INEOS Automotive has confirmed that its dedicated safari-spec Grenadier Game Viewer will enter full production in early 2026, marking a significant milestone for a vehicle that has already attracted considerable attention from operators across Africa, the United States, the Middle East and South East Asia. Initially showcased as a prototype at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Travel Indaba, and We Are Africa throughout 2024, the concept drew strong interest from game reserves and premium safari lodges looking for a robust, modern platform built specifically for wildlife tourism and rugged field operations.
Purpose-Built at Source
The Game Viewer will be converted in-house by INEOS Kavango in Botswana, using long- and extra-long wheelbase Grenadiers supplied directly from the Hambach manufacturing plant. These donor vehicles will arrive in a partially built configuration — without paintwork, tailgates, glazing, most interior trim, the roof skin or optional electrical systems — providing an ideal starting point for specialised safari conversion. Depending on wheelbase choice, configurations will accommodate between four and nine passengers in the rear.
Crucially, the conversion process does not require any changes to the Grenadier’s ladder-frame chassis, preserving the structural integrity and durability for which the model is known.
Customisation With Full Factory Support
Operators will be able to tailor the Game Viewer extensively to their terrain, guest requirements, or operational purpose. Seating layouts, storage solutions and roof designs can all be specified directly with the INEOS Kavango team.
In a first for the safari vehicle industry, these conversions will be backed by a manufacturer-supported warranty, subject to terms and conditions. This ensures that even highly customised vehicles carry full factory aftersales support and component traceability, with servicing, repairs and maintenance handled through INEOS Kavango.
For organisations wishing to maintain their vehicles independently, the warranty remains valid as long as approved procedures and genuine parts are used. INEOS Kavango, together with the nearest Grenadier workshops, will provide training, spares, tooling, and preferential service-plan options.
INEOS Automotive CEO Lynn Calder highlighted the project’s origins: “This is the Grenadier coming full circle. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s vision for a modern utility 4X4 was sparked while on safari in Botswana almost a decade ago. The connection to Africa has been part of the Grenadier’s development story from the beginning. After 18 months of collaboration between the Hambach and INEOS Kavango teams, we’re excited to see the Game Viewer become a full-production model.”
A Botswana-Born Specialist
The roots of the Game Viewer programme stretch back to 2022, when Kavango Engineering — a well-established conversion firm in southern Africa — built a safari-ready prototype from a pre-production Grenadier. Only moderate changes were required: the ride height was lifted slightly, the Station Wagon’s roof-mounted switches were relocated to the centre console, a canvas roll-back roof replaced the original structure, and a tiered seating arrangement was installed to improve passenger visibility.
Following a detailed feasibility assessment, INEOS Automotive acquired Kavango Engineering in August 2023, renaming the operation INEOS Kavango.
From its 5,000 m² facility in Maun, near the Okavango Delta, the company employs around 70 specialist technicians and fabricators. The team completes approximately 200 full conversions per year, supporting vehicles used for safari, anti-poaching, veterinary work, primary healthcare delivery, and even film production. INEOS Kavango works closely with the Government of Botswana to position the business for long-term scalability and regional growth.
Early Customer Vehicles Entering Service
Although series production officially begins in 2026, four Grenadier-based Game Viewer conversions will be deployed ahead of schedule. Hiddn Lodge, a new luxury property outside Gqeberha in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, has commissioned these units as fully functional bespoke conversions. While technically pre-series, the vehicles provided INEOS Kavango with valuable real-world insight as operational processes for the 2026 production line are finalised.
Learn More
Further information about the Grenadier Game Viewer is available at: www.ineosgrenadier.com
