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The Ultimate Safari Vehicle | What Makes Our Toyota Land Cruiser Special?

It's Entirely Private

All of our tours are private. The vehicle is yours and yours alone for the duration of your adventure with us. This means we can stick around and watch a lazy lion for hours or head back early for dinner. It's all up to you. 6 Spacious seats in the back cabin plus the captain and co-captain chair gives you loads of room to stretch out as you please.

Fully Equipped With Safety Features

Our guides perform a daily inspection of all safety features on the vehicle. This includes a bumper winch, multiple spare tires, first aid kits, car jacks, CB radios, extra fuel & water, and more. We take safety and preparations seriously so you can let all of your anxieties melt away.

Over The Top Comfort

Bluetooth audio to connect your personal music, custom seat covers thoroughly cleaned between trips, and Air Conditioning are some of the standard comfort features we have. An on-board electric refrigerator (top left) to keep your favorite food/beverages cold and several electrical outlets (bottom left) to keep your devices charged make you feel at home!

...And So Much More!

A pop-top roof for ideal game viewing. Butterfly open windows to make you feel that much more in tune with the wilderness around you. A built-in canopy for one of a kind bush picnics. (right) Stand up and feel the breeze in your hair as you race towards a fresh kill or kick back and take a nap on your way back to the lodge. This jeep is designed for you to use it as you prefer.

Don't Settle For One of These!

Too often, we see tourists packed in to a standard 4 wheel drive vehicle or an uncomfortable fully-open flat bed. Not only are these uncomfortable and open to the elements, they don't allow you to stand or have any of the amenities mentioned above. With Tohe, you'll ALWAYS be in the IDEAL, CLASSIC safari vehicle. Fully open-air game viewing when desired and fully enclosed when required.

Since its inception in 1965, the Hanspaul Group has emerged as a distinguished leader in the manufacturing industry.

Contact Info

44 hanspaul road - themi industrial area, arusha, tanzania - east africa, +255 756 888 864, [email protected].

Blog Details

Beyond Boundaries: Navigating the World of Safari Vehicle Conversions

Introduction.

Embark on an exhilarating journey through the world of Safari Vehicle Conversions, where ordinary vehicles transform into adventure-ready marvels. Our blog is your portal to discover the craftsmanship, innovations, and immersive experiences that define the Safari Vehicle Conversions industry.

• The Art of Safari Vehicle Conversions

Uncover the fascinating process of turning conventional vehicles into safari-ready companions. Explore the key modifications, from enhanced suspensions to specialized interiors, that make these vehicles stand out.

• Customization Unleashed

Dive into the world of personalized safari experiences. Learn how Safari Vehicle Conversions allow for unique customization, ensuring that each vehicle aligns perfectly with the adventurous spirit of its owner.

• Innovations in Adventure Travel

Stay on the pulse of the latest technologies shaping the safari industry. From off-road capabilities to cutting-edge communication systems, discover the innovations enhancing the adventure travel experience.

• Roaming in Style: Interior Design in Safari Vehicles

Experience the luxury within the rugged. Delve into the interior design elements that bring comfort and style to safari vehicles, creating a harmonious blend of opulence and exploration.

• Safari Vehicle Conversion Success Stories

Immerse yourself in the tales of transformed vehicles. Hear the success stories of safari enthusiasts who have turned their dreams into reality through vehicle conversions, sharing their adventures with the world.

• Choosing the Right Safari Vehicle Conversion

Navigate the decision-making process when selecting a safari vehicle conversion. Learn about the factors to consider, from vehicle types to specific modifications, ensuring a seamless fit for your exploration needs.

• Safari Conservation Initiatives

Explore how the Safari Vehicle Conversions industry contributes to wildlife conservation efforts. Learn about eco-friendly practices, sustainable tourism, and how converted vehicles can play a role in preserving natural habitats.

• Capturing the Safari Journey: The Rise of Safari Vehicle Vlogging

Discover the world through the lens of safari vehicle enthusiasts turned vloggers. Witness the rise of safari vehicle vlogging as a means to share the beauty, challenges, and exhilaration of the safari experience.

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Types of Safari Vehicles, Overland Trucks & More: 14 Best Ways to Explore Africa

Posted by Briony Chisholm on September 16 2022 in Adventure Travel in Africa Enquire Now!

So you’re going on a safari to see the open plains and incredible wildlife of Africa? One of the most important details to check, before booking your trip, is what types of African safari vehicles, overlanding trucks, and other forms of transportation are used.

The range of safari vehicles is enormous. From walking safaris with enclosed transfer vehicles to pop-top 4X4 safari vehicles, and from 4-seater to 44-seater overland trucks. You can go bare-bones or air-conditioned high-luxury, local dugout mokoro, horseback, or air safaris for a bird's eye view. The important thing is to choose the type of African safari vehicle or overlanding truck, and other means of exploring (or combination) that suits you, for the ultimate African safari experience.

We’ll start with the biggest African safari vehicles and end with the ‘on foot’ transportation mode.

Safari Vehicles, Overland Trucks & Ways to Explore Africa - Quick Links

• Overlanding Vehicles (Overland Trucks)
• Minibus or Microbus Safari Vehicles
• Land Rover & Cruiser Safari Vehicles
• Open Game Viewing Safari Vehicles
• Flying African Safaris
• Hot Air Balloon Trips
• Shark Cage Diving Boats
• Rubber Ducks
• Dhow Sailing Boats
• Game Viewing Boat Cruises
• Mokoro Dug-out Canoes
• Kayak & Canoe Safaris
• Horseback & Camel Safaris
• Walking Safaris (on foot & by vehicle)

1. Africa Overlanding Vehicles (Overland Trucks)

These expedition trucks are specially built to deal with the rough roads of Africa, where potholes, deep ruts, and river crossings are pretty ‘every day.’ They are normally used for longer and larger (12 to 44 people) overland Africa tours, so need to be able to carry a fair amount of equipment while still offering the budget traveller a relatively comfortable trip and good views of the passing scenery and wildlife.

African tour operators choose the best overland truck for each trip, according to the area being visited and the anticipated terrain that will be covered. 

Overland Vehicle Seating Arrangements

Overland trucks may differ in their seating formation and size. Some have all forward-facing seats, while others may have some backward- or side-facing seats. The seats are generally raised, allowing for good views over the African landscapes, especially in grassy areas, where you want to be able to spot animals in the grass. Ask your tour operator about seating formation and how many are seated in a row – some overland trucks seat up to three per row, which makes seeing out a bit more difficult if you’re in the middle – before booking your overland tour.

Windows, Pop-up Roofs, and Taking Photos on Overland Trucks

The overland trucks generally have large windows, some of which open vertically, others horizontally – allowing for good views. Many of them also have a pop-up roof. This allows you to stand up and get 360-degree views and photos.

Luggage Space on Overlanding Trucks

All overland trucks are equipped with storage space (some lockable) for luggage and equipment – some under the seating section, others at the back of the truck, and some with a detachable trailer. Obviously, space is at a premium, so be sure to pack only the absolute essentials. Also, when packing, use soft luggage rather than hard (e.g. Samsonite), as it is much easier to fit into lockers and overhead compartments.

Most overland trucks have a safe onboard for the storage of valuables.

Mobile Kitchen & Diner

Many meals while on safari are prepared and eaten out in the bush, far from civilization. The overland trucks are fully equipped for this. Most safari trucks have a ‘kitchen’ section (often fold-out, beneath the seating area) with a stove and hand dish-washing area. They also have a fridge/freezer/cooler boxes to keep supplies and drinks fresh in the African heat. Africa Overland Tours are thirsty work!

Safety First on Safari!

Safety is non-negotiable. Check with your tour operator that there is a fully-stocked First Aid kit onboard, safety belts on all seats, and some means of communication (radio, etc.), in case of emergencies while on safari. All legitimate tour operators have their client’s safety first in mind and ensure that their overland trucks are kept in a good condition and are reliable for long trips – larger fuel and water tanks, spare tyres, knowledgeable and well-trained drivers, etc.

Overland Truck Gadgets

Modern overlanding trucks come fully equipped with the modern gadgets that we've all got used to. With iPod/MP3 points, you can listen to your own soundtrack as you watch the African landscape slide by. They also have onboard charging facilities so ensure that your camera remains fully charged and you don't lose that once-in-a-lifetime shot of a lion hunting his prey!

Some smaller tours use smaller overland trucks – seven to nine-seaters – which provide window seats only, so nobody has to be in a middle seat.

Luxury Overlanding Trucks

These are state-of-the-art 4x4 overland vehicles used on small-group overland tours. A custom-built luxury overland truck comfortably accommodates up to 12 guests. They are specially designed to provide extra space and amenities. This is the overland vehicle of choice for a more luxurious overlanding Africa experience with all the adventure in added style and comfort.

Features include an onboard toilet and a water filtration system for purified drinking water on the road. The luxury overland trucks have reclining leather seats that rotate 180 degrees and lock into your preferred position (for example, window or front-facing).

Each seat has overhead air-conditioning vents that can be independently operated for individual control of airflow and temperature. Every seat also features a USB port panel for charging your electronic devices and there is a reading light above each seat. Each seat has a safety deposit unit with individual key code access, for storing your passports, phones, and smaller valuables.

Recommended Africa Overland Tours

20-Day East African Overland Tour - South  or  20-Day Cape Town to Victoria Falls Overland Tour - Camping Safari

Best of Namibia Safari Adventure - Overland Camping Tour

Small Group Tours in Luxury Overland Trucks:  South Africa Safari Adventure ,  Delta & Chobe Safari Adventure  &  Explore Namibia Safari Adventure

More Overland Africa Tours

2. Minibus or Microbus Safari Vehicles

For smaller safari groups and shorter tours that don’t go through hugely rugged areas, adapted microbuses (or minibuses) are used. As safari vehicles, Toyota Quantums and Mercedes Sprinters are most commonly used. The optimal number in most of these safari vehicles is six to ten people, forward-facing.

When booking a safari, find out from the tour operator which safari vehicle is used, and how many window seats there are, to ensure that everybody gets a window seat and has a good view of the spectacular scenery and amazing animals of Africa.

These safari microbuses are specially adapted for safari travel and are generally equipped with GPS tracking, sliding windows, cooler boxes, fire extinguishers, and First Aid kits. They generally have a softer suspension than other safari vehicles, giving a slightly more comfortable trip. Many of them – especially on  Kenya Safaris – also feature pop-up tops, allowing travellers to stand and view/photograph the countryside and animals from the minibus.

Some minibuses are fitted with air-conditioning. This is a welcome relief from the sweltering African heat but may detract from the whole experience of Africa, as the windows will be closed, blocking out the sounds of the bush.

Recommended small group trips using minibus safari vehicles

5 Days Budget Masai Mara & Lake Nakuru Camping Safari

South Africa’s Garden Route Adventure Tour

3. Land Cruising Safari Vehicles

Land Cruisers and Land Rovers are used on many safari tours. They range from ‘bare-bones’ models i.e. no added ‘mod-cons’, to highly specialized vehicles that may include air-conditioning, MP3 players, and slightly tinted windows for protection from the sun. Some of the newer safari vehicle models also have pop-up roofs, for added viewing potential, especially in Tanzania.

Safari Vehicle Seating Arrangements 

These safari 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 extended safari 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 safari vehicle 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 on Safaris!

Most Land Cruisers are equipped with all possible safety features – fire extinguishers, First Aid kits, seat belts and many have airbags. They have specially designed fuel tanks to allow the 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 safari vehicle as uncluttered as possible inside, for your comfort. Remember to pack lightly!

Recommended 4x4 Trips in Land Cruiser Safari Vehicles

Tanzania Lodge Safari to Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire

Masai Mara, Samburu, Nakuru 4x4 Kenya Lodge Safari

4x4 Ethiopia Tour - Danakil Depression & Awash National Park

4. Open Game-Viewing Safari Vehicles

Within many of the game parks, smaller, open-sided, or completely open safari vehicles are used for game drives. While these are not suitable for long distances – wind, dust, sun, and Africa’s elements can be harsh! – they are great for game drives as they allow you to get up close and personal with the sights, sounds, and smells of the African bush.

These safari vehicles are most often adapted Land Cruisers which seat between six and nine passengers. Some are designed with tiered seating so that nobody’s view is blocked by the person in front of them’s head!

Protection from The Elements

Due to their being open to the elements, it is vital to protect yourself against the African sun. Hats, scarves, and windbreakers are all excellent shields from fiery hot UV rays. Many of these open safari vehicles do have canvas/plastic canopies that can be closed if the weather becomes uncooperative. Thunderstorms in Africa can be wild, and come on within minutes!

Safari Drivers & Trackers

Most often when going on game drives, there will be a driver and a tracker (often sits on the front of the car, allowing him to track spoor and dung.) The trackers are highly experienced, and allow one to see the best Africa has to offer in wildlife.

Recommended trips with open game-viewing

Chobe, Moremi & Delta Botswana Camping Safari

6-Day Kruger Park & Private Game Reserves Safari (Lodge)

5. Bird’s-Eye View Flying Safaris

‘Air safaris’ are offered at various places in Africa, like Victoria Falls and the Okavango Delta . A flight over the delta in a small plane gives you an idea of the vastness of the area. A helicopter flight over Victoria Falls will make you feel like an eagle soaring above this spectacular area!

Helicopters on Safari

The ‘vehicles’ used differ from operator to operator. The helicopters used at Victoria Falls are generally 4- or 6-seaters and many have bubble windows, allowing for good viewing. Do remember that, in the 6-seater, you may land up in the middle seat, making seeing out slightly more difficult.

Light Planes on Safari

In the Okavango Delta, many of the lodges are only reachable by air, especially during the wet season. Many small plane charters are available both as a means to get to the lodges and for a birds-eye view of the delta and spectacular photographic opportunities – a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Recommended safaris with flying components

Victoria Falls Budget Tour Package (Zimbabwe)

Okavango Delta & Chobe Accommodated Safari (North)

6. Hot Air Balloon Rides

What could be better than watching the sun rise over the Serengeti  while floating gently above its vast plains in a hot air balloon? Nothing, really. Hot air balloon rides are offered at various places in Africa (like Masai Mara and Serengeti) and provide an incredible, thrilling, bird’s-eye view of the vastness of Africa, dotted with wildlife.

Recommended trips with balloon safaris

4-Day Masai Mara Luxury Camping Safari  - optional hot-air balloon trip over Masai Mara, Kenya

12-Day Kenya & Tanzania Budget Lodge Safari  - optional hot-air balloon trip over Serengeti, Tanzania

7. Boat to the Great White Sharks

The boat used for our Great White Shark Cage Diving trips in South Africa is a custom-built catamaran. Combining comfort, stability, speed, and safety, this boat ensures not only a good trip for you but also promises minimal interference in the shark’s natural habitat.

The custom-built shark cage diving boat is typically a 46-foot (14m) long catamaran with a spacious upper deck for surface views of the sharks and other marine animals and platforms for the bait and decoy handlers to ensure the best possible shark viewing. It is a lightweight aluminium vessel powered by four big four-stroke 300-hp outboard engines and is equipped with the most advanced electronic navigation equipment. 

Staying dry and comfortable

Featuring a spacious indoor cabin, as well as separate wet and dry outdoor decks, the design ensures that when you’re wet, you’re wet, but once you’re out and want to be dry and comfortable, you can be. The boat usually features a central dining area, storage facilities for personal items, and both male and female toilets.

Electronically, the boat is fully equipped with a tracking device, radios, GPS, radar and navigation equipment, depth finder and echo sounder, and even a 12V charging facility for cameras, cell phones, and laptops.

Safety - yours and the shark's

Safety is of utmost importance and there are life vests for all passengers, fire extinguishers, a life raft, and capsize bottles on the boat. In case of medical emergencies, there are two onboard First Aid kits, oxygen cylinders, and fluid replacement.

Not only is your safety cared for, but that of the sharks too. The cage has no sharp points or edges that could hurt the animals. The cage itself is specially constructed of reinforced steel and can take five people comfortably. It is lowered and winched back up using a winch from a sturdy gantry. Oxygen is supplied from the boat to divers via a ‘hookah’ system with hoses running into the cage.

This, too, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. There’s not much more exhilarating than coming face-to-face with a Great White in its own habitat!

Recommended shark diving tours

2-Day Great White Shark Dive Package

Great White Shark Cage Diving Day Tour

8. Rubber-Ducking the Gorges

Jinja, in Uganda - where the longest river in Africa, The Nile, begins at its source, Lake Victoria - is one of the top whitewater rafting destinations in the world. Add in Victoria Falls, the Fish River Canyon, and the Orange (Gariep) River, where various boat options are offered, from boogie-boarding the rapids through canoeing to rubber ducking both flat water and white water, and it's an adrenaline junkie's dream. Your trip choice depends completely on your adrenaline requirements/limits!

Whichever you choose, be sure to check that the tour operator follows all safety regulations, ensuring that you have a safe, enjoyable trip through the gorge. Life jackets and helmets are non-negotiable, these waters can get wild, and a knowledgeable, trained guide will ensure you get the most out of your trip.

Recommended trips with rubber ducking

Victoria Falls Adventure Tour Package (Zambia)

Masai Mara & Gorilla Trekking Overland Tour or  Uganda Safari & Gorilla Trekking Tour

9. East African Dhows (sailing boats)

There is nothing quite so beautiful as seeing a traditional dhow gliding through the warm, azure waters of the Indian Ocean. Originally used for trading, these long, narrow boats with triangular sails, expertly sailed by locals, are used along the east coast of Africa.

So whether you’re heading off to the Bazaruto Archipelago or exploring the coastline of Zanzibar , do yourself a favour and catch a ride on one of these graceful sailing vessels.

Recommended trips with dhow safaris

22-Day Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique & Kruger Safari

5-Day Zanzibar Holiday Package - Adventure Tour

10. Game Viewing Boat Cruises

One of the best ways to watch wildlife and birds on safari in Africa is without a doubt by boat. It's hard to compete with a laid-back sunset cruise. Exceptional wildlife and bird sightings along the rivers and estuaries in top game reserves of Africa. Stunning scenery. Chilled sundowners and snacks or dinner onboard. Easy-paced, yet exciting and novel. 

The boats used on boat cruises vary but they are typically open-sided motorboats. The larger boats offer standing and sitting room and are sometimes double-deckers. 

Chobe National Park in Botswana is one of the best places for boat-based game viewing in Africa. Another favourite spot for scenic boat cruises is the Zambezi River near Victoria Falls. There are plenty of other great destinations for game-viewing boat cruises, from Uganda to South Africa. 

Recommended Safaris with Game-Viewing Boat Cruises

• Botswana:  5-Day Chobe & Okavango Delta Lodge Tour  or  Botswana Exclusive Camping Safari to Chobe & Okavango  - include Chobe River boat cruises (as with most Chobe Safaris)
• Uganda:  Gorilla Trekking & Queen Elizabeth Park Safari  - includes boat cruises on Kazinga Channel (Queen Elizabeth Park) & in Murchison Falls National Park

11. Winding Through the Waterways in Mekoro

If your safari includes a trip into the Okavango Delta , you will more-than-likely experience the gentle pleasure of a trip in a mokoro canoe. Check with your tour operator that this is included as part of the package, or offered as an optional activity. You don’t want to miss out on this opportunity to get up close and personal with the prolific birds and wildlife – including elephants, hippos, and crocs – of the Okavango Delta.

Mokoro History

These traditional dug-out canoes are made of wood and guided by a ‘poler’, who stands at the helm. While originally made from indigenous trees, such as the Kingella or ‘Sausage Tree’, they are increasingly made of fibreglass these days. While not as ‘authentic’, this is preserving the indigenous trees of the area and provides just-as-good a means of transport through the spectacular waterways of the delta.

Experienced polers

Many people are afraid of hippos overturning a mokoro. While this is not an impossibility – this is Africa, after all, and you’re in their habitat – the polers are experienced in the area and are very aware that hippos are territorial creatures. They are sure to avoid dangerous situations.

A trip on a mokoro allows you to get as close to the sights and sounds of Africa as is physically possible. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Recommended safaris with Mokoro canoe trips

Botswana Parks & Okavango Delta Budget Lodge Safari

Budget Delta Mokoro Trail & Savuti Safari

12. Kayak & Canoe Safaris

If you're a kayaking or canoeing enthusiast this is the ultimate game-viewing safari vehicle for you. Watch the wilderness glide by as you paddle quietly along the rivers and waterways of Africa. A canoeing or kayaking safari gives you more independence than a mokoro trip where a guide poles you along.

The canoes and kayaks used on safaris vary widely, ranging from inflatable canoes to rugged old-school kayaks.

Some canoe safaris offer game viewing opportunities along the riverbanks and even in the waters whilst most are more about taking in the wild scenery and spotting birds.

Recommended safaris with canoe or kayak trips

• 16-Day Zambia & Malawi Small Group Safari  or 4-Day Victoria Falls Tour in Zambia - include Zambezi River Canoe Trips

4-Day South Africa Garden Route Tour - includes Canoeing in Wilderness National Park

15-Day Zambia & Malawi Small Group Budget Safari  - includes kayaking on Lake Malawi

13. Explore the African Bush on Horseback or Camelback

An incredible way to experience the bush up close! Horseback safaris are allowed in certain game reserves so if you want to experience the bush on horseback you'll need to pick your destinations accordingly. Two of the most popular African safari destinations that offer horseback safaris are Victoria Falls (Zambia or Zimbabwe) and Big 5 game reserves near Cape Town in South Africa. 

For a whole new experience, you can explore Africa by camel. An entirely unique and exotic mode of transport indeed. Camelback safaris are far rarer than horseback safaris. You can only embark on a camelback adventure in a few places, including parts of East Africa.

Recommended trips with optional horseback safaris & camelback safaris

• Experience Southern Africa Exclusive Budget Safari  &  Zimbabwe & Botswana Safari (Lodge Tour)  - optional horseback safaris at Victoria Falls

3 Day Big 5 Cape Town Safari  & 2 Day Big 5 Cape Town Safari  - optional horseback safaris at Aquila Game Reserve

Lake Turkana & Northern Kenya Camping Safari  - includes an overnight camelback safari in Tuum (Samburu District of Kenya)

14. Walking Safaris in Africa

This is (obviously) only an option once you are in the game reserve. Depending on the safety i.e. the presence of dangerous predators, many game reserves offer guided walking tours. This is the ideal way to get a true, African, wildlife experience. By walking through the bush all your senses experience Africa – sight, smell, sounds, touch – unadulterated by the sound of motors and really off the beaten track.

Guides and trackers

Most reserves have highly experienced guides who are a fountain of knowledge regarding the fauna and flora of the area and are excellent trackers. This allows you to not only experience the bush but also learn all sorts of fascinating facts while seeing the birds, insects, and animals that call Africa ‘home.’

If you have the opportunity, do not miss out on a walking safari. You can’t get closer to nature than this.

Recommended walking safari trips

4-Day Kruger Park Walking Safari  or  5-Day Kruger Safari - Hiking Tour

South Africa Walking Safari to Kruger & Zululand

7-Day South Luangwa Tented Camps Walking Safari

Talk to an Africa travel expert to find the ideal types of safari vehicles and other transport modes for your trip to Africa.

[Updated in 2022: originally posted in 2014]

About the Author

Briony chisholm wordsmith & pharmacist.

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We offer high-quality 4x4 accessories like custom roof racks, canopies, and airbag suspension systems. Our skilled team also provides practical accessories such as extra fuel tanks to enhance your vehicle's capabilities. We're dedicated to excellent customer service and innovative solutions, serving both off-roaders and all drivers seeking top-notch accessories.

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A complete guide to transportation on a safari

You may have knowledge about what an African safari  is (overland style), but do you know all the different ways you can go on a safari? If you thought an African safari was just about 4x4s, think again!

Overland trucks

Many people choose to travel through Africa and its game parks on an overlanding tour (which is what we specialise in!). On this kind of trip, which can range from a few days to a few months, you travel on big overlanding trucks which are custom built to endure the tough African roads and self-sufficient to carry everything needed for the trip, from cooking gear to camping gear. e kitchen sink! Overlanding trucks usually have big windows which you can open wide for great wildlife photo opportunities.

Here are some of our most popular overlanding safari packages:

41 day Nairobi to Cape Town overland

14 day Mozambique and Kruger overland adventure

4x4s and open game viewing vehicles

Many game lodges in and around wildlife reserves and parks offer game drives with experienced guides and trackers who track down wildlife as they drive along, to try and find you the best sightings. These game drives are offered in two types of safari vehicles: the most common African safari vehicles you’re likely to come across. The first is 4x4s – usually Land Cruisers or Land Rovers which have been converted for game drives with things like a tracker’s seat in front of the bonnet of the car, radios for communication with the lodge and other guides, large windows and pop up sunroofs, so you can take photos out of the roof of the car. The second type is the open game viewing vehicle – a 4×4 which has been specially adapted with open sides. Sometimes these kinds of vehicles have a canvas roof and sometimes they are completely open. These vehicles are excellent for game viewing, as you have the best unobstructed views of the animals.

Hot air balloons

For a truly memorable game viewing experience, you can take to the skies in a hot air balloon. There are a number of game parks and reserves in Africa that offer hot air balloon safaris , which generally last for about an hour and take off just after dawn.

On our 14 day Namibia and Okavango Delta tour you can do a hot air balloon safari over the Okavango Delta.

Planes and helicopters

If you’ve got the cash to splurge, flying safaris are fantastic. There are safaris you can do where you fly in between camps in a small plane, spotting game high above the wilderness area. The less expensive option is to do a helicopter ride of an hour or two to give you a bird’s eye view of the landscape and the animals. A wonderful place to do a helicopter safari is in the Okavango Delta.

On some of our overlanding tours we offer you the chance to take scenic flights over some of Africa’s most spectacular landscapes:

19 day Johannesburg to Tanzania (fly over the Okavango Delta)

14 day Namibia to Okavango Delta (fly in a helicopter over Victoria Falls)

21 day Victoria Falls to Cape Town (fly over the Namib Desert)

Houseboats and motorised boats

With many bodies of water surrounded by wilderness areas, Africa is a great place to go wildlife spotting by boat. You can stay in a lodge or a campsite and if you’re near a river, opt for a boat cruise of a few hours to spot animals such as elephants, crocodiles and hippos. If you want a longer stay on the water, houseboats in places like Chobe National Park and Lake Kariba are great. You stay on the houseboat for several days and can see wildlife and birds from the deck, or hop onto tender boats to cruise closer to the shore to see more wildlife.

Mokoros are traditional dug out canoes used in the Okavango Delta in Botswana. Gliding through the waterways of the Okavango Delta in a mokoro is the best way to see this pristine natural area – one of Africa’s wildest places – and its amazing wildlife.

Here are our popular overlanding safaris that include mokoro trips in the Okavango Delta:

7 day ultimate Botswana budget safari

7 day Okavango Delta and Chobe adventure

8 day Botswana waterways

For experienced riders, doing a horseback safari in Africa is a real treat. You generally spend most of the day in the saddle, getting to go to places in reserves where there are no roads, and getting to see the Big Five outside the confines of a car. There a number of places where you can do horseback safaris, from the Okavango Delta to private reserves in Zambia and South Africa.

Walking Safari Tour in South Africa

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Safari & Game Viewers

Meano & Sons Safari game viewing vehicles are tailor made to the customers requirements. We manufacture a 3 seater open game viewing conversion. All seats are upholstered in a D400 Ripstop canvas. Most of our conversions for Safari operators are done on the Toyota Land Cruiser pick-up which we convert to a 5 door all steel station wagon.

This type of vehicle would then carry 8 passengers plus the driver. On some conversions the chassis can be lengthened from between 750mm and 1000mm. This will then give seating for another 3 passengers. Many of these types of conversions are operating in real 4 X 4 conditions in Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Interested in our safari and game viewer conversions?

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The Electric Safari Vehicle Revolution

It’s safe to say that Electric Safari Vehicles have the ability to change the game in the world of safari experiences. Not only are these state-of-the-art conversions much more environmentally friendly than normally aspirated vehicles, like the typical Land Rover Defenders or 4.2-litre diesel Toyota Land Cruisers, but they virtually are silent while running. This vehicle is revolutionary for game drives, and we’ll tell you why.

It handles rocks and  river sand just the same, if not better, than fuel-powered engines

Field guides who expertly navigate the bushy terrain with their guests on the back of their six or nine-seater 4x4s have reported on how seamlessly the converted vehicles perform over the same rocky obstacles, through the thick riverbed sand, and across water crossings. The electric safari vehicle has the same capabilities as a Diesel engine and does not hinder access in typical safari landscapes. Precision control, torque, and 4×4 capabilities are impressive to say the least, so that’s point number one!

It’s completely silent when running

The electric conversions make an ordinary engine completely soundless. There is no loud turn-over of the engine as the key turns in the ignition and no roar of the engine coming to life before settling at a steady, rather loud, rumble. Cruising through the wilderness, listening for the sounds of animals and birds has never been easier. Many seasoned safari guests and field guides can’t believe the difference in what they can hear without the usual “chugga-chugga” of the Land Cruiser. Guides express being able to hear alarm calls in the bush, birds calling, and grass rustling all while driving. No more switching off of the engine to listen out for that telltale kudu bark! Plus, guests on the back of the vehicle can communicate easily with their guide in the driver’s seat without the sound of the engine.

It emits no fossil fuels and charges on solar power

Perhaps the most important aspect of the new electric safari vehicle is its eco-friendliness. By converting ordinary fuel-powered engines to electrically charged engines eliminates those harmful emissions from the atmosphere in environmentally sensitive areas. One of the most powerful ways in which we can change our impact on the environment is to reduce fossil fuels, and so for every engine converted, the greater the safari industry becomes for the planet. What’s more? It charges on solar power, taking it even further off the grid and utilising the sun’s abundant energy. It perfectly matches eco-friendly lodges that have already switched over to solar, completing the package and sealing the deal.

It’s perfect for photography and videography

The electric vehicles are so smooth and still and have no running-engine vibration, so forget shaky video clips and struggling to maintain focus through the lens. Video is such a powerful tool for conveying experiences and whether you’re using a mobile phone and sharing clips with your loved ones, or working with the latest cinematographic equipment and filming for National Geographic, your shots will be winners. No grumbling engine in the audio either!

It doesn’t disturb wildlife sightings

Pulling into wildlife sightings, repositioning in the sighting, or leaving the sighting at the end are soundless with the electric safari vehicle. The difference is that there is less chance of startling an animal when the vehicle is switched on, and it is ultimately more pleasant without the unnatural sound of an engine revving up in an all-natural environment. No more diesel fumes lingering in the air and no more noisy engines forming a part of your sightings soundtrack. Reason number five for why electric safari vehicles are a revolution!

Now, this new age of safari travel comes at a price and it certainly can’t overtake the industry overnight. We’re keeping an eye open and identifying the lodges that can offer this type of exclusive, eco-friendly, elite safari experience to our guests. These two excellent establishments we work with in three key safari areas in Africa are part of the gang that have made the change, and we can’t wait to see others follow suit.

Makanyi Safari Lodge, Timbavati Private Nature Reserve.

Makanyi’s Head Ranger commented: “The silence is tremendous, and has totally transformed the safari experience. We can communicate more easily with our guests and the tracker without shouting over the sound of the engine, and we can better follow more sensitive or elusive game – leopards, bull elephants in musth, or mothers and babies for whom the sound of the engine can spark a negative reaction. All this whilst knowing we are protecting the environment we care so passionately about.”

Campi ya Kanzi, Amboseli National Park, Kenya

Luca Belpietro, Founder of Campi Ya Kanzi, said: “We assign a car and its driver to guests for the duration of their stay. We will give the electric car to guests who book a suite, subject to availability.” He said the reason for going electric was to have the lowest impact on the environment. “We are already carbon neutral,” he said. “We are 100% solar, with all electricity produced by photovoltaic panels and thermal solar for hot water.”

SAFARI   CONVERSIONS (PTY) LTD

Committed to Quality

Safari Conversions (Pty) Ltd, based in Rosslyn, Gauteng, was established in March 2001 by Martin Kok (snr) who has more than 20 years experience in the field of the game viewing niche market. Under his leadership, the company has gone through a series of homologation exercises with the SABS / NRCS and currently own NaTIS numbers for manufacturers such as Nissan, Toyota, Ford, Isuzu & Mahindra base vehicles limited to specific model deratives.

We supply conversions to all our National Parks, Private Lodges, Private tour operators, Rental companies as well as exports to neighboring countries. We also do specialized conversions upon request.

At present the business is managed by Martin's children, Johan & Marlie but still under his guidance with aim to be fully responsible in the future. 

We believe that our clients are our most valued source of income and therefore we proud ourselves in not only giving the best advice, support and after sales service, but also the best quality and conversion applicable to their needs.

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Have a look at some of our past game vehicle conversions

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79 series game vehicle, 79 series puddlehopper, puddlehopper, 80 series king cab game vehicle, game vehicle interior, 70 series game vehicle.

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Safari Cruiser 7X Grand

Safari cruiser 7x - europe, safari cruiser hardtop 7x, open game viewer r3, safari cruiser 5xe, safari cruiser 7x, safari cruiser 5x, latest news, water dispenser.

RSA launches a new eco-friendly, water dispenser to be fitted on vehicles which will reduce the use of plastic (e.g. plastic bottles, containers, etc).

• Lockable tank (water can not be tampered).
• Tap to refill bottles, etc.
• Drain outlet.
• Robust, slim design.
• 20 litres water capacity.
• Made from special aluminium material.

Profender Premium Suspension System

Specially designed for RSA Safari Cruisers  for better stability, off-road design, comfort and more!

Profender RTC SERIES Steering Dampers

• 30 mm Piston diameter, which is large then other brands. • Shaft 12.5mm. • Excellent “K” spring rate. • Cellular foam system with coil spring to help to return hand wheel to center.

Return to Center Steering Damper is excellent in controlling rides especially in Off Road uses. Its spring will help the vehicles wheel go back to renters o the driver will know exactly the wheels position when going through mud or when concentrating on the trail ahead. For long distance travelling, the driver enjoys a more comfortable ride.

Contact us for more information on: [email protected]

Special Offers

Special offers on bulk & Fleet orders for vehicle conversions and accessories.

Why Choose Us

• We offer brand new vehicles with safari body conversion
• In house custom bond facility which combines vehicle and conversion, one package.
• All staff are trained professionals on their fields of expertise to ensure good quality and time leads.
• Approved by Bureau of Standard and quality of controls.
• For over a decade our vehicles have successfully serviced a diverse clientele.
• Our premium models offers enhanced structural design, improving stability, comfort and vehicle longevity as well as upgraded viewing capabilities.
• RSA Safari Cruisers exceed expectations and are customised to the specific needs of each customer, all the while delivering the highest standards in safety, comfort and reliability.
• Extensive investment in Research and Development of the conversion process ensures our clients with exclusive designs and evolving technologies.

Book A Service

Book a service for quotations, service, advice, collision/body repair and full refurbishment. Our team of experts guarantee you will receive the best quality.

Find Your New Vehicle

Select your vehicle/conversion models on our collections which meets your demands.

Upgrade Your Vehicle

RSA offers a variety of accessories, recovery kits, spare/body parts and suspension systems.

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Gmc safari van types.

There are four main van types created from the GMC Safari base.  Although it should be noted there are several offshoots from each category and a variety of both commercial and private applications for each type.  We highlight these four main types below for your reference with a brief descriptions and link out to our classifieds section for each.

One of the obvious uses for a the GMC Safari is as a passenger van.  With standard seating capacity up to 8 adults it is the perfect large family transport option.  GMC Safari Passenger vans are also used in the following people transportation applications.

• School Transport (Home To School, Field Trips, etc)
• Company Transport (Business Outings, Travel, Plant Tours, etc)
• Travel Van (Touring, Road Trip, etc)
• General Rental Van

Specialty passenger vans are also commonly outfitted with specific usage amenities such as televisions/entertainment, WiFi hotspot, window safety precautions and more.  Passenger vans sometimes professionally customized by Conversion companies might also include unique body modifications or other fabrication.  See the conversion category below for more information.

See current GMC Safari Passenger Vans for sale on our Passenger Page.

The other core use for GMC Safari Vans is as a Cargo vehicle.  This could be for a variety of possible uses including some of the following:

• Materials & Goods Hauling
• Contractor Vehicle (Stores combination of materials and tools)
• Mobile Professional Unit (i.e. Locksmith, Electrician, Plumber)
• Local Delivery Service (i.e. Florist, Catering, etc.)

While a truck bed with a camper shell or lock box could accomplish the same goal; many professionals choose the cargo van for the flexibility and storage capacity.

A GMC Safari Cargo Van might be as simple as a regular base van with rear seating removed, however some cargo vans like other conversions are professional or DIY modified to accommodate unique applications.  This may include custom storage solutions, modular rear units, workbenches among other heavy duty racking.

See current GMC Safari Cargo Vans for sale on our Cargo Page.

The Conversion category covers a wide range of GMC Safari Van types and applications.  Technically any professionally or DIY modified passenger, cargo or camper van could be considered a conversion.  The idea here is that the base model Safari is converted for a specific use or application.

It is usually more common to see conversion vans manufactured by professional 3rd party companies, however it is also possible to see fairly complex homemade conversions.  This is particularly the case with independent contractors and other commercial professionals who will modify a standard GMC Safari Cargo Van for their unique purposes.

See current GMC Safari Conversion Vans for sale on our Conversion Page.

The simple purpose of a GMC Safari Camper Van is to allow for both travel and sleeping in.  This is at the most base level, as more complex campers include cooking, storage, toilets, refrigeration and more.

Camper vans are one of the rare van types that are equally created by both professional 3rd party companies and weekend warriors.  Pro camper converters will often extend the roof to allow for standing, including possible bunk bed configurations.  Professional camper conversions will also commonly include a sink/counter/storage unit often with a propane stove, refrigeration unit and even sometimes a toilet.

DIY Homemade campers can be as simple as a sleeping setup in the rear but can often include more complex fabrication.  Custom storage solutions, waste disposal and other camping necessities are often incorporated into the rear area of a GMC Safari Cargo van.

See current GMC Safari Camper Vans for sale on our Camper Page.

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Safari Travel Trends 2024: Sustainability and Increased Travel Budgets

G lobal interest in safaris more than doubled over the course of 2023 with the bulk of travelers especially interested in exploring South Africa, Kenya, and Tanzania.

At the same time, the average amount of money consumers are willing to spend for safari travel has increased by a significant 25 percent.

Those are just a few of the top takeaways from Go2Africa’s annual State of Safaris report. Developed based on Go2Africa’s own proprietary search and booking data, as well as global Google search volumes, the report identifies a number of pivotal trends that are poised to shape the safari industry across Africa.

In addition to the growth in safari travel in general, the report reveals:

• Interest in sustainable safari travel continues to grow, experiencing a more than 1,000 percent increase over the last four years.
• Travelers are increasingly interested in beach/safari combos and intergenerational travel
• The average safari budget now ranges between $5,500 to $6,500
• About 12 percent of solo travelers would consider going on a safari, with couples being the biggest demographic at 47 percent.

Here’s a closer look at some of the most significant developments.

Interest in African Safaris Has More Than Doubled

As the world emerged from the pandemic and travel restrictions eased, interest in safari travel grew exponentially.

With 2023 being the first year that there were very few travel restrictions remaining at all, Google searches for African safaris more than doubled during Q1 increasing by 111 percent over the same time period one year earlier.

The Average Safari Budget Increased by 25%

About 70 percent of visitors from Australia, the US, and Canada now have what Go2Africa calls “medium to high budgets” for safaris. That’s a significant rise from 43 percent of travelers who had such substantial sums of money set aside for a safari vacation the previous year.

About 25 percent of travelers from South Africa, Europe, and the UK meanwhile, set aside a medium to high budget for a safari vacation, compared to just 18 percent in 2022.

Ranked by spending on safaris, travelers from Italy are at the top of the heap, splashing the most cash on such vacations. Rounding out the top five in order of spending is Belgium, Mexico, the United States, and Philippines.

12 percent of Solo Travelers Would Consider Going on a Safari

The demographics of safari travelers apparently don’t change much from one year to the next, according to Go2Africa. In 2023, the vast majority of people taking safaris were individuals traveling with their partner, a group that made up 47 percent of arrivals to the continent. That figure is notable however, because it’s a decline from 2022, when couples made up 60 percent of all travelers to Africa. 

Families, meanwhile, account for the second largest group of safari travelers at 32.3 percent of arrivals in Africa, followed by solo travelers at 12 percent and groups of friends at 11 percent. (Side note: groups of friends visiting Africa tend to choose Congo for their adventure, says Go2Africa).

The central African nation also attracts the highest percentage of solo travelers among African countries, making it an enticing destination for those looking for solo travel-friendly explorations.

Sustainability Continues to Be a Customer Priority

The Go2Africa also reveals that travelers want a “more authentic and sustainable experiences on their trip.”

“Sustainability is the word on everyone’s lips, but research suggests that it’s more than just a fad,” says the report.

Interest in sustainable safaris has been steadily growing over the years increasing by 6.4 percent from 2022 to 2023.

However, when looking at the wider picture, sustainable safaris have seen more than a 1,000% increase in interest over the last four years.

“Right now, we have a few travelers who have specifically asked if they can volunteer for a day on their safari, so we’re definitely seeing an increase in our guests’ interest in sustainability and connection with the local communities,” Liesel Van Zyl, head of positive impact at Go2Africa, said in a statement. “Our clients look for experiences that foster authentic community engagement during their trip to Africa.”

Beach Safaris

And one last notable trend: safaris combined with beach getaways are now a popular request. This typically includes travelers spending half of the week taking in the animals throughout Africa and half the week relaxing and swimming at a coastal destination.

This emerging demand has resulted in some new countries becoming hotspots that were not always popular including Malawi and Seychelles, says the report.

Interest in travel to Zambia and Malawi increased by 78 percent and 41 percent respectively between 2022 and 2023. Meanwhile, Seychelles experienced a notable increase in visitors, credited to a 20 percent rise in bush and beach combinations compared to the previous year.

“Zambia and Malawi combination safaris are very popular at the moment,” Van Zyl said in a statement. “Zambia offers some great value with more untouched, uncrowded parks to explore compared to some of the more hectic areas in Southern Africa. It’s also a quick one-hour hop and a skip to Malawi for incredible beach and freshwater snorkeling, kayaking and African sundowners.”

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Coordinates of Elektrostal in decimal degrees

Coordinates of elektrostal in degrees and decimal minutes, utm coordinates of elektrostal, geographic coordinate systems.

WGS 84 coordinate reference system is the latest revision of the World Geodetic System, which is used in mapping and navigation, including GPS satellite navigation system (the Global Positioning System).

Geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude) define a position on the Earth’s surface. Coordinates are angular units. The canonical form of latitude and longitude representation uses degrees (°), minutes (′), and seconds (″). GPS systems widely use coordinates in degrees and decimal minutes, or in decimal degrees.

Latitude varies from −90° to 90°. The latitude of the Equator is 0°; the latitude of the South Pole is −90°; the latitude of the North Pole is 90°. Positive latitude values correspond to the geographic locations north of the Equator (abbrev. N). Negative latitude values correspond to the geographic locations south of the Equator (abbrev. S).

Longitude is counted from the prime meridian ( IERS Reference Meridian for WGS 84) and varies from −180° to 180°. Positive longitude values correspond to the geographic locations east of the prime meridian (abbrev. E). Negative longitude values correspond to the geographic locations west of the prime meridian (abbrev. W).

UTM or Universal Transverse Mercator coordinate system divides the Earth’s surface into 60 longitudinal zones. The coordinates of a location within each zone are defined as a planar coordinate pair related to the intersection of the equator and the zone’s central meridian, and measured in meters.

Elevation above sea level is a measure of a geographic location’s height. We are using the global digital elevation model GTOPO30 .

Elektrostal , Moscow Oblast, Russia

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