What To Expect From Your Safari Vehicle

A useful guide to safari vehicles. What's the difference and where are they used?

Ruth
Ruth
Africa, Indian Ocean, and Caribbean Specialist
Published on
19 Aug 2024
Updated on
24 Apr 2025
Safari Vehicle by artist Sophie Botsford

Far & Wild Artwork by local Cumbrian artist Sophie Botsford


Introduction

Safari vehicles vary from camp to camp, and country to country. In this guide we want to show you an example so you know what to expect. On the whole there are 2 main types of vehicle.

Electric safari vehicles are an emerging trend in eco-friendly wildlife tourism. These vehicles offer a sustainable alternative to traditional gas-powered safari trucks, allowing visitors to observe wildlife with minimal environmental impact.

Open Safari Truck, Safari, Tanzania
Open electric Safari Truck, Tanzania
Ruth Open Safari Truck, Game Drive, Tanzania
Senior Sales Consultant Ruth game viewing via 'pop up' roof, Tanzania.

Specific aspects of safari trucks and their luxury features

A well-equipped safari truck combines rugged functionality with luxurious comfort to enhance the wildlife viewing experience. These vehicles typically feature an elevated, open-air seating area with padded bucket seats and individual armrests, allowing passengers unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape. High-end models may include leather upholstery, adjustable headrests, and even heated seats for chilly morning drives.

The truck is often outfitted with a mini-fridge stocked with refreshments, as well as charging ports for cameras and devices. Some luxury safari vehicles boast a retractable canvas roof for shade, powerful spotlights for night drives, and state-of-the-art suspension systems to smooth out rough terrain. Binoculars, field guides, and sometimes even Wi-Fi hotspots are provided for guests' convenience and enrichment.

Safari Vehicle plan by artist Sophie Botsford
Safari vehicle plan by artist Sophie Botsford - commissioned for Far & Wild

'Closed' Vehicles

Most Safari vehicles are Land Rover Defenders and Toyota Land Cruisers, seating up to seven guests plus your driver. They are designed to maximise wildlife viewing in the National Parks as well as comfort on the roads in-between the parks. The below seven seat vehicles have special features including window seats for all passengers, as well as a pop-up roof so that you can stand up and get an amazing unobstructed view of the animals. These provide more comfort and security, with air conditioning and protection from dust and weather. They're suitable for all-weather conditions.

Closed not electric
Closed safari truck - non electric, Tanzania

'Open' Vehicles

Where long journeys by road aren't required for your safari, most of southern Africa, open sided vehicles tend to be used. These 4x4's are normally Land Cruisers, or Land Rovers. Open sided vehicles have their advantages. They provide an unobstructed view of the surroundings, allowing passengers to feel more connected to nature. They're ideal for photography and offer a thrilling, immersive experience. If shade is needed most vehicles will have sunshades.

Safari truck views
Safari truck views, Tanzania

Electric Safari Vehicles

As battery technology improves, these vehicles are becoming increasingly practical for longer safari tours.

Solar-powered safari vehicles utilise photovoltaic panels installed on the roof or other suitable surfaces to harness the abundant African sun. This renewable energy source can be used to charge the vehicle's batteries, power onboard equipment like refrigerators or charging stations for guests' devices, and even contribute to the energy needs of safari camps. The integration of solar power not only reduces the carbon footprint of safaris but also increases the vehicles' range and self-sufficiency, particularly valuable in remote areas.

PXL 20240623 121050815 MP
View from pop top safari vehicle

While still in the early stages of adoption, solar-powered safari vehicles represent an exciting frontier in sustainable tourism. They offer the potential for truly off-grid, zero-emission wildlife viewing experiences, aligning perfectly with the conservation ethos that underpins responsible safari tourism.

Many wildlife reserves and national parks are now incorporating electric vehicles into their fleets, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable tourism.

Solar panels Grumeti Hills
Solar panels at Grumeti Hills Lodge, Tanzania
One of the battery charging units Grumeti Hills
Battery charging units at Grumeti Hills, Tanzania

Electric safari vehicles offer several advantages:

  • Silent operation, reducing disturbance to animals.
  • Zero emissions, helping preserve the natural environment.
  • Lower operating costs due to reduced fuel and maintenance needs.
  • Enhanced visitor experience with quieter rides.
Fully serviced after every trip Arumeru Arusha
Fully serviced after every trip Arumeru Arusha

Which is the best type of vehicle to opt for

Safari vehicles are an essential part of the wildlife viewing experience, bridging the gap between human visitors and the natural world. Whether closed or open, traditional or electric, these vehicles are designed to navigate challenging terrains while prioritising passenger safety and optimal wildlife observation.

The choice between closed and open vehicles often depends on the region, climate, and specific needs of the safari. Closed vehicles offer protection and comfort, making them ideal for longer journeys and variable weather conditions. Open vehicles provide an immersive experience and are excellent for photography, best suited for areas with milder climates and shorter drives.

Open safari truck, Tanzania
Open Safari truck, Tanzania
Ruth Senior, Sales Consultant Africa, Tanzania
Ruth Senior Sales Consultant, Tanzania

Equally important as the vehicles themselves are the experienced safari guide drivers who operate them. These skilled professionals are much more than just drivers – they are knowledgeable naturalists, expert navigators, and passionate storytellers. With years of experience in the field, they possess an intimate understanding of animal behaviour, local ecosystems, and the best spots for wildlife viewing. Their expertise not only ensures guest safety but also dramatically enhances the safari experience by providing insightful commentary, identifying species, and positioning the vehicle for optimal viewing and photography opportunities.

Selection of safari trucks
Safari trucks on a game drive

The emerging trend of electric safari vehicles represents a significant step towards sustainable tourism. These eco-friendly alternatives maintain the functionality of traditional vehicles while reducing environmental impact through silent operation and zero emissions. Experienced guides are adapting to these new technologies, leveraging the quieter operation to get even closer to wildlife without causing disturbance.

Ultimately, regardless of the type of vehicle used, the goal remains the same: to provide visitors with unforgettable encounters with wildlife while preserving the delicate ecosystems of the world's most precious natural areas. As technology advances and environmental concerns grow, we can expect safari vehicles to continue evolving, always striving to balance the thrill of adventure with responsible conservation practices. Throughout this evolution, the role of the experienced safari guide driver will remain crucial, continuing to bridge the gap between visitors and the wild, natural world they've come to explore.

Whatever sort of vehicle you're in you'll have an amazing safari, for more inspiration, check out our 26 best safari ideas or call our team on 01768 603 715 and they'd be happy to help.

If you're planning you're researching your first safari, you might also want to take a look at our guide on 'where to go on my first safari' or big five safaris.

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Alistair

Africa Expert

Shirley Newman

What can I say….my son and myself had the most wonderful time in Kenya thanks to the first-class itinerary that Ben and Louise put together for us. We spoke with Ben many times to ensure he ‘got it right’. This was our 2nd visit to Kenya, and it certainly lived up to our expectations and memories. We stayed in four locations, firstly at the wonderful El Karama Lodge, Laikipia Wildlife Conservancy, where we even had a visit from Ruth from Far and Wild! Then, for a return visit, to Saruni Samburu, which is absolutely stunning and still one of our favourite places in the world. Next came Basecamp Mara Camp, where we saw our first Cheetah, the only animal we didn’t see on our first visit. After that, onto the wonderful Leopards Hill in the Naiboisho Conservancy, what a way to spend the last four days of this trip. Here we finally spent many hours with a beautiful leopard. Throughout our time in Kenya, we saw many lions, giraffes, elephants, ostriches, hyenas, cheetahs, and leopards, to name just a few. Nothing was too much trouble for all the staff; we cannot have been looked after any better. Since our return again Ben phoned to see how it went in addition to emails. I would highly recommend Far and Wild; they are so knowledgeable and have personally visited the lodges and areas. We are already planning another visit, and we cannot wait.

16 Aug 2025
Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

17 Sept 2025
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

31 Jul 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

3 Jul 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

28 Jun 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

5 Jun 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

5 Jun 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

5 Jun 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

5 Jun 2024