Ineos Grenadier Kavango: A Safari-Ready Off-Roader With Old-School Charm and Seating for Nine

Ineos has introduced a fresh variant of its Grenadier SUV called the Game Viewer. The new model draws clear inspiration from the classic safari builds of the old-school Land Rover Defender, a vehicle that’s still indispensable across much of sub-Saharan Africa. But unlike its legendary predecessors, the Grenadier Game Viewer pairs serious off-road ability with surprising comfort, style, and even protection from the blazing sun thanks to its signature roof canopy.

The idea for such a vehicle goes back to the personal experiences of Ineos chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe. A safari trip to Botswana a decade ago made him realize just how important a tough, honest, purpose-built off-roader is for harsh environments and for customers who love exploring the wild. That trip eventually inspired the creation of the Grenadier itself.

Then, in 2022, the African outfitter Kavango expanded on the concept. Working with a Grenadier prototype, the company built a traditional safari rig—higher ground clearance, reworked roof-mounted controls, and a tall frame supporting an exceptionally well-made soft top. Ineos liked the idea so much that it later acquired Kavango outright, turning the collaboration into a showroom-ready concept and soon a commercial product.

The result is the new Grenadier Game Viewer, available in long-wheelbase and extra-long-wheelbase versions. The stretched cabin allows seating for up to nine passengers, with the rear row positioned noticeably higher than the others for better visibility—an approach that safari guides and tourists have long appreciated.

Under the skin, the layout stays familiar. The Game Viewer uses the same BMW-sourced 3.0-liter inline-six engines—gasoline or diesel—paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel-drive system with a low-range transfer case. In other words, classic design blended with modern hardware built for tough conditions.

One of the more unusual aspects of the project is how the vehicles are assembled. The SUVs arrive from France partially disassembled—no paint, no doors, no roof, missing interior panels, and without glass. Kavango completes the build on site, transforming a standard Grenadier into a fully outfitted safari transporter.

Because of that, the primary customers are hunting reserves, safari lodges, and ranches that value durability and the ability to service the vehicle themselves. Ineos has even created a dedicated training program for mechanics working in remote parts of Africa.

The first customer is the upscale South African lodge Hidden Lodge, which will receive the first four units next month. That delivery marks the start of full-scale production, set to begin early next year.

It’s entirely possible that more unique Game Viewer versions will follow—now that Ineos has embraced experimentation. And for safari enthusiasts, it means there’s finally a compelling alternative to the long-dominant Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series.