When it comes to custom car colors, Safari color arouses particular curiosity. This shade is associated with the spirit of adventure, freedom and exclusivity - precisely those qualities that the legendary Nissan Safari (known outside Japan as Nissan Patrol). But what exactly is hidden behind this name? Is it a specific color or a whole palette?

In fact, Safari - not just a color, but a whole concept that can vary from sand and beige tones to deep khaki and olive shades. Automakers often use this name to refer to "desert" or "camouflage" colors that are ideal for SUVs. In this article we will figure out exactly what shades are hidden under the term Safari color, how to choose the right one for your car and what to look for when buying or painting.

What is Safari Color: Definition and History

Term Safari color originates from the model of the same name Nissan Safari, which since the 1980s has become a symbol of reliability and maneuverability. Initially this color was associated with sandy beige shade (code KH3 or 315 in Nissan catalogs), which perfectly camouflaged the car in desert conditions. However, over time, the palette expanded to include:

  • 🏜️ Sand beige - classic “safari”, close to RAL 1014 or Nissan KH3
  • 🌿 Olive khaki - dark green-brown, popular in military and hunting themes
  • ☀️ Light cream - almost white with a slight yellowish tint (Nissan 316)
  • 🪨 Gray-brown "stone" - imitation of natural textures, for example, Toyota 4W3

Interestingly, in different countries under Safari color can understand different shades. For example, in Japan this is most often KH3 (light sand), and in Europe - darker khakis, close to RAL 6003 or RAL 8000. It is important to check the specific color code when ordering paint or vinyl to avoid misunderstandings.

📊 Which shade of Safari do you like best?
  • Sand beige
  • Olive khaki
  • Light cream
  • Gray-brown "stone"

Safari Color Shades: Comparison Chart

To make it easier to navigate the variety of shades, we have compiled a table with the most popular options Safari colors, their codes and analogues in standard palettes (for example, RAL or Nissan). This will help you choose paint for restoration or tuning.

Shade name Manufacturer code Analogue in RAL Usage example
Safari Beige (KH3) Nissan KH3 / 315 RAL 1014 (light beige) Classic color for Nissan Patrol Y60/Y61
Olive Khaki Toyota 4W3 RAL 6003 (olive) Popular with owners Land Cruiser 70/80
Sandstone Grey Mitsubishi G37 RAL 7034 (yellow-gray) Used in Pajero And L200
Cream White (316) Nissan 316 RAL 9001 (cream) Alternative to white for Patrol GR
Dark Safari Green Land Rover Pastel Green RAL 6021 (pale green) Rare shade for Defender

Please note that color codes may vary depending on the year of manufacture of the vehicle. For example, Nissan Safari 1990s and modern Patrol use different paint formulas, even if visually the shades seem similar. Always check with VIN code or the original plate on the body!

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If you are restoring an old one Nissan Safari, order a paint sample using the original code. Even a slight difference in shade will be noticeable in bright sunlight.

Advantages and disadvantages of Safari color for a car

Color Safari It's not just beautiful - it's practical. Here's why many SUV owners choose it:

  • 🔹 Masking dirt and scratches: sand and khaki shades get dirty less noticeably off-road than black or white.
  • 🔹 Versatility: Suitable for both urban and extreme use.
  • 🔹 Exclusivity: Rarely found on production cars, it makes your car stand out.
  • 🔹 Heat resistance: light shades (for example, KH3) heat up less in the sun than dark ones.

However, there are also disadvantages:

  • ⚠️ Difficulty in choosing paint: Due to the variability of shades, it is difficult to find the perfect match when doing local repairs.
  • ⚠️ Sunburn: Some pigments (especially in cheap paints) may turn yellow or fade.
  • ⚠️ Price: original paints Nissan or Toyota in Safari shades are more expensive than standard ones.
How to check the quality of paint before purchasing?

Please note the following points:

1. **Gloss level** - original paints Nissan Safari have a matte or semi-matte finish.

2. **UV resistance** - ask the seller for a certificate for resistance to fading (must be at least ISO 105-B02).

3. **Soil compatibility** - some shades (e.g. KH3) require special soil Nissan G-17 for perfect grip.

How to choose the right Safari color for your car

If you decide to repaint your car or match the vinyl color Safari, follow this algorithm:

  1. Define your goal: dark khakis are better for off-road (RAL 6003), for the city - light beige (KH3).
  2. Check the original code: on a plate under the hood or in documents (for example, Nissan 315).
  3. Order a sample: Apply paint to a small area and compare in daylight and artificial light.
  4. Select coverage type:
    • 🖌️ Matt paint - stylish, but difficult to clean.
    • ✨ Metallic - adds depth, but is more expensive.
    • 🛡️ Vinyl film - cheaper and removable, but less durable.

☑️ Preparation for painting in Safari color

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If you paint Nissan Patrol or Toyota Land Cruiser, please note that some shades (for example, 4W3) require two-layer application to achieve the original color. In this case, it is better to turn to professionals - painting yourself can give an uneven shade.

Where to order Safari color paint or vinyl

Original paints Safari can be purchased from the following suppliers:

  • 🏢 Official Nissan/Toyota dealers - guaranteed original color, but expensive (from 15,000 ₽ per 1 liter).
  • 🛒 Specialty stores (For example, AutoColor, PPG) - offer analogues by code RAL or Nissan.
  • 🌍 Foreign sites (For example, PaintScratch, AutomotiveTouchup) - wide selection, but long delivery.
  • 🎨 Local paint shops — they can choose the color according to the sample (from 8,000 ₽ per 1 liter).

For vinyl film, we recommend paying attention to the following brands:

  • 3M (series 1080 - matte and satin textures).
  • Orafol (olive and sand shades in the collection Oraguard).
  • Hexis (vinyl HX20000 with UV protection).
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When ordering paint, always check whether a base enamel is required (basecoat) or ready-made mixture (single-stage). Metallics require additional varnish!

Examples of cars in Safari color: photos and inspiration

To better imagine what it looks like Safari color on different models, look at these examples:

  • 📸 Nissan Patrol Y61 in KH3 - classic sand beige, which goes perfectly with black moldings.
  • 📸 Toyota Land Cruiser 80 in 4W3 - dark khaki, popular among travelers.
  • 📸 Mitsubishi Pajero in G37 - a gray-beige “stone” that is almost invisible in the desert.
  • 📸 Land Rover Defender in Pastel Green - a rare olive shade for true connoisseurs.

Many owners combine Safari color with black or dark gray elements: bumpers, wheel arches, radiator grille. This creates contrast and emphasizes the off-road character of the car. Also popular two-color schemes, for example, KH3 (lower part) + white (upper part) - like the old ones Safari for the Dakar Rally.

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If you want to visually “thin” your SUV, choose a light shade Safari (For example, 316) and combine it with dark wheels. This will optically reduce the dimensions of the machine.

Common mistakes when choosing and painting Safari colors

Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes when working with Safari color. Here's what not to do:

⚠️ Attention! Never use automotive paint on interior plastic parts (such as dashboards). Pigments in KH3 or 4W3 contain aggressive solvents that will destroy plastic in 1–2 years. For the interior, take special water-based paints.
  • 🚫 Painting without primer: shades Safari require a special base (for example, Nissan G-17), otherwise the color will be dull.
  • 🚫 Ignoring the probe: Even original paint may vary 5-10% due to batch. Always test!
  • 🚫 Saving on varnish: matte shades (for example, RAL 1014) without varnish quickly become covered with microcracks.
  • 🚫 Self-tinting: mix KH3 manually is almost impossible - use computer selection.

Another common problem is mismatch of shades on different parts. For example, if you paint the bumper separately from the body, a difference of 1-2 tones will be noticeable. To avoid this, order paint in one batch and use blender (transition solvent) at the junctions.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Safari car color

Is it possible to order the Safari color for any car, or is it only for Nissan?

Color Safari not exclusive to Nissan — it can be selected for any model according to the code RAL or mix in a paint shop. However, the original shades (eg. KH3) were developed specifically for Patrol/Safari, so they may look different on other cars.

Which Safari color is the most practical off-road?

For extreme clothing, it is better to choose dark shades of khaki (RAL 6003 or Toyota 4W3). They get dirty less and mask scratches from branches better. Light beige (KH3) although beautiful, they require frequent washing.

How much does it cost to paint a car Safari color?

The cost depends on the type of paint and the amount of work:

  • Full painting Nissan Patrol in KH3 with primer and varnish - from 80,000 ₽.
  • Local bumper repair - from 15,000 ₽.
  • Vinyl covering - from 50,000 ₽ (depending on complexity).

Original paint Nissan costs ~15,000 ₽ per 1 liter, analogs - from 8,000 ₽.

Can I paint my car Safari color myself?

Theoretically, yes, but for a quality result you will need:

  • A room with an exhaust hood and no dust.
  • Spray gun with pressure adjustment (for KH3 you need 2–2.5 bar).
  • Experience working with two-layer paints (if metallic shade).

Without skills there is a risk of getting uneven color or shagreen very high. For the first time, it is better to practice on removable parts (for example, the trunk lid).

How to care for a car in Safari color so that the paint lasts longer?

Follow these guidelines:

  • Wash the car soft sponge (abrasives scratch matte finishes).
  • Use wax or ceramics with a UV filter (for example, Collinite 845).
  • Avoid automatic car washes with brushes - they remove the top layer of varnish.
  • Store the car in a garage or under a shed - direct sunlight will burn out the pigment.

For vinyl film, contactless washing and special polishes are suitable (for example, 3M Vinyl Care).