The Rise of Silent Safaris: How Electric Safari Vehicles are Enhancing African Adventures

As we took off on our first morning safari of our trip, bundled up in blankets against the early chill, we noticed something was missing… Usually, the roar of the engine joined the sounds of the wilderness, but now, there was nothing. The background music to our game drive was the slight whistle of the wind and light birdsong.

As we came to a stop near an elephant, the animal wasn’t spooked – thanks to the silence of electric safari vehicles, African safaris are becoming even more sustainable while also facilitating closer wildlife encounters.

So, what is a “silent safari” and what lodges are adding these experiences to their repertoire for eco-conscious adventures?

What is a Silent Safari?

A silent safari is a wilderness excursion done in an electric vehicle in order to minimise environmental impact. From less noise to better wildlife encounters, there are many benefits to going on game drives in an electric vehicle:

Silent Excursions

Electric safari vehicles are far quieter than their petrol or diesel counterparts. This will allow you to have a more immersive safari adventure – one where birdsong and hippo grunts aren’t diminished by the noise of an engine.

Reduced Carbon Footprint

Less tailpipe emissions equal less pollution and cleaner air. Safari lodges that utilise electric vehicles significantly reduce their carbon footprint, creating a more eco-conscious wildlife experience for you, the traveller.

Less Wildlife Disturbance

The silence of an electric vehicle is less likely to cause wild animals to run compared to a traditional diesel vehicle. This quieter experience can lead to closer wildlife encounters, which makes for an enhanced experience for you, the safari-goer.

3 Safari Lodges in Africa with Electric Safari Vehicles

Lodges across Africa’s top safari destinations, including Botswana, South Africa, and Zambia, take eco-friendly luxury safaris seriously. Not only do many accommodations make use of solar energy and focus on recycling initiatives, but their game drives are done in electric vehicles. Here are three of our favourites:

Green Safaris Shawa Luangwa Camp, Zambia

Green Safaris is a leader in luxury eco-travel, with stunning lodges across Malawi and Zambia that are not run at the expense of the natural environment. All of their safari camps are created and run in a sustainable manner that involves local communities. They were even named Africa’s Most Prestigious Eco-Luxury Safari Operator and recognised for Community Empowerment Excellence at the 2025 LUXlife Magazine Travel & Tourism Awards.

A standout sustainable activity at Green Safaris is their silent game drives with electric Land Cruisers. In fact, they’re the only safari operator offering Silent Safaris in South Luangwa National Park. This park is home to one of their luxury eco-accommodations, Shawa Luangwa Camp.

The intimate camp includes just five luxury tents, one being a family tent that sleeps four. Overlooking the Luangwa River, the private deck attached to your tent is the perfect place to take in the gorgeous views. The couples’ tents are created for romance, with sunken bathtubs overlooking the wilderness.

Four of the Big Five can be spotted in South Luangwa National Park. This region is known as the Valley of the Leopard, as it has one of the highest densities of these big cats in all of Africa.

Besides e-cruiser game drives (the electric safari vehicles are solar powered), a stay here can include walking safaris, birding excursions, meals in the wilderness, and dips in the plunge pool while watching elephants and antelopes pass by.

Desert and Delta Chobe Game Lodge, Botswana

Chobe Game Lodge – in the iconic Chobe National Park, home to four of the Big Five in Botswana – enjoys pride of place along the Chobe River, a hub of wildlife activity. It’s the only permanent lodge along the river and has full eco-grading by the Botswana Tourism Board, a testimony to the sustainability of the lodge.

The awe-inspiring wilderness can be experienced on land and water. There are electric safari vehicles for game drives to see lions, giraffes, leopards, wild dogs, and more, guided by members of the all-female safari guiding team, the Chobe Angels. Don’t miss going on a boat safari, which will give you a whole different view of the environment. You’ll glide across the river in one of the solar-electric-powered safari boats to spot elephants wandering across the riverbank and hippos bobbing in the shallows.

Chobe Game Lodge encompasses over 40 rooms facing the river. The air-conditioners and overhead fans ensure the southern African heat doesn’t overwhelm you, and the complimentary mini bars, en-suite bathrooms with baths, and private terraces are five-star touches that enhance a stay here.

Discover Africa Tip: The lodge has four river-view suites, each with its own plunge pool and separate lounge area – the perfect accommodation to book for extra privacy and luxury. Speak to us in advance to book one of these exclusive suites.

The game viewing and awe-inspiring views never cease at Chobe Game Lodge. Whether you wander down their famed 250-metre boardwalk or relax on one of the six viewing decks, you’ll be mesmerised by the wilderness surrounding you.

Cheetah Plains, South Africa

Located in Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, which borders the iconic Kruger National Park, Cheetah Plains offers travellers a sophisticated eco-friendly safari experience. Made up of just three private villas, each accommodating up to eight guests, this is the ideal choice for a family safari in South Africa or groups of friends travelling together.

With a formal and entertainment lounge, living and dining room areas, swimming pool deck, outdoor boma for fireside dining, fine wine gallery, and fully equipped chef’s kitchen, the villas are spacious and opulent. This luxury is also seen in the bedrooms, with each suite having a bedroom, lounge, fireplace, walk-in dressing room, double rain shower, and bath overlooking the bushveld.

During your stay, your game drives will be conducted in a private electric safari vehicle, led by expert safari guides and trackers. Sustainable safaris are the name of the game at Cheetah Plains. The electric vehicles are powered by solar energy; this, together with their recycling initiatives, mitigates more than 581 tonnes of CO₂ emissions a year.

Silent safaris – whether they be game drives or boat trips – enhance a sustainable African wilderness adventure, not only ensuring your trip is a more eco-conscious experience but also facilitating more natural animal encounters.