So you’re going on safari to see the vast plains of Africa and the incredible range of wildlife on said plains? One of the most important details to check, before booking your safari, is what vehicles are used.
The range is enormous. From none at all – walking safaris – to pop-top 4X4s, from 4-seaters to 6-seaters. You can go bare-bones or air-conditioned high luxury, local dugout mokoros or air safaris for a birds-eye view, in a light airplane. The important thing is to choose the one (or combination) that suits you, for the ultimate safari experience.
Most safari vehicles are closed 4WD’s. 4WD is required for safaris in remote areas and during rainy seasons, and in areas that have poor roads or black cotton soil, which gets very slippery when wet. 4WD is also required to descend into the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania, due to the steep and poor descent and ascent roads. For our fly-in safaris you will be flown directly to the lodge and will use their game drive vehicles. Rugged and tough, these vehicles will get you to some of the more remote game viewing areas.
Land Cruisers are used on many safari tours. They range from ‘bare-bones’ models i.e. no added ‘mod-cons’, to highly specialised vehicles that may include air-conditioning, MP3 players and slightly tinted windows for protection from the sun. Some of the newer models also have pop-up roofs, for added viewing potential, especially in Tanzania
For wildlife viewing you stand and pop your head and shoulders through the hatch. If you don’t wish to stand you can open a window although on Land Cruisers and Land Rovers the sliding windows can be quite small. Also note that most safari vehicles in eastern Africa are fitted with internal framing which can get in the way of moving around within the vehicle and viewing game. Closed vehicles can also become very hot as they often do not have AC. One bonus with the closed vehicles used for long road based safaris – they often have a small fridge (although the noise can be distracting when watching animals). Open safari vehicles typically have a cooler filled with ice and drinks.
These vehicles, in general, can carry four to six (extended version) passengers, all forward-facing. Check the seating configuration with your tour operator before booking. While the extended vehicles can carry more people, they tend to be slightly more difficult to handle on the road. Most of the Land Cruisers are 4X4s, allowing travel over the rough terrain that Africa is known for… Have a look at images of the road into the Ngorongoro Crater if you want an idea!
While self-hire options are available, tour operators all have experienced drivers who, more-often-than-not have extensive knowledge not only of handling the rough terrain, but of the areas through which we travel.
Safety First!
Most Land Cruisers are equipped with all possible safety features – fire extinguishers, First Aid kits, seat belts and many have air bags. They have specially-designed fuel tanks to allow economical use of diesel during long journeys and snorkels for travel through rivers.
Luggage space & how to pack (light)
In general, luggage is taken either in a trailer, or packed on the roof, to keep the vehicle as uncluttered as possible inside, for your comfort. Remember to pack lightly!
