Big Five – FeedI am a proud gear head, have been most of my life. I love innovation and tech, especially when it is married to the automotive world in a way that redefines the class. Even more so when it’s applied to the barest piece of motorized equipment there is – a stripped-down safari vehicle in the East African Bush. I grew up around safari-ready Defenders and Land Cruisers, built with snorkels and extra rods to control the frame flex on rough roads, finding ways to save weight on the rear axle, and force feeding the turbo diesel so the power spools up even sooner…all while the expensive parts taken off, out of certainty they would break off. I guess I could be forgiven for chuckling a bit when I see the heavily cladded off roaders in suburbia.
You can imagine my excitement when good friends, Andy and Claudia Stuart owners of Bushtops Camps shared specs and video of their game viewer on steroids. They reimagined the Land Cruiser from a place to see animals, to a place you can live in while going between camps. They took the RV concept and applied it, albeit with a ton of cutting-edge tech, to a safari style Land Cruiser. Did I mention it has 6-wheel drive? They call it Game Viewer. I say holy $#*&
At the heart of the extraordinary Game Viewer is an expansive game viewing bed, stretching a lavish 4 meters in length and 2 meters in width. Crafted from high-strength steel and 3CR12, with a robust high-tensile steel roof and roll cage, this vehicle exudes a solid, secure feel. The Game Viewer boasts remarkable capability as a 6×6 vehicle. This ensures that the thrill of the wild is not restricted by terrain, making it possible to venture wherever the wilderness beckons, promising an experience of a lifetime. The high tensile strength roll cage enables an open configuration that defies convention. With no unnecessary down tubes hindering the view, ensuring a completely open design with roll-down canopy sides. This marvel is also equipped with a 3-burner cooker, two external Engel Fridge freezers, an internal Beverage Engel fridge, even an ice maker.
There is a 90-liter capacity water tank in 316 stainless steel and gas water heating, high-quality onboard water is available for every convenience, including a pressurized shower facility. The state-of-the-art REDARC 3000-watt 220-volt onboard inverter ensures ample power for laptops, cameras, and convenient lighting for each guest. Passengers are treated to a VIP pod featuring extra-large seats with built-in heaters, covered in the latest ripstop soft material for ultimate comfort in all weather conditions. The side arm console includes wireless charging/USB charge points and a mini fridge to accommodate up to six beverages of choice. Specially designed adjustable camera supports cater to avid photographers, while stowage spaces ensure the safekeeping of books, cameras, and binoculars. For the ultimate dining experience, a fold-out bar with a coffee station, eight foldable Front Runner camp chairs, and a slide-out dining table are at your disposal.
I knew a chance meeting with Andy and Claudia on a plane in 2010 was the start of something amazing. After all these years of collaboration with their spectacular camps, this 6-wheel marvel, designed to be self-sustaining with lighter impact vs a mobile camp just seems like the latest moment to be grateful for that meeting.
This is glamping Bushtops style. Enjoy the video of the Game Viewer.
