Arrival at Cape Town International Airport

Cape Town International Airport provides step-free access from aircraft to terminal when assistance is requested in advance. Always notify your airline at least 48 hours before departure if you require wheelchair assistance before boarding. The Passport Control hall at Cape Town airport is on the ground floor; there are lifts but it might involve a circuitous route. Cape Town airport has:

• Assistance staff available from aircraft to baggage claim
• Elevators between levels
• Wide corridors and doors, as well as step-free routes
• Accessible toilets throughout arrivals and departures

Most of the accessible toilets (restrooms) include grab rails and adequate turning space. They are located in all major terminal areas and are clearly marked. Look upwards for the yellow signage. It is a good idea to empty any bag before leaving the airport building; you're likely to be in a car for another hour or more.

Airport Transfers & Getting Into a Vehicle

Standard taxis and ride-share vehicles are not wheelchair accessible. The drivers are not trained nor insured to perform manual transfers. It is best that your travel companion does a manual transfer using your sliding board. If you require a ramp or lift-equipped vehicle, you will need to pre-book such a vehicle. Pop-a-wheelchair - a local operator specializing in wheelchair accessible vehicles for transfers to hotels - has rear-entry vehicles for taking you to your next stop if you would prefer that.

It is necessary to:

• Pre-arrange accessible private transfers before arrival if not hiring a car
• Confirm ramp or hydraulic lift availability on the vehicle
• Confirm wheelchair tie-down system for your chair if remaining seated in a rear-entry vehicle
• If renting your own car at the airport, it is best for your companion to drive

Investigate UberAssist. In Cape Town some Uber drivers are (somewhat) trained to help the elderly but not allowed to do manual transfers with you. The vehicles won't have ramps, but will have space to handle a collapsed wheelchair, not a motorised one. This service does not cost extra (same as UberX) but waiting times can be longer depending on where you are.

Cape Town's roads are generally smooth. Some suburban areas have uneven pavements and steep gradients, especially when you get closer to the mountain and the city centre.

Arriving at Your Hotel

Major hotels in the V&A Waterfront, City Centre and Atlantic Seaboard areas typically offer accessible rooms — but availability is limited. Pre-booking months in advance is advisable.

Always confirm the following before booking:

• Roll-in shower (not a shower-over-bath)
• Grab rails beside toilet and in shower
• Bathroom door width (minimum 80cm recommended)
• Step-free hotel entrance
• Lift access to room floor if it isn't on the ground floor

Wheelchair-Friendly Attractions

What Cape Town Gets Right — and What It Doesn’t

• Major tourist sites are generally accessible.
• Luxury and chain hotels usually offer adapted bathrooms, but you must check this.
• Steep gradients are common.
• In the city centre the traffic lights can change quickly; do not dawdle if crossing a street.
• Not all restaurants have accessible toilets — confirm in advance. Eateries in shopping malls rely on public toilets to provide this service; these are usually in order for your use.
• Smaller older, heritage buildings may have steps, even in the Winelands.
• Pharmacies are plentiful, well-stocked and cheap. Look for Clicks and Dis-Chem for your medical needs.
• The poor public transport system makes hiring your own car the easiest option to get around. Self-driving is advised against; companion should do so.
• Designated parking bays are usually to be found at the major attractions and shopping malls.
• Finding a suitable parking spot (especially in the city centre where the ground is uneven) that allows for a safe transfer out of the car can take some time to locate.
• Petty crime in the city centre is a problem. Whilst doing a transfer, keep an eye out also for unwanted visitors.
• Because of the topography and crowds, a motorised wheelchair is something of a luxury.

Final Practical Advice

• Pre-book assistance at airport and attractions.
• A disposable urinal bag (like TravelJohn) might be a good idea.
• You'll be crossing both tropics and the equator; at least one will have turbulence, so remain buckled up, especially when sleeping.
• A memory foam neck-pillow is a good idea, especially for the long flight.
• It is vital to guard against pressure sores from the long flight. Set a recurring alarm on your phone for during the flight to readjust.
• Reserve accessible hotel rooms early.
• Allow extra time for transport and gradients.
• Carry printed copies of your prescriptions as a precaution, not only on your phone.
• Do not panic if you left something at home. This is a huge city with many shops, with tens of thousands of wheelchair users.
• Check toileting/bag situation before long excursions.
• Do not make it easy for grabbing hands to get into your bags; keep them zipped and securely attached, especially under your chair. A bag hanging over the back of the chair is an easy target; on the lap it goes.
• Get in the habit of keeping to the shade; dehydration happens quickly.
• If you're a tetraplegic, remind your PA to check you for AD. It's easy to become distracted by the scenery.
• It is possible and tempting to summon an Uber van, but it isn't likely to have a tie-down system.
• Consider your travel companion's condition and enjoyment too.
• After your first day you'll both settle and begin to enjoy yourselves.

→ Also worth reading: Our Cape Town guide to transport — we know the importance of wheels for you.