Ineos continues to expand its footprint in the adventure travel world with the recent acquisition of Maun, Botswana-based Kavango Engineering. KE is a legacy engineering outfit that’s been building bespoke safari and specialist vehicles for lodges and game reserves across Africa and beyond since 2009. Now Ineos Kavango, the firm will spearhead the production of the Grenadier Safari—Ineos’ latest version of their groundbreaking 4×4.
Fitted with a slightly raised ride height, folding windshield, plein-air top, all-weather interior materials, and amphitheater-style seating, the Safari version of the Grenadier presents a profile similar to traditional safari trucks, most commonly built on the 70-Series Toyota Land Cruiser chassis (and, in the past, the Land Rover Defender 130). These specialist modifications are also intended for the conservation, anti-poaching, veterinary, primary healthcare, and film production sectors.
In fact, conservation is at the heart of Grenadier Safari project, according to Charles van Rensburg, CEO of Ineos Kavango:
“Botswana is recognised as a global leader in conservation, and we will continue to support its work and that of other countries and organisations across Sub-Saharan Africa. In addition, there is a broad range of opportunities across other sectors that always need durable, capable off-road vehicles with purpose-built bodies to perform specific roles. Our objective is to sustainably grow the business over the long term. That means developing a broader portfolio of services, adding further high-skilled jobs, and diversifying the local economy to the benefit of the community.”
To that end, land adjacent to the existing INEOS Kavango site is earmarked for further development that will double the scale of the operation. This is a boon for the relatively sleepy community of Maun—long a tourist hub in northern Botswana but relatively isolated from the rest of southern Africa. Kavango Engineering currently employs a highly skilled workforce of 70, which is slated to grow significantly.
Look for the Grenadier Safari at your local wildlife-viewing lodge of choice starting in 2024.
Read more: Ineos Grenadier Build for Crossing Africa: Detailed Walkaround Video
Images: Kavango Engineering, Ineos
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