From Penguins to Treetops: Exploring Cape Town with limited mobility

Cape Town is a city of breathtaking beauty, but for families navigating the world with wheelchairs or Mobility Scooters, the "beauty" is often in the accessibility. With a little planning, Cape Town offers incredible experiences that everyone—regardless of mobility—can enjoy together.

Here are our favorite tried-and-tested spots for an inclusive family day out.

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1. The Iconic "Red Bus" (City Sightseeing)

This is a personal favorite and no two trips are ever the same. On one adventure, you can hop off to see the World of Birds; on another, you may choose to spent the afternoon at Mariner’s Wharf.

• Why we love it: The buses feature a dedicated ramp for easy boarding. Wheelchairs park on the lower level.

• For the Kids: There’s a dedicated "Kids Channel" on the audio guide (available in 15 languages!).

• Eco-Friendly: It’s South Africa’s first carbon-neutral tour, so you can feel good about your carbon footprint while playing tourist.

2. Iziko South African Museum & Planetarium

Located right next to the Company’s Garden, this museum is a masterclass in accessibility. Gentle ramps connect every floor, and there are elevators for quick movement between levels.

• The Highlights: Whether you are interested in dinosaurs, sharks, or mammals, there is a display to pique everyone's interest.

• The Planetarium: This is the ultimate "out of this world" experience. The immersive dome takes you on a journey through the universe that they won’t soon forget.

3. The Company’s Garden

If the sun is shining, there is no place more magical. The paved pathways are perfectly wheelchair-accessible, making it ideal for a leisurely family stroll.

• Pro Tip: Buy a bag of peanuts from the vendors at the entrance. The squirrels and pigeons are famously friendly and hungry.

• Dining: The on-site restaurant offers a tranquil spot for a meal under the trees.

4. Two Oceans Aquarium

Who doesn’t love the aquarium? From the mesmerizing kelp forest to the predator exhibit, it’s a sensory wonderland.

• Accessibility: The entire building is ramped, allowing wheelchair users to get right up to the glass for "face-to-fin" encounters.

• Hands-on Fun: Future marine biologists will love the touch pools and microscope displays.

5. Planet Kids (Muizenberg)

This indoor playpark is a true hidden gem. It’s one of the few places we’ve found that truly has "differently-abled" children in mind with their equipment.

• An inclusive experience: The absolute standout is the indoor ramped jungle gym. It is built with wooden ramps and enclosed in netting, allowing children to use their wheelchairs up and around the structure entirely unassisted. 

6. World of Birds (Hout Bay)

With over 400 species, this bird sanctuary is a tropical paradise. Most of the paths and restrooms are wheelchair-accessible.

• The Monkey Jungle: The squirrel monkey sanctuary is a must-visit. Despite the signs saying "Do not touch the monkeys," the monkeys clearly didn't get the memo! Expect tiny fingers to be tugging at your hair and bags the moment you walk in.

• Bonus: Visitors in wheelchairs often receive free entry (check their latest site info!).

7. Kirstenbosch "Boomslang" Treetop Walkway

Kirstenbosch is world-renowned for a reason. While much of the garden is accessible, the famous "Boomslang" walkway is the real draw.

• The Accessibility Note: While the walkway itself is wheelchair-friendly, it is situated on a slope in the Arboretum. You may need a bit of extra "muscle", if your device is not motorized, to navigate the steeper gradients leading up to it, but the view from the canopy is worth the effort.

8. Butterfly World

This is a wonderful, environmentally conscious park. They’ve done away with bottled water in favor of compostable cups and refill stations, which we love.

• Ease of Access: The establishment is fully accessible to the physically challenged, featuring designated parking and accessible toilets. It’s a calm, beautiful environment for the whole family.

9. Drumbeat Charters – Seal Island

If you want to get out on the water, Drumbeat Charters in Hout Bay offers wheelchair-accessible boat trips. Seeing hundreds of seals lounging on the rocks is a fantastic experience that feels like a real sea-faring adventure.