Top 5 Accessible Landmarks in South Africa
This post was last updated on February 19th, 2024
South Africa has an abundance of world-renowned attractions that can be enjoyed by tourists and locals alike.
Thankfully, the staff at many of these fantastic places have thought about all of their potential visitors and taken measures to improve accessibility. It doesn’t always take much, but when implemented successfully, the addition of ramps, new stair lifts, disabled bathrooms, and other accessible features will make the world of difference to some visitors! If you’re looking for some inspiration for your upcoming trip, read on to discover South Africa’s top five accessible landmarks.
1. Table Mountain — Cape Town
Table Mountain national park has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its incredible flora and fauna. Containing the richest, yet smallest, floral kingdom on earth, the natural landscape surrounding the peak is simply breath-taking! Seeing the sprawling bay of Cape Town from this incredible vantage point is number one on most tourists’ South African bucket list — it is an incredible place to enjoy sunrise, sunset, or a bright, beautiful day. The Mountain is topped by a three-kilometre plateau, from which you can see the neighbouring mountains: Lion’s Head and Devil’s Peak.
Accessibility
The panoramic views from the top may be breath-taking, but the long journey up the mountain can be a real challenge. Luckily, a wheelchair accessible cable car has been constructed so that no one has to miss out.
From the moment you reach the car park you are in good hands. Disabled parking spaces (with a valid parking disk) are provided, and assistants will be on hand to point you in the right direction or guide you to the start of the cable car. The cable cars are each equipped with doors wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair, as well as low windows so that the views can be easily enjoyed all the way up.
When you reach the peak, you will be greeted by a wheelchair friendly walkway to the viewpoints. Both the Agama and Dassie walkways are paved and therefor easy to access for wheelchair users. There is also a café equipped with ramps and wide aisles, as well as disabled toilet facilities.
Opening times
1 May – 31 August 2019
First car up: 08:30
Last car up: 17:00
Last car down: 18:00
2. Company Gardens — Cape Town
Located in the centre of Cape Town, the Company Gardens are surrounded by interesting and historical landmarks. If you spend a day here, you will be able to visit the South African National gallery, the Planetarium, Iziko South African Museum, and the Houses of Parliament. The gardens are also a beautiful place to have a picnic or an explore in the sun. They were named after the Dutch East India Company, who established the gardens in 1652.
Accessibility
The Company Gardens are easily accessible. They are located in the city centre and near plenty of public transport routes. Paved paths cover their length, so there is no need to worry about rough terrain and wheelchair accessibility!
Opening times
Daily: 07:00–17:00
3. Boulders Beach Penguin Colony
Situated roughly forty-five-kilometres south of Cape Town, Boulders Beach is the best place to see the endangered species of African penguin (Spheniscus demersus). Seeing this little colony is sure to be a highlight of your trip — the penguins are friendly and very cute! Many visit Boulders Beach as part of a full tour day stretching all the way down to the Cape of Good Hope, but it is also accessible separately via public transport.
Accessibility
Although the swimming area isn’t accessible for those with disabilities, you can get close to the penguins and get a great view from the surrounding walkways. The wooden paths run right next to the beach, and the penguins will come and say a close-up hello next to the netting that separates them from the path.
Furthermore, there is a large disabled washroom available, equipped with handlebars and an adult changing table.
Opening times
April – September 08:00–17:00
December – January 07:00–19:30
February – March 08:00–18:30
October – November 08:00–18:30
4. The Origins Centre Museum — Johannesburg
A visit to the Origins Centre Museum in Johannesburg is sure to be interesting and enlightening. This museum, which part of the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, explores the history of humankind. Here you can view a large collection of historical artefacts that can be traced back to the earliest emergence of humankind! The museum showcases ancient tools, rock art collection, archaeological materials, and much more!
Accessibility
The museum, as well as the wider university campus, is wheelchair accessible featuring ramps where needed. Every area of the museum has been considered, and there are many ramps and stairlifts throughout the building, ensuring guests can access every artefact.
Guide dogs are welcome, and accessible, gender neutral toilets are situated in the Forecourt and on the mezzanine level.
Opening times
Daily 10:00–17:00
5. Mandela House — Johannesburg
Widely regarded as a national hero, Nelson Mandela is celebrated in South Africa. Many tourists and locals alike flock to see the house he was raised in. The Mandela family lived in this Johannesburg house between 1946 and the 1990s, after which it was donated to the Soweto Heritage Trust in 1997. The house was officially recognised as a national monument in February 1999. As this was the house Nelson Mandela returned to in 1990 after his imprisonment, it holds incredible historical significance.
Accessibility
The house is quite small and can only hold a maximum of 20 people at a time. This makes it slightly more difficult to access for disabled visitors, as they might endure a short wait before entering the building. The house itself, however, is wheelchair friendly with accessible bathrooms.
Opening times
Daily 09:00–17:00
There are many incredible places to visit during your time in South Africa, and luckily your holiday doesn’t have to be restricted by poor accessibility standards. The above landmarks have improved in accessibility so everyone can enjoy the wonders of this country!
Sources
- https://www.capetown.travel/explore-cape-towns-iconic-table-mountain/
- http://www.mandelahouse.com/
- http://www.littlemissturtle.com/boulders-beach-penguin-colony-wheelchair/
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