Africa is famous for its safari tourism, offering world-class game reserves and animal encounters. However, these safaris are primarily designed for those who rely on their vision to interpret and evaluate their surroundings, creating barriers for visually impaired individuals who want to experience African bushes.
When the company first opened for business, South Africa-based sound safari's Multi-sensory safari was aimed at tourists who wanted something different to normal game drives. Sound Safaris used advanced stereo microphones and amplifiers mounted on game drive cars to shoot intricate soundscapes of the bush and sent directly to the guests via individual headphones. In this way, they can be heard that most human ears can pick up, above 20-20,000 Hertz.
“Multisensible safari is a growing trend driven by travelers seeking more awareness of the environment and its impacts and meaningful experiences, which are more memorable,” says Sarah Solomon, co-founder of Sound Safaris. “They are more immersed, rich, and make them “feel” rather than see the natural world. ”
She adds that by including all the senses, it changes how people appreciate and enjoy the wildlife experience. “It's a deeper experience that resonates with responsible travelers.”
According to Sarah, multisensory safari is for those seeking a deeper connection with nature and wanting to learn about many aspects of nature, not just vision.
I'll take the blind man to the bush
Recognizing that Safaris can provide potential sound for people with visual impairments, the team was involved in the highly acclaimed documentary Call of the Wild, in which viewers join blind children on game drives.
Following the success of the documentary, the company led its first safari in December 2024 for local families with visually impaired children.
This experience has elevated the audio side and went beyond exploring the scent and touch. Sound Safaris drives past piles of poop to bring out the smell of the environment, pulling out puddles and leaves, and making extra effort to help guests feel the bushes close by. Furthermore, every time they stopped to listen to the animals, the guide crossed the animal skin binder to feel what the children were hearing.
Three visually impaired teenagers in the group highlighted how surprised they were that South Africa created an inclusive experience for everyone. “I never want to go on a traditional safari again,” the person said. “The sound was enhanced, and I could hear more than just footprints. It was like regaining my vision for 20/20.”
“It was heartwarming to see how much they enjoyed the experience,” says Solomon. She explains that multisensory safaris open doors for those who think that traditional wildlife viewing experiences are not easily accessible due to visual components. “All senses are involved now – vision, hearing, smell, taste, touch. It's a rewarding and exciting adventure for everyone.”
Physical barriers to entry for blind people
Despite the growing demand for inclusive tourism, finding facilities for people with visual impairments is still difficult in South Africa. Sound Safaris is open within the Kwalata Private Game Lodge in the Dinokeng Game Reserve in northern Gauteng. The 20,000 hectares of bush belts and grassland reserve is the only one in the world within the metro boundaries featuring the famous Big Five, the Great Plains for gaming viewing, and more than 380 bird species.
It also has a disability-friendly destination, chalets with shower chairs and bathroom safe railings, and unruly facilities for people with vision loss, wheelchairs, or walking AIDS.
Economic challenges for visually impaired families
Professional accessibility tourism is often very expensive as a fully comprehensive tourism experience often requires a significant investment in infrastructure, specialized equipment and trained guides. While important costs can be charged through tax incentives, families with visually impaired children often find these to be insufficient to cover actual costs.
Family safaris with sound safaris were made possible by private donors. This is a great example of how the private sector can support a more inclusive society. Through the Corporate Social Investment (CSI) Program – Funding the development of disability-friendly facilities, donating to tourism accessibility programs, and ensuring visually impaired individuals can experience many previously excluded activities, whether they are sponsored by SAFARI.
Investing in inclusive tourism benefits everyone. Enrich South Africa's tourism offering, strengthen corporate social responsibility efforts, and most importantly, make the magic of African bushes accessible to everyone. As more companies realize the value of supporting such initiatives, the dream of a truly inclusive safari can soon become a reality.
