Kenya Wildlife Filming Vehicle Hire

I have owned a Toyota Land Cruiser 60 series in Kenya since 2018, she is nicknamed Rafiki (Swahali for friend). Rafiki is a fully equipped wildlife filming vehicle for long lens (CN20) and gimbal filming. Rafiki is based in Kenya but can be driven across East Africa.

Kenya Wildlife Filming Vehicle Car Hire with Black Arm and DJI Ronin 2

Kenya Wildlife Filming Land Cruiser Hire with Black Arm, DJI Ronin 2 and Canon CN20 filming door

gIMBAL MOUNT

The car comes with a black arm and ronin 2 setup, the gimbal mount is on the front of the car and can be adjusted to any height. The setup is a more affordable option for productions wanting to achieve GSS/Shotover style shots. The Ronin 2 is capable of stabilising up to a 300mm lens. The full setup is available for hire which includes a Flowcine Black Arm Complete, DJI Ronin 2, Tilta Nucleus follow focus, Canon 70-200mm f2.8 and Atomos monitor.

FILMING DOOR

Rafiki is fitted with 3 tripod head positions. A low and high angle filming door with a 150mm bowl, a Ronford Baker 2004 head is available for hire. The low angle door is crucial for being at eye level with animals. Ronford Baker baby legs are available where lower angles are required. When a higher angle is needed there is an attachment that bolts onto the filming balcony that will raise the camera up to window height, if more height is needed, it is possible to mount a camera on the roof rack. The filming door gives a full 180 degrees panning distance and there is a canvas awning that provides ample shade in the heat of the day and is large enough to protect the camera from light rain.

Kenya Wildlife Filming Vehicle Car Hire with Jamie Unwin

oFF ROAD and car features

The car is lighter and smaller than the typical tourist land cruisers in Kenya, making it less likely to sink in boggy terrain and the car has a shorter wheel base so is more nimble and quicker to manoeuvre. The car is equipped to drive through thick bush with a large bull bar and acacia proof tyres. There is a winch and hi lift jack for self-rescue if the car were to get stuck and a VHF long range radio for easy comms when on location.

HIRE RATES

Please get in touch for hire, driver and equipment rates.

DRIVERS and CREW

I have a pool of talented Kenyan freelance drivers who have all driven Rafiki and are all very friendly, experienced field guides. They have a vital understanding of both wildlife behaviour and how to best position the car for the camera. I will arrange the driver for you at the time of booking. I also have a network of DITs, camera assistants, producers and soundies, and encourage production to work with local crew.

I also drive Rafiki and, having driven in Africa since 2015, I am an experienced driver in both African traffic and off road. I can therefore drive the crew and kit from Nairobi and, if your production already has a camera op, I am happy to offer my services as a dedicated driver on a shoot.

Nelson Kary Kenya Driver Natural History filming driver guide

Nelson Kary, specialist camera car driver, field guide and DIT

Jeff Waweru Kenyan Wildlife camera assistant

Jeff Waweru, camera assistant and DIT

Sammy Msafiri Kenya Driver Natural History filming driver guide

Sammy Msafiri, specialist camera car driver and field guide.

Review: “This is a great filming vehicle – reliable and sturdy. Stable filming platform on passenger side that can accommodate long lenses including CN20 with minimal wobble. In-built bowl to mount tripod head. Ability to film from the roof for wider shots. Great 4x4 capabilities for off-road (fording rivers, rocky landscapes and mud!).”
- Humble Bee Films, Carina Thomas —Assistant Producer

Review: “Rafiki was the best car in our fleet! Extremely comfortable, robust and easy to drive. Options of height on the filming door and a mount for Ronin / GoPro’s etc so for our shoot it was the perfect vehicle; able to adapt to everything our team were filming”
- Blast! Films, Lauren Pollock—Assistant Producer