The Vumbura Plains Camp, a Wilderness Safaris property in the Okavango Delta, now operates entirely on solar power.  This follows the completion of an energy conversion project that will reduce carbon emissions and fuel consumption.

Following an investment of almost BWP39 million, (€3.3 million) Wilderness Safaris is now able to produce a combined total of 500kW of solar power, or 3 000kW/h per day from its 100% solar-operated camps. A total of 11 Wilderness Safaris camps now operate 100% on solar power.

“The conversion of Vumbura Plains to solar power is of particular significance as, prior to this, the camp was the second largest consumer of generator diesel in the entire Wilderness Group. While the initial investment required for solar conversion is considerable, we believe that moving away from relying on fossil fuels is not only the responsible thing to do in terms of conserving the planet’s precious natural resources but also results in a number of commercial benefits, allowing us to operate more efficiently and save on various supply costs,” says Derek de la Harpe, Wilderness Safaris’ Chief Sustainability Officer.

Vumbura Plains comprises two separate satellite camps, consisting of 14 rooms overall. Each room has an indoor and outdoor shower, an en-suite bathroom, a lounge area and private plunge pool. Each camp has a raised lounge, a dining and bar area as well as a deck suited for star-gazing or camp fires.