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Kwando Safaris’ new camps are pioneering the comprehensive use of eco friendly power, hot water generation and waste water treatment within the Nxai Pan National Park and Central Kalahari Game Reserve.
Solar Power and Water Heating - In a land blessed with an abundance of sun, the natural progression of power generation and water heating must lie in solar technology. The massive development of such technology is allowing the practical use of solar power in safari camps such as ‘Nxai Pan’ and ‘Tau Pan.’ Both camps are located in environmentally sensitive areas and to ensure that the camps cause minimal impact on their surroundings Kwando Safaris has invested in highly efficient solar generating equipment to operate the entire camp operation. All electrical appliances used in the camps are energy saving products from light bulbs to fans and ice machines. Protecting the environment need not mean going without those all important comforts while on safari! The decision to ustilise solar and low energy use technology removes the traditional safari camp reliance on engine generated power, thus hugely minimising the need for regular fuel truck deliveries and large onsite fuel storage facilities, reduction of noise and air pollution and avoidance of potential impacts such as fuel and oil spills. A small generator is in place in each camp as an emergency back up only.
Intelligent design compliments the use of environmentally friendly energy generation. The use of insualted walling and thatch within the design of the camps avoids the need for cooling systems which use a large amount of power, as both maintain a comfortable interior temperature regardless of extremes of heat and cold which are characteristic of our desert areas. Insulated cladding for hot water geysers and piping greatly increases the efficiency of the hot water systems by reducing heat loss from the system overnight and especially during the colder months of the year.
Biobox Waste Water Treatment - The installation of a waste water treatment plant is another important initiative that will ensure minimal impact on the areas of operation. The Biobox system was first installed by Kwando Safaris at Lebala in 2008 and is a complete waste water treatment system capable of treating from 2m³ up to 320m³ (320,000 litres) of waste water per day. A Biobox treatment plant treats all effluent on-site and produces clear, odourless and environmentally safe water for the irrigation of lawns, sports fields, golf courses and agricultural plots – or for filling dams where wildlife comes to drink, or simply to return it to the environment in streams, rivers or dams. At both Nxai Pan and Tau Pan the waste water is used to supply the water hole in front of camp and has no negative impact on the environment. |