The Disabled Suite

MalaMala prides itself on being one of the few safari destinations which is able to offer a fully equipped disabled suite - designed in accordance with the Disabled People’s Information Service of South Africa and is in line with international standards.

This luxurious suite boasts the following features:

Master bedroom with two en-suite bathrooms and an additional disabled bathroom which is able to comfortably accommodate a guest who is wheelchair bound. This includes a wheel-in shower with all the necessary fittings.

Desk/ table surfaces specifically adjusted to the correct level at which a wheelchair is positioned.

No loose rugs/ carpets which will impede the movement of a wheelchair.

A separate lounge area which may be converted to a bedroom should a disabled guest require assistance from an accompanying nurse/ aid.

Ramp on entrance into the room

24 hour temperature control.

Elevated deck overlooking the bush.

Game drives are conducted safely in a suitably equipped landrover.

Ramp to the room Fully equipped en-suite bathroom

Ramp to the vehicle Accommodation

 

Read the first hand account from a previous guest who made use of our disabled facilities:

"Being a disabled quadriplegic and on the South African Disabled Peoples Committee, I was recently invited by MalaMala to try out their new facilities constructed especially to accommodate disabled guests. They are fantastic and absolutely in line with international standards. Well done MalaMala!

The disabled suite is well placed overlooking a water feature cascading into a waterhole. On the first afternoon, I sat in my wheelchair in the lounge of the suite and nervously watched Buffalo drinking, 50 meters from my room. The bathroom has all the necessary fittings that are required by wheelchair users including a wheel-in shower and even includes such luxuries as a towel warmer. The writing desk is perfectly placed at the right height and the entire layout of the room is fantastic, spacious and to perfect specifications. The landrover used is equipped to comfortably and safely take disabled guests on game drives. There is a choice of foam or sheepskin cushions, a removable seat and chest belt and a hand strap to hold onto. The rangers had no difficulty in assisting me into the front seat.

The game viewing at MalaMala is incredible with close up sightings of all members of the Big Five - lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo - together with the many species of antelope, birds and insects which abound. The ranger who hosted me during my time at the reserve was constantly attentive to my needs and well being, not only during game drives but also whilst in camp such as mealtimes. The descriptions and anecdotes of the bush and the knowledge which he imparted were enlightening and informative and I have since joined the thousands of other guests who have been privileged to share MalaMala - An Ambassador for Wildlife.

The open-air dinner in the MalaMala reed enclosed boma under an ancient Transvaal Ebony tree was another highlight of my trip to the bush. The table at which I was seated was especially made to accommodate both me and my wheelchair - the perfect height and width to clear the wheelchair with no hindrance.

It is incredible that the whole MalaMala Camp has adequate flat paths to allow access anywhere. MalaMala Main Camp with it's facilities for the disabled allowed my disability to take second place - the surrounding nature, conservation and the wild came first.

A RARE TREAT!
THANK YOU MALAMALA.
Kind regards
Ari Sierlis "

Click here to read more about the book Access Africa: Safaris for People with Limited Mobility
published by Bradt Travel Guides