21 August 2024
The first eco-tourism operator to introduce the use of eco-friendly vehicles and boats for safari in Botswana, Chobe Game Lodge (CGL) is set to revolutionise e-mobility in the industry by upgrading to newer technology.
Chobe Game Lodge, a subsidiary of eco-tourism group Chobe Holdings Limited first introduced the use of electric vehicles and boats some 10 years ago, ensuring environmental sustainability as the only facility confined within the Chobe National Park.
Situated inside the park and on the banks of the Chobe River, CGL’s objective to reduce its carbon emissions in this pristine and sensitive eco-system has been sustained over the years.
CGL’s General Manager Johan Bruwer has overseen this transformation and has embarked on a journey to upgrade to new e-mobility technology in the safari operations of the lodge, both on land and water. To be precise, the lodge has started the upgrade process, and has partnered with Thula Solutions for the project.
“We have put in the first outboard motor from e-propulsion. So far, the tests have been very positive when it comes to range and it is quieter.
We are going to trial it to its limit, but it is quite exciting,” Bruwer said in a recent interview.
Bruwer further highlighted that the new technology has new features, among them, over the air updates that allow for satellite navigation among others. The new version of the outboard motor also has better water-handling capabilities.
Bruwer revealed that Thula Solutions is also building new electric vehicles, specifically for the tourism industry, starting with game viewers’ mass production.
“Chobe Game Lodge will partner with them on this project. We will soon have one of these prototype game viewers on our property and test it with Thula Solutions.
Hopefully, in the next three months, we will be able to confirm with them, and build a lasting relationship ship,” Bruwer revealed.
While CGL may be steps ahead in the use of EVs for safari, Bruwer is of the view that time has come for the tourism industry at large to embrace this eco-friendly initiative.
Introducing this technology to the tourism industry in Botswana will complement the transition from diesel-operated generators in safari camps to solar power and lithium phosphate batteries.
“It is just natural to progress and bring the new technologies into the tourism trade, Botswana is perfect for this technology, with basic infrastructure available.”
The role of government, according to Bruwer could go a long way in ensuring the initiative is widely embraced.
“Government can encourage us through some form of rebates because this technology is currently expensive and it would be nicer to help us out with the purchase prices of these new technologies,” he said.
Besides the e-safaris initiative, CGL’s efforts towards sustainability also cover other areas of saving the environment and going green.
The lodge is powered by 600 square metres of rooftop solar panels, which are complemented by hydroelectric power. Other initiatives include recycling initiatives, sustainable greywater solutions, and innovative food waste management.
Source: https://www.ngamitimes.co.bw/chobe-game-lodge-upgrades-e-mobility-technology/
