Pangolin Voyager Houseboat

The Pangolin Voyager is a purpose-built photographic houseboat operated by Pangolin Photo Safaris, moored on the Chobe River with Chobe National Park directly across the water. Launched in 2025 after nearly two years of development, it replaces the original Voyager (acquired 2015) and is billed as the first solar-powered, all-aluminium houseboat of its kind — constructed in Windhoek, Namibia by ESB and assembled on the Zambezi before relocating to the Chobe. It is one of three "Stay With Us" properties in the Pangolin portfolio, alongside the Pangolin Chobe Hotel and Pangolin Photo Camps.

Accommodation comprises 5 identical cabins (double or twin bed configuration), each en-suite with a shower and toilet, air-conditioning, ample charging points, and near floor-to-ceiling mosquito-netted windows. The upper deck houses the lounge, dining area, a well-stocked bar, a "reading nook" and a partially shaded outdoor deck with an L-shaped sofa, six sun loungers and a café table; an air-conditioned, darkened Editing Suite adjoins the lounge for guests to download and process photographs, also used for host-led sessions on hosted trips. All meals and drinks are included, prepared by onboard chefs from largely local ingredients.

The Voyager is nearly fully electric, including its engines: a rooftop solar array powers the boat, with gas reserved only for cooking and hot water. Propulsion comes from four electric RAD 40 drives (RAD Propulsion, UK) fitted to its trimaran hull, cruising silently at 4-5kph on solar power. Photography is supported by a dedicated 8-seat photo boat with individually rotating camera-gimbal arms, going out at first and last light.

The Voyager can be booked as an all-year, 3-night Exclusive Charter for a family or group of friends, or as part of Pangolin's hosted "Best of the Chobe" (7 days) and "Chobe, Delta & Kalahari" (10 days) photo safaris, each including a 3-night stay aboard.

Rooms: 5 identical en-suite cabins (double or twin configuration), air-conditioned, floor-to-ceiling mosquito-netted windows. Max guests: 10 (5 cabins x 2); bookable as Exclusive Charter. Facilities: upper-deck lounge, dining area, well-stocked bar, reading nook, partially shaded outdoor deck, air-conditioned Editing Suite. Nearly fully electric: rooftop solar array and 4 electric RAD 40 drives.