Renting a Safari Vehicle for your Safari
There has been a surge in creativity among visitors to the Masai Mara, and this shift is impacting the vehicle rental market as tourists look for alternatives to cut on game drive cost following the 400% increase in park entry fees. The dynamics of how people plan their safaris are changing as a result.
The Masai Mara park entry fees have effectively risen by 400%, with ticket validity cut by 50% and prices jumping from $80 for 24 hours to $200 for 12 hours or $400 for a full day during peak season. This sharp increase has made traditional game drives offered by high-end lodges much harder for tourists to afford.
Our platform connects you directly with vehicle owners reducing cost;
A practical way to reduce costs is by planning your own safari itinerary and avoiding expensive tour operators and camp-provided game-viewer vehicles. Opting for a self-drive safari or renting a vehicle directly from a car rental company, rather than through a travel agent, can save you up to 30%. Rental options in hubs like Sekenani and Talek are also becoming more flexible, with better deals and hourly packages available.
While high-end lodges offer safari packages starting at $400, the expanding car rental market, including innovative platforms like our own MasaiMara.ke, now allows tourists to rent safari vehicles directly from owners for as low as $200 to $250 for a full-day game drive saving upwards of 30 to 50 percent. These camp-offered vehicles are often shared with other guests, and requesting a private game drive experience will drive the rental further from the already exhorbitant 400 USD.
Self-drive or guided rental vehicle?
When opting for a self-drive car rental in Kenya, there are important factors to consider. The process typically involves substantial paperwork and deposits, especially to cover potential damage, theft, or accidents.
Most rental agreements require you to pay up to $500 or more to cover insurance deductibles, meaning you’ll be responsible for a portion of any damage not covered by insurance. Unfortunately, finding companies that offer Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) as alternatives to the high deposit requirement is rare.
A practical solution is to hire a driver-guide provided by the rental company, which completely removes your liability. Surprisingly, their daily wages are no more than $50. While this option sacrifices the freedom of self-exploration, it’s worth it to avoid the hassle of insurance claims in Kenya. Dealing with such claims can be stressful, and some rental agreements require you to remain in the country until all claims and repairs are settled, adding further inconvenience.
But how can I choose a safari vehicle with no prior experience?
When choosing a safari Land Cruiser van, prioritize a 4WD model with high ground clearance, reinforced suspension, and a pop-up or open roof for optimal game viewing. Though it might seem tricky to verify these features, ask the car rental company directly.
For example, check if the Land Cruiser has “reinforced suspension” by pressing down near the wheels—if it feels firm and doesn’t bounce much, it’s a good indicator of strong suspension. Also, ensure the vehicle has reliable communication equipment, such as radios for emergencies, and choose a van with seating that fits your group comfortably, whether a 5-seater, 7-seater, or 8-seater.
Safari Mini-Van
The Safari Tour Minibus (Van) is commonly used for vehicle transfers between Nairobi and the Masai Mara. Many Nairobi-based tour operators modify these 4WD vehicles into fully-equipped safari vans, complete with pop-up roofs for game viewing, charging ports, UHF radios for communication, cooler boxes, all-terrain tires, side windows, and comfortable seats—though the seats have limited recline.
These vans typically accommodate 8 passengers, with a 3-2-2 seating configuration in the back and 1 seat in the front.
While it’s easy to assume most of these vans have 2-wheel drive, there are several variants, including our 7L Toyota Hiace 4WD van with a 2800 cc diesel engine, modified for fuel efficiency.
These vehicles offer good value in terms of maintenance costs, but the main drawback is that they can feel cramped when fully loaded. However, for Kenyans familiar with minibuses carrying over 14 passengers on local roads, the complaints about limited space for 5 to 8 passengers may seem minor in comparison.
4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser Jeep
The Land Cruiser is the most popular safari vehicle in Kenya, particularly the closed-body model with pop-up roofs both at the back and in the front driver cabin. Most are modified Land Cruiser 79 series, which undergo extensive conversions to optimize them for safari use.
Key upgrades include chassis extension and reinforcement, along with improved suspension systems using coil springs and a drive shaft extension. These vehicles also feature enhanced comfort elements such as spacious interiors with reclining seats, canvas bottle holders, magazine pockets, charging ports, and interchangeable rolling canvas windows for unobstructed game viewing.
Additional features include floor storage compartments, a Hi-Lift jack with jacking points, an HF radio, mobile fridge, dual air conditioning, and more.
One particularly valuable upgrade, beyond the snorkel (useful during heavy rains and flooded roads), is the high ground clearance, which is indispensable on the rugged terrain of the Masai Mara. Combined with the upgraded suspension, it provides a remarkably smooth ride, even on the notoriously bumpy roads, making for a much more comfortable safari experience.
Seating in these safari Land Cruisers typically accommodates up to 8 passengers, arranged in a 3-2-2 configuration in the rear, plus one passenger seat in the front. Some models feature a 2-2-2 rear configuration, with the middle seat space replaced by a mini-fridge, reducing the seating capacity to 7. For smaller groups, short-chassis Land Cruisers are available, offering a more compact setup with a 3-2 configuration in the rear and one passenger seat in the front. These variations provide flexibility depending on the size of your group and the level of comfort you prefer.
It’s important to note that there are two subtypes of these vehicles: closed-sided and open-sided.
Closed-body vs open-sides safari vehicles;
Closed-body vehicles are excellent options for morning game drives in the Masai Mara as they provide much-needed protection from the chilly weather. While it’s true that predators such as lions and leopards generally ignore humans, focusing instead on their natural prey, the extra safety and comfort of a closed-body vehicle can be reassuring.
What I found most uncomfortable about open-sided vehicles, however, is how cold they can get during early morning drives.
When driving at 40 km/h in temperatures around 40°F (4°C), the wind chill can make it feel as cold as -2°C (28°F). This demonstrates how the combination of wind, chilly morning temperatures, and vehicle speed significantly lowers the perceived temperature, increasing discomfort during open-sided vehicle game drives.
If you have kids with you on safari, I’d say an open-sided safari vehicle is a no-go. The recommended temperature for children is around 60°F (16°C) and above, and exposing them to colder, windy conditions can put them at risk of hypothermia or pneumonia.
Children are more susceptible to temperature changes, and prolonged exposure to the cold can lead to discomfort, compromised immune systems, and even respiratory issues. For their safety and comfort, it’s best to opt for a closed-body vehicle that provides more warmth and protection during the safari.
Closed-sided Land Cruisers are ideal for highway travel, such as the journey from Nairobi to the Masai Mara. These vehicles offer protection from the elements, making them suitable for both long-distance travel and game drives. Their closed design also ensures a quieter, more comfortable ride on highways and uneven roads. With dual AC installations, the temperature can also be controlled and provides more comfort.
Open-sided Land Cruisers are specifically designed for game drives within reserves and parks, offering an unobstructed view of the wildlife for a truly immersive safari experience. However, they are not suited for long-distance travel and do not meet the safety standards required for highway use.
Once primarily offered by high-end camps and conservancy lodges, these vehicles are now more commonly seen at busy entry points like the Sekenani gate, competing for clients. While they are excellent for game viewing, they should be avoided if you have respiratory conditions or if you’re traveling with young children, as they offer little protection from the elements.
If you do choose to use an open-sided vehicle, instruct the driver to go slowly, wear warm layers, and consider starting your game drive after sunrise to avoid the cold morning temperatures.
Pricing for different safari vehicle rentals
To determine the cheapest safari car rental, we evaluated all the vehicles on our platform, which includes one safari van and 15 Land Cruisers. The most affordable option is the 4WD safari van/minibus, with prices starting at $80 for a half-day (4 hours), $140 for a full day (8 hours), and $180 for an extended full day (12 hours).
Mid-range options include Land Cruisers manufactured between 2006 and 2013, priced between $200 and $250, providing a good balance of comfort and cost, ideal for most visitors. The most expensive are newer Land Cruiser models, such as the KDC 2022, priced up to $313.20 per day, offering premium modifications and enhanced comfort for a luxury safari experience.