Zambezi Cruise Safaris (Lake Kariba) Zimbabwe
I make no secret of the fact Lake
Kariba is one of my all-time favourite destinations. For me
the serenity and beauty that is unique to this massive,
shimmering water wilderness where elephant and hippo graze
peacefully along the shore line never disappoints. Lasting
memories are created by the many sights and sounds that
typify Lake Kariba - being lulled to sleep by the sound of
gently lapping waves, the haunting cry of a fish eagle and
the sight of the skeletal trunks and bare branches of a
forest of drowned trees silhouetted eerily against a moonlit
sky.
And what's more there are few places
that can match the intensity and unequalled beauty of a
classic Kariba sunset when the lake turns from pink to
orange to blood red as the sun sets slowly behind distant
mountains. Lake Kariba can have an occasional off day when
sudden, dramatic and powerful thunderstorms appear to blow
up out of nowhere, creating driving waves and swells of 3-4m
that can result in the lake being closed to all boat
traffic.
Combine a houseboat safari with a
luxury safari in Southern Africa, whether as a romantic
getaway, that long last family holiday or a great time with
friends, and have yoursdelf the best vacation you will EVER
enjoy!
Houseboats come with a Captain, two
or more room attendants, a chef and tender boats for game
viewing and fishing!
Lake Kariba is an attractive and
largely undiscovered holiday destination. Its vast expanse
of water forms a boundary between Zimbabwe and Zambia; its
extensive and attractive shorelines are home to large
populations of wildlife and its islands are dotted in a
picture-postcard deep blue sea against a backdrop of high
escarpment mountain ranges on each side.
Big sky sunsets
over the lake are legendary, with the calm water turning to
golden in the dusk and the bare branches of its famous
petrified trees silhouetted in the foreground.
Karibas magnificent scenes are second to none.
UNIQUE CRUISING ABOARD OUR BOATS
Zambezi Cruise Safaris has the
largest privately owned fleet of luxurious boats on Lake
Kariba. Offering comfort with the classic friendly
Zimbabwean service, making a complete and intimate cruise
experience.
With cruises that can traverse the
full 270km length of the lake and in and around beautiful
bays and islands, this is a truly unique African Safari. Sit
back and soak up the breath taking scenery or partake in the
many offered activities on an all-inclusive basis.
Boasting a unique fleet of
vessels, furnished and decorated to a similar high standard,
air-conditioned cabins and reception areas, pool or jacuzzi
and all cabins having views directly onto the lake. We have
a dynamic team aboard, friendly and knowledgeable crew
expertly trained plus a guide/host to ensure you have a
memorable experience.
THE CRUISE EXPERIENCE
A typical day on board starts with
an early morning continental breakfast followed by game
viewing or fishing from the tender boats( smaller boats that
travel with the main vessel and are used for
activities), allowing you to explore the expansive waters of
the Lake, experiencing the unbeatable scenic views, abundant
birdlife and possible wildlife sightings.
The boom of the
Ground Hornbill resounds from the shoreline and Pells
Fishing Owls can often be found in the high branches and
riverine patches. The notorious cry of the African Fish
Eagle echoes from all around the lake.
The Matusadona National Park
boasts a unique combination of pristine rugged wilderness,
together with the water frontage of the Lake. It is one of
the last remaining sanctuaries of the Big Five and is
famous for its abundant elephant population which feed along
the shorelines.
Try your luck fishing for
Kariba Bream, Cornish Jack or the infamous Tiger Fish or
simply snap away in this photographer’s paradise.
Back at the main
vessel, a delicious brunch is served on deck as we sail off
to our next destination along the lake shore.
Lake Kariba stretches
endlessly into the distance, a vast unpolluted lake with
hazy colourful horizons providing picturesque landscape
views.
On arrival we explore the
nearby creeks and inlets with abundant hippo and crocodile
populations or simply relax with a cool drink and watch the
world drift by. In the evening enjoy a sundowner and soak up
the legendary Kariba sunset as we cruise back to the main
vessel.
WILDLIFE BIRDING & ACTIVITIES
Experience the waters and shores
of lake Kariba in a variety of ways, fishing or game viewing
from tender boats, guided bush walks on the Matusadona flood
plain and game drives from our partner lodges in the
National Park or simply cruising into the sunset.
From the tender boats you are
afforded the amazing opportunity to spend hours exploring on
your birding and wildlife safari.
On the Binga/Victoria Falls side
of the Lake there is abundant birdlife including such
treasures as Pells Fishing Owls and Black Eagles as well
as large hippo and crocodile populations living in the
inlets and bays. This is a safari area and not a National
Park so abundant wildlife sightings are not guaranteed but
this area does have four of the Big Five and sightings are
always possible. The area is fairly mountainous and there
are usual sightings of klipspringers, bushbuck, kudu and
other antelope plus numerous baboons and rock hyrax.
The area however boasts stunning
scenic views, and guests can enjoy serene cruises through
the beautiful Sengwe River.
The Matusadona National Park is in
the Eastern Basin of the Lake and here one can expect to see
more animals. It is home to the Big Five and has herds of
established and settled game which are used to boats and
human activity. Herds of buffalo and elephant can be seen
feeding on the shorelines along with Zebra and many
antelope, lions can sometimes be heard in the night and are
regularly seen from the tenders. There is great birding
along the lake shore and many river inlets.
This untouched habitat and its
variety of inhabitants provides for a photographers
paradise. Stunning hues on the horizon synonymous with the
surrounding majestic hills, unbeatable light, striking bush
colours and wild subjects make for unique photo
opportunities.
THE BOATS
The Umbozha
Umbozha offers 9 cabins, all
with stunning lake views, beautiful teak furnishings, fully
air-conditioned and boasting a unique contemporary feel.
With an expansive lounge and
dining area, offering panoramic views of the landscape
beyond, coupled with stylish interiors.
A Staircase leads from the
lounge to the top deck, from where our captains sails the
vessel. This offers a birds eye view and a great area to
relax on a day bed in the open air.
Or escape the heat of the midday sun with a dip in the pool
or kick back and relax on the sun loungers, all the while
surrounded by endless views of stunning African scenes.
Facilities:
Capacity: 28 passengers (in
cabins)
All cabins en-suite with
air-conditioning and with views directly onto the lake.
2 Master Cabins with queen-size
beds
3 Double Family Cabins with
double beds and two adult bunks
2 Twin Family Cabins with twin
beds plus two adult bunks
2 Double Cabins with double
beds
Spacious & fully
air-conditioned lounge and dining areas.
4 m x 3 m pool with shade & sun
deck.
Three large external public
deck areas.
THE SHIKRA
Shikra offers 10 twin/double cabins, all with views onto
the Lake, perfectly framing the ever changing landscape.
Well appointed en suite cabins, fully air conditioned and
detailed with an African theme.
A large air conditioned lounge and dining area opens
forward to a shaded pool deck with an open air back deck for
al fresco dining and suntanning.
Facilities:
Capacity: 30 Passengers (in cabins)
All cabins en
suite and fully air conditioned.
10 Double/Twin
Cabins with twin or double beds with 1 fold out extra adult
bunk
Large fully air-conditioned lounge (14.5m x 8m)
Fully shaded pool (4.5m x 2.4m)
THE KARABEZI
Karabezi is a more intimate vessel
with only 5 main cabins. Equal in her furnishings and teak
theme throughout. Fully air conditioned lounge/dining room
leading out onto an open plan deck with seating area and
jacuzzi.
She has a third sun/viewing deck
with 6 loungers, this area is often used for sleeping out
under the stars. (The crew will always be happy to arrange
this at your request).
Facilities:
Capacity: 14 passengers (in cabins)
All cabins fully
air conditioned, all (but one) en suite.
2 Double
bedded Cabins with interleading child cabins with 2 bunks
2 Twin Cabins
1 Twin Cabin with bathroom opposite
Fully air-conditioned lounge (9m x 7m)
Jacuzzi (seats 6)
THE CRUISES
VICTORIA FALLS – SENGWE RIVER
CRUISE
DAY ONE
Departure day starts with an early
morning collection from your Victoria Falls Lodge or Hotel,
for an interesting road transfer through tribal lands en
route to Binga. We will set sail at midday enjoying a
scrumptious lunch whilst we cruise to the Sengwe Basin. On
arriving in the late afternoon the main vessel will moor on
the shoreline allowing use of the smaller tender boats to
explore the remote Sengwe River system. With stunning
scenery, resident hippo & crocodile populations , great
birding and possible game sightings before returning to the
main vessel over sundowners for dinner served on board.
DAY TWO
A light continental
breakfast before setting off on our morning activities of
fishing , game viewing and birding , followed by a delicious
lunch whilst we cruise to Elephant Bay . Here we moor on a
beautiful sandy beach on one of the many islands and then
set off to explore the new surrounds. Ending the day with a
relaxing sunset cruise on the tender boats, with drinks and
snacks as we soak up the beautiful scenery and magical
colours of the notorious Kariba sunset.
Dinner will be a relaxing beach
Braai around a campfire under the African night sky.
DAY THREE
The cruise returns to Binga
Harbour by 9am allowing one last opportunity for early
morning activities, followed by a full Breakfast served
while cruising back to harbour for your transfer back to
Hwange National Park or Victoria Falls to continue your
safari.
All rates are in United
States Dollars (USD). Payment can be in equivalent Intl
Currency (GBP/EUR/ZAR).
All rates are per person (pp)
sharing in a cabin
Single Supplement – Per Person
(pp) Rate plus 50% for cabins.
National Parks Conservation
Fees, Fishing Permits and River / Lake Usage Fees are
Boarding and / or disembarking
could be by speed or pontoon boat from and / or back to
harbour.
Zambezi Cruise Safaris reserves
the right to limit the number of single cabins.
Zambezi Cruise Safaris reserves
the right to sail ANY of our vessels on ANY cruise itinerary
and in certain circumstances may SUBSTITUTE another vessel
of similar standard.
Includes:
All Taxes and Tourism Levies
Full Board (All meals)
Beverages: All local Zimbabwean
beers, spirits, soft drinks, still purified water, tea and
coffee and selected South African wines.
All boat based activities from
smaller tender boats which include fishing, game viewing,
birding and sunset cruises
All fishing equipment and bait.
2 Night
Cruise:- $795 per person (Departs every Wednesday)
3 Night Cruise:- $1036 Per person (Departs every saturday)
FULL LAKE
BINGA TO KARIBA CRUISE: 3 NIGHTS (or Vice Versa)
DAY ONE
Departure day starts with an early
morning collection from your Victoria Falls Lodge or Hotel,
for an interesting road transfer through tribal lands en
route to Binga. We will set sail at midday enjoying a
scrumptious lunch whilst we cruise to the Sengwe Basin. On
arriving in the late afternoon the main vessel will moor on
the shoreline allowing use of the smaller tender boats to
explore the remote Sengwe River system. With stunning
scenery, resident hippo & crocodile populations , great
birding and possible game sightings before returning to the
main vessel over sundowners to the main boat for a relaxing
beach braai around the camp fire.
DAY TWO
We set sail before dawn through
the expansive Sengwa Basin as we cruise almost half the
length of this iconic lake that borders both Zambia and
Zimbabwe arriving in the Bumi basin in the Matusadona
National Park for our afternoon tender boat activities and
evening sundowners.
DAY THREE
Day three starts with a
light continental breakfast followed by morning activities
from the tender boats or optional extra of a Game Drive/
Game Walk or a visit to the remote Tonga fishing community.
Lunch is served as we cruise
further down lake to Palm or Gordons Bay to moor in a
secluded inlet before spending the afternoon exploring the
Lake shores and Bays for wildlife sightings followed by
evening sundowners and snacks as we watch what are known as
some of the best sunsets in Africa.
DAY FOUR
Early morning departure for
Kariba Harbour, breakfast will be served as we cruise across
the Lake to arrive in harbour before mid-day and continue
with your safari.
All rates are in United
States Dollars (USD). Payment can be in equivalent Intl
Currency (GBP/EUR/ZAR).
All rates are per person (pp)
sharing in a cabin
Single Supplement – Per Person
(pp) Rate plus 50% for cabins.
National Parks Conservation
Fees, Fishing Permits and River / Lake Usage Fees are
EXCLUDED.
Boarding and / or disembarking
could be by speed or pontoon boat from and / or back to
harbour.
Zambezi Cruise Safaris reserves
the right to limit the number of single cabins.
Zambezi Cruise Safaris reserves
the right to sail ANY of our vessels on ANY cruise itinerary
and in certain circumstances may SUBSTITUTE another vessel
of similar standard.
Includes:
All Taxes and Tourism Levies
Full Board (All meals)
Beverages: All local Zimbabwean
beers, spirits, soft drinks, still purified water, tea and
coffee and selected South African wines.
All boat based activities from
smaller tender boats which include fishing, game viewing,
birding and sunset cruises
All fishing equipment and bait.
3 Night
Cruise:- $1,295 Per Person
Please contact us
for a quote and suggested itinerary.
