Tanzanian hunting vehicles and equipment
Do you want to explore the vast plains of Africa and discover its diverse wildlife? One of the most important details before booking a safari is confirming the vehicle you will be using.
A wide variety of vehicles are available, from hiking and safari tours that require no vehicle at all, to open-top 4WDs, ranging from four to six seats. You can choose the most basic vehicle, a luxurious local canoe with air conditioning, or even take a light aircraft for a bird’s-eye view of the entire area. The key is to choose the right vehicle (or combination) for you to achieve the ultimate safari experience.
Most hunting vehicles are enclosed four-wheel drive vehicles. Four-wheel drive is essential for hunting trips in remote areas, during the rainy season, and on roads with poor conditions or black cotton soil (which becomes very slippery when wet). Due to the steep and rugged terrain of the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania, with its difficult roads leading up and down the mountain, four-wheel drive is necessary for access. Our flying hunting tours will take you directly to your hotel, and then you will use our hunting vehicles. These vehicles are robust and durable, and can take you to some of the more remote wildlife viewing areas.
Many safari trips utilize Land Cruisers. They come in a wide range of configurations, from the most basic models (i.e., without any added “modern amenities”) to highly specialized models that may be equipped with air conditioning, MP3 players, and windows with partial sunshades. Some newer models also feature pop-up roofs to enhance the viewing experience, especially in Tanzania.
When viewing wildlife, you can stand and lean your head and shoulders out of the window. If you don’t want to stand, you can open the window, although the sliding windows on Land Cruisers and Range Rovers may be small. Also note that most safari vehicles in East Africa have an internal frame, which can hinder movement inside the vehicle and wildlife viewing. Enclosed vehicles typically lack air conditioning and can get very hot. Enclosed vehicles used for long-distance road safari have one advantage—they are usually equipped with a small refrigerator (although the noise can be distracting when watching animals). Open safari vehicles
These vehicles can usually carry four to six (extended version) passengers, all facing forward. Please consult your travel agency before booking to confirm the seating configuration. Although the extended version can carry more passengers, it is often more difficult to drive on the road. Most Land Cruisers are four-wheel drive and are able to travel over Africa’s famously rugged terrain… If you’d like to get an idea, take a look at pictures of the road leading to the Ngorongoro Crater!
Although self-driving is an option, travel agencies have experienced drivers who are usually not only skilled at driving on rugged terrain but also very familiar with the areas we travel through.
Most Land Cruisers are equipped with every possible safety feature: fire extinguishers, first aid kits, seat belts, and many also have airbags. They are fitted with specially designed fuel tanks to save diesel on long journeys, and with snorkels to make driving through rivers easier.
Luggage Space and Tips for Packing Light
Generally, luggage is placed either in a trailer or on the roof, so as to keep the interior as tidy as possible and keep you comfortable. Remember, pack light!
