In times gone by safaris were the preserve of trigger-happy aristocrats in silly hats along with assorted fiery zealots keen for converts amongst the ‘ignorant’ African natives. For the most part, the latter-day democratisation of world travel has consigned that colourful but misguided regime to history. The publication of Bradt’s Access Africa goes further still, however, and sees even those without a country estate, a hotline to Jesus Christ or an everlasting gap year – but with varying degrees of limited mobility – confidently hitting the safari trail.

Author Gordon Rattray, himself a quadriplegic, has gathered firsthand reviews of 300 hotels, lodges and safari camps of all budgets, facilitating African adventure for those whose wanderlust may have been slowed but not neutered by age, disability or reduced mobility. As Rattray says, ‘Everything is possible, from self-drive in a 2WD car to a tailor-made, all-inclusive adventure that flies into the most refined and remote luxury camps.’ Across Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia, South Africa, Botswana and Zambia’s Victoria Falls, practical travel information covers international flights, light aircraft transfers, road transport together with ease of access at accommodation and on safari. Cataloguing such specific factors as the prevalence of steps, height of light switches and bathroom design, Rattray candidly addresses those concerns most immediately voiced by limited mobility travellers. The guide is pitched both at first-timers, explaining general aspects of safari planning, when to go and what to see, along with health issues surrounding African travel, but also provides inspiration for old hands looking to explore new destinations. As Rattray confidently states, ‘The most exciting continent on earth has taken its time, but now it is opening its doors to everyone.’

Gordon Rattray is a graduate in Botany from Glasgow University but itchy feet brought him via Australia and New Zealand to overland truck driving in Africa. After a diving accident cut this career short, Gordon returned to the continent as a wheelchair user and discovered how possible adventurous travel with a disability can be. He is a regular contributor to Bradt guides and runs http://www.able-travel.com an information service for travellers with disabilities.

Title: Access Africa: Safaris for People with Limited Mobility
Author: Gordon Rattray
Publisher: Bradt Travel Guides
Publication: August 2009
Price: £16.99
ISBN: 978 1 84162 286 6