Planning Your Next Safari Fleet? Here’s What to Consider

Your vehicles are the backbone of your safari business, and choosing the right ones can make or break your guests’ experience. Here’s a handy checklist of key features and considerations to keep in mind when assembling the ultimate safari fleet:

• Terrain Capability & 4x4 Performance: East African safaris demand true off-road champions. Ensure your fleet has high ground clearance, four-wheel drive with low-range gears, and robust suspension. Heavy-duty shocks and reinforced axles are crucial for navigating rocky tracks and muddy riverbanks. A vehicle like the RSA Safari Cruiser is popular for a reason: legendary reliability on harsh terrain. Don’t forget off-road tires (all-terrain) and features like snorkels for water crossings if needed.

• Passenger Comfort and Seating Configuration: Happy guests lead to excellent reviews. Look for vehicles with comfortable, forward-facing seats that offer good legroom and visibility. Open game viewers often feature tiered seating which supports generous legroom and unobstructed views – ideal for photography and immersive wildlife encounters. Meanwhile, closed safari vehicles use level seating configurations with ergonomic support and large windows which are especially important on longer journeys where comfort and visibility go hand in hand. Cushioned seats with quality padding and easy-to-clean material will keep your clients smiling through full-day game drives. Bonus points for amenities like armrests, cup holders, and even sockets with USB charging ports for cameras.

• Roof Design & Wildlife Viewing: Choose between pop-up roofs, open game viewers, or consider having both in your fleet for versatility. Pop-up roofs are flexible: closed during transits, open during game viewing, offering a safe way for guests to stand up and look out. Open game viewers, with a canvas top and no glass windows, enable unparalleled, up-close animal sightings, perfect for capturing truly remarkable moments.

• Fuel Economy & Range: Out in the bush, the last thing you want is to be low on fuel hours from the nearest pump. Diesel engines are the norm for safari fleets due to fuel efficiency and torque. Consider long-range fuel tanks or carrying auxiliary fuel for operations in very remote areas. A lighter vehicle design can also improve fuel efficiency; even a 10% weight reduction can boost mileage by around 6-8%. Throughout a season of safaris, those savings add up. It’s excellent for your budget and the environment.

• Capacity & Purpose: Match your fleet mix to your safari offerings. If you do group tours, you might need a few extended Safari Cruisers that seat 7 passengers. For more private tours, a smaller 5 seater with plush seating could impress clients. If you cater to photographers, consider having one vehicle equipped with camera stands. If you do night drives, ensure a couple of vehicles are fitted with spotlight mounts.

• Safety Features: Last on this list but never least, safety is non-negotiable. Every vehicle is equipped with high-quality, secure seatbelts for all passengers. It sounds basic, but consider a roll-cage or reinforced roof for rollover protection, along with onboard first aid kits and fire extinguishers. Radios for communication between vehicles or with the lodge base are not only essential for coordinating wildlife sightings but responding promptly in emergencies.

By running through this checklist, you’ll cover the essentials of a safari fleet that’s reliable, guest-friendly, and bush-capable. Each operator’s needs differ, but whether you’re focusing on fuel economy or maximising comfort, planning ahead will save you headaches later. Remember, your fleet is a reflection of your brand. By investing in the right builds, tailored to your terrain and clientele, you set the stage for unforgettable experiences and operational excellence.