In the past times, people with disabilities were marginalized and despised because of their vulnerability. However, over the years, the world has changed and they are accepted. People have learned that disability is not inability. A disabled person can perform the same duties or engage in activities as an able-bodied one. Various countries have enacted laws and policies to protect, accommodate and make life easier for the disabled. For instance, public buildings and places have set up facilities to accommodate persons with disabilities.

With the direction the world at large is taking to make life easier for the disabled, these vulnerable people are able to travel for a holiday and engage in various adventurous and recreation activities. Albeit the facilities and services have been developed for the disabled, there are still challenges for them, particularly when traveling solely or visiting a foreign destination like Uganda.

1. Plan the trip beforehand.

The success of a trip majorly hinges on planning and preparing. It is very essential to plan earlier for your Uganda safari trip because it alleviates the stakes of getting disrupted and impeded. Reserving travel items such as accommodation, park activities, flight, and car hire is greatly significant. If you are to use a ground handler, it could be a local tour company, family, or friend, informing them of your visit is very vital. They can book the facilities you need putting into consideration of your condition.

2. Use lodges that disabled catering

Accommodation establishments with disabled-friendly facilities are very conducive as they permit persons with disabilities to swiftly operate with less effort. Most hotels and lodges in Uganda have facilities like elevators, wheelchairs, stairless pathways, and emergency exits that ensure people with immobility are accommodated.

3. Book with a tour operator that provides safari packages for disabled tourists

Well-established tour companies know how to manage and arrange tour packages for visitors with disabilities. They know which hotels and lodges to book, the activities to enjoy, and the kind of safari vehicle. The tour operators in Uganda are able to organize for the disabled to take part in activities that many call impossible for them. For instance, disabled people have been seen engaging in gorilla tracking with the help of a local tour company. What normally the tour operators do is inform the Uganda Wildlife Authority about the client’s condition and they are allocated to a near gorilla family for tracking. Sedan chairs and porters are hired to carry the disabled persons to reach the habitat of the gorillas and enjoy the huge apes in their natural setting.  The ground transportation arranged  for persons with disabilities is normally 4×4 Uganda car hire and spacious enough for them to have the comfort while traveling.

4. Understand and know your privileges when at the airport and any other public place.

It is a bit daunting for people with immobility to travel particularly when they get to the airport or any other transport hub. It is very hard for them to get the right data and directions due to the business of the airport caused by the big crowds and long queues. There is normally personnel at the airport that is meant to attend to people with special needs during their transit.
Disabled are protected from any kind of discrimination from air transport operating entities. However, when it comes to security, they have to go through any security protocol established at any facility. These vulnerable individuals are advised to know their rights to prevent and report any injustices that may be done to them during their travel.

5. Carry extra medication

It does not cost a thing to pack extra prescriptions while traveling. There is a possibility of your baggage getting lost during transit, so having a backup plan will save you a lot. This is also one way of ensuring that you don’t run out of your tablets inconveniencing to getting others that might not be available at the destination you may have visited. The drugs must be kept in a proper and accessible place.

6. Save and take your doctor’s contact number and email when traveling.

Before you plan to travel, visit your doctor to seek advice on whether it is possible for you to travel to a foreign destination and participate in certain tour activities. When given a go-ahead, ask the doctor for the necessary information about your condition and the quick remedies to take in case any issue arises. The doctor’s contact should also be noted and saved, you may need to seek help when far away.

7. Book Short flights

Long haul and connecting flights are very challenging for persons with disabilities. There is a lot of hassle involved like waiting for long hours with the heavy luggage at the medium airport to connect to the final destination. Using a direct flight alleviates all the obstacles and energy and time are saved. A direct flight flies straight to your final destination without any stopover.

8. Get travel information about the place to visit

This goes to sole disabled travelers, there is nothing harder to find like a place you literally don’t know about. You are advised to search for travel information about the places to go, accommodation to stay, the most convenient means of transport, and eateries to dine at to have a clue of how to go about your itinerary while at the destination. The source of information can be the internet, travel magazines or guides, and friends and family.  The information helps in situations of being stuck, in need of urgent attention, and loss of your bearing.

9. Bring the necessary luggage

Luggage carrying is one of the most hectic tasks when traveling, it gets worse when it comes to disabled people. Therefore, you are advised to get luggage, you can easily manage while traveling most preferably it should be one suitcase. Having two or more big luggage will be so hard to monitor since they are placed on the plane randomly and the same applies when they are being dislodged off on the convey belt at the airport.   You may bring a huge luggage if you are moving with a partner or group.

10. Free up your mind

Don’t feel pity for yourself, disability is not inability. You can go through or do anything that other people do. Enjoy your travel as nothing can stop you.