Who
is Endeavour Safaris?
We are a family run company in Southern Africa founded to
enhance travel opportunities for various types of disabilities,
including but not limited to Mobility Impairments, Visual
impairments, Senior Travel, Oxygen Users, Kidney dialysis
and Developmental Disabilities.
When
did the business start operating?
The company was established in November 2001. The first
year was spent doing a lot of market research, promotions,
etc. Our tours have been fully-operational since November
2002.
Who
is the Director and what is his background?
Michael Hill is the company director. Prior to starting
his own venture, Mike worked as as a professional safari
guide for 12yrs in Botswana where he gained extensive knowledge
and experience of the African bush. How did the whole concept
of ‘disabled safaris’ and tours come about?
After spending 12yrs in the safari industry leading mobile
safaris for able-bodied travellers throughout Southern Africa,
Mike realised that travel opportunities for wheelchair users
was seriously lacking. Mike’s dream of providing safaris
for persons with disabilities people finally became a reality
when he met his wife, Silvia - an Italian geologist, who
happened to have experience in the disability and handicap
field. Together they began doing extensive market research,
which led finally to the start of their company. So the
company was initially born to provide travel opportunities
for people with mobility impairments in the wilder areas
of Southern Africa, it has since it’s start grown
to three major countries, namely South Africa, Botswana
and Namibia. Along with the growth to these three major
countries, came a growth in the products offered, to where
we are to-day offering various specialised tours for a variety
of disabilities.
Who
is your target market?
Five hundred million disabled people around the world. Naturally
only a certain percentage would be interested in travelling
to Africa. Our main clientele being individual or family
groups, institutional based groups as well as sports team
groups. We currently have agents in Europe, America, Canada,
UK, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
Are
there any disabled persons that Endeavour Safaris does not
accept?
No, not really - we will naturally try to accommodate anyone,
taking their specific disability into account.
Are
clients permitted to travel on their own, or do they have
to be accompanied by a companion/ carer/ etc?
Nobody knows their capabilities like you do, for this reason
we leave the decision of whether or not you need extra help
or not up to you. It all depends on the type and extent
of your disability. In the example of a quadriplegic, very
often the partner or family member will play the carer role.
It is naturally more expensive, should you bring your qualified
carer with you, and for these professional persons we charge
only 60% of the tour cost.
Do
you provide carers?
Yes. We would prefer clients to bring along their own carer,
but should they not wish to do that for some reason, then
we will happily provide a carer for them, at the standard
going rates. Naturally it is more comfortable and less stressful
for the client if they have their own personal carer with
them. For those who do not really need personal care, but
are concerned about lifting heavy suitcases, or helping
push a wheel-chair up a large hill etc, our guides and staff,
naturally try to help as far as possible.
Do
you cater for vegetarians, vegans, etc?
Yes, as long as we are informed in advance we will cater
for any special dietary requirements.
Which
countries does ES mainly operate in?
At the moment our main focus is Botswana, Namibia &
South Africa. We are however currently investigating other
destinations that we would like to include in future tours,
such as Zambia & Mozambique.
What
type of vehicles are used?
In South Africa and often in Namibia, we make use of our
specially adapted Mercedes Sprinter and Toyota Quantum,
whilst in the wilder areas requiring 4x4, of Namibia and
Botswana, we use specially modified Landcruisers.
Besides
the scheduled safaris that ES operates, would it be possible
to tailormake an itinerary should this be requested?
Yes, if necessary we could tailor-make trips to suite the
individual travellers requirements taking their specific
interests into account (such as bird-watching/ fishing/
etc).
Should
clients wish to extend their trip with add-ons, would ES
make all the necessary arrangements, bookings etc?
Yes, no problem to arrange add-ons.
What
additional services could you provide?
- airport meet & greet services
- airport transfers
- assistance with hotel check-ins
- additional accommodation
- meal reservations
- shuttle services to go shopping, etc.
- local tours & excursions (with a specialised language
guide if necessary)
- car hire
- flight bookings
Is
travel/ medical insurance included in the packages?
No - this is for the clients own arrangement and must be
organized prior to commencement of their safari.
Should
a client experience a medical emergency, whilst on tour,
how would ES react to this situation?
In South Africa, we are generally always within close proximity
to hospitals of International standard, Should for whatever
reason this not be the case, we will organise an emergency
air evacuation, to the nearest major hospital for further
medical help. In Botswana and Namibia or other countries
to the North of South Africa, where we find ourselves further
from major city centres, in the event of a medical emergency,
that the local professional medical services, feel needs
hospitalisation, we will without question organise an emergency
air evacuation, to South Africa, or Windhoek the capital
of Namibia.
Are
there any age restrictions?
No, all ages are welcome. However, should clients wish to
bring children on tour with them, we would suggest that
the family book a private trip to prevent inconveniencing
other guests.
Are
children charged the same rates as adults?
No, children under 12yrs of age are charged 50% of the pp
sharing rate. Children have to share with their parents
- this is for their own safety and for our peace of mind.
For children 12yrs and older, normal pp sharing rates are
applicable.
How
does ES deal with a group consisting of different nationalities/
languages/ age groups/ etc?
As we deal internationally with overseas agents and private
people via the internet, we will always have ‘mixed’
groups consisting of different people from various walks
of life. We have never found this to be a problem, in fact
it definitely adds to the overall experience.
If
necessary, could ES provide interpreters?
Yes, at the moment we have Italian & German interpreters
at our disposal.?
