Green Safaris, which operates eight camps in Zambia and one in Malawi, recently launched the world’s first electric dhow at the Tongabezi Lodge, just upstream of Victoria Falls.
Offered as a ‘silent safari’, the eDhow allows guests to cruise the Zambezi River without an engine’s loud and intrusive sound.
In addition to cutting noise pollution, the eDhow reduces carbon emissions, which is important for sustainable tourism in the ecologically sensitive area.
How it works
A 10Kw electric motor powers the boat, recharged at the jetty off the national grid in Livingstone and electricity generated by the Batoka Hydroelectric Power Station near the Falls. Eventually the lodge will have sufficient solar power, cutting emissions even more.
The eDhow is very efficient and generally uses around 10% to 15% of its capacity during a three-hour cruise for six to eight passengers, meaning it could undertake six trips before recharging.
In addition to energy efficiency, the vessel is safe and reliable, and needs much less maintenance than standard petrol engines. It also has sufficient capacity to power its way out of strong currents if necessary.
How it was built
The eDhow is a joint concept between Dutch boat builder Koos van den Steuijt and the carpentry team at Tongabezi.
The design was inspired by traditional dhows used in Malawi (its sister lodge Kaya Mawa is based on Likoma Island on Lake Malawi) and is made from mukwa, a durable indigenous hardwood.
