Rooted in the past and redesigned for a greener future
In a significant milestone towards low-impact, sustainable tourism, some of Sarara’s game-drive vehicles were recently converted to become fully electric – marking an exciting transition to emission-free safaris!
For more than three decades, our beloved Land Rovers have been part of Namunyak’s story, and there was no shortage of excitement in Sarara’s workshop and among guides as these trusty workhorses were transformed – underpinned by a future-forward and sustainable vision.
Remembering being driven back and forth from remote bush locations to school as a young boy, Jeremy Bastard, CEO of The Sarara Foundation adds the Landies were intrinsic to every chapter of the conservancy’s journey.
“They built camps, pioneered new areas, worked in conservation, and crossed flooding rivers – and these are the cars in which we all learned how to drive. They were endlessly loaded with supplies, and supplied so many guests with unforgettable memories on game drives.”
Although the vehicles were still going strong after so many rebuilds, we couldn’t wait to take the next step and usher in a new era guided by innovation and practicality. “Rolling out these conversions marked the next chapter for Land Rovers in Kenya,” says Jeremy.
By repurposing the Landies with modern, planet-friendly technology while retaining their sturdy frames and the nostalgia of the stories we’ve shared, they continue to be part of who we are – and the values we still stand for today!
LIKEMINDED ENVIRONMENTAL ETHOS
Transformed in partnership with Electrogenic UK – a world leader in the development of electric vehicle (EV) conversions – the original Land Rover Defenders were given a new lease on life that now sees them moving more gently and quietly across Namunyak’s unspoilt landscape.
Electrogenic’s team collaborated with our mechanics to strip the original engines and replace these with electric motors powered by rechargeable batteries, while showing them the ropes in the installation of electric vehicle (EV) kits. Apart from no longer emitting harmful CO2, into the environment, the vehicles are no longer reliant on diesel. They’re also quieter – which allows for a safari that’s even more connected to the wilderness!
“It’s eco-friendly, it’s quiet, and it’s best for the environment. And in our case, because we are converting old vehicles, there aren’t any CO2 emissions from manufacturing brand-new vehicles,” says Louis Hayes Hamilton, Electrogenic’s mechanic on Sarara’s project.
“In off-road conditions and rugged terrain, the EV conversion is far superior to the original. It has more power, and it’s easier to drive as there’s no clutch.”
– Louis Hayes Hamilton, Electrogenic
Electrogenic’s vision is underpinned by an awareness that making a new EV consumes significant volumes of the earth’s natural resources. By ensuring that historical combustion engine cars are repurposed and recycled, they play their part in contributing to a cleaner planet. Given that the average lifespan of a modern car is 10 years, the environmental footprint of the classic cars they convert has been paid for five times over – and their ongoing impact on the environment is essentially zero.
To find out more about Electrogenic’s incredible work, visit their website.
While honouring our unique story and not unnecessarily discarding anything that is sturdy, strong, or useful unnecessarily, Sarara’s EV vehicles represent the future of safari – while being rooted in the past.
Redesigned for what comes next, they’re a thoughtful blend of heritage and innovation, and create opportunities for more intimate interactions with nature while leaving a gentler footprint on our precious environment.
We caught up with Robert Lemayian, GM of Sarara Camps, to find out more…
Q Why did Sarara transition to EVs?
A As a community, we believe in green energy, and in time, we aim to transition all of our cars to electric engines. There is immense value to the environment in that.
Q How is this impacting the safari experience for guests?
A It’s fantastic, as electric engines make far less noise than ones using fuel. It’s also less intrusive for wildlife, so guests can get closer to sightings.
Q How does this step align with Sarara’s broader conservation goals?
A Our vision includes maximising our conservation and rangeland management efforts – and reducing CO2 emissions supports this.
Q Why did you convert the existing Land Rovers instead of buying new ones?
A It was easy to replace them as they were still going strong – and more planet-friendly to repurpose the existing ones too. Instead of buying new vehicles, it was also better to divert that money towards community projects. Another benefit is that it means there will be fewer motor vehicles in the Sarara Valley.
“Our mechanics loved collaborating with Electrogenic in the workshop. It was a new thing for the team, and they were truly inspired by all the things they learned. When we tackle the next round of vehicle transitions, they’ll be able to take on more!”
– Robert Lemayian
Video and photos by Thige Njuguna