Trip to Kenya January 2010
I was very excited, about my trip to Kenya.
I was in, email, contact, with Go-Africa, for advice, and arrange a Safari.
As a wheelchair user, I like to get arrangements , sorted, as best I can.
I needn’t of worried, as Yvonne (who also visited me, at the hotel, to confirm the ittinery and answer any questions) and Estelle, covered every eventuality.
My safari started, a few days, into my holiday, on 3rd January.
I was picked up by our guide and driver Leonard, who was very punctual, very smart, in his appearance, and we could see the pride, in his safari van (it was spotlessly clean).
He went through the plan of the safari, explaining the route.
Wheelchair, lifted, into the back (on top of the two, safari van, spare wheels)
I “wobbly walked” to the seats, with help from Leonard and my partner.
First destination was Rhino Valley Lodge
A Fantastic lodge situated in the hill, overlooking Tsavo West National Park.
Rhino Valley Lodge
Is very rustic, but a very good, place to stay, the room was very nice, with outstanding views, large living/bedroom, shower room (with toilet).
Bedroom has two twin beds, with mosquito nets (
A separate kitchen (entered via a door, from the porch) for those on a self catering basis.
To return to the reception/restaurant, it is advised, to ring reception, to ask for a Masia escort (DONT FORGET, your IN amongst, the wild animals).
The paths are hard sand or stone, and a little uneven, in the evening there are limited lights, provided, but do remember, this is a very isolated site, an electric is provided by generator.
The restaurant is on the lower part of the lodge building, with ramps to all areas (note these can become slippery).
Reception has toilets, with wide doors, for wheelchair users.
Day 2 4th January
Journey to Amboseli National Park for Lunch at Ol Tukai Lodge
Ol Tukai Lodge
NOW, THIS LODGE WAS REALLY IMPRESSIVE, in its accessibility.
Wooden pathways, to reception, which has a tiled floor, with ramps to outside (stone) paths. All paths are ramped, to ALL areas, restaurant, bar and (outside) swimming pool (with changing area), and all surrounding areas.
Paths are made of local paving stones (which can be slightly uneven).
The chalet (No 40) had, movable, wooden ramps, to the patio and over door threshold. The chalet was one bedroom with shower room/toilet (the chalets are being refurbished, during the “off-season” all to this luxury standard.
The manager, was very insistent, that he showed me, the two, totally accessible chalets, they have. NOTE these have a separate and independent generator, to make, sure there is 24/7, power, in the event of any power failures.
I was very impressed, with the level of thought, that has been put into making these chalets, available, to those who require, a place to stay, without encountering, any, suitable accommodation, worries. (So much so, that I commented on this to the manager, that these chalets have better facilities-than some of the accommodation in the UK).
The Manager is very proud of the amount of accessibility his establishment provides.
The bedroom, is large and the beds have plenty of room around them, for mobility equipment. The bathroom, has a wheel-in, shower with all controls at a suitable height. A shower chair is provided (a plastic, patio chair).
All doors, are wide, allowing for easy access, for wheelchairs.
An airstrip, is only a mile or so away, so connections, from Niarobi or Mombasa, are possible, and I am sure Yvonne or Estelle at Go-Africa, will be able to advise, with any travel requirements.
Another accommodation, we stayed at over night, was Aruba Ashnil Lodge, in Tsavo East National Park.
Two chalets are accessible, to wheelchair users (wider doors) level floor, bathroom. NO air conditioning (just a fan mounted, on the wall).
Paths are made of local stone (as above) whole complex is pleasant, with great views, from all areas, of a the very accessible main building.
During our stay, it was very HOT and there was alot of large beetles, around the grounds.
Leonard, our Go-Africa driver, also took me into Ukunda, for me to have a haircut, it is the little things that the team at Go-Africa are very keen to make your stay, very enjoyable, with no worrying. Even after our trip Yvonne and Estelle, came to visit, me at the hotel, to make sure, my trip was very enjoyable.
Photos of my trip, can be seen at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/sets/72157623092079607/ Alan Thomas
Ataxia South Wales chairman
Ataxia UK Trustee
Male
Logged
we have just been to Kenya is a brilliant country and we are deffo going back
Female