Expedition Vehicles
Tucan Travel's overland truck fleet
We proudly own and operate all of our expedition vehicles and we are confident that we drive the best expedition vehicles on the road in South America and Africa today. Our powerful, modern fleet of Mercedes Benz trucks have been specifically designed and professionally engineered to deal with challenging terrain so they can take mountains, deserts and even rivers in their stride. Constructed to tough European safety standards, our vehicles are custom-built by specialist vehicle builders. The bodies are also custom-designed to provide maximum safety, comfort and accessibility.
Big, powerful engines mean that they can travel comfortably at cruising speeds, even in the mountains, and often cutting hours off the daily travelling times of the vehicles of other companies. This means that you spend less time in the vehicle and have more time to explore your destination. Fewer driving hours and modern, regularly maintained engines also results in fewer carbon emissions, which is better for the environment. From the mountains in the high Andes, to the plains of Africa, to the windswept expanse of Patagonia and open road cruising, you will be secure and relaxed in our spacious vehicles.
Mechanical support
Our drivers have sound mechanical knowledge and you can be sure they will keep the vehicle in excellent running order during your tour. Spare parts and maintenance equipment are carried on board every vehicle and operations and maintenance departments in South America and Africa offer continued support to guarantee smooth travel. In the unlikely event that replacement parts or vehicles are required, standby transport is usually available.
Why quality and experience matter
The roads of Africa and South America may consist of everything from tar seal, to dirt, to mud, to wet areas and riverbeds. Some days there will be rain, wind and roads in poor shape, but our excellent team of drivers are able to handle all of these conditions confidently and safely. We are careful to select experienced, qualified drivers who have usually driven in similar regions that we travel to. Our drivers are comfortable behind the wheel of our powerful and versatile vehicles, and are used to dealing with the unique road conditions in Africa and South America. They can easily cope with any hazards and obstacles to ensure a safe, stress-free journey for all travellers.
Our family of vehicles
Each of our trucks is named according to someone special within the company or the company’s iimmediate family. For example, a vehicle which runs tours in South America is named Jock, after owner Matt Gannan’s wife (she’s Scottish). In Africa, the truck Ben is named after owner Pip Tyler’s grandson. Peeky, Moose and Sail were named after beloved drivers, while other vehicles are named after the owners’ parents, children and grand children.
Tour groups often name themselves after their vehicles, and can become quite attached to the ‘big yellow trucks’ - some even devote Facebook profiles to their vehicle! Let us introduce... Ben, Bernie, Doris, Frank, Jack, Jock, Jumbo, Magaly, Millie, Moose, Nick, Peeky, Peggy, Rosita, Sail, Shanna, Sue, Swampy, Tom, Trevor and we have more to come!
The overland experience
Experiencing Africa or South America on one of our overland expedition vehicles is the most exciting way to take in all of the diverse landscapes of these continents. Experienced tour leaders and driving crew will guarantee that your adventure of a lifetime is hassle-free and adventurous all the way.
On board our custom-built vehicles
Our vehicles vary slightly according to the destination, year and model, however you will find some or all of the following features for your safety and comfort:
Cabin interior
- Comfortable, forward-facing reclining coach seats with safety belts and generous leg room
- Spacious interior with large panoramic, tinted and sliding windows with curtains
- Large overhead luggage racks
- Stereo system with PA which the tour leader will use to keep you informed
- Card / writing tables
- A safe for personal documents
- A refrigerator
- Through-access to the driver’s compartment
- A passenger library including guide books, novels etc for use while on board
- Sockets, power inverters and charging systems are available for iPods, MP3 players, laptops, cameras etc
- Plenty of head room for a person of average height to walk comfortably in the cabin
- Carpeted interiors
Exterior storage and equipment
- Large external storage compartments in the side of the vehicle
- An external sound system for your entertainment in the evening
- High quality camping equipment, includes tents, stools, tables, outside lights and cooking tent. (BYO sleeping bag & mat).
- High quality cooking equipment, includes gas stoves, BBQ plates, pots and pans, dining plates and utensils
- Long-range fuel tanks, spare parts, tools and maintenance equipment
- 500 litre water tank and storage for bulk food supplies
- Many vehicles feature full air suspension to smooth out the varied terrain
