Breathtaking Tanzania Safari: Laura Cook’s Epic Adventure
I’ll start this blog by mentioning that I am ambulatory but have significant mobility issues. This is solely my experience, and I know everyone will have a different perspective. However, I absolutely loved my safari. Tanzania, particularly the Serengeti, was the most magical place I’ve ever visited.
Honestly, I never thought I would manage to go on a safari, but it was a travel goal for me. I did some research on various Facebook groups and found a UK travel agency that had previously supported another disabled woman from the UK in going on safari. My friend and I looked into other agencies, but this one seemed the most suitable for my needs. I would definitely recommend seeking recommendations from others before choosing your safari travel agent.
So, Tanzania. We arrived at Mount Kilimanjaro Airport at breakfast time. The airport is small, and as such, I didn’t need a wheelchair. We were met on the tarmac by representatives and taken to a room for visa checks. Our representatives collected our suitcases for us, so I didn’t have to worry about pulling my case for miles. In fact, I don’t think I carried or pulled my suitcase again until we landed back in London! Tanzanians will go out of their way to help you.
And we were off! The first few days were fast-paced, so we were grateful for that initial day to simply relax and catch up on some sleep after the overnight flight. The lodge, Rivertrees Country Inn, was beautiful, with gentle slopes leading to each bungalow, which would be wheelchair accessible. The bathroom even had a roll-in shower.
So, Tanzania. We arrived at Mount Kilimanjaro Airport at breakfast time. The airport is small, and as such, I didn’t need a wheelchair. We were met on the tarmac by representatives and taken to a room for visa checks. Our representatives collected our suitcases for us, so I didn’t have to worry about pulling my case for miles. In fact, I don’t think I carried or pulled my suitcase again until we landed back in London! Tanzanians will go out of their way to help you.
Be prepared for very early starts and long days. On our first proper day, we visited Ngorongoro Crater, and this was my test of getting in and out of the jeeps. I’m quite short, so I relied on a helping hand, but the guides were always available and more than willing to assist. It’s something to consider before embarking on a trip like this—you’ll need some level of mobility to climb in and out of the jeeps, though the guides can help to some extent. This was the start of our wildlife spotting adventure—seeing zebras in the wild for the first time was thrilling! We even spotted a rhino in the far distance.
The next day was big for so many reasons! After leaving our lodge early, we arrived at an airstrip to take a flight to the Northern Serengeti. For one, I’m a nervous flyer and wasn’t exactly looking forward to flying in a 12-seat Cessna—but I did it! In terms of accessibility, these planes are tricky. You need to climb a small ladder to the door and squeeze between the seats to sit down. That was a challenge for me, but there was always someone on the ground to hold my bags so I had both hands free for the ladder. On the positive side, when I was feeling panicky before takeoff, I couldn’t get off since it was so tight, and the seats behind me were all full!
Was it worth putting myself through the flight? Absolutely! Within an hour of landing, our guide took us off into the Serengeti, where we saw a female cheetah devouring a wildebeest! Just minutes later, we witnessed the famous Mara River crossing by hundreds of wildebeest. The sound and sight were incredible!
Over the four days on safari, we witnessed so many wonders, and the best part for me was that most of the time was spent sitting in the jeep, watching the animals or taking in the scenery. This meant I didn’t need to walk much at all, and I could enjoy every special moment. I was in complete awe watching a herd of elephants one day. We had driven for hours without seeing another vehicle or person, and then we came across the herd, just going about their business—eating and plodding along. For such large animals, they’re incredibly peaceful. I gained a new perspective on the planet, realizing that the most amazing things don’t require a screen. As much as I love photography, it was important to take moments to simply observe—to listen to the peace, smell the scents, and watch the behaviors of these magnificent creatures. The fact that I could do all of this with ease was perfect for me.
Of course, there are no toilets in the middle of the Serengeti, but it’s crucial to stay hydrated. I wasn’t sure how I felt about “wild weeing” before I went, but it became normal after a few days. With some lack of strength in my legs, squatting was a bit difficult, but I worked out a way and made sure to hold onto a tree or the jeep bumper. It also helped that I was traveling with a very good friend! Guides are used to stopping and finding safe places for a call of nature, and they give you privacy. Our guide was always willing to help me in and out of the jeep each time.
During our stay in the Serengeti, we were based at a camp and slept under canvas. This was something I had no experience with, and I find it difficult to sleep in unfamiliar places. However, it was a luxury camp, and it was worth spending the money. We had proper beds and a decent, hot shower. There was even good Wi-Fi! We were given the tent closest to the dining tent and the “drop-off” point, so I didn’t need to walk far. While it was step-free, the ground wasn’t completely even, which is to be expected. In the evenings, to get to dinner, we had to flash a torch, and the Masai security would collect us from our tent with a light (in case any big animals decided to come by). This helped me see the ground clearly, so I wasn’t worried about tripping over bumps or dips in the grass. Though on our first night, I must have paused for a second too long to check my footing, and before I knew it, ants were running up the inside of my trousers, spraying their formic acid! I wasn’t hurt, but we had to dash back to our tent, remove the trousers, and hand them out to the camp staff to shake them out. I think they were more embarrassed than I was! No harm done and a funny story to tell! Apart from that incident, I slept so well at the camp. The only sounds were those of nature—an occasional munching animal outside the tent! But the sounds of the wilderness are far more soothing than cars or other man-made noises.
We ended our trip in Tanzania with a few nights on Mafia Island—there’s a whole story about getting to the island, but I realize this blog is getting long. Tanzania was the most magical country I’ve ever visited, and it profoundly impacted my outlook on life. While this is my personal experience and I found it accessible, I’d recommend doing your own research to ensure it will work for you, too. But please, do go—you will never regret it!
A huge thank you to Laura for sharing her fantastic article with The World is Accessible! Don’t forget to follow her journey on Instagram at @laura_the_disabled_explorer.
1 thought on “Breathtaking Tanzania Safari: Laura Cook’s Epic Adventure”
You had me until “wild weeing” 🤣
Amazing write up, though! 😄