Beyond Driving delivers adapted British Off Road Driving Association training for specialist 4×4 safari vehicles
From zebra crossings (the literal kind) to rhinos in the rear-view mirror, driving at West Midlands Safari Park is no ordinary job. That’s why the park’s latest fleet of 4×4 safari trucks has undergone a bespoke training programme delivered by Beyond Driving – built on the respected British Off Road Driving Association (BORDA) Basic 4×4 Driver Training course.
Our team recently completed another phase of tailored training for drivers at the popular Worcestershire attraction, adapting the BORDA syllabus to meet the unique operational needs of large off-road passenger vehicles in a wildlife environment.
Why BORDA Training Matters in a Safari Setting
The BORDA Basic course provides nationally recognised certification for anyone required to operate 4×4 vehicles in low-grip or off-road environments. For West Midlands Safari Park, that includes both experienced drivers and newcomers preparing to transport guests safely through enclosures housing rhinos, giraffes, camels, ostriches, and more.
The course covers:
- Vehicle checks and safety protocols
- Operation on a variety of surfaces (mud, gravel, grass, incline)
- Hill starts, descents and recovery
- Route planning and hazard awareness
- Environmental considerations
At Beyond Driving, we went a step further – customising the content and delivery for the park’s DAF 4×4 tour trucks, including handling under full load, tight turning in animal enclosures, and specialist parking manoeuvres.
📸 Image reference: Two cream-coloured safari trucks lined up in formation, branded with West Midlands Safari Park logos and fitted with caged passenger areas.
A Bespoke Experience with Real-World Context
During the week-long course, drivers undertook both theory and practical modules, using the actual trucks they’ll operate during tours. They navigated mixed-surface routes, carried out simulated guest pick-ups, and practised reversing in confined areas—all with curious wildlife never far away.
A group of rhinos feeding just metres from the training area, highlighting the importance of calm, confident vehicle control.
This immersive, site-specific approach gives drivers the confidence to operate in unpredictable and animal-rich environments—while maintaining high safety standards for guests and wildlife alike.
Training with the Tour in Mind
As part of our adaptation of the BORDA Basic course, we worked closely with the park’s operational team to understand real driving scenarios:
- Tight cornering near viewing lodges
- Slow manoeuvring around free-roaming animals
- Low-speed gradient control on mixed terrain
Giraffes relaxing beside safari lodges, showing how close the vehicles operate to animals and accommodation.
📸 Photo caption: Tour vehicles queuing beside camel enclosures, showcasing mixed-traffic conditions common on safari routes.
This tailored approach makes the training more relevant, memorable and actionable for participants – improving both operational safety and guest experience.
Supporting Wildlife, Staff and Sustainability
Beyond Driving is proud to support wildlife-focused organisations like West Midlands Safari Park. Our bespoke training programmes blend industry best practice with operational reality, enhancing:
- Vehicle longevity
- Driver competence and retention
- Animal welfare through reduced stress
- Overall tour safety and reliability
📸 Photo caption: Zebras and ostriches feeding near a training vehicle route, a reminder that wildlife is always nearby.
📸 Photo caption: Park entrance signage featuring an elephant, marking the start of an unforgettable journey for guests—and a serious responsibility for drivers.
Build a Safer Safari Operation
Whether you run a safari park, estate, wildlife reserve or heritage site with off-road passenger transport, Beyond Driving can adapt nationally accredited training to your specific requirements. We are certified providers of BORDA, Lantra and Qualsafe courses, with experience delivering both operator and instructor-level qualifications.
Want to prepare your drivers for every terrain and every scenario?
Contact us to discuss a tailored 4×4 training programme, or learn more about our BORDA-accredited courses.
