The Disabled Birders Association Annual Overseas Birding Trip.

Each year the dba organises a trip for members to a birding destination usually in conjunction with an existing birding trip company. Much of the planning is undertaken by the dba founder and all destinations and accommodation are suitable for independent disabled birders.

We do not provide personal care or assistance and hotels and lodges are chosen that can cater for anyone with mobility problems including those who must use wheelchairs all the time. Whilst we do ensure that basic facilities and birding locales are accessible it does depend on dba members having an intrepid spirit. Occasionally access might involve a little loss of dignity or minor inconvenience - this is to ensure that everyone on the trip can see the maximum number of birds.

Often the best birds are found in third world countries with third world infrastructure - everyone either has to pay through the nose or "rough it" a bit. We try to keep the price as low as possible and, whilst we do not compromise on necessary access, neither do we insist on the utmost luxury and convenience.

Do not be put off by this introduction - all the past participants will, I am sure, be happy to talk to anyone contemplating a trip. So far we have had wonderful trips with terrific guides and facilities and, best of all, lots of superb birds.

Our first trip to Kenya in 2001 was excellent and the accommodation ranged from the basic to the luxurious.

In 2002 the trip was to Point Pelee in Canada.

In 2003 we visited Northern India in March and Hungary in September.

In 2004 we went to Texas and Mexico [and some of us made a private disabled trip to Australia & New Zealand]

In 2006 we went to Southern Africa including Botswana, Zambia, Namibia, South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland.

Full details of past and future trips can be found on the Anytime Tours website. I am building up lots of contacts around the world as I investigate possible venues for future dba trips so any dba traveller needing advice or help is welcomed to contact me (bo) to see if I have info of use to them. So far the most popular venue for the 2004 is Texas in the fall - but please fill in the questionnaire in the newsletter with your favoured venue...

Come and join us!

Let us know if you have a report to post....