Higher Ground Brings Joy and Adventurous Holiday Experiences for the Blind

Photo Credit: Emma Roos via Higher Ground Facebook Group

Higher Ground SA is getting ready to light up the lives of blind individuals with a unique Cape Town holiday programme filled with adventure, laughter, and the spirit of connection.

Durban, South Africa (05 November 2025) – Holidays have a magical way of rejuvenating our spirits and transforming our lives. For someone who is blind, a holiday is all of this and more.

Emma Roos, the director at Higher Ground SA, has dedicated 21 years to crafting therapeutic adventure holidays specifically designed for people with disabilities.

At Higher Ground, Emma and her team create an environment where their visitors can thrive and experience fun and joy by providing a variety of activities which help to boost the emotional, social, spiritual and physical well-being.

“I’m so passionate about it, and the effects of a time on holiday with others who share the same disability,” Emma tells us.

Roped pathways enable independence; shared meals and activities create opportunities to build friendships and to network and problem solve; exciting activities help people find new hobbies, realise all they can do and be physically active.

“Friendship, networking, peer support, independence, adventure, fun, joy – these are just some of the things people experience. Holidays are important for everyone. For someone with a disability, even more so!”

In December, the non-profit organisation hosts its annual holiday for people who are blind. This year, it is taking place in Noordhoek, Cape Town – an epic spot to gather a group of beautiful, brilliant people.

“We are still trying to raise all the funds needed. Due to the high rate of unemployment amongst people who are blind, many can’t afford the fees. Additionally, there are a few other costs like accommodating and feeding our incredible volunteers who fly and drive themselves to the venue, take leave from work and give of themselves late into the evening for the duration of the holiday,” shares Emma.

Higher Ground is hoping to raise around R75 000 and has launched a BackaBuddy page for the December holiday event, to ensure more blind people receive an unforgettable experience of fun, friendship and adventure.

If you know someone who is blind who would like to join this holiday event, put them in touch by emailing [email protected]. To donate to this amazing cause, visit the crowdfunding page here.