pub or La Lampara Restaurant – which are all in the Kamberg area.

If you’re looking to spend the night in the area, look no further than these amazing accommodation venues:

-       Silver Hill Lodge

-       Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse

-       Qambathi Mountain Lodge

Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve

Visitors to Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve have described it as “a small piece of paradise”. Walkers and hikers enjoy the reserve’s well-maintained trails. Some have even spotted zebra, bushbuck, and duiker during their hikes. It’s also a favourite with birdwatchers. It’s not unusual for visitors to spend hours exploring the area’s stunning surroundings.

People with disabilities also enjoy visiting the wheelchair friendly reserve. There’s a 600m trail which caters for those with mobile imparities, as well as deaf and blind people. The picnic and braai sites are also easily accessible to wheelchair users.

If you’re not up for a hike, there are several other wheelchair accessible activities and attractions people with mobility impairments can try.

Crocodile Centre in St Lucia: Enjoy a day out with family at Crocodile Centre, which is accessible to wheelchair users.


Leopard Walk Lodge
: Not only is the lodge’s accommodation wheelchair friendly, but it also goes out of its way to ensure differently-abled people have access to activities such as boating viewings, game drives, snorkelling, and guided tours.

Access 2 Africa Safaris: A2A is on a mission to ensure both able-bodied or mobility-impaired people experience the beauty of Africa. The company specialises in wheelchair-accessible safaris in SA. Visit http://access2africasafaris.com/ for more information.

Main image courtesy of iStock

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