Mombo Camp Switches to 100% Renewable Energy

On 7 March 2012, following an investment of BWP6 million (US$ 860 000), Mombo Camp officially switched over from diesel-powered generators to renewable solar energy.

Since the announcement, plaudits have been rolling in for what is most likely Botswana's largest solar array and the news has sped excitedly around the Wilderness staff family both in Botswana as well as other parts of Africa. According to Group Sustainability Director, Derek de la Harpe, "Wilderness will not build another camp without incorporating a major element of renewable energy. At the same time we have embarked on an ambitious retrofitting process with Mombo now joining Xigera, Kalahari Plains, Banoka Bush Camp and Zarafa as being 100% solar powered. Over the course of 2012 we anticipate completing this process for at least another three camps, the rebuilt DumaTau among them."

The Mombo solar array consists of 396 photovoltaic panels of 230W each, with 194 batteries. This equates to a 91 kilowatt array that produces in excess of 450kWh per day. In addition 30 solar geysers have reduced the need for fossil fuel usage even further meaning that the risk (and carbon footprint) of delivering fuel to Mombo across the fragile Okavango Delta is even further mitigated.

In simple terms this means that reduction in expected carbon emissions for Mombo over 2012 are of the order of 97%! We thus expect to emit only 6.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents over the course of 2012 compared to 215 tonnes during 2011.

As Wilderness Safaris Botswana MD, Grant Woodrow, said at an announcement in Maun, "This has been a mammoth task, and many contractors and Wilderness staff need to be congratulated for taking this bold financial step and getting the job done. Pula!"


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Abu camp Re-opened this week.

Okavango Delta, Botswana

Renowned Abu Camp re-opened on Tuesday after undergoing a refurbishment. Guests can now sleep in the NEW starbeds above the elephant boma, which provides an unforgettable nocturnal experience. The camp now also boasts a new deck, lounge, library and dining area.

Pictures and further info will be on our website soon!

Abu Camp: Re-Opening June 2010

Okavango Delta, Botswana
Renowned Abu Camp has been undergoing extensive refurbishment recently and is due to re-open in June 2010. Abu Camp will continue to offer the ultimate 4 day elephant encounter. Guests, led by scientists and guides are invited to become part of the elephant herd during their stay. This unforgettable experience provides wonderful insight into the largest land mammal on earth.

Abu Camp - Re Openning June 2010

Okavango Delta, Botswana
Renowned Abu Camp in the heart of the Okavango Delta will be undergoing exciting developments this year. This includes a change in the current elephant encounter experience as well as a complete refurbishment. Abu reopens in June 2010.