Safari Car Hire On The Rise As Modern Tourists Opt for Private Trips

Modern tourists to Kenya have discovered a new way of canvassing the country’s award-winning destinations on their terms. Rather than book pre-determined wildlife safari packages or group tours, they are opting for a private safari or self-drive game drives using rental safari cars. 

“Initially, just about 1 out of 10 guests who booked a trip with us opted for private or self-drive tours. However, since the pandemic hit the scenes, the switch towards exclusive tours has grown exponentially. Today,  about  5 out of 10 guests who book a trip with us are opting for self-drive or private safaris,”  James Gatheru, CEO Ajkenyasafaris.com ltd. 

Private safari car rentals enable visitors to go where they want when they want, without being bound by the sometimes restrictive tour packages offered by some tour operators. Below are some of the most favored safari rental vehicles for both short and long-term hires.

TOYOTA LAND CRUISER

A grounded view of the sprawling Maasai Mara savannah is best savored onboard a Toyota Land Cruiser. The customized 4×4 takes to the rugged Kenyan terrain like a duck to water.

With added features such as expansive windows and a retractable roof, the 4×4 safari land cruiser is able to accommodate up to 7 travelers, each with a first-row seat and panoramic wildlife viewing.

The car’s UHF radio comes in handy should the driver wish to communicate with other safari vehicles drivers in the vicinity and learn where the action is.

SAFARI VAN

All safari car rentals are an invaluable chance for visitors to pick and choose their travel party, Nonetheless, the Safari van takes it a notch higher- it allows them to haul the largest tour party at a go. 

The 8-seater is customized for safaris and includes a cooling box, pop-hatch roof for game viewing, and guaranteed window seating for all passengers. Each seat also comes with ample legroom for cozier long trips.

Safari vans are a favorite among large teams visiting the Maasai Mara and other reserves.

LAND ROVER DEFENDER 

Every car enthusiast with a flair for travel hopes to attend the next annual Safari Rally tour. 

In an event where the car one arrives in is just as important as the event itself, the Land Rover Defender oozes luxury without losing its rugged off-road heritage.

Aside from 20-inch wheels and tons of ground clearance, the Defender presents users with automatic leveling LED headlights. 

These headlights automatically adjust to the turning of the car and the steering wheel so that even when navigating small hills and corners, the vehicle never loses sight of the road.

Then there is the posh interior decked out in Windsor leather and 14-way heated and cooled front seats.

JEEP WRANGLER

Witnessing the dramatic Wildebeest Migration on board a Jeep Wrangler guarantees visitors an experience free of those pesky distractions caused by car worries. 

As sure-footed as a mountain goat, a Wrangler’s occupants peacefully cruise along, knowing they are in good hands.

The Wrangler Rubicon is a particular favorite, with its aggressive front and rear locking differentials. These provide extra traction when off-roading, and are complemented by the car’s deep tread off-road tires.

In layman’s terms, the Wrangler is a beast capable of handling all terrain.

For Kenya’s visitors, the scene has never been better.

NISSAN PATROL

The Nissan Patrol is another sturdy contender for those who wish to escape the ordinary. 

It boasts excellent ground clearance and impressive towing capacity. With two spare tires on the ready, getting stuck while using this vehicle is a far-fetched notion. 

Comfort is another of its key selling points, given its heated and cooled front seats and tri-zone climate control for each of its three rows. 

Wanderlust zealots seeking to explore new possibilities have a decadent ride in the Nissan Patrol.