The Future of Safaris: Electric Vehicles Cut Costs by 75% Over Diesel Land Cruisers

A Land Cruiser model manufactured between 2010 and 2015, which includes the majority of vehicles used for 4×4 safaris in the Masai Mara, delivers exceptional off-road capabilities and reasonable fuel efficiency for extended game drives. We tested the fuel efficiency on several vehicles listed on MasaiMara.ke, particularly with a 2013 Land Cruiser Series 79 with open sides, a popular choice for photography safaris and have compared its efficiency with those of electric vehicles.

This guide on the fuel consumption and efficiency of Safari Land Cruisers compared to the charging costs of electric vehicles highlights how future safaris in the Masai Mara and other Kenyan national parks can become more affordable and eco-friendly. Whether you’re operating a diesel or petrol-powered Land Cruiser, this guide will help you optimize your safari by enabling better route planning and fuel-efficient driving techniques, allowing you to minimize costs and enjoy a smooth and sustainable safari experience.

Typical Mileage for a Full-Day Safari

A full-day safari in the Masai Mara typically covers around 120 to 160 kilometers, depending on the routes, wildlife sightings, and the amount of time spent at various locations. The terrain includes everything from dirt roads to rough off-road sections, which can impact both fuel efficiency and the distance covered.

For a 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser Series 79 Pick-Up, which has been modified into an open-sided vehicle for safaris, the fuel consumption varies based on driving conditions and load.

  • Fuel Consumption: On average, the Land Cruiser Series 79 with a 4.2L diesel engine consumes around 8 to 10 km per liter of fuel under typical safari conditions. This figure can be higher or lower depending on factors such as:
    • Driving on rough, uneven terrain versus smoother dirt roads.
    • Frequent stops and starts to observe wildlife, which can increase fuel consumption.
    • Carrying multiple passengers and equipment for a photography safari.

Fuel Usage for a Full-Day Game Drive

Given that a full-day safari in the Masai Mara involves driving distances of up to 160 kilometers, the fuel consumption for this distance in a 2013 Land Cruiser Series 79 is approximately:

  • 16 to 20 liters of diesel fuel for a full-day safari, assuming moderate off-road conditions and light to moderate load.

This means the vehicle will consume about 1 liter of fuel for every 8 to 10 kilometers driven. Over the course of the day, this consumption can increase if there is extensive off-roading, or if the vehicle carries a full load of passengers and photographic equipment.

Factors Influencing Fuel Efficiency

  1. Terrain: Off-road driving, especially on rough or muddy tracks, can reduce fuel efficiency due to the need for increased throttle and lower gear usage. Soft sand, hills, and river crossings also demand more fuel.
  2. Vehicle Load: The more passengers, luggage, and gear (such as photography equipment) the vehicle carries, the harder the engine works, reducing overall mileage.
  3. Driving Style: Smooth, consistent driving helps conserve fuel, while frequent acceleration and braking in stop-start traffic near popular wildlife sightings can increase consumption.
  4. Weather Conditions: Wet or muddy conditions can significantly impact fuel efficiency as the vehicle has to work harder to gain traction and power through difficult sections.

Recommendations for Efficient Fuel Usage

To optimize fuel consumption during a safari:

  • Pre-plan your routes: Choose routes that maximize wildlife viewing while minimizing unnecessary detours. Many safari lodges and conservancies offer maps with suggested game drive routes that are fuel-efficient.
  • Use low-range gears effectively: For tough off-road sections, switch to low-range gears to maintain control without over-revving the engine, which consumes more fuel.
  • Minimize idle time: Turn off the engine during extended wildlife sightings to conserve fuel and reduce emissions.

Land Cruiser Fuel Tank Capacity and Range

The Land Cruiser Series 79 is equipped with a 130-liter fuel tank with some having dual tank of up to 180 liters, giving it a substantial range even in tough conditions. With fuel consumption averaging around 8 to 10 km per liter, the vehicle can cover approximately 1,000 to 1,300 kilometers on a full 130-liter capacity tank. For a safari in the Masai Mara, this ensures that you can comfortably conduct multiple full-day game drives without needing to refuel frequently.

Comparing Fuel Efficiency of 2013 vs 2024 Toyota LandCruisers

The 2024 Land Cruiser models are notably more fuel-efficient than the 2013 Series 79, thanks to advancements in engine technology, transmission improvements, and the availability of hybrid systems. While the 2013 Series 79 remains a reliable and capable vehicle for off-road and safari use, upgrading to a 2024 model could result in significant fuel savings over time, making it a more eco-friendly and cost-effective choice for long-term safari operations.

Below are more details on the comparison;

Fuel Efficiency of 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser Series 79 (4.2L Diesel Engine)

The 2013 Land Cruiser Series 79 typically achieves around 8 to 10 kilometers per liter (km/L) of diesel under off-road or moderate load conditions. This is largely due to the older diesel engine design, which is robust but less optimized for fuel efficiency. Factors like a 4.2L naturally aspirated diesel engine and the weight of the vehicle also contribute to its average fuel economy.

  • Engine Type: 4.2L inline-six diesel (1HZ engine)
  • Fuel Economy: Approx. 8-10 km/L
  • Technology: Lacks modern fuel-saving technologies such as turbochargers, engine start-stop systems, or hybrid systems.

Fuel Efficiency of 2024 Land Cruiser Models

The newer 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser models are more fuel-efficient, thanks to modern advancements in engine technology. Most newer models, especially those with turbo-diesel engines or hybrid options, are designed to meet stricter emissions standards and offer better fuel efficiency.

For example:

  • Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series (2024) with a 3.3L twin-turbo V6 diesel achieves around 11 to 13 km/L under mixed driving conditions, which is a significant improvement over the 2013 model.
  • 2024 Land Cruiser Hybrid Models: Toyota has also introduced hybrid models, which improve fuel efficiency even further, with hybrid SUVs typically offering 14 to 16 km/L depending on terrain and driving style.

Key Factors for Improved Efficiency in 2024 Models

  1. Turbocharging: Modern engines often feature turbochargers, which increase power output while maintaining or even reducing fuel consumption compared to naturally aspirated engines like the 1HZ in the 2013 model.
  2. Hybrid Technology: Some newer Land Cruiser models incorporate hybrid technology, combining electric motors with traditional internal combustion engines to optimize fuel usage, especially during low-speed driving or stop-start conditions common on safari.
  3. Lighter Materials: The use of lighter but stronger materials in construction helps reduce the overall vehicle weight, improving fuel efficiency without compromising durability.
  4. Advanced Transmission: Modern Land Cruisers often come equipped with 10-speed automatic transmissions, which help keep the engine operating at its most efficient RPM, further reducing fuel consumption.
  5. Fuel Injection and Emissions Controls: Improvements in fuel injection systems (such as common rail direct injection) and advanced emissions controls contribute to more efficient combustion, reducing fuel usage.

Comparison Summary:

  • 2013 Land Cruiser Series 79: 8-10 km/L (approx.)
  • 2024 Land Cruiser 300 Series (Diesel): 11-13 km/L
  • 2024 Land Cruiser Hybrid: 14-16 km/L

Electric Vehicles in Masai Mara for Game Drives

Currently, MasaiMara.ke does not list electric 4WD Jeeps or Land Cruisers for safaris. While electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more popular globally, they are still relatively rare in remote and off-road safari destinations like the Masai Mara due to infrastructure challenges, such as charging stations and the high energy demands of off-road driving. Most safari operators in the Masai Mara continue to use diesel-powered vehicles, primarily Toyota Land Cruisers and Land Rovers, because of their proven reliability and durability in tough terrains.

However, some lodges and safari operators in Africa are beginning to experiment with electric vehicles for game drives. For example, some private reserves in Botswana and South Africa have introduced electric safari vehicles to reduce carbon emissions and noise pollution, which enhances the wildlife viewing experience.

Electric Safari Vehicles in the Masai Mara

Electric safari vehicles (EVs) are becoming more popular as part of efforts to reduce carbon emissions and provide a quieter wildlife viewing experience. EVs offer several advantages, such as zero emissions, quieter operation (which enhances wildlife sightings), and lower energy costs compared to diesel-powered vehicles.

Key Developments in Electric Safari Vehicles:

  1. Emboo River Lodge: Emboo River had positioned itself as the first and only lodge in the Masai Mara offering electric safari vehicles. The lodge described the experience of silent, zero-emission game drives, which greatly enhance the wildlife viewing experience by minimizing disturbance. However, as of September 2024, the webpage detailing their electric vehicle offerings is no longer available.
  2. Ol Pejeta Bush Camp: Another example of electric safari vehicles in Kenya is Ol Pejeta Bush Camp in the Laikipia region. They offer electric game drives as part of their eco-friendly safari experiences.
  3. Kambu Mara Camp: Recently, Kambu Mara Camp has been approached by an investor with the goal of converting diesel-powered Land Cruisers into EVs. The plan includes setting up a solar PV plant near the Sekenani Gate to provide battery charging services for safari vehicles. This initiative aims to make the Masai Mara greener and work toward carbon neutrality. The latest update is that discussions are ongoing to acquire land for the project.

Cost Comparison: Diesel Land Cruisers vs. Electric Vehicles

When comparing the efficiency of electric vehicles (EVs) with diesel-powered 2013 Land Cruiser Series 79 and 2024 Land Cruiser 300 Series, the financial and environmental differences become clear. Below is a detailed analysis of their fuel/energy consumption and cost differences.

1. Electric Vehicles (EVs)

  • Cost for Full-Day Game Drive (30-40 kWh): $6.00 – $9.20
  • Energy Consumption: Electric vehicles typically consume 30-40 kWh of electricity for a full-day game drive, covering approximately 100 to 150 kilometers.
  • Energy Efficiency: Electric vehicles are more efficient because they convert a higher percentage of energy from the battery into actual movement (around 85-90% efficiency), compared to the 20-30% efficiency of internal combustion engines.

2. 2013 Land Cruiser Series 79

  • Cost for Full-Day Game Drive (16-20 liters of diesel): $24.80 – $31.00
  • Fuel Consumption: The 2013 Land Cruiser, with its 4.2L diesel engine, consumes around 16-20 liters of diesel for a 160 km drive. Diesel vehicles are inherently less efficient, as only about 25% of the fuel energy translates into usable power.

3. 2024 Land Cruiser 300 Series

  • Cost for Full-Day Game Drive (12-15 liters of diesel): $18.60 – $23.25
  • Fuel Consumption: The 2024 Land Cruiser Series 300, with its more modern 3.3L twin-turbo V6 diesel engine, is slightly more fuel-efficient, consuming 12-15 liters of diesel for the same distance. Improvements in engine design, such as turbocharging and better fuel injection systems, contribute to this higher efficiency.

Cost Comparison

  • Electric Vehicle: $6.00 – $9.20 per game drive
  • 2013 Land Cruiser Series 79: $24.80 – $31.00 per game drive
  • 2024 Land Cruiser 300 Series: $18.60 – $23.25 per game drive

Efficiency Comparison:

  1. Electric Vehicle vs. 2013 Land Cruiser Series 79
    • EVs are 3 to 4 times more efficient in terms of energy costs. The 2013 Land Cruiser costs $24.80 to $31.00, compared to $6.00 to $9.20 for an electric vehicle. This demonstrates a potential 400-500% increase in energy costs with diesel power.
  2. Electric Vehicle vs. 2024 Land Cruiser 300 Series
    • Even with the more fuel-efficient 2024 model, electric vehicles still outperform diesel by a factor of 2 to 3 times. The 2024 Land Cruiser costs $18.60 to $23.25 for the same game drive distance, whereas an electric vehicle would cost only $6.00 to $9.20.

Environmental Impact

  • Electric Vehicles: With zero emissions during operation, EVs significantly reduce the carbon footprint of game drives. In areas like the Masai Mara, where sustainability and conservation are paramount, EVs have a clear advantage by eliminating CO2 emissions and reducing noise pollution.
  • Diesel Land Cruisers: Both 2013 and 2024 models emit CO2, with the older models typically producing more emissions. Although the 2024 model offers improved fuel efficiency, it still emits greenhouse gases and pollutants compared to an electric vehicle.

Cost of retrofiting a safari vehicle

As Mikael Gange, co-founder of Opibus was quoted in a recent article, the cost of retrofitting a safari vehicle to electric power is approximately US$37,000. For lodges that already run on solar power, installing a charging point for the vehicle is straightforward. However, if solar infrastructure is not yet in place, additional solar panels would be needed to recharge the vehicle’s battery.

“Running costs are between 80% and 90% cheaper than those of a diesel engine,” Mikael notes. “Within five years, you’ll have recouped your investment.” This reflects the long-term savings potential and sustainability benefits of transitioning to electric safari vehicles.

The significant upfront cost of retrofitting safari vehicles to run on EV batteries—often around US$37,000—remains a major barrier for many camps aiming to switch to carbon-free power. While the long-term savings are attractive, this initial investment deters smaller operators from adopting electric vehicles.
Summary

Summary

  • Diesel Land Cruisers: Although traditional diesel-powered Land Cruisers remain popular for safari drives, the fuel cost is significantly higher than that of electric vehicles. A full-day safari in a diesel Land Cruiser (2013 model) costs $24.80 to $31.00, while the more efficient 2024 model costs $18.60 to $23.25.
  • Electric Safari Vehicles: Electric vehicles offer a more eco-friendly alternative with lower operational costs, around $6 to $9.20 for a full-day safari. Although electric vehicles are not yet widely used in the Masai Mara, camps like Emboo River (previously) and Ol Pejeta Bush Camp are pioneering this technology. Future initiatives, such as those being considered by Kambu Mara Camp, aim to expand electric vehicle use by establishing solar-powered charging infrastructure.

As sustainability becomes a key focus in the safari industry, the transition to electric vehicles in the Masai Mara could help achieve the goal of making the reserve carbon-neutral.

Leave a Comment