5 Types of Safari Vehicles in Kenya and Their Key Advantages

Kenya is one of the countries in East Africa with state-of-the-art safari vehicles, designed for both comfort and excellent wildlife sighting. This article highlights different types of safari vehicles that tour operators in Kenya use to ferry tourists to various destinations in the country.

We will look at Toyota Jeep-like land cruisers both closed and open-sided, vans with pop-up roofs, overland safari trucks, and safari buses. These vehicles have their advantages and disadvantages that you should know as a safari traveler before you book or hire one.

Closed 4×4 Toyota land cruisers

Toyota land cruisers are the most common safari vehicles you will spot in Kenya. The Jeep-like 4×4 vehicles can navigate a wider variety of terrains, from steep inclines to rocky paths and water crossings, which are common in Kenya’s national parks and natural reserves.

These four-wheel drive vehicles are equally reliable in all weather conditions and can be used during rainy seasons. Having a capacity of 6-8 passengers, closed Toyota land cruisers provide enough room for leg comfort. They have large clear side windows and sometimes a pop-up roof for maximum sighting. 

The vehicle can also carry a substantial amount of load, recommended to 15 – 20 kgs of luggage per person. Closed 4×4 Toyota land cruisers can be used both for game drives and in ferrying tourists from Nairobi or other cities in Kenya to national parks and game reserves.

Open-side 4WD safari land cruisers

Open-side Toyota land cruisers are exclusively used during game drives in the parks and game reserves. They give travelers intimate wildlife encounters while maintaining a safe distance from animals. The unobstructed views are also better close-up photography opportunities. 

These types of safari land cruiser vehicles are equally powerful and perfect for all terrains. They are similar to the closed Toyota land cruisers used in ferrying tourists to the parks except they don’t have a closed cabin. You may find those completely open or those with at least a roof.

Since these safari vehicles are open-sided, game drives in these safari vehicles are conducted under the watch of a skilled tour guide or game ranger. Big cats like lions or cheetahs can easily jump into the vehicle but a safe distance is always kept from the animals.

Vans with pop-up roof

Vans with pop-up roofs are popular safari vehicles in Kenya. The small bus is customized to have a pop-up on the roof that allows tourists to stand and get 360-degree views from the top. The fact that they are closed, you will be protected from weather elements when traveling.

Safari vans are designed to take up 8 passengers with excellent legroom. The luggage compartment at the back can accommodate enough luggage for everyone onboard especially when soft-sided bags are used. Compared to hatch-top safari jeeps, they are less costly.

The only challenge of using safari vans is when the weather is rainy. They can easily get stuck in the mud due to their low ground clearance. So the best time to use them is during dry seasons, otherwise they can spoil your safari experiences in magical Kenya.

Overland safari truck

Overland safari trucks are increasingly becoming popular in Kenya. Their large capacity allows for large groups of travelers on safaris and cross-border tours. Their big advantage is the elevation allowing great viewing of the surrounding landscapes and wildlife.

These trucks have large windows for excellent viewing. Their seats are also well-spaced for maximum leg comfort. Luggage and equipment storage compartments are also spacious enough for all the passengers but be sure to pack only essential things needed for safari.

By using these heavy-duty rugged vehicles, which are excellent for traveling long distances over rough terrain, costs are considerably cheaper than jeep land cruisers. The only issue is that you need to be traveling in a large group otherwise you will share them with other safari goers. 

Safari buses

Safari buses are also available in Kenya for group transfers. The 25-33-seater vehicles are designed for comfort and luxury. Their spacious legroom, air conditioning, and sometimes built-in sound systems make them great for long-distance travel within the country.

Buses are a great option for city tours and airport transfers. Their clear and large windows are excellent for sightseeing tours within smooth or tarmacked territories. While safari buses cannot be used for game drives they can deliver you to most of Kenya’s attractions.

Final thought

Safari vehicles in Kenya are driven by courteous English-speaking drivers employed by a tour operator. They are trained rigorously to handle all the challenging road conditions. They can also explain anything you need to know on your journey. 

Most of the vehicles are equipped with UHF radio call units for communication, providing the safest possible travel. Your budget is the only limiter to the kind of ride you want but you have all the options from the resilient Toyota land cruisers to safari vans and buses.

Please note that comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended for all safaris. The policy taken out should provide worldwide coverage for cancellation, personal accident, medical, and baggage. It’s best to purchase your insurance before arrival in Kenya.