Thanks to two visionary travellers with a passion for inclusivity, the Sahara Desert is finally a place where disabled travellers can explore.
Deep within the Erg Chebbi dunes on the edge of the Sahara Desert lies a luxury Berber camp with an exceptional proposition. Thanks to two visionary travellers with a passion for inclusivity, Jaimas Madu can now open its doors to travellers with disabilities, consequently opening up a whole new world of possibilities.
Authentic travel experiences are rarely accessible for those navigating the world differently. As a manual wheelchair user and paraplegic for nearly twenty years, I have experienced limited opportunities off the beaten path. Often, our travel experiences are adapted to meet our needs, restricting us to what is accessible. Real adventures seem reserved for those blessed with both the means and the ability to explore freely.
Therefore, sitting in the cozy doorway of a Berber tent, the fresh morning air in the Sahara reminds me to pinch myself. I had always believed the desert was no place for someone like me, yet here I am, wrapped in an indigo scarf, eagerly awaiting my camel.
I roll out quietly, trying not to disturb the other guests. Each tent is heated and decorated with hand-embroidered rugs, offering weary desert dwellers a peaceful night’s sleep, encouraged by a delicious six-course traditional dinner served upon arrival.
A concrete seating area, coated in colorful carpets, allows me to navigate this otherwise inaccessible land. As I wait for the sun to rise and illuminate the dunes, a deeper feeling inside tells me I have been craving an experience like this for most of my life.
This adventure began 300 miles away in the bustling souks of Marrakech. Our journey took us through the High Atlas Mountains and brought us to the border of Algeria, where we spent a quintessential Arabian night in the desert. This itinerary, while seemingly standard for Morocco, features a unique approach tailored for inclusivity.
Erik Neufeld and Jeremy Schmidt, based in Fez, curated this trip specifically for me. Their website promises no compromises, and I trust them to show me the best of Morocco.
Erik and Jeremy, who name themselves as Accessible Morocco Travel Consultants, have travelled extensively throughout the country to assess experiences for accessibility. Neither have physical disabilities; however, they understand the significance of thorough assessments to facilitate bespoke inclusive experiences. This is allyship—spoken with fluency in Arabic—at its finest.
Knowing that the medinas of Marrakech offer wheelchair users a relatively easy day out, I began my adventure there. Thanks to assistance from a disability-trained city tour guide named Abdul, I navigated through the 19th-century Bahia Palace, experiencing its artistic details and understanding the diverse history of this city.
We then savored a lamb tagine followed by leisurely exploration of the Ben Youseff Mosque and the vibrant Jemaa el-Fna Square, where I relaxed and enjoyed the atmosphere.
Day two introduced us to the call of adventure as we began our ascent to Quazazt along the scenic road lined with Kasbahs, passing traditional clay-baked villages.
The lunar landscape spread before us, presenting challenges for accessibility, but we found moments of resilience, witnessing how adaptability is fundamental to life in this terrain.
At the monumental Todra Gorge, I learned from my guides about the challenging perceptions of disability in Morocco. Their efforts aim to increase visibility and transform negative attitudes. Erik articulated their commitment to providing equal opportunities for disabled travellers, emphasizing the need for tailored solutions and attentive listening to guests’ needs.
Eventually, I was lifted into the world’s first adapted camel saddle, designed by Erik and Jeremy, as the sun rose over the horizon. In that moment, I realized they are pioneers, transforming the landscape of inclusive travel and allowing everyone to join in the adventure.
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