This bold step, which could redefine safari tourism in Botswana, comes on the back of decades characterised by the deep rumble of diesel engines that have been part of the African safari soundtrack. Now, Chobe Game Lodge, located on the banks of the world-renowned game-rich Chobe River, is replacing that noise with silence, an innovation that promises a cleaner, quieter, and more immersive experience for travelers while cutting emissions in one of the country’s most fragile ecosystems. In an interview, the director at Chobe Game Lodge, Johan Bruwer, said EVs in tourism were a game changer given their silent movement in wildlife areas. “We’ve discovered that from a safari experience, these vehicles are a game changer,” he told BusinessMonitor. “You don’t get the bush massage anymore — it’s smooth, quiet, and incredibly powerful. The torque is instant, the ride softer, and the silence transforms the guest experience.” The electric fleet is part of a long-term sustainability vision that began years ago, with Chobe becoming the first lodge in the country to be fully powered by renewable energy. The shift to electric mobility extends that commitment, from the back-of-house to the bush. The vehicles are charged through solar installations on-site, allowing the lodge to run its game drives and river cruises entirely off-grid. “What is fantastic about electric mobility in our safari trade is that we operate in a slow-moving environment,” Bruwer said. “When you’re out on a game drive, you drive at about 10 to 15 kilometres an hour. That’s perfect for electric motors; they’re incredibly energy efficient at low speeds, and the experience for guests and wildlife is unmatched.” The vehicles’ quiet operation reduces disturbance to animals, allowing closer, calmer encounters. Guides report that wildlife now remains relaxed around vehicles, improving the quality of sightings and photography. “It’s a completely different energy out there. The silence allows you to hear the bush the birds, the breeze, the natural sounds we often forget exist,” he added. Globally, the tourism industry is under growing pressure to decarbonise. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, transport accounts for nearly 40% of tourism’s carbon footprint. Leading safari destinations in Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa have begun piloting electric fleets, and Botswana’s adoption marks a critical step in aligning with global sustainability trends. Eco-conscious travellers, particularly from Europe and North America, are increasingly seeking destinations that demonstrate real environmental responsibility. Analysts say that lodges adopting electric mobility and renewable energy not only reduce operating costs but also enhance their brand appeal to this fast-growing market segment. Chobe’s move is thus both strategic and symbolic: a demonstration that luxury and sustainability can coexist seamlessly in the wild. Each electric vehicle eliminates thousands of litres of diesel consumption annually and drastically cuts noise and maintenance costs. The lodge’s electric boats have also become a highlight for guests gliding silently along the Chobe River while hippos, elephants, and birdlife remain undisturbed. “This is not just about going green,it’s about efficiency, guest comfort, and long-term viability. Electric mobility is the future of safari travel, and we’re proud to be leading it from Botswana,” Bruwer said. As the global tourism industry pivots toward net-zero targets, Chobe Game Lodge’s innovation shows how African destinations can combine technology, conservation, and experience. In Botswana’s northern wilderness, the safari of the future has already arrived, silent, smooth, and sustainable.
