Bumpy safari vehicle rides
I have old vertebrae injuries (whip lash, herniated lumbar disc) and I am concerned about bumpy safari rides aggravating my back. Did anyone experience a lot of bouncing rides when you were jostled around for long periods? Booked the Kenya/ Tanzania Great migration tour. Thanks
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There could be some bumpy rides due to the terrain, to view animals sometimes the guides take off paths, so yes you can be jostled around, it's hard to say for how long.
The worse place to be is the last bench seat in the vehicle. It's really rough when they go over rutted ground. When I went, we rotated seating each outing. The first seat went to the last, the last to the second, etc.
I don't have any back problems, and on the first outing we were in the last seat and it was extremely unpleasant. On subsequent outings we didn't go to places that were as rough - mostly stayed on the roads.
I would recommend that you buy an inflatable seat cushion. You might also consider purchasing a back brace. In any case, you cannot expect a smooth ride.
Mike is talking about the safari vehicles in Southern Africa. There are no bench seats on the K and T vehicles that Tauck uses.
It can be very bumpy and jolting, you just never know. I’ve probably taken 100 separate safari rides .
On the K and T tours it is usual to stand up on the seats to view the animals. Especially when there is an alert that the big cats are near, the drivers can take off ‘like a bat out of hell’. Some warn you, some don’t. Once, I was thrown back against the rim of the roof and was badly bruised. Another time, I fell headlong backwards along the length of the safari vehicle. Both times , the driver took off without warning.
I think the most sensible thing would be to ask your orthopedic doctor or chiropractor for advice. A back brace would certainly help.
We did the classic last year and both my wife and I hit our Apple Watch exercise, move and steps daily goals while sitting in the jeep. That’s how bumpy it can be. Take a cushion and if you have severe back issues talk with your doctor.
While this is probably the worst, it is not atypical!