Uganda is a destination of different terrains including rough and hilly places hence making it challenging for tourists with reduced mobility. It’s unfortunate that most destinations rarely consider and sometimes pay no attention to these people yet they also desire to encounter this country’s interesting attractions.  Nonetheless, some places make trips memorable for people with reduced mobility through the following ways;

Transport and accessing destinations

Most Airports including Entebbe International Airport have wheelchairs for disabled people although there is always no guarantee whether there will be a narrow side wheelchair. T        his therefore implies that you will be required to walk for some small distance before finally getting where to use the wheelchair. Airport staff will be always be ready to help in case of any help but may not be available at all times.

When it comes to public bus and Taxi companies, there are no special facilities to use wheelchairs and getting off and on the bus or matatus. This means that you will need the help of other passengers to take you to your seat. You will also have to walk for some distance hence Taxi is definitely going to be the only easy way to get around. If you can endure with these challenges, then travelling by bus or Taxi is feasible because it is more affordable means of transport.

When you choose to use cars, most tour operator use 4WDs and minibuses that are quite expensive than the normal cars hence making it challenging to transfer. Diver guides are usually willing to help but unfortunately not well trained to deal with tourists with special needs hence you have to carefully explain your needs and stay in control of the whole situation while on the Safari and transfers. Far places and bumpy roads are so challenging hence may cause more injury if care is not provided.

Accommodation facilities

Most accommodation facilities in Uganda don’t make it easy for persons with reduced mobility to enjoy their safaris. Besides that, only top Safari Lodges and Hotels have accessible rooms and sometimes bathrooms that are wheelchair accessible. However, if they are not accessible, the disabled person will have to be lifted or do the ablutions in the bedroom. It’s sad that the budget disabled tourists are always affected because majority of the budget guesthouses and Safari Lodges are too small and campsites very basic hence not ideal for use of wheelchairs.  The best thing is therefore to do more research and weigh options in advance. Most tour operators always take time to pay attention to the needs of persons with reduced mobility or can even be reached directed through their websites.

Tourist activities for people with reduced mobility

Some tourist activities such as gorilla trekking are literally a challenge for persons with reduced mobility because sometimes even the able-bodied people face the challenge of hiking through the jungles. Trackers have to follow Giant Apes from the previous nest hence implies several hours of hiking through dense vegetations, areas of higher elevations and muddy or slippery places.

Therefore, intending gorilla trekkers have to be physically fit for this challenging yet unforgettable experience. Not only that, Chimpanzees trails and other primate walks within Kibale Forest National Parks also tend to be strenuous and are not favorable for use of wheelchairs. Nonetheless, activities such as game drives and boat rides can be enjoyed by persons with reduced mobility too.

Security

Persons with reduced mobility are more vulnerable to theft within Uganda especially Kampala City. You are therefore advised to carefully hold your belongings and be aware of who is around you because everyone within the City is guilty unless the ones you are familiar with.

Specialist tour operators

It is quite unfortunate that there are no specialist tour operators in Uganda, to specialize in disabilities. However, majority of the tour operators will always pay attention to your special needs and try their level best to personalize the itinerary and offer tailor-made tourist activities.