African diaries [Test drive Toyota Land Cruiser 79]

Africa is a completely different world. I've never been in the real black part, so travel when fate threw me in Kenya, I niskazanno happy. My brain painted pictures of the endless Savannah and an old Defender raising clouds of dust.

And here's the back odinnadtsatimetrovy a long flight and our Jumbo jet touched the mighty tires hot asphalt of the runway of the airport of Nairobi. After unsuccessful attempts of the local customs to us “pay” for professional filming equipment, we finally were able to breathe the warm African air and were waiting for our transport, simultaneously stretching his stiff limbs. Described below can hardly be called a full-fledged test drive, rather a travelogue based on my love for cars.

From the corner seemed like a Land Cruiser HJZ 79, beige, and stopped nearby. Our mourners waved to the driver and we went to ship your numerous Luggage. Small but high trunk is able to accommodate only half the things were covered by a blanket. Later I understand why. We ourselves situated in the cabin and left the remaining things in the aisle between the seats. We had 5 hours, which could easily turn into 6 if there are traffic jams. Time on the study of interior decoration abound.

Although the first time to consider the cabin is not wanted at all, they committed a new world, Equatorial Africa. The movement here is left-and that is absolutely chaotic. The first time our team were amazed by the driving style of the locals. Most of the way we were in the oncoming lane, overtaking endless trucks and buses, as well as the Land Cruiser is very heavy overtaking took infinitely a lot of time and require accurate calculation. But the most surprising was when we still were stuck in traffic. Kenyans did not waste any time and tried to avoid her as best they could – someone has gone to the wayside, and some on the oncoming lane, so that cars from the oncoming lane had to go already on their side. This is all a bit reminiscent of the chaos of the suburban trails during the summer season, but multiplied by four. Most interesting is the audacity of buses – posting the rear wheel they famously slid into the ravine and continued on his way.

But then there was no traffic and into the cabin through the vents finally began to receive fresh air. The air conditioner in our car was not, and the ventilation was just enough for the driver. From the Windows the muzzle right in my ear, but the air was warm because it did not deliver special inconveniences. Here we should also say that thanks to the good climate asphalt road in Kenya is excellent. If not for the love of the local road to two-foot speed bump, it could be called the perfect canvas.

And we went at a speed of 80 km/h, but not because of the weakness of the Cruiser, and because of the law that prohibits carry tourists that. In case of violation of the Kenyan policeman as his Russian colleague happy to fined you on the spot because I want to eat everything. We told everyone to buckle up, because this is also a great way to cash in on the inattentive tourists.

During the conversation the road to 5 hours flew by and we arrived in Tsavo national Park after dark. It should be noted that despite the simplicity of the design and materials of the passenger seat in the Land Cruiser HJZ 79 quite comfortable, and the legroom is enough for each guest of its interior.

The next morning we went to the place for which he was created cruiser in Savannah. If on the highway or in the city this mastadont awkward and clumsy, in the nature, you can estimate its best qualities. As it turned out, our car raised the roof, creating excellent visibility of the surrounding open spaces and animals, but while maintaining protection from the sun and leopard, which can hide in a tree and is very excited to be a canning jar with tourists

It should be noted that Safari requires car specific quality – maintainability, strength, ability to overcome water obstacles and not afraid of the omnipresent dust. All these qualities Land Cruiser HJZ 79 has. In fact, this pickup, which is welded to the body and put there seats with Windows. He's got a real all-wheel drive (connected), there is ponijao and powerful bridges. It is difficult to stand by and watch animals in Kenya, a great many.

And he got tired of driving hundreds of kilometers away from the gas stations, so he's got two tank 95 liters, and diesel is as reliable as the Kalashnikov. Its volume is 4.2 liters, and power I was unable to find. One thing is clear, most of the numerous obstacles our driver was overcome on the back of the drive. Incidentally this was the fords of rivers, deep mud and stones. Power and high-torque motor enough to without straining roll the herds of zebras, gazelles and giraffes.

It is necessary to make small retreat and to tell about the amazing Savannah. The first feeling – I was in the program “world of animals” and now from the corner will be released Nikolai and start your story. We visited several national parks and was amazed at the variety of textures and colors. Tsavo red soil, yellow grass Hells Gate and the green plateau of Massai Mara. Hundreds of zebras, elephants, warthogs, rhinos and predators. My head is spinning and you realize – here you are a guest. And machine your house and your safety. Stand up in front of a Buffalo or elephant, and maybe the lion will defend their territory. Any animal in the savanna runs faster than you, no catch, and you will catch any. “Penninite — you food”, the sort of sign I saw in one of the parks. And how right they are.

Learning about autostrasse my local gave me a ride in this Land Cruiser. Behind the wheel it feels like Indiana Jones. A burning desire to do something heroic or something to save takes hold of you. It is very large, with steel bumpers, two spare wheels in the back and ready for adventure. It is not afraid of crashing or hitting the rock – metal everywhere. And you can not look around the other cars there – we visited Kenya during the low season, the rainy season. The main thing is not to offend the locals and ride on protandim trails to preserve the nature. The only thing that confused me – bad choice 2 and 3 gear. I always thought that traction on second lot, and when perelozhenie the third – is not enough.

I ride in the mud after rain and through rivers and I can say one thing – the main thing is not to let go of the gas. Despite its long base and the considerable weight of the car confidently even rushing through the deep mud. And if not – pull panjika.

Concluding his story I can tell. Two weeks Land Cruiser HJZ 79 has become our home. Constant perezda for 5-6 hours and sometimes 3-4 hours at the “washboard” with a terrible cover and no one refused or breakage. This is a real African Buffalo – a simple but powerful way. He continues to create the legend of the Land Cruiser while his brothers are changing in favor of the public.

After reading a particularly good look and video review: