A successful safari cannot be performed without a reliable vehicle. The roads in the NP's are rough and turn to slippery mudfields when it is raining. Try a Suzuki with 4WD and a roofclap for a normal tour. And if you plan a visit to Lake Turkana, consider renting a Landrover. The rate for a Suzuki is as a minimum 65 Dollars with 200 free kilometers per day, insurance and VAT included, often you can bargain for a few extra free kilometers (even in the NP's you will drive more then 100km/day on game drives). Inspect the car you want to hire before paying anything, don't be satisfied if they show another car to you ("You will get the same in a even nicer color"). Check whether the car is not too old, the tires are in a good condition and everything is working. Have a look at the motor (the battery might be loose) and check all door locks. The windows in old cars do not open and close properly, so check these as well. Inquire the company what they plan to do if your car has a break-down. Make sure if the spare tire is ok. Frequently the car rental office can borrow you container for fuel and for water.
Car equipment: spare tire; jack; spanner; 20-l can for fuel; 10-l can for water; additional: screwdriver; pliers; wire; one spade; towrope; second spare tire; extra oil; ropes.
Driving tricks
Most African roads are in a desolate condition. There are lots of the "wash-board"-roads, which consist of a seemingly never ending series of ripples. You may drive slowly over wash-boards, the car will rattle and shake as if it is torn into peaces every moment. Drive at about 70km/h and the shaking will decrease considerably. The same is with potholes. And in case you drive very fast they won't bother you very much, but you must be very attentive. The car might break if you crash with full speed into too deep potholes, these must be passed very slowly. Drive with middle speed without stopping in deep sand or mud. Do watch the tracks of the driver in front of you, where he has managed to pass, you shouldn't get stuck either.
The best way over a field of potholes, through wash-board or deep sand is often the very edge of the road. You should have one side of the car must be driven literally beneath the road, the other side must keep track. As the roads can be incredible rough, you may need much more time to follow a "C"- or a "D"-road shortcut then taking the longer way over better roads.
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