I'll be doing a self-drive safari with my father to Kruger national park in south africa.
I plan on taking lots of photographs.
I'd like to rent an open jeep, but he won't drive in the park in an open vehicle, he's worried about a lion jumping in and killing us. Don't laugh! It's unlikely, but possible I guess.
So to get better photographs, I thought maybe there's a car than opens up with a sunroof, or a top that came down? I was wondering if anyone had any ideas. if it was a sunroof it would need to be large enough for a myself to stand up in.
I've never owned a car with a sunroof or top that came down, so I don't know what the options are or how feasible it is for taking photos on a safari.
we'd like to get a less-expensive rental car, so a luxury car is not really an option..
It has been a few years since I was at Kruger, but if I remember, open vehicles, such as a Jeep are not allowed in the park. The problem is not with Lions, but the Baboons. If you have sat a watched a troop of Baboons drop from a tree onto the roof of a car and dive into the windows and steal all your fruit, that most people have on display, is something else.
Go for a 4 x 4 something like a Honda CRV, you want a good height from the ground and freedom to move in the car. If it is just you and your Dad, have one of you drive and one of you sat in the back, so that will give you the option to photograph from either side of the car.
There are plenty of book guides about the park and I suggest you get one before you go as you will save time when you get there.
I trust that helps, but if you have any other questions don't hesitate to ask.
We went through the southern third of Kruger almost 11 years ago. It took us about 5 days and we were rushed.
For Kruger, you won't need AWD or 4WD. You will be confined to roads which are mostly paved though there used to be secondary gravel roads on which you may really want to concentrate. Terrain clearance is not a problem, but would definitely want height as pointed out by Michael above.
A couple of concerns to think about: Check the insurance of your credit card and the rental company. Since you will be with your father, I doubt that you will be doing all of the driving? One can be concentrating on scouting while the other is concentrating on driving though both should cross check the other. Hope that you share the driving so both of you can scout. But, remember, you will be driving on the left hand side of the road which takes concentration particularly when making right hand turns.
Plan on shooting through the car windows. For that, you will need some type of support such as a window mount or bean bag. We used a mono-pod wedged between the seat and the door. The problem with a sun roof is that it will take too long to set up and take a shot. Otherwise, the Subaru Forrester has the largest sun roof opening which we have mounted a 600mm lens on a Gitzo 1540 positioned over the front passenger seat.
Finally, I assume you will be staying in the "Roundavilles" which are in fenced compounds. That was fairly inexpensive and a great way to go.
We hope we can get back to Kruger. The next time we plan to spend at least 3 weeks going from one end to the other.
Consider using a bean bag resting on the door frame. Also it might be worthwhile to position either yourself or your father in the backseat and you driving or the other way round. Me and my hubby do it all the time when we are in a game park. It allows you to move from one window to opposite window.
Also it will be better to have a 4x4 (SUV) because of the height.
If you want to do the open jeep experience you can book with the rangers for an outing/game drive in one of their vehicles. This really is the better way of shooting pictures.
Which areas are you visiting?. I might be able to help you with some good spots waiting for the animals.
I
Discussion
6 repliesI'll be doing a self-drive safari with my father to Kruger national park in south africa.
I plan on taking lots of photographs.
I'd like to rent an open jeep, but he won't drive in the park in an open vehicle, he's worried about a lion jumping in and killing us. Don't laugh! It's unlikely, but possible I guess.
So to get better photographs, I thought maybe there's a car than opens up with a sunroof, or a top that came down? I was wondering if anyone had any ideas. if it was a sunroof it would need to be large enough for a myself to stand up in.
I've never owned a car with a sunroof or top that came down, so I don't know what the options are or how feasible it is for taking photos on a safari.
we'd like to get a less-expensive rental car, so a luxury car is not really an option..
thanks alot ahead of time for your ideas
Remember that no part of the body may protrude from a window or sunroof or any other part of the vehicle. Vehicle doors should be closed at all times.
So I'll just look for a vehicle with some good height..so I can shoot over grass/bush
please let me know if anyone can recommend a specific model...
thanks!
It has been a few years since I was at Kruger, but if I remember, open vehicles, such as a Jeep are not allowed in the park. The problem is not with Lions, but the Baboons. If you have sat a watched a troop of Baboons drop from a tree onto the roof of a car and dive into the windows and steal all your fruit, that most people have on display, is something else.
Go for a 4 x 4 something like a Honda CRV, you want a good height from the ground and freedom to move in the car. If it is just you and your Dad, have one of you drive and one of you sat in the back, so that will give you the option to photograph from either side of the car.
There are plenty of book guides about the park and I suggest you get one before you go as you will save time when you get there.
I trust that helps, but if you have any other questions don't hesitate to ask.
Best of luck
Michael
I'm definitely getting a couple books, I'm a research fanatic :)
The ebook from african safari journals has been a great resource.
you are correct, I just read open jeeps are not allowed. i'm looking forward to seeing a baboon troop in action though.
For Kruger, you won't need AWD or 4WD. You will be confined to roads which are mostly paved though there used to be secondary gravel roads on which you may really want to concentrate. Terrain clearance is not a problem, but would definitely want height as pointed out by Michael above.
A couple of concerns to think about: Check the insurance of your credit card and the rental company. Since you will be with your father, I doubt that you will be doing all of the driving? One can be concentrating on scouting while the other is concentrating on driving though both should cross check the other. Hope that you share the driving so both of you can scout. But, remember, you will be driving on the left hand side of the road which takes concentration particularly when making right hand turns.
Plan on shooting through the car windows. For that, you will need some type of support such as a window mount or bean bag. We used a mono-pod wedged between the seat and the door. The problem with a sun roof is that it will take too long to set up and take a shot. Otherwise, the Subaru Forrester has the largest sun roof opening which we have mounted a 600mm lens on a Gitzo 1540 positioned over the front passenger seat.
Finally, I assume you will be staying in the "Roundavilles" which are in fenced compounds. That was fairly inexpensive and a great way to go.
We hope we can get back to Kruger. The next time we plan to spend at least 3 weeks going from one end to the other.
Also it will be better to have a 4x4 (SUV) because of the height.
If you want to do the open jeep experience you can book with the rangers for an outing/game drive in one of their vehicles. This really is the better way of shooting pictures.
Which areas are you visiting?. I might be able to help you with some good spots waiting for the animals.
I