Solar boat on the Gambia River

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The "Solar Queen" - Africa's first solar powered boat

The Gambia River is now home to a brand new solar-powered hybrid boat, the first in Africa, which is operated exclusively for clients travelling with Hidden Gambia holidays.

This exciting development further enhances The Gambia's reputation as a growing and successful destination for eco-tourism holidays. At Hidden Gambia we have always believed in the need for a sustainable approach to tourism which not only helps to empower local people economically but also protects The Gambia's ecological wealth. Jobs which depend upon the natural environment being safeguarded provide an economic incentive for environmental protection. Therefore, simply by having a great holiday - you will be contributing in arguably the best way possible towards The Gambia's development - both today and for future generations.

Eco-friendly solar boat on the River Gambia

Solar panels supply 2.2KW of power

The Solar Queen was launched in January 2011 and is based at the lower end of the Gambia River where she operates as part of our unique adventure and wildlife holidays. She can either run on solar power alone for steady speeds of up to 6 km/h, or additional electricity can be supplied by a small, quiet highly-efficient diesel generator in order to reach speeds of up to 16 km/h. The ecological benefits of such a hybrid boat are considerable. Compared to our previous boat's two 250 HP outboard engines the Solar Queen saves burning almost 1,000 litres of fuel per week - an incredible 85% saving in fossil fuels!

We hope you'll be as excited about the "Solar Queen"
as our staff!

The boat was built by Kopf Solarschiff, the same pioneering company that created one on Lake Constance in Germany and the Serpentine in Hyde Park, London. We figured that if it can cope with the grey British weather, it would work wonderfully in sunny Gambia - and we weren't wrong! Our design is slightly different - it is a monohull with open sides, benches which can be converted into a sleeping area and there is also a solar-powered fridge/freezer, a bar and toilet.

For the full story, you might like to further photos on Flickr or read a review written by one of our guests. Or, if you fancy sailing on the Solar Queen, start planning your Gambia river holiday. With flights to The Gambia typically around Ł300-Ł400 and our "Discover the River" itineraries from as little as Ł595 for 7 nights or Ł849 for 14 nights, your next holiday needn't cost the earth!