RAD Propulsion, the British developer of advanced electric boat drive systems, announced a new partnership with Pangolin Photo Safaris, Africa’s leading wildlife photography safari specialists.
The collaboration sees RAD’s revolutionary RAD 40 electric outboard system power the new Pangolin Voyager houseboat, setting a new standard for sustainable luxury tourism in one of Africa’s most stunning wildlife environments.
This project brings together RAD Propulsion’s cutting-edge 40kW electric drive technology with Pangolin Photo Safaris’ renowned expertise in African wildlife to advance eco-conscious tourism along Botswana’s iconic Chobe River. The houseboat is equipped with four RAD40 drives and two RAD 61 kWh batteries and is powered entirely by onboard solar panels. Fully self-sustaining, it offers a silent and sustainable way to explore one of Africa’s most wildlife-rich waterways.
“The Pangolin Voyager represents the culmination of our vision to create truly sustainable wildlife experiences without compromising on comfort or photographic opportunities,” says Toby Jermyn, co-owner of Pangolin Photo Safaris. “By harnessing solar power and incorporating electric propulsion, we’re not only reducing our carbon footprint but actually enhancing the safari experience through quieter cruising, allowing our guests to get closer to the amazing wildlife.”
“We conducted an extensive search for the right partner to solve the propulsion question during the build and were delighted when we found RAD Propulsion. Their drive design was like nothing else we found and was complemented by the ‘can-do’ attitude from their engineers. Choosing RAD Propulsion to partner with us on this build was an easy decision,” continued Jermyn.
The Chobe River, which forms the natural border between Namibia and Botswana, is one of Africa’s most productive wildlife photography regions. The Pangolin Voyager has three different mooring spots, visited over the course of guests’ stays, alongside specially designed eight-seater photo boats for morning and afternoon safaris.
“The Chobe River offers some of the best game viewing and photographic opportunities in Africa, particularly for elephant photography,” explains Jermyn. “Alongside the houseboat, our new electric photo boat, also powered by RAD, recharges from the main houseboat and operates during optimal lighting conditions without worrying about engine noise and vibrations disrupting our subjects.”
The Pangolin Voyager offers guests unparalleled luxury, featuring five en-suite cabins, configured as either doubles or twins, accommodating up to 10 guests in absolute comfort.
The RAD 40 system is a complete plug-and-play solution for electric propulsion, designed from the ground up to maximise the benefits of electric power. Key features that make it ideal for the Pangolin Voyager include:
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Silent operation: Perfect for wildlife observation and photography.
The low vibration and near-silent running let you get closer to your subject, helping you capture the perfect shot without startling animals or altering their natural behaviour
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Compact design: Super compact and lightweight design maximises space onboard while providing a much greater thrust than an equivalent internal combustion engine
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Integrated 180° steering: Independently controlled front and rear 180 degree steering gives the houseboat unparalleled manoeuvrability for precise docking and navigation of narrow channels
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Zero emissions: Supporting Pangolin’s commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism
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Reduced maintenance: Saving tens of thousands of pounds per year in fuel costs and increasing reliability for extended safari operations
“Partnering with Pangolin Photo Safaris on the Pangolin Voyager demonstrates how electric propulsion can transform the environmental footprint of marine tourism and the quality of the guest experience,” says Peter Byford, chief technology officer at RAD Propulsion. “Our RAD 40 system delivers the precision and quiet needed for wildlife photography, and we’re proud to be powering a project that aligns so closely with our mission to accelerate the shift to smarter, cleaner marine travel.”
