The Kruger National Park has added four new, special activity vehicles to its fleet. These vehicles are adpted to cater to people with mobility challenges so that they can also enjoy game drives.
General Manager of the Manual Region of the Kruger National park (KNP), Lucy Nhlapo officially unveiled the vehicles on 4 December 2018. Each vehicle has 14 seats and is equipped to lift a maximum weight of 250kg, which will benefit wheelchair users.
Nhlapo explains that the KNP wants to ensure that all visitors are given equal access to the facilities and amenities of the park. “KNP aims to enhance the recognition for and appreciation of people with disabilities; including our tourists. We would like to ensure that the Park promotes access whilst creating an inclusive environment which provides wildlife experience for all,” she said.
Facebook/SANParks/ Ms Deliwe Sambo
“We believe that the launch of the activity vehicles for people with mobility challenge will increase awareness and understanding as well as improving access to the tourists with disabilities; in particular the wheelchair users for their benefit and enjoyment. We place commitment to equity and diversity and these we can only achieve if we give access to everybody in our tourism offerings, regardless of their physical, intellectual of sensory capabilities,” said Nhlapo
The KNP wants to provide equal access to its facilities for everyone and even has a scent and sound stimulation area at the Indigenous Nursery in Skukuza, specifically for the visually impaired.
Facebook/SANParks/ Mr Paul Shabangu from Mpumalanga’s Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport was one of the guests who got an opportunity to test out the new Activity Vehicles for people with mobility challenge.
There are several areas at the Kruger National Park that provide universal access:
1. The Rhino Museum at Berg en Dal
2. The Indigenous Nursery ar Skukuza.
3. Accessible Trail at Berg en Dal Camp
4. The Elephant Interpretive Centre, located at Letaba Camp.
Picture: SANParks/ Facebook
