The most popular African hunting vehicles are 4x4 Toyota Land Cruisers or Land Rovers.
The vehicle will be equipped with a hunting seat on the back. The most common configuration is a bench seat, though some trucks have single seats. In some hunting countries like Tanzania, the PH rides with the hunting client(s) on the back and a designated driver always drives. In southern Africa, it is not uncommon for the PH to drive. With most hunting vehicle rigs, the gun racks will be directly in front of you with room for at least 4 rifles. These should be padded or at least wrapped so your rifle is not moving against metal. A good truck will probably have a roof rack for your day bags etc.
Some African hunting vehicles are furnished with a shooting rest. These are mostly seen in South Africa where in some provinces, it is not illegal to shoot from the vehicle.
Other hunting vehicle equipment should include spare tyres, high-lift jack, fire-extinguisher, tool boxes, winch, spade, extra fuel jerry can. In spite of using the best quality tyres, the roads in Africa are usually so bad; don't be surprised to get at least one puncture on your hunt.
The vehicle will also be carrying a first aid kit, a cool box with drinks and lunch, shooting sticks, an extra water container and soap for hand-washing, ropes, wire, plastic sheeting and often 2-way radios. Some vehicles carry collapsible chairs and table for comfortable eating out.
Riding with you as your hunt team:
In southern Africa, there will be your PH, either driving or not. If the PH is not driving, another tracker or member of staff will be driving.
In other hunting countries like Tanzania or Botswana, you will have a Government Game Scout with you. Being quite ‘important’ and in some cases, quite elderly, he or she usually rides in the passenger seat in the front. As mentioned before there will be a designated driver who not only drives but attends to all the vehicle mechanical requirements.
You, the hunter, will sit in the back on the hunting seat with your PH and your companion hunter, if hunting 2x1, or non-hunter. Standing or sitting perched on the spare tyres, will be your trackers. One will be the number one tracker and the other could be termed as a gun-bearer as well as tracker.
Typical African Hunting Vehicle - Photograph Courtesy of Wikus Groenewald
