Solar-powered safari houseboats · Africa
Safari, from the water.
A unique experience, launching across Africa’s wild waters: M/Y LUCY I
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In development · Launching 2028
Solar-powered safari houseboats · Africa
A unique experience, launching across Africa’s wild waters: M/Y LUCY I
The idea
Live an unsurpassed experience and view Africa in a way few ever will — drifting, with the wilderness drawn right up to the water's edge.
At eye level
No engines, no dust, no convoy of vehicles. Just still water and the animals that live along the shore — Africa's nature at its best.
The experience
A private charter for up to ten guests — the pace set by the light, the wildlife and the water, never the clock. A rare sense of freedom, far from the crowds.
The vessel is yours — typically four to seven days, cruising slowly and quietly with a dedicated crew.
Elephants, hippos and birdlife along the shoreline, with guided excursions ashore at golden hour.
Show-cooking on the open deck, fresh and locally sourced, the savanna as your backdrop.
Loungers, a plunge pool and a viewing platform — the social high point, above the water, surrounded by stunning nature.
Service
All meals, drinks and guiding included on board.
Charter
Take the entire vessel privately, or book an individual cabin.
Rates
Prices vary with the season.
The first vessel · M/Y LUCY I
A twenty-metre solar-powered houseboat — the first of the fleet, fully autonomous for up to ten days and engineered around Africa's lakes and their wildlife.
Layout
Sun loungers and a viewing platform — the social high point, above the water.
Show-cooking kitchen, dining and lounge, and a plunge pool — all open to the lake.
Four en-suite cabins plus a master suite, with full sanitary facilities.
Charter & service
For discerning travellers and small private groups — the whole vessel for one party, or a single cabin for two.
All meals and drinks prepared on board by a private chef and dedicated crew.
Charter the entire vessel for an exclusive private trip, or reserve an individual cabin.
Rates vary by season; current pricing is shared on enquiry.
Safety
Designed and built to the Bureau Veritas classification standard for inland navigation vessels — structure, stability and fire safety independently audited.
A licensed captain with inland-waters and wildlife experience leads a professionally trained crew with clear roles.
Clear procedures for hippo and crocodile waters, safe distances, and guide-led shore excursions only.
Life jackets for every guest and crew member, life buoys, and a tender that doubles as rescue boat.
First-aid certified crew, a full onboard medical kit, satellite communication and an air-evacuation arrangement.
Child-size life jackets, gated decks and supervised activities — arranged whenever younger guests are aboard.
The vision
M/Y LUCY I will launch on a remote lake in Africa — the exact location announced closer to launch — the first of a fleet designed to reach more of Africa's great lakes and waterways, far from the crowds. One continent, seen as almost no one sees it: slowly, by water.
Considered to the last detail
True luxury, here, is silence and stewardship — every system designed to leave the water and its wildlife exactly as it found them.
A 6–8 kW solar canopy and 15 kWh battery — clean, quiet propulsion, free of fumes.
A fully closed waste system — nothing is released into the water.
No exposed propellers — protecting hippos, crocodiles and other animals.
Quiet operation to minimise disturbance on and around the water.
A wildlife-safe hull engineered to withstand hippo and crocodile contact.
Time on the water that extends the classic safari, rather than competing with the lodges.
Investment opportunity
M/Y LUCY is in active development. For those who are interested, there is the possibility to take part through an investment — in the first vessel and the fleet that follows across Africa’s wild waters. We would be glad to share more, in confidence.
Enquire about investmentBy private enquiry
M/Y LUCY is now in development, with the first charters planned for 2028. Sign up to stay informed, and we'll keep you close to the project as it takes shape.