Disabled Visitors

Nelson Mandela Bay is a suitable holiday destination for the physically challenged with a select variety of activities, attractions and accommodation options available. Many tourist- related organisations and service-providers within the Bay are also becoming more aware of the importance of accessibility and the special needs of the physically disabled. 

Accessible sights and attractions are available in, for instance, Bayworld (Port Elizabeth Museum Complex) and the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum. The popular Apple Express Stream Train is also able to accommodate wheelchair-reliant visitors to the city while the Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World, located on the beachfront, has been designed to fully accommodate all guests. A great option during inclement weather is ten-pin bowling at the Boardwalk.  

Walmer Park Shopping and Entertainment Centre, one of Nelson Mandela Bay's up-market retail shopping complexes, is among the most wheelchair friendly centres in the region. Wheelchair-users have easy access to all the amenities within the complex, including the movie theatres, ablution facilities, restaurants, coffee shops and clothing stores. Other wheelchair-friendly shopping centres include the Bridge Shopping and Entertainment Centre and the Greenacres Shopping Centre. 

The Addo Elephant National Park, only 72 km from Nelson Mandela Bay, has two fully accessible chalets. Each chalet can accommodate a maximum of four visitors.

The physically challenged tourist can also savour a variety of cuisine on offer in the Friendly City. Some restaurants are fully wheelchair-friendly, this includes accessibility to ablution facilities. A larger number, however, are partially accessible and only have a ramp for easy access through the front door. Braille menus are available at all Dulce Coffee Shops.

Nelson Mandela Bay's renowned beaches facilitate access of wheelchairs especially along the King's Beach promenade. The recently upgraded McArthur's Pool and Leisure Centre comprises two open-air warm fresh-water pools as well as a larger swimming pool and during the summer season lifeguards are on duty to assist disabled bathers in and out of the water. Four of the beaches in Nelson Mandela Bay have received Blue Flag status for the 2008/9 season, namely Hobie, Humewood, King’s and Wells Estate beaches. This is an international award only given to those beaches that meet excellence in safety, amenities, cleanliness and environmental standards. Improved and upgraded facilities at Humewood Beach focus on accessibility for wheelchair users, including accessible ablution facilities.

For the outdoor enthusiast, the option of bird watching is available and disabled visitors may enjoy the birdlife from the wheelchair-friendly bird-hide at Settlers Park. Many of the parks and gardens within the city's perimeters are beautifully maintained and can be enjoyed by all.

The PPC Discovery Trail, situated in the Addo Elephant National Park is a 2 km trail, which allows wheelchair-bound and other disabled persons to have greater access to their natural surroundings. A rope railing is provided to assist the partially sighted to navigate the trail. 

Find accommodation that is disabled friendly in Nelson Mandela Bay. (Port Elizabeth, Uitenhage, Despatch, Colchester, Addo and surrounds).