Many people compromise on transport, but you're on safari for one reason - to see animals. If you're on a low budget, opting for a minivan is certainly more affordable, but you may be packed in like a sardine and miss out on the feel of warm, dusty African air on your face as you drive through the wilderness.
You also have to share the rooftop with fellow passengers and might miss an amazing photo opportunity; snapping pictures through glass just isn't the same. Open-sided, covered jeeps are a superior option. A covered roof protects against the scorching heat while open sides enable even middle-seat passengers to experience unspoilt views of the animals and the landscape.
It can be daunting when an elephant circles your vehicle, but they're not half as interested in us as we are in them. Some safari groups have both a guide and driver. The guide often occupies the seat beside the driver, which means an extra pair of eyes spotting the wildlife but also robbing you of a prime viewing point!
