The vans have pop-up tops that protect you from the sun but still
allow for unobstructed views. The roof, when popped up, is between
6'4" and 6'6" high.
There are several windows that slide open for ventilation and can
also be used for nice eye level photography with your wildlife.
During the game drives most people will stand as you gain a better
vantage point for wildlife sighting. Not only are your sight lines
further you also have a better angle looking for game in the grassy
areas.
The opening may be too high for some which is easily managed by
standing on the seats.
Wildlife viewing can be in any direction. To accommodate viewing
for everyone you will find enough room to move around without having
to climb over one another.
There can be several hours of driving between the parks - some of
it on dirt roads. Being able to close the top protects you from
the wind, the dust and any other weather elements. Noise will be
drastically reduced compared to the open air vehicles used in the
southern part of the continent.
Note: About 80% of my photos on this site are from these vans.
OTHER
VAN ITEMS
VAN
COURTESY
Please be aware of the others in each van. While there is room to
move around the van the space isn't limitless. The vans can also
be sensitive to movement. Be alert to this before you jump up from
your seat. If one of your van buddies is preparing to take a photograph
your movement could rock the van and assist in making a blurred
photo.
Secondly, while your van chum is certainly looking forward to having
many photos of you in their album you may not be the main subject
when there is a cool animal in the vicinity. Please, mind where
you put yourself so that your head, shoulder or elbow isn’t
stealing the show.
Photographers - this works the other way too. If you are bending
over to change lenses, film etc. mind your parts so that you don’t
hip check or elbow smash your van pal. It could come back to bite
you. Please, be cognizant of the others.
The vans do not have air conditioning. Ventilation is controlled
with the windows and at times with the top.
The morning game drives can be cool. Wearing a jacket or sweatshirt
is advised until the day warms. Midday and the early part of the
afternoon game drives will be warm with the temperature cooling
down after 6. You may want to have a jacket or sweatshirt available
for the late afternoon.
If you will be standing on the seats for viewing your driver will
kindly ask for you to remove your shoes. Thank you in advance.
BAGGAGE/LUGGAGE
While on safari, you are limited to a medium soft sided suitcase
or duffle type bag (which is best to have) and a moderate amount
of hand luggage (day pack and camera bag). There is a limited amount
of space in the van. Duffle bags are easier to mold than a roll
aboard bag into the available packing space in the back of the van.
WILDLIFE
VIEWING
We use the clock system when pointing out wildlife. When first to
spot wildlife use a position of the clock to indicate the direction
of the subject. The front of the van is always 12 O'Clock.
Telling distance can be difficult for some. Kenya uses the metric
system so the drivers will give distance in meters. Yards and meters
are very close in measurement. If you can picture a football field
and it's markings you should be able to gauge the distance of the
subject.
If you hear, 'Lions; 2 O'Clock at 40 meters.' You'll know to look
out the right front of the van about 4 ten yard segments away (or
ten first downs away).
Van
Clock
VIEWS
FROM THE VAN
View
Out The Front
Lion at Twelve O'Clock
Elephants at Twelve Thirty 80 Meters Out
View
From the Back of the Van.
Elephants 5 O'Clock
