Welcome to another edition of Kusa Cast, where we interview some of the most influential people in tourism from around the world. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Claire Minchin, the founder of Vumbua Africa, a tour operator that focuses on accessible travel within Africa. In this episode, we will explore the inspiration behind Vumbua Africa and discuss the importance of making travel inclusive for people with varying abilities.
The Inspiration Behind Vumbua Africa
Claire Minchin has a background as a social worker supporting families with children who have disabilities, joined forces with Keith Johnston to create a tour operator that caters to the needs of all travellers. Claire’s personal experience of traveling with her daughter who required a wheelchair, highlighted the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities when it comes to finding suitable accommodations and activities.
“My background is as a social worker, so I’ve worked most of my working life in supporting families with children who have a range of disabilities. I’m really aware that for families, holidays are expensive. Often if they need particular accommodation, it can be challenging if you’ve got someone with additional needs. People never really feel confident that the accommodation they book will meet their needs or that the activities they want to go on will be accessible”, said Claire.
Defining Accessibility
When it comes to terminology, Claire prefers to use the term “accessibility” to describe their focus on making travel inclusive for all individuals, regardless of age, disability, or infirmity. She acknowledges that the term can mean different things to different people, but the goal is to ensure that everyone can experience the joy of travel.
“I just talk about accessibility, and like I said, it’s a word I don’t really like because it just means different things to different people. But what we are aiming to do and what we try to get across is that you don’t have to have a disability. You might just be a person who currently or since the time that you booked has an injury which requires that you might be on crutches or something, but you still want to do that trip.”
Making Travel Inclusive
Vumbua Africa strives to match their clients with accommodations, itineraries, and transportation that meet their individual needs. They work closely with their partners to ensure that the necessary accessibility features are in place, such as ramped vehicles, accessible rooms, and alternative routes for those with mobility challenges.
“We use Keith’s wide knowledge of Africa, and mine, which is growing with a number of trips I’ve done now. So that’s really invaluable to knowing where people would like to go and what’s out there. And then my understanding of the challenges, perhaps, of accessibility and trying to ensure that we match our clients with accommodation, itineraries, and transport, etc., that actually meet their individual needs.”
The Cost of Accessibility
One of the concerns often raised is the potential increase in cost for accessible travel. Claire and Keith believe that individuals with disabilities should not be charged more than able-bodied travelers. They work with their partners to ensure that the prices remain fair and that accessible options are not priced higher than standard options.
Adapting Vehicles for Accessibility
One of the challenges in making travel accessible is adapting vehicles to accommodate individuals with disabilities. Safari vehicles, in particular, can be difficult to access for those with mobility challenges. However, Vumbua Africa works with partners who have already adapted their vehicles to be more inclusive.
“Some of the vehicles that are in use at the moment are adaptable. They can have seats in or seats out, and they can adapt. So people that are able-bodied, the vehicle can be used for that. Yes, if they need to have a wheelchair in, but no seating, they can take the seating out. So the vehicles can be used either way”, said Keith.
Popular Destinations for Accessible Travel
When it comes to destinations, Vumbua Africa has found that South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda are popular choices for accessible travel. These countries offer a range of attractions, from Table Mountain and penguins in South Africa to safaris in Kenya and Tanzania. Uganda, in particular, is known for its gorilla trekking experiences, which can also be made accessible for individuals with disabilities.
“I think the comfortable place to go is quite often as a start for people is to go to South Africa because it’s the most known. People know a lot about Table Mountain and the penguins and going up to Robben Island and places like that. And then people sort of think of other things”, said Claire.
The Progress of Accessibility in Travel
While progress in making travel more accessible has been slow, there is a growing recognition of the need to cater to a diverse range of travelers. People are becoming more aware of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and are working towards creating inclusive experiences. However, there is still work to be done in terms of standardizing accessibility across different countries and ensuring that all travelers can enjoy the same opportunities.
The Future of Accessible Travel
Looking ahead, Claire and Keith are optimistic about the future of accessible travel. They believe that as more people recognize the importance of inclusivity, there will be a greater demand for accessible options. They also hope that the travel industry will continue to adapt and improve its offerings to cater to the needs of all travellers.
In conclusion, Vumbua Africa is leading the way in making travel accessible for all individuals. Through their focus on inclusivity and their partnerships with accessible accommodations and transportation providers, they are ensuring that everyone can experience the wonders of Africa. While progress has been slow, there is a growing recognition of the need for accessibility in the travel industry. With continued efforts and a commitment to inclusivity, the future of accessible travel looks promising. Let us work together to create a world where everyone can explore and enjoy the beauty of our planet.
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