As Epic Expeditions, we started to offer our first overland tours across Southern Africa in 1992, but realised that we had seen very few enabled / differently able travellers enjoying Southern African as overlanders. We evolved to offer accessible travel in 2001 when EPIC ENABLED was born.
About
We specialise in accessible safari & tours for able & disabled travellers alike. EVERYBODY IS WELCOME and you are from all walks of life, nationalities, individuals, families, friends and groups. If you are an independent traveller with a disability, medically fit, come and join our amazing safaris. We offer scheduled monthly departure dates as well as private tours.
Alfie Smith
Alfie Smith is the founder and owner of Epic Enabled and Epic Expeditions, and will be your driver/guide. He is highly trained, motivated and experienced in leadership and group dynamics, and combines an extensive knowledge of local conditions, wildlife, vehicles and mechanical expertise along with a passion for overland safari travel. He is qualified and has travelled extensively during his overlanding years in South America, Europe and Africa.
Sabine Smith
Sabine Smith runs the office. Born in Switzerland, she speaks fluent German. Sabine has travelled extensively in Europe before calling South Africa her new home in 1994. She has run tours in Southern Africa for over nine years.
Alfie and Sabine will try their best to exceed your wildest dreams and make your African holiday a positive memory of an adventure of a life time.
Vehicles & Equipment
Vehicles
We have a variety of vehicles available, depending on the group size. Our accessible vehicles are especially adapted by qualified mechanical engineers for wheelchair (disabled) passengers to travel in total safety and comfort. The wheelchairs are secured by means of factory built, quick release tie-downs to ensure safety while the vehicle is in motion. These tie-downs are bolted and welded to the framework of the vehicle body enhancing the all-round safety aspects.
Each group is different as each individual traveller has different request and needs. We like to keep the liberty of using the best suitable vehicle according to passengers booked on the individual tours.
Large groups: 6 - 12 Passengers
Our newest addition is the Iveco bus 50C15V18 with hydraulic passenger lift. The passenger compartment has been purposely built, with factory-constructed seats with seat belts with the middle row removed for the wheelchairs users. We can accommodate 4 – 6 wheelchair passengers (some will have to transfer into standard vehicle seats) and additional 6 – 8 seated passengers (non-wheelchair users).
Medium groups: 4 - 10 passengers
We use a Mercedes Benz 518 Sprinter bus with hydraulic passenger lift. This Sprinter bus can take 3 – 4 wheelchair passengers (standard size wheelchairs) seated in their wheelchairs, secured with tie-downs to the floor, and an additional 6 – 7 seats passengers.
Transfers
We use a Mercedes Benz 312D Sprinter bus with ramps for wheelchair access. This Sprinter bus can take up to three wheelchair passengers (standard size wheelchairs) seated in their wheelchairs, secured with tie-downs to the floor, and an additional six seated passengers.
Equipment
All quality camping equipment is provided and we prepare our own meals (on the Kruger safari). In addition we can also offer a bath swivel seat, shower/commode wheelchair, emergency wheelchair and movable handlebars.
*Please mention when booking if you would like to make use of any of these aids to make sure we bring them on your tour.*
We can hire the following equipment/aids for your individual needs:
- Electric wheelchair
- Manual wheelchair
- Scooters
- Zimmer frame
- Crutches
- Walking sticks
- Bath swivel seat
- Shower/commode wheelchair
- Shower-hose extensions
- Movable handlebars
- Hoist (not available for the Kruger safari part)
- Oxygen tanks
We can also provide carers/nurses on request at an extra cost.