Help with disability on Kilimanjaro Safaris

[ChallengerHK1]

I'm planning a visit with my girlfriend who has a significant back injury. She's pretty much unable to do most of the thrill rides, but there are plenty of other experiences that, with Disney's help I've been able to plan potential solutions around most of the problems I expect to encounter, save one.

I'm trying to figure out a way to let her experience Kilimanjaro Safaris. The issues for her will be the bumpy road and the bridge that is rigged to "collapse". The side to side jostling from those would lay her up for the next day, so I'm looking for alternatives. What I've looked into so far are:

• the Wild Africa Trek - the motorized portion apparently uses the same roads
• either the Sunrise or Sunset Safaris form the Animal Kingdom Lodge - same issues
• paying Disney to take us around in another vehicle which could travel more slowly - they're not interested, and I understand their reasons

Disney's suggestion has been to use the Pangani Trail as an alternative, and while it is indeed an alternative, I don't think it replaces the Safaris. Can anyone think of another idea that I've missed?

 

[Alesia]

There is no way to do the safari without the bumpiness. Anyone with a significant back injury should not go on it.

I know it isn't what you want to hear, but there is no way your girlfriend can safely do the safari.

 

[Allison]

I don't have any suggestions for you. I don't think there is a way for her to explore the safari safely. However, there is a great disabilities board on the dis that may be of help to you in considering other activities she would enjoy.

 

[HopperFan]

It's a rough ride. My DS can not sit towards the back but even the front is bumpy. There really is no alternative for doing the safari that won't involve bumpy rides.

The two trails, Pagani in Africa and Maharajah in Asia, really have great viewing of the animals. I would plan both of these and take your time to enjoy them. Even around the tree are some great views, we loved watching the kangaroos there. Take some time for the Oasis area, great viewing of warthog and anteater there. And plenty of other animals.

 

[lroger01]

Can she wear a brace or something that would limit back flexibility? That way her body moves as a whole and absorbs the motion, instead of just her back.

 

[carlyle688]

Not the same as the safari of course, but you could visit the AKL and get up pretty close to giraffes, zebras and some other animals.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

If her back injury cannot handle the bumpy course, she will not be able to do the safari. They caution guests with back pain not to ride. The best you can do is look into some of the special tours and see if they operate without the bumpy ride. You should also consider visiting AKL or Kidani to see animals up close (herbivores only, no lions)

 

[tomatecerise]

I have back problems (arthrosis, osteophytis and 2 hernia) and i can make the safari because i use the muscles on my legs to avoid bumping on my back. And the driver Was very slow because we see number of animals. It she had back problems without making physiotherapy and ergotherapy it's not for her. I learn how to use other parts of my body to manage this.

And we have worst roads in Québec! It's true! Check this is the same year after year and it's "normal"

 

[Simba's Mom]

I have significant back problems and always ask for the first or second row. The last time I got stuck sitting in the back, we went over a bump and my back really got jarred HARD. Occassionally I've had to wait for the next jeep, a few extra seconds, but what a huge difference the front seat makes!

 

[ChallengerHK1]

I figured that would be the case. Thanks for all the replies. I had exhausted my bag of tricks, so I thought I'd see if anyone else had an idea that hadn't occurred to me. I'm sure we're going to have a great trip, but since she's forbidden to even think about a thrill ride, I want to get all of the non-thrill rides we can get

 

[AngiTN]

It's not the same but you may want to consider the train to Rafiki's. It's at least an interesting ride and it's not jarring like the Safari is

 

[anonymousegirl]

Go to Animal Kingdom lodge in after dark and use the night binoculars, stay for the campfire and speak with the naturalists, and then enjoy a drink or two, or dinner at one of the highly-regarded restaurants. It won't be the same as the safari, but maybe a nice alternative.

 

[JenLanDisney]

Go to Animal Kingdom lodge in after dark and use the night binoculars, stay for the campfire and speak with the naturalists, and then enjoy a drink or two, or dinner at one of the highly-regarded restaurants. It won't be the same as the safari, but maybe a nice alternative.

This is a wonderful suggestion!

 

[ChallengerHK1]

 

[danny1649]

No don't let friend ride it is way to rough and bumpy. DW has some back trouble and rode it, when we got off she said never again.