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Seasonal Discounts
Wilderness And Tsitsikamma National Parks are running 40% off winter specials from 14 July - 25 September 2008 on accommodation and camping.
Tsitsikamma National Park
People with disabilities
Wheelchair access
Accommodation:
There is only one accommodation unit (one of the oceanettes) at the Storms River Mouth Restcamp currently adapted for use by persons in wheelchairs.
Chalets and cottages: None of the chalets or cottages is currently fully accessible to people with severe mobility impairment. Some can be partially accessed with assistance. The family chalets nearest to the Storm’s River Mouth and the main complex are on a flat level and will be revamped and converted into fully accessible units in the near future.
Forest Huts: The existing forest huts have steps and non-accessible communal ablution facilities a distance away from the huts.
Oceanettes: Oceanette G has a sit-down shower with handrails, a raised toilet with rail and elbow taps at the basin. One of the handrails in the sit-down shower is badly positioned and protrudes into the back of people using the seat.
Caravan and Camp Sites: There is one accessible ablution facility for people in wheelchairs. An ablution block that has appropriate roll-in showers, grab-rails on toilets and elbow taps on basins, plus the necessary turning and clearance space. The laundry and cooking facilities, as well as the public phones are all accessible.
Wheelchair Access Activities:
Walks and Trails Perhaps the major ecotourism attraction of the park are its walks and trails, which travel through spectacular coastal and forest scenery. The 5-day Otter Trail has an international reputation, but there are many shorter day walks as well. The most popular of these is the walk from the main complex to the Storms River Mouth Suspension Bridge. Because of the exceptionally rugged terrain, none of the current trails are suitable for persons with mobility impairment. At present people in wheelchairs must content themselves with use of the campsite road, which travels along the coastline in excess of one kilometre. This road provides spectacular views of the adjacent Indian Ocean and its sea-life.
The boardwalk to the Storms River Mouth involves crossing a sea inlet and ascending some steep slopes. It is thus not an access option. People with mobility difficulties can however catch a ride (assistance on and off the vessel will be required) the Spirit of Tsitsikamma boat up the Storms River Gorge. Because of the difficult terrain, trails that would provide forest access to people with mobility impairment are being looked at elsewhere in the park. Limited access can currently be made at the Grootrivier picnic site in the Nature's Valley section. An interpretive trail is earmarked for this location.
Snorkelling, scuba diving and canoeing are all activities that many people with mobility difficulties can and do take part in. The park will gladly assist anyone wishing to try such activities. Individuals must just advise the assisting staff as to what their limits are. Visitors with disabilities who would like to contact the park in advance to discuss such activities are encouraged to contact the reception on 042 2811607.
There are other privately run activities in the vicinity of the park that afford access opportunity. A visit to Monkeyland (in a 12 hectare plot in the Tsitsikamma Forest just off the N2) is highly recommended. Most of the reserve is accessible, while guides are more than willing to assist where paths are difficult.
The Dolphin trail is a luxury 3-day trail, which starts in the park and ends at Forest Ferns via Misty Mountain Reserve. It is a fully inclusive trail – all meals, accommodation and transport is included and guided. For more information: Dolphin Trail.
(Please see additional information on Wheelchair Accessibility)
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