The Truth About Safari Vehicle Seating: What the Operators don’t tell you.
- By Bena Roberts | Ethical Safari Specialist for Women
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Why Safari Vehicle and Seating matter for photography
I recently posted this picture of me on Safari with our 4x4 Safari Vehicle. I got so many comments on it that I thought I would write this post.
What were the comments?
Many of them said things like “your vehicle is luxury,” or “the size of that thing,” and “no wonder you took great pictures.”
Well this might seem obvious but if you go on your dream Safari but book a bus, small car or old jeep - then you will miss out.
Where you sit in a vehicle and what vehicle you take with you really has a massive impact on several factors that many operators fail to tell you about.
The Safari is bumpy - you can get back ache
In a tiny vehicle, you will not be comfortable
You need space for camera equipment and setting up and you need a large vehicle
Not all jeeps are the same, and this large 4x4 will guarantee everyone a good view and space - but not all of them are this size.
While I can guarantee you a window seat in this vehicle, many operators that fill up the car use the third seat at the back for an extra passenger. That person, lost out. It is the worst seat on the bus.
Of course. The solution to all the problems would be to book your perfect safari with myself and Best Safaris to get the best experience and vehicles. But, I am not going to spit out brazen comments like that! Instead, let me help you get the best seat.
In a van (sit next to the driver if possible), especially if you have back issues as you will feel every bump in the road.
In a mid-size jeep, avoid the back seats and the middle seat in the back. Even if you have long legs and tactically want to get there, your pelvic bone will suffer.
Taken from the front seat https://youtube.com/shorts/61LN77WYh6Q
The best place to sit in the Jeep if you are over 50 is in the first row. For younger generations and those that want to get the back views of the jeep, then you can sit anywhere.
Taken from the middle seat https://youtube.com/shorts/W0TOXHFE2Bs
But if you love photography and that is your passion, then book a private safari to ensure your equipment is safe and secure and can be accessed quickly.
Taken from the back seat in a smaller 4x4 https://youtu.be/z9bBpydaamo
Not all seats or vehicles are the same, and when you ask the Safari company for a picture, ask how many seats, where the luggage goes (as if there is too much luggage it might end up under your seat. Also, depending on the weather will you have a jeep with windows and doors or without? In the rainy season or green season... these questions definitely matter.
Safari Vehicle Checklist
The Ultimate Safari Vehicle Checklist Before You Book
Print this checklist or email it to your tour operator before wire-transferring any deposit:
[ ] Guaranteed Window Seat: Is every single traveler guaranteed a window side, or will someone be forced into a middle seat?
[ ] Luggage Clearance: Is there a dedicated roof rack or rear compartment for bags, or will luggage occupy passenger legroom?
[ ] Charging Capabilities: Does the vehicle feature functional USB or plug ports at every seat row to keep camera batteries charged?
[ ] Suspension Quality: Is the vehicle a heavy-duty 4x4 extended land cruiser, or a modified lightweight commercial van?
[ ] Roof Design: Does the vehicle have a pop-up roof for 360-degree standing photography, and does it feature canvas protection from rain?
[ ] Fridge/Cooler Space: Is there an on-board cooler for chilled water during 8-hour game drives?
For your info Best Safaris can say YES to all of these questions.
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