Namibia-built solar cruise ship clinches world Africa titles
The Pangolin Voyager, a solar-electric river cruise vessel, has been named World’s Best River Cruise Ship 2026 and Africa’s Best River Cruise Ship 2026 at the World Cruise Awards.
Constructed in Windhoek by Edelstahlbau CC, the ship was put together along the Zambezi and is now managed by a crew based on Namibia’s side of the Chobe River.
This lightweight trimaran, made entirely of aluminum, offers five private cabins for ten passengers and runs on four electric motors from British manufacturer RAD Propulsion, with solar panels on its roof supplying most of its power.
Travelers have repeatedly praised the Voyager’s quiet electric operation, its specialized photography-focused design, and the quality of meals and service on board.
Toby Jermyn, co-owner and director of Pangolin Photo Safaris, called the dual award an incredible achievement for everyone behind the Voyager project.
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Gerhard “Guts” Swanepoel, Co-founder of Pangolin Photo Safaris, notes that electric propulsion and solar power were central to the idea of creating a boat that allows photographers to experience the Chobe River quietly and with minimal disturbance.
This recognition raises a Namibian-designed and crewed vessel to the top global river cruise category, also spotlighting Namibia’s Zambezi Region for an audience of international tourists and industry professionals.
The World Cruise Awards recognise excellence in the global cruise sector, with voting for the 2026 awards running from 13 July to 21 August 2026.
Pangolin Photo Safaris, founded in 2011 by Gerhard “Guts” Swanepoel and Toby Jermyn, also operates The Pangolin Chobe Hotel in Kasane, which was named Botswana’s Leading Hotel at the World Travel Awards in 2026.
