SOUTH AFRICA'S INDEPENDENT ACCESSIBILITY CERTIFICATION

Know what you're
getting before you go

Independent grading and certification for South African accommodation — so guests with accessibility needs can travel with confidence, and properties can prove what they offer.

I run a property — get certified I'm a traveller — find a property → Traveller Registration
78%
of wheelchair users always call ahead because they can't trust online accessibility information
Access Assured focus groups
50%
say the lack of reliable information actively prevents them from travelling
Access Assured focus groups
4.7M
South Africans living with a physical disability — a travel market almost entirely unserved
StatsSA Census
2–3×
companions travel with every accessible guest, multiplying the value of every booking
Open Doors Organization
Verification Gap

"Wheelchair friendly" means nothing without proof.

Millions of South Africans and international travellers with accessibility needs face the same reality every time they travel — calling ahead, hoping the room matches the website, and arriving to find it doesn't.

For a person using a wheelchair, arriving at a property that has misrepresented its accessibility is not a minor inconvenience. It can mean being stranded at a threshold, unable to use a bathroom or bedroom.

Right now, there is no independent verification body for accessibility in South African accommodation. Any property can self-report. Without verification, these claims are unreliable and sometimes dangerously inaccurate. Access Assured changes that — our grading and certification provides guests with accessibility needs all the information they need to make an informed decision before they book.

The Verification Gap

Right now there is no independent body that verifies accessibility claims in South African accommodation. Any property can self-report that it has accessible rooms. Without independent verification, these claims are unreliable and sometimes dangerously inaccurate.

The Certification Mark

When the Access Assured mark is displayed, it means something specific — assessed against published criteria by an independent body with no commercial interest in the outcome, documented, published, and annually maintained.

For Establishments

Many providers genuinely want to be inclusive but don't know where to start, or assume they must be fully SANS compliant before making any claims. Access Assured changes that — our grading recognises accessibility is not one-size-fits-all.

Stop guessing. Start certifying.

Properties that prove their accessibility don't just attract more guests with accessibility needs — they earn their trust. Get independently assessed and show travellers exactly what to expect.

Get your property certified
The Access Assured Seal

What does it mean to be Access Assured certified?

It's our trusted seal that shows your establishment is ready to welcome guests with accessibility needs and senior travellers. Certification is per room or unit — so guests know exactly what applies to the space they'll be staying in.

Level A Certified Level B Certified Level C Certified

Become part of the South African standard in accessible travel & living.

Showcase your accessibility through our graded levels and attract travellers with disabilities and senior guests seeking trusted places. The certification is independently assessed, publicly listed, and annually renewed — so the badge always means what it says.

🛏️

Bedroom

Bed height (550–610mm for Level A), transfer space, bedside light reach, light switch heights

🚿

Bathroom & Shower

Roll-in or wetroom shower, seat type and size, grab bars, shower head type, tap heights

🚽

Toilet

Seat height, transfer space, grab bars, flush mechanism, washbasin height and hardware

🅿️

Parking & Entrance

Bay width, surface, slope, distance to entrance, ramp gradient, threshold change, door width

🚪

General Access

Turning space, flooring type, door hardware, path width, ramp steepness, lift availability

🛎️

Services

Pre-arrival contact, ability to request room changes, guest information about facilities and services

Why Get Certified

Three reasons to get your property graded

Access Assured certification isn't just a badge — it's a business decision. Here's what it means for your property.

1
🏅

Achieve one of 3 certified levels

Certification is per room or unit — each gets its own level and fact sheet. Level A, B or C honestly reflects what your property offers, with no over-claiming and no surprises for the guest.

2
📈

Increase bookings and visibility

Be featured and promoted to thousands of accessibility-focused travellers. The 4.7M South Africans living with a disability travel with 2–3 companions — that's a significant, underserved market actively looking for trusted places.

3
🔧

Improve your property over time

Access tools and training to enhance your accessibility over time. Our annual renewal process tracks changes — so as your property improves, your certification reflects it.

Accessibility guests with accessibility needs can rely on. Bookings you can count on.

An Access Assured certification tells guests with accessibility needs your property is ready for them — assessed, verified, and worth booking.

Get your property certified
Our Certification Levels

A certified level that means something

Every assessed property receives a section-by-section grade and an overall certification level. The overall level is always the lowest section grade — no strong area can mask a weak one. Certification is per room or unit.

Level A
LEVEL A
Go Solo

Generous dimensions throughout. All key criteria met or exceeded. Designed for full independence — no assistance required.

  • Roll-in shower or wetroom · fold-down wall-mounted seat
  • Turning space >1500mm × 1500mm throughout
  • Parking ≥3700mm wide, flat, concrete or tar
  • Backup power + accessible emergency exits
  • Pre-arrival contact · guests informed about all services
Designed for complete independence
Level B
LEVEL B
Go Confident

Well configured for most guests with accessibility needs. Core dimensions met with some variations — most guests can stay independently.

  • Roll-in or wetroom shower · fixed or portable seat
  • Adequate transfer and turning space
  • Step-free path · toilet with grab support
  • Parking 2500mm + 1200mm access aisle
  • Emergency exits accessible
Most guests stay independently
Level C
LEVEL C
Go Informed

Real features, honestly described. Careful planning needed — some criteria meet only minimum dimensions. Not a fail: verified honesty over empty claims.

  • Accessible features confirmed and documented
  • Portable features may apply
  • Guests with accessibility needs can plan accurately
  • No over-claiming — honest, verified disclosure
Real features, honestly described

SANS compliance is not required. Portable and temporary features — mobile ramps, removable shower seats, raised toilet seats, portable grab rails — count exactly the same as permanent fixtures. If a guest with accessibility needs can use it, we grade it.

What Gets Assessed

8 sections. 97 criteria. One honest level.

Each section is graded independently and carries equal weight. Every certification includes a publicly available Accessibility Fact Sheet showing the full detail.

Parking

5 criteria

Entry Way

15 criteria

Toilet

24 criteria

Bathroom

19 criteria

Bedroom

11 criteria

Kitchen & Dining

18 criteria

General

2 criteria

Services

3 criteria

Beyond the Level

Additional information captured for every property

Not every data point we collect is used for grading, but all of it is useful. During an assessment we also capture a wide range of additional information that is published on your Accessibility Fact Sheet — giving guests with accessibility needs a complete picture beyond just the level.

Backup power availability for charging wheelchairs, medical equipment and machines

Emergency exits — whether accessible and step-free for wheelchair evacuation

Family friendly and pet friendly status

Pool access type — lift or hoist, ramp, steps with handrail, or beach entry

Caregiver benefits — interleading room, reduced rates, laundry access, meals

Mobility equipment available on loan or hire — wheelchair, shower chair, ramp, bath lift

Accessible shuttle service and transport arrangements

On-site accessible shop, restaurant, room service and housekeeping

Accessible amenities — gym, game drive, scenic path, kids play area, padel court, bird hide

Who Can Apply

All accommodation types across South Africa

Access Assured is open to any property with at least one accessible room or unit. Assessment criteria are applied appropriately for each property type.

Hotel
Nature Lodge
Guest House
Country House
Bed & Breakfast
Backpacker & Hostel
Self-Catering
Caravan & Camping
Game Lodge
And more

Not sure if your property qualifies? Contact us — most properties with any accessible features are eligible.

Coming soon — certification for Entertainment, Food & Beverage venues. Sign up for updates: [email protected]

The Process

Five steps to certified

Submission is always free. You only pay once your level is confirmed and you choose to unlock it. No obligation, no surprises.

1

Register your interest

Submit your details — no cost to begin. We'll confirm eligibility and send you the assessment form.

2

Complete the assessment form

Fill in the online assessment including photos. Free to submit. A separate form per room type where applicable.

3

Pay to unlock your level

Your annual certification fee unlocks your level and certificate. You only pay once you've decided to proceed.

4

Receive your certification

Certificate, digital badge, Accessibility Fact Sheet and public listing issued immediately on payment.

5

Renew annually

Properties change. Annual renewal ensures your level still reflects what guests with accessibility needs will actually find when they arrive — protecting your reputation and the integrity of every certification.

Pricing

Transparent annual certification fees

Pricing is based on your accommodation type and the number of accessible rooms being certified. Fees exclude VAT.

⬇ Download Pricing Brochure (PDF) Email us for a quote
Base Fee

Per establishment, per year

Covers common area assessment, parking, entrance, administration, your certificate and annual public listing.

+
Per Accessible Room Fee

Per room or unit, per year

Covers the detailed room-level assessment — bathroom, toilet, bedroom and all room-specific criteria.

Accommodation TypeBase Fee (p/a)Per Room (p/a)1 Room3 Rooms
Budget / Economy
Backpackers & HostelsR900R350R1,250R1,950
Caravan & CampingR900R350R1,250R1,950
Mid-Range
B&B / Guest HouseR1,800R450R2,250R3,150
Self-CateringR1,800R450R2,250R3,150
Nature LodgeR2,200R500R2,700R3,700
Upper Mid-Range
Small / Boutique HotelR4,500R550R5,050R6,150
Country HouseR4,500R550R5,050R6,150
Luxury
Hotel (3–4 star)R8,000R650R8,650R9,950
Game LodgeR8,000R650R8,650R9,950
Ultra Luxury
Hotel (5-star / Resort)R14,000R800R14,800R16,400
Once-off administration fee, R500

Applies on first certification only — not on renewal. Covers your establishment profile setup, unique Certificate Reference Number, and configuration of your digital badge and Accessibility Fact Sheet.

Submit for free — pay only to unlock your certified level

No admin fee on annual renewal

Certificate · badge · fact sheet · registry listing included

Not sure? Contact us to calculate your exact fee

What's Included in Every Certification

Certification & Badge

Signed, dated certificate valid for 12 months plus a digital badge — yours to display at the property and share online.

Accessibility Fact Sheet

Publicly available fact sheet documenting every measurement and feature, so guests with accessibility needs know exactly what to expect before booking.

Public Registry Listing

Verified listing on the Access Assured public registry, searchable by guests with accessibility needs looking for certified properties across South Africa.

Community Marketing

Active promotion to guests with accessibility needs through Access Assured's social media, newsletter and advocacy channels.

Growing With You — As Access Assured grows, so does your listing. Future services — food & beverage, entertainment, transport — will enhance certified properties first.

For Guests with Accessibility Needs

Know before you go

Planning a trip with accessibility needs shouldn't mean guesswork. Access Assured certified properties have been independently assessed — so you know exactly what to expect before you book.

Which level do I need?

Five quick questions about your real-world needs. Takes under a minute.

1. If there's a ramp at the entrance, how steep does it need to be?
2. What toilet seat height works best for you?
3. What bed height do you need to transfer safely?
4. Do you need a shower seat?
5. Do you need grab bars in the toilet and bathroom?
Level A

Level A — Go Solo

You need generous dimensions throughout — all key criteria met or exceeded. Look for Level A certified properties, designed for maximum freedom of movement with every measured feature at the top of the range.

This is a guide based on your strictest requirement — not a guarantee. Each property's Fact Sheet gives you the exact measurements. Dig into the details.

Find a Level A property See full level criteria

How the levels work for you

A level is set by the lowest score assessed. Each accessible room or unit is certified independently and has its own fact sheet and photos. Dig into the details — everyone's needs differ, find what works for you.

Use the three levels to find a property that matches your specific accessibility needs. Download the Find My Grade guide for a complete breakdown of every criterion at every level.

⬇ Download Find My Grade Find a certified property Traveller Registration

Quick Level Reference

Level A
Level A — Go SoloGenerous dimensions throughout. All key criteria met or exceeded. Designed for freedom of movement and full independence.
Level B
Level B — Go ConfidentWell configured for most guests with accessibility needs. Core dimensions met with some variations across features.
Level C
Level C — Go InformedCareful planning is needed. Some criteria may meet only minimum dimensions. Fully disclosed — verified honesty.

Each room is certified independently with its own fact sheet and photos. Dig into the details — find what works for you.

Level A
Level A
Go Solo

Generous dimensions throughout. Designed for full independence — no assistance required.

  • Parking ≥3700mm wide, flat, concrete or tar
  • Distance to entrance ≤25m, non-slip path
  • Ramp ≥1:12, turning space >1500×1500mm
  • Roll-in shower or wetroom ≥900×1300mm
  • Fold-down wall-mounted shower seat
  • Toilet transfer space ≥900mm, outward door
  • Bed height 550–610mm, transfer >1000mm
  • Backup power + accessible emergency exits
Level B
Level B
Go Confident

Well configured for most guests with accessibility needs. Core dimensions met, some variation.

  • Parking 2500mm + 1200mm access aisle
  • Distance to entrance 26–50m
  • Ramp >1:9 to <1:12, turning 1001–1499mm
  • Roll-in or wetroom shower
  • Fixed or portable shower seat
  • Toilet transfer space 750–899mm
  • Bed height 500–550mm or 610–630mm
  • Emergency exits accessible
Level C
Level C
Go Informed

Careful planning needed. Limitations fully disclosed. Not a fail — verified honesty.

  • Parking 2500mm standard, gently sloping
  • Distance to entrance 51–100m
  • Ramp >1:6 to <1:9, turning 1000×1000mm
  • Step-in shower, raised edge ≤100mm
  • No shower seat
  • Toilet transfer space 500–749mm
  • Bed height 480–500mm or 630–650mm
  • Thick pile carpet (>12mm)
Find an Establishment

Search certified properties

Browse Access Assured certified properties filtered by type, location, certification level and more.

First certified properties coming soon

Access Assured is currently onboarding its first cohort of certified establishments. Once certified, properties appear here with their full Accessibility Fact Sheet, certification level and contact details.

Get your property certified first
Alisha Labuschagne, Founder of Access Assured
About

Built from lived experience

My husband uses a power wheelchair. Every time we travel, we face the same exhausting reality — calling ahead, asking questions that should already be answered, hoping the room lives up to the website. More often than not, it doesn't.

I spent 10 years building digital transformation and supply chain systems for complex organisations. In 2025, I turned that same lens on a problem I couldn't ignore any longer.

Access Assured is South Africa's first independent accessibility certification scheme for accommodation. No self-reporting. No vague claims. Just independently verified, honestly graded, annually renewed certification that guests with accessibility needs can trust.

Connect on LinkedIn
📋 Access Assured (Pty) Ltd · Reg. 2025/865467/07
FAQ

Common Questions

No. SANS 10400-S compliance is not a prerequisite. Access Assured criteria were designed around real-world accommodation — what guests with accessibility needs actually need, not what a building regulation requires. You can achieve Level A without SANS compliance.
Yes, completely. A mobile ramp, removable shower seat, raised toilet seat or portable grab rail counts exactly the same as a permanent fixture. If a guest with accessibility needs can use it, we grade it.
No. Level C means your genuine accessible features are independently confirmed and clearly documented, so guests with accessibility needs can make informed choices with confidence. A Level C certified property is more trustworthy than any uncertified property claiming to be "accessible."
Once you submit the completed assessment form, grading is typically completed within a few business days. Your certificate, fact sheet and listing are issued immediately on payment confirmation.
Yes. Each accessible room or unit receives its own certification level and its own Accessibility Fact Sheet. The overall property level is the lowest individual room level. Guests with accessibility needs can view each room's specific certification before booking.
TGCSA Universal Access is an optional add-on to star grading focused on SANS building compliance for permanent features only. Access Assured is fully independent — not a hospitality industry body — and assesses 77 real-world criteria including portable and temporary features. TGCSA tells you if a property meets a building regulation. Access Assured tells you if a guest with accessibility needs can actually stay there independently.
Your certification is valid for 12 months. One month before expiry you receive a renewal reminder. We ask whether anything has changed at the property. If nothing has changed, renewal is a simple payment — no re-assessment. No admin fee on renewal. If things have changed, you update the relevant sections of the form.
Register Your Interest

Ready to get certified?

Submission is free. Payment only applies once your level is confirmed and you choose to unlock it. No obligation, no surprises.

Click below to open the registration form. It takes about 5 minutes and there is no obligation to proceed.

Register Your Property →

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