Vehicles on Botswana/South Africa/Zambia Tour
I am considering taking this tour next year. Wondering what the safari vehicles will look like, especially if they have covered tops. If they do not, how safe are they? I've seen photos of vehicles in previous forums, but they are all around 6 or 7 years old.
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They are not safe, Tauck loses customers on every trip…Sorry, could not resist that.
The vehicles are different than the ones used in East Africa. High off the ground, open sided, sometimes have a roof covering, sometimes not. You generally climb up narrow stepping points to get into the vehicle which can be tricky. If you search the forum you will find plenty of pictures that people have posted, or you can do some Google searches.
British - "If you search the forum you will find plenty of pictures that people have posted, or you can do some Google searches."
Or easier yet, we could get you to post some pictures that show the differences between the vehicles Tauck uses in East Africa vs the vehicles Tauck uses in South Africa. 😁
I took this exact trip in 2024 and yes, our vehicles definitely had covered tops. I am 73 years young now, and there was not a problem at all getting into or out of the vehicles. The sides were open obviously to view the wildllfe and the sides also had flaps just in case of bad weather. We were on a game drive twice a day. You will enjoy this trip like no other. I have pics of the vehicles if you feel inclined to see, let me know.
Per Bing -
How do safari vehicles in East Africa compare to safari vehicles in South Africa
Safari vehicles in East Africa and South Africa differ in their design and usage. In East Africa, closed vehicles are preferred for safety and comfort, especially in national parks where open vehicles are not allowed. These vehicles are equipped with features like pop-top roofs and window seats for all passengers, providing unobstructed views and a secure environment. They are also suitable for long-distance drives and are often used in private wilderness areas.
In contrast, South Africa's safari vehicles are typically open-sided 4x4s, which offer an unobstructed view of the surroundings and are ideal for photography. These vehicles are equipped with sunshades and are used for road transfers and off-road game viewing. They provide a sense of being "closer" to the wildlife due to the ease of detecting sounds and smells.
Both types of vehicles are state-of-the-art, opulent, and equipped with all the conveniences found in East Africa. However, the choice between East Africa and South Africa's safari vehicles depends on the specific safari experience desired, the type of wildlife viewing, and the level of comfort and security required.
If people have pictures of the various vehicles it might help with the comparison.
Having only been in East Africa, here is an example of those vehicles.
Tardam, these are the types of jeeps we had on that tour. All were covered and we had no trouble getting in and out. Wonderful tour.
So here are the ones without a roof
You can often get up close and personal to the wildlife while riding in a safari vehicle on the Botswana, South African, Zambia tour vehicles but even on K&T you may be close to the game. Note. In this photo taken in the Masai Mara, my wife actually dove for the floor when she thought the lion was doing the house cat, "pre-pounce dance"!!
The lion didn't attack and the driver had a good laugh! 
These guys in Livingstone were better behaved. I'm sure the sticks we carried wouldn't have helped much if they decided otherwise!
And this gal was a sweetheart- she actually purred quite loudly! Not only did she like being petted, but the harder the better!
And then there were these voracious face-eating critters
The attached were our vehicles in Botswana, Zambia and South Africa in 2024. Best trip ever.
Great photo, it actually shows really well how you have to climb the steps on the outside of the vehicles to get in.