Vat4 Safaris | Self-Drive Safaris | Mpumalanga

About Us
Vat4 SAFARIS IS A COMPANY SPECIALIZING IN OFF ROAD ADVENTURES, DRIVER TRAINING AND LAND ROVER DEFENDER RENTALS.

We provide fully-supported, privately guided and personally tailored self-drive safaris for those intrepid individuals who choose to visit Southern Africa in search of a wilderness adventure, beauty and wildlife.

We provide the vehicles, camping equipment, catering and everything else needed to make your dream safari come true.

We specialize in guided, self-drive safaris to remote wilderness destinations

Vat4 Safaris specialize in catering for those who want:
• To be accompanied, guided and catered for by their own personal safari leaders (who will drive a separate vehicle)
• To self- drive their own Land Rover Defender and experience the freedom and excitement of discovering Africa for themselves on their own personal safari
• To receive professional 4×4 driver training before embarking on self-drive safari
• To tailor make their own personalized itinerary that concentrates on where they want to go and for how long they want to stay in any particular place, and leave the actual bookings to us
• To travel as a family or make up their own exclusive group
• To pay one price with no hidden costs which include Land Rover Defender rental, fuel, equipment, camping fees, park entrance and catering fees
• To relax in comfortable, stylish campsites, lodges and guesthouses
• To enjoy delicious food served straight from the fire by an accomplished bush chef
Vat4 Safari team goes the extra mile to ensure absolute enjoyment & relaxation, & you are assured to have a breathtaking experience on your exclusive personal safari.

We offer either lodging or camping trips, as well as a combination of both. We can tailor make a safari to suit your specific requirements and budget.
The Course
The aim of our course is to familiarize owners with their vehicles, to realize the full capabilities of off-road vehicles and to gain self-confidence and responsibility towards the maintenance and care of their vehicles. Our emphasis is on education and responsibility – treading with respect.

A typical training day starts with a theoretical session covering subjects like suspension and transmission set-ups, body and chassis designs, engines and the environment.

During the practical session on the obstacle course various driving techniques are demonstrated – on as well as off road. We look at the correct way to read an obstacle, usage of the brake and clutch, high and low gearing and braking methods. A lot of emphasis is placed on safety – following distances, entering obstacles, reading the correct line and momentum vs speed and traction.

A course of this nature prepares an owner for any off road eventuality and is therefore a prerequisite for any prospective vehicle owner.
Alkmaar 4X4 Trail
Alkmaar is situated about 16 km west of Nelspruit, the capital of Mpumalanga province. This working citrus and macadamia farm boasts a compact route, of about 7 km long, with a variety of challenges, across spectacular lowveld scenery.

Also, at the Bushcamp, is an obstacle course, with challenges ranging from easy to difficult.
The Bush camp is an ideal venue for corporate functions, team building events, private functions and small wedding ceremonies.

Vehicles with good ground clearance and low range can drive the trail.
Alkmaar Farmstay
Courses Offered
Level 1
Basic introductory course for the beginner or first time owner.
Level 2
Advanced course with more difficult obstacles and in depth recovery techniques.
Our Vehicles
The Land Rover Defender is our choice of off-road vehicle and the world’s most versatile 4×4 capable of traversing challenging terrains and surviving environmental extremes. It is the only true iconic expedition vehicle and the number one choice for adventurers and explorers. It is equally at ease tackling the sheet ice and snow of the Arctic as it is penetrating deep into the heart of Africa. It is sure-footed and unstoppable whether climbing high altitude mountain trails, crossing desert sands or deep-wading through rivers.

The Defender is exactly what you want when traveling in remote areas of Africa; it is basic, practical and reliable, yet comfortable and highly capable. Some of the most important features of Defender are its suspension, low ratio 4WD, ground clearance and load space.

The Defender also comes with a range of accessories that are unique to Land Rover, such as water tanks and extra fuel tanks, expedition roof racks with a selection of lockable attachments, additional ride height which allows for superior game viewing and a number of different storage systems which allow you to live comfortably out of the vehicle for extended periods of time.

So, if you are serious about your African safari and game viewing then a Land Rover is essential. Especially as many of the most scenic areas and finest game reserves are only accessible by gravel roads or 4×4 tracks. Land Rover has achieved legendary status in Africa and Defender is synonymous with the unparalleled exploration and adventure that this magnificent continent boasts. That Defender continues to prove itself in the most extreme and remote of off-road environments only adds to its allure.
Equipment
After many years of camping experience and equipping our own expedition vehicles, we have mastered the art of packing and storage. We neither take too much nor too little and your Land Rover Defender will be equipped with the following while we carry everything else that is required to maximize your enjoyment on safari:
Camping Equipment
• Comfortable tents sleeping two people with double or single mattress as required and mosquito netting (Vat4 Safaris will not put two roof top tents onto one vehicle as this exceeds the recommended carrying weight and makes the vehicle unstable and susceptible to rolling)
• Pillows, sleeping bags, sleeping sheets, blankets and towels of a high quality
• 40l fridge/freezer
• Drawer storage system (when available)
• Additional storage boxes
• Lightweight aluminium roof rack
• Jerry can holder
• Gas cylinder holder (when necessary)
• 40L Water-tank (full)
• 2 Ratchet tie downs
• Fold-up table
• Camp chairs
• Axe
• Spade
Safari Equipment
• Long range fuel tank (120 litre)
• Dual battery system
• Tow strap and shackles
• Jumper cables
• Rubber sand ladders
• Puncture repair kit
• Basic tool kit
• Highlift jack
• Bullbar
• Air compressor and tyre pressure gauge
• Two way radios
• 1 Wheel brace
• Warning triangles
Picnic Bag stocked with all sorts of goodies on a daily basis, plus:
• Thermos
• Water container
• Stainless steel mugs and cups
• Milk container
• Coffee, tea, sugar and milk
Books and Documentation
• Field guide to mammals of Southern Africa
• Field guide to birds of Southern Africa
• ‘On Safari’ Guide: 4×4 and camp equipment information
• Adventure guides to the areas being visited
• All documentation required for cross border travel
• Maps for areas being visited
• GPS coordinates where relevant for areas being visited
Safari Leader’s Vehicle
• Winch
• GPS
• Satellite phone
• First aid kit
• Camp shower (on request) and hand basin
• Mobile toilet seat and toilet enclosure (on request)
• Mess tent for shade and shelter in case of rain
• Fold -up shower enclosure
• Comprehensive tool kit and recovery equipment
• Lanterns and paraffin
• Washing-up bucket, dish cloths, tea towels, washing up liquid etc
• Cast-iron cooking pots and pans
• All plates and cutlery
• Stainless steel Braai grid
• Spare gas
• Additional reference books, other reading material and a selection of games
All of our equipment is of the highest quality, packs away securely and creates a stylish camp environment. Each vehicle will carry additional storage boxes to help the team leaders store provisions for the trip. They will also require access to your fridges for the same purpose.