Hatch Top Safari Vans
The Safari micro-bus, commonly referred to as the safari van, or mini-van, is not for everyone looking for a safari in Africa. But by comparison with the other types of safari vehicles, it is certainly the less costlier way of getting around and seeing some parts of the continent while on safari.
The safari van is a small bus that is customized so that it has a hatch roof that allows one to stand and view wild animals from the roof hatch – the top side of the bus designed to pop up as and when required. Micro-buses are mainly booked through tour companies that specialize in organized safaris and tours.
Destinations That May Use The Safari Vans for Safaris and Game drives
Generally speaking, the Safari van is mostly used in Kenya. The vans can be found in National parks and National reserves. However, the larger majority of Kenya’s private wildlife conservancies prefer and actively advocate for the use open safari jeeps or the hatch-top safari jeep, popularly known as 4×4 Landcruisers.
That being said, the mini-van has dominated the scene in Kenya for a very long time – both for the usual airport to hotel transfers and for the safaris into the parks and reserves. However, in the recent past, more and more tourists visiting Kenya are asking for the Jeeps. In the rest of East Africa safari destination – Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda, the mini van is rarely used for safaris.
Seating Arrangement and Luggage Space in the Mini Vans
It can normally take up to 8 persons, but only 6 persons will have access to a window seat. The person seating at the front with the driver will also not have access to the roof hatch. Unless you are traveling in a group large enough to take up the entire vehicle, or you pay for the entire vehicle, you are likely to have to share with other people on a same safari.
The safari vans are designed with a special luggage compartment at the back. For people who travel light, there should be enough space for everybody’s bag. However, depending on the number of persons in the safari van, additional luggage may have to be placed on some of the seats or on the aisle.
Price Comfort and Safety
From the travelers point of view, the safari van is cheaper and therefore ideal for those on tight budget for their safaris. For safari itineraries that do not involve long hours of travel, and on good roads, the mini van is just fine. Another consideration when thinking about the mini van is the time of year. You are better off with a 4×4 landcruiser on safari if you are on safari during the rainy season. Otherwise you will get stuck in the mud and lose some time getting help besides spoiling your safari experience.
Protection from the Elements
Needless to say, the fact that the minivan is ‘closed’ means that you are unless you open the windows deliberately to enjoy the fresh air, you are almost always protected against the weather elements during your travels.
Photography and Game Viewing with Safari Vans
For game viewing and photography when using safari vans, you stand on the floor of the car and then pop your head and shoulders through the open hatch. Without doubt, photography is restricted when using the safari vans, to the extend that professional photographers would not benefit on this type of safari vehicle. However, personal photography to secure the memories can be taken with reasonable ease.
The mini-van is the most suitable for price-sensitive Africa-safari seekers. It is not so bad to do your safari on a safari micro-van as has been said everywhere on the internet.
Recommended Affordable Safaris Using Hatch Top Vans
3 Days Amboseli Safari from Nairobi
3 Days Masai Mara Safari from Kisumu
8 Days Masai Mara Migration Safari from Nairobi