Accessibility for All Magazine August 2024 | Page 78

Liffestyle / Travel

Ximuwu Lodge :

An accessible destination for your bucket list

" Five years ago , I spent three months in a wheelchair after a failed back surgery . This experience made me acutely aware of what is convenient and what isn ’ t for those with mobility challenges . When the idea to build our own lodge arose during COVID-19 , my wife , Elly and I agreed to create a completely wheelchair-accessible place . We envisioned a lodge where guests could fully enjoy the bush without the compromises of unsightly grab bars or hospital beds . Instead , we aimed for tasteful , natural aesthetics .
We wanted our guests to experience the thrill of an open game viewer , feeling the wind through their hair and the scents of the bush all around . Believing we could achieve our vision without an architect , we partnered with a builder who shared our mindset . From the outset , Elly took charge of the interior , while I focused on the exterior design . We choose a terrain that is even with no obstacles which made the design a lot easier ." ~ Patrick Suverein
Wheelchair access
We paved all paths connecting the suites to the main building and designed the gutters for water disposal after heavy rainfall to be wheelchair-friendly . Wheelchair users can easily move from their rooms to the main building and back . In front of the main building , we built a large ramp for wheelchair access and parking for the Gameviewer . It features specially designed doors and unique sliding seats , allowing guests to slide from their wheelchair onto the seat , which can then be slid back into the Gameviewer . If needed , we can strap them in securely before closing the door for the game drive .
Ramps , no elevators
Everything is on one level , eliminating the need for elevators . We have ramps leading from our main deck to the campfire at the boma
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