PEOPLE . PLACES

Wheels for the Wild: Serengeti's Master Mechanics

45' (ENG, GER)

In Tanzania, old Land Rovers are transformed into custom jeeps for unforgettable safari adventures.

Near Tanzania's famous Ngorongoro and Serengeti conservation areas lies Arusha, where a unique business thrives. Amid the sound of hammers clanging and welding torches sparking, a community of young car mechanics breathe new life into disused cars. Old Land Rovers that would only end up on the scrapyard in Europe, are transformed into custom safari jeeps for tourists eager to explore Tanzania's natural wonders. The car mechanics' specialty: lengthening vehicles to accommodate more people. It is a business that is full of creativity, craftsmanship and also stands for the hope of a brighter future. Even though they are a close-knit community, competition is fierce. Every project, every job and every vehicle is a little different - this is recycling and upscaling on a whole new level. Their latest challenge: designing a safari jeep specially equipped for photo safaris.