A spectacular safari sunset in Sabi Sabi Sands
If you’re going to go, go BIG. For our first major trip with a wheelchair, we went to South Africa. I know – crazy. That’s how we roll…
I spent the decade ahead of my 50th birthday dreaming, planning and saving for a safari trip to Africa. When Rob had surgery and came home from the hospital in a wheelchair, we put the trip off. I wasn’t sure we’d ever go, but I was determined. Rob – not so much.
The first and best decision we ever made was to work with a travel agent called Africa Endeavors in Chicago. Candice was highly recommended by a friend at work. Here’s the thing about a trip to Africa, it’s complicated and typically involves multiple flights, complex logistics and immunizations. Candice and team made this seamless for us. She also did the one thing which was already challenging for me – ensuring every hotel and transportation was handicap accessible. She had the on-the-ground expertise we needed.
Our trip was amazing; every airport we went to we had two people waiting for us to help with luggage and assist Rob if he needed it. Every lodge was incredible to work with and every room accessible and 5 stars. The people were full of life and so friendly. When we got to Victoria Falls, we hired a man to push Rob’s wheelchair which was hugely helpful since the terrain was soaked and slippery and in places a little bit tricky to navigate. The final lodge we stayed at had some limitations, but we made it work.
When I think back on this trip, I just can’t believe how magical and perfect it was. From the accommodation to the food and excursions, I wouldn’t change a thing.
Rob and I loving our evening sundowner
Check out our itinerary below and click on the links for all my travel favorites.
Day 1 – Flew into Johannesburg and stayed at the Intercontinental at Tambo Airport
Day 2 – Flew JHB into Southern Sabi Sands in Greater Kruger National Park, Stayed at Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge. (Bush Lodge | Sabi Sabi™ Family friendly and ADA Accessible) This hotel felt like family. You eat with your guides and the entire camp. It was truly unique and intimate.
On safari in Sabi Sabi Sands
Day 3 – On safari Sabi Sabi Sands
Day 4 – On safari Sabi Sabi Sands
A Cheetah in Sabi Sabi Sands
A male lion in Sabi Sabi Sands
Day 5 – transferred to airport and flew into Zimbabwe to Victoria Falls. Stayed at Palm River Hotel and had a quiet dinner there. The Palm River Hotel | Accommodation In Victoria Falls Zimbabwe
Day 6 – Toured Victoria Falls Hotel and went and toured the falls. It was incredible. The water was running very high, so the spray was like a deluge of water. Lunch was at Lookout Café. We ate dinner at our hotel. Both were fantastic. I can’t say enough good things about the food.
Rob and I enjoying a spectacular view
A tricky and wet pathway at Victoria Falls
Day 6 – I woke up early and went to do a zip line over the falls. It was absolutely incredible. Scary, but incredible. Zipline in Victoria Falls - Wild Horizons I was home in time for breakfast and what turned out to be the most special day of our trip. We did a tour called “shopping with a purpose”. This adventure took us into the heart of the township where we grocery shopped for an orphanage and spent the morning with the kids. Rob couldn’t get inside but the children never left him alone on the front porch. It was so special. The most touching moment was when the children sang and danced for us at the end. I cried and handed them a $20 bill and they hooted and
Zip Lining near Victoria Falls
Zip Lining near Vic Falls
Grocery shopping for Rose of Charity Orphanage
The most little girl at Rose of Charity Orphanage
Rob being loved on by the children at Rose of Charity Orphanage
hollered like we gave them $10000. I’ll never forget it and highly recommend no matter where you travel – go and experience the people and culture.
We then had lunch Dusty Road Township Experience to eat a very authentic meal and learn about the culture of Zimbabwe.
Dusty Road Township Experience
That night we did a Luxury River Cruise on the Zambezi. Another spectacular sunset and the boat had the largest handicap accessible bathrooms we saw on the trip. It was amazing. We ended with a candlelight dinner at a restaurant on the river.
Day 7 – 10 We departed for the drive to Botswana and the Chobe River Lodge for a river safari. For the next three days we were on safari on the Chobe River. Chobe Game Lodge
The Bar at Chobe Game Lodge
Rob and I on the Chobe River
Giraffe’s along the Chobe River
Here we saw the greatest concentration of elephants in the world. It was stunningly beautiful and the lodge was just gorgeous. At this lodge all the guides are female, and the boats and lodge are run by green power. It was such a unique experience. This was probably one of the least wheelchair-friendly lodges, but we managed just fine and it was worth the extra effort. The staff could not have been more helpful whenever we asked.
Day 11 – We flew back to Johannesburg and had just enough time for a tour of this amazing city. To see Nelson Mendela and Desmond Tutu’s homes and the Soweto Township was incredible. If you go to Johannesburg, I highly recommend connecting with this region and history of South Africa. It really felt surreal.
I will never forget our trip to Africa. I know it’s not possible for everyone, but I saved for a long time, and I would do it all over again. In fact, I hope to return with my daughter someday.