Your transportation choice is critical when going on a game drive or wildlife safari. Unlike city drives where you can do well even with small cars such as Toyota Vitz, Suzuki Alto, Honda Fit, Toyota Passo and others, safari drives require 4×4 vehicles that can handle well while on and off-road.
In Kenya, most travel and tour companies offer road safaris that include transportation and private safari game drives. On the other hand, there are fly-in vacation packages where camps and lodges supply game drives (and the attendant transportation).
Typically, these include non-private game drives, which means you may share the safari vehicle with other visitors.
The maximum number of passengers that can typically fit in a vehicle is 8, making this a manageable group size.
Nevertheless, compared to non-private game drives, private game drives have their benefits because they give you more personal freedom and convenience in terms of timing.
They are recommended for tourists with specialized interests like photography or bird watching.
Visitors may also opt for self-guided tours, in which case a car hire will be necessary.No matter the arrangement you opt for, dependable vehicles are a must. Here are five top vehicle choices for a Kenyan wildlife safari.
- Subaru XV
The interior of the Subaru XV is cozy. Its well-cushioned seats have sufficient ventilation and offer comfortable rides even on uneven roads.
The car also has an acoustic windshield to lessen noise.
As far as off-road capabilities are concerned, the XV’s construction conforms to the most recent advancements in automobile safety technologies. It is made to be tough and resilient in off-road conditions.
The brand’s pre-installed X-MODE is one of its kind and helps you navigate treacherous roads that would, ordinarily, stop all other vehicles.
Navigating the X-MODE is quite simple. Upon activation, it performs various tasks based on the off-road environment.
It achieves this by controlling your engine output, transmission, AWD torque split, and braking system with the simple stroke of a button.
X-Mode can guide you through even the most challenging off-road situations. The handiness of the X-MODE function is especially evident when the vehicle is tackling descents.
When X-MODE engages, the system analyzes the driving situation and automatically applies the necessary brake pressure as you slope down.
Thanks to this function, the driver only needs to concentrate on steering.
- Ford Ranger Raptor
The Ford Ranger Raptor was designed for off-road performance.
The Raptor is a 4×4 pickup truck with a unique All-Terrain Management System that offers the best experience on and off-road.
With a 10-speed automatic transmission, off-roaders will enjoy game drives on the Ford F-150 Raptor pickup truck.
It allows drivers to traverse rugged terrain due to its numerous off-road upgrades, like robust all-terrain tires.
It also features an upgraded, off-road suspension with more travel modifications that set it apart from conventional vehicles.
The F-150 Raptor also has cosmetic modifications highlighting its off-road prowess, including more aggressive bodywork hinting at the truck’s near-invincibility.
At lower speeds or when powering up a slope or moving through gravel, the Raptor’s 6.2-liter V8 engine provides more power and authority than its 5.4-liter predecessor.
Since it is a double cabin cab with tons of cargo space, the Raptor is also an appealing choice for campers who may wish to lug their gear along.
- Toyota Land Cruiser
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a legendary automobile, and it might be the perfect ride for taking the less-traveled paths.
That’s probably the reason these SUVs carry such hefty price tags.
Produced from 1989 to 1997, the 80 Land Cruiser Series offers a good balance of on- and off-road comfort.
Because of this, it’s perfect for an off-road safari or overland excursion.
It boasts a range of off-road possibilities. These include front and rear differential lockers and a sturdy front axle.
The FJ80 Land Cruiser excels in a variety of areas in addition to off-roading.
Toyota also included a few comfort and luxury options in this car.
This particular model of Land Cruiser features coil spring suspension for a genuinely relaxing off-road ride.
- Jeep Wrangler
For years, the Jeep Wrangler has maintained its dominance in the off-road market by providing competent SUVs with every convenience imaginable.
The Wrangler is unique when it leaves the tarmac because of features such as locking differentials, four-wheel drive and disconnecting sway bars.
An automated sway bar disconnect makes the substantial front tire articulation possible, ensuring the wheels stay steady and engaged.
Even in the most challenging driving circumstances, the Jeep Wrangler can maintain traction.
It has electronic stability control, which aids in maintaining control of off-road circumstances.
With a two-inch raise and a greater ground clearance of 10.3 inches, the jeep wrangler offers plenty of maneuverability.
- Ford Ranger
To begin with, the Ford Ranger comes with a host of convenience features.
These include a 12.0-inch portrait touchscreen, sat nav, AM/FM/DAB digital radio, and wireless or wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
It also sports a wireless smartphone charger, five USB ports, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and electric seat adjustment.
A dark headliner and leather-accented trim with Wildtrak branding and embroidery are also included.
For ease of navigation, the car has front and rear parking sensors, semi-autonomous parking, and a 360-degree surround-view video system.
Also, its integrated electronic brake controller is unique to the class and is a complementary convenience feature.
The Wildtrak V6’s six driving modes, including Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Mud/Ruts, and Sand, for off-road use.
Each drive mode modifies the throttle, transmission, braking, traction, and stability systems.
Mud/Ruts and Sand are two of the off-road driving modes.
The two modes are primarily novelties in modern 4WDs and do not substitute the track-worthy 4WD mechanicals.
Nonetheless, they adequately adjust the engine throttle, transmission, braking, traction, and stability controls to the driving conditions.
