Home | Binga Houseboats | Zambezi Cruise Safaris

Zambezi Cruise Safaris

Ideal opportunity for singles, couples and small groups to experience the beautiful Lake Kariba easily and cost effectively!

The Umbozha and private dinner The Karabezi on Lake Kariba The Shikra at Sunset The three vessels on the lake

Introduction

Lake Kariba although not as easy to access as Victoria Falls or Chobe National Park, is one of Zimbabwe's prime destinations and well worth the effort in getting there. The world's largest man-made lake, at one time, is home to phenomenal wildlife and the scenery on and around the lake is breath-taking. Its wildlife and safari opportunities cannot be overstated and now you can embark on a luxury cruise safari on one of Zambezi Cruise Safari's vessels. Either traverse the lake completely from Kariba to Binga or enjoy two and three night circular cruises (see itineraries below).

The fundamental difference between these cruises and other Kariba houseboat safaris are the set departure dates that individuals, couples or small groups can join without having to hire the entire houseboat, much like an ocean going cruise liner. Although private hire for larger groups can also be arranged.

The Zambezi Cruise Safaris' three floating hotels are of different sizes to cater for varying groups and cruises (see below). They are fully air-conditioned with mostly en-suite bathrooms, covered lounge, dining area, bar and fully equipped kitchen. The facilities and rooms are beautifully designed to make you feel at home and although they're not "Luxury Cruise Ships" in a first world sense (possible 3-4 star) they are without doubt the best Lake Kariba has to offer.

Lake Kariba is all about relaxing in the sun whilst cruising the lake and taking in the remarkable scenery, sundecks and jacuzzi pools make these boats ideal. Morning and afternoon activities included in the Zambezi Cruise Safaris are fishing, game viewing and bird watching on the accompanying tender boats. For those wanting a walking safari, this can also be arranged on demand.

Zambezi Cruise Safaris Vessels


The Umbozha

The flagship of the Zambezi Cruise Safaris fleet, The Umbozha Houseboat is one of larger vessels on Lake Kariba, with cabin-space for 28 people in five family cabins, two twin bedded cabins and two master suites with queen-size beds – all air conditioned, en-suite and have views of the lake. To accommodate additional guests, the main lounge has two full sized Indian day beds, a full sized Indian daybed on the pool deck, two double outdoor day beds on the back deck. For those wanting to sleep in the lounge area there is a separate bathroom and shower. For those sleeping outside on the deck, there is a separate toilet and shower on the first deck. All in all, the total sleeping capacity outside of the cabins is eight guests.


Bush dinner Relaxing atmosphere Beautiful views Cozy interiors

Boat Specifications

• Cabins can take up to 28 guests on the Umbozha Houseboat
• 102ft (31.09m) Multi Decked Pontoon houseboat
• 2 x Pontoon tender boats

The Lower Deck

• 9 Air-conditioned cabin rooms with vanity basins, shower and toilet en-suite
• Covered jacuzzi on open deck

The Middle Deck

• Open sun deck, covered lounge, dining area and bar
• Toilet

The Upper Deck

• Open deck area
• Captain's wheelhouse

Facilities

• Crew: 4 - comprising Captain, chef and two deckhands. A host can be provided for an additional fee.
• 9 air conditioned en-suite cabins.
• 240V generator powers the lighting and wall sockets, as does a 12v battery system when the generators are not running. All plug points are UK Square pin (please bring suitable adaptors). Generally the main generators are switched off between 10 & 11pm as per lake regulations whereby the 12v battery system takes over until morning.
• Fully equipped and air conditioned bar, lounge area and dining area
• Shaded pool on the upper deck
• Television (for DVD's only) and modern sound system - music and DVD's not provided
• Basic fishing equipment is provided, but it is essential that any serious fishermen/women bring their own rods and tackle and make special arrangements for bait etc.
• Fully fitted and equipped kitchen
• Two pontoon tender boats


Our Opinion

Kariba is one of Zimbabwe's totally undersold destinations, anyone who has been there would vouch for its beauty and tranquillity. These cruises now offer the ideal opportunity for singles, couples and small groups to experience this fabulous destination easily and cost effectively. In addition if you are trying to get from Kariba to Binga or visa versa then what better way to do it. We found the boats themselves to be of a high standard and after experiencing the quality of this trip, we are very excited to be able to promote and offer the product to our clients. What a stunning add-on to Victoria Falls or a safari in Hwange!

Zambezi Cruise Safaris Itineraries

On a typical day enjoy an early morning game viewing cruise or you can try some famous Kariba fishing for Bream, Cornish Jack or the renowned Tiger Fish on one of the tender boats. Walking safaris or a game drive deep into the Matusadona National Park are optional extras which are conducted with the sister lodged on the mainland. After the morning activity, breakfast or brunch is served before you kick back and relax with a cool drink, a dip in the pool (or jacuzzi, depending on the boat you're on), or simply take a nap as the boat cruises on to the next overnight mooring. Spend the late afternoon exploring the nearby creeks and inlets with their resident hippo, crocodile & wildlife populations and enjoy the outstanding birdlife and fishing opportunities this lake presents. In true African safari style, a sundowner drink and snacks are in order as you are inspired by one of the best sunsets you will ever witness.

Zambezi Cruise Safaris' set itineraries are detailed below and can also be combined with one of the mainland lodges for longer stays. Tailor made itineraries are also possible please contact us for details.

3 Nights - Matusadona Cruise - Departs & returns to Kariba Town /Harbour, Boarding times between 12:00 & 13:00. Disembarking Day – Cruise arrives in harbour between 11:00 & 12:00
Cruise across the Lake to the Matusadona National Park to the first night mooring in a secluded bay or river inlet. Scrumptious local fresh cuisine often utilizing fish caught during the trip. Daily activities are of YOUR choice from the tender boats, the options being fishing, game viewing, birding or simply taking in the magnificent views as we explore the rivers and bays of this part of the lake. There are optional extras of walking and game drives deep into the national park from one of the partner lodges.

Children

• Children 7 years and older are welcome
• Children 12 years and older are charged the full adult rate

Zambezi Cruise Safaris Prices 2024

Fully Inclusive Lake Kariba boat cruises to various destinations per person sharing per trip. (Single supplement add 50% on sharing rate)

Destination
Matusadona Wildlife & Fishing (3 nights) - US$ 1425
Based on a minimum of 8 passengers

Included in the Boat Hire:
• Taxes and Tourism Levies
• All Meals, Beverage - All Local beers, spirits, soft drinks, still purified water, tea and coffee and selected SA wines
• All boat based activities – From Tender boats which include Fishing, Game Viewing, Birding and Sunset Cruises

Excluded:
• Land based activities
• All fishing equipment and bait. Please note we reserve the right to charge for damaged or lost tackle
• All National Parks and entry permits (where applicable)
• All road and Air Transfers
• Visa Costs
• Travel Insurance
• Gratuities



Zimbabwe National Parks Fees

These are not included in the Charter fee and are payable to the Parks representatives at the boat prior to embarkation. Parks officials may board the boat at any stage to check that payments are accurate and have been properly receipted. You may wish to let us know in advance exactly who is coming, relevant ages, residential status and how many people will be fishing, which we will pass on via the boat captain to save time before you embark.

  Residents International Visitors
Houseboat including tenders per person/day US $3 US $10
Children under 5 years Free Free
Children 5 to 10 years 50% Adult rate
Resident pensioners over 60 years 50% Adult rate N/A
Fishing fees per person/day US $5 US $10


Read more about Kariba and a Houseboat holiday

[Top of Page]

Click for Victoria Falls accommodation rates
Special discounted prices for Victoria Falls accommodation



Download this 100% FREE Travel Guide with all things Victoria Falls


THE VIC FALLS BUSH TELEGRAPH
our Bi-Monthly E-Newsletter

Each issue has a destination update, loads of information about conservation and wildlife, specials offers, traveller tips, community projects, website highlights and tons more...

Find out more about our Bush Telegraph

"Your newsletter keeps me informed about new and old and is the best I've seen in a long while - informative, not commercial, just plain perfect!"  - I.Skliros

Don't worry. Your e-mail address is totally secure. I promise to use it only to send you The Vic Falls Bush Telegraph.

 

 


Return from Zambezi Cruise Safaris to our Victoria Falls home page


ZIMBABWE ACCOMMODATION

Victoria Falls
Hotel
N1 Hotel
Kingdom Hotel
Elephant Hills Hotel
Cresta Sprayview Hotel
Mbano Manor Hotel
Rainbow Hotel
A Zambezi River Lodge
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge
Ilala Lodge
Palm River Hotel
Victoria Falls Hotel
Victoria Falls Safari Club
Victoria Falls Safari Suites
Safari Lodge
Ursulas Homestead
Stanley and Livingstone
Wallow Lodge
Gorges Lodge
Old Drift Lodge
Victoria Falls River Lodge
Elephant Camp
Elephant Camp West
Mpala Jena Camp
Matetsi River Lodge
Zambezi Sands
Chundu Island
Victoria Falls Island Lodge
Self Catering
701 Victoria Falls
Miombo Mews Apartments
Victoria Falls Rest Camp
Lokuthula Lodges
Victoria Falls Homestay
Zambezi National Parks
Guest Lodge
Drift Inn Lodge
Livingstone Lodge
Explorers Village
Nguni Lodge
Lorries B n B
Bayete Guest Lodge
Amadeus Guest Lodge
Pamarah Lodge
Phezulu Guest Lodge
Shongwe Lookout Guest Lodge
Pioneers Lodge
Nkosi Guest Lodge
528 Victoria Falls
Batonka Guest Lodge
Pamusha Lodge
Camping and Backpacking
N1 Hotel
Shoestrings
Victoria Falls Rest Camp

Hwange
Bomani Tented Lodge
Camelthorn Lodge
Camp Hwange
Camp Silwane
Davisons Camp
Elephants Eye
Hwange Bush Camp
Hwange Safari Lodge
Iganyanya Tented Camp
Ivory Lodge
Kapula Camp
Linkwasha Camp
Little Makalolo Camp
Miombo Safari Camp
Nehimba Lodge
Robins Camp
Sable Valley Lodge
Somalisa
The Hide
Tom's Little Hide

Mana Pools
Chikwenya Camp
Kanga Camp
Kavinga Safari Camp
Nyamatusi Camp
Ruckomechi Camp
Zambezi Expeditions

Matobo Hills

Binga House Boats

Kariba House Boats

Kariba Safari Lodge
Bumi Hills Safari Lodge
Changa Safari Camp
Kariba Safari Lodge
Musango Safari Camp
Spurwing Island

BOTSWANA ACCOMMODATION

Chobe
Bakwena Lodge
Camp Kuzuma
Chobe Game Lodge
Chobe River Lodge
Chobe Safari Lodge
Chobe Princesses
Elephant Valley Lodge
Muchenje Safari Lodge
Ngoma Safari Lodge
Zambezi Queen

Okavango Delta

ZAMBIA ACCOMMODATION

Livingstone
Avani Resort
David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa
Jollyboys Backpackers
Royal Livingstone Hotel
Tongabezi Lodge
Victoria Falls Waterfront
Waterberry Zambezi Lodge



Download this 100% FREE Travel Guide with all things Victoria Falls





Customer Feedback

Brilliant service and so helpful
by Sally (Blisworth, U.K.)
I stumbled across Victoria Fall Guide by accident, but I am so glad I did. Tony and Boo were so helpful, advising us on the best activities for us as I have mobility issues, and arranging our itinerary and booking everything. I had no worries about using them, or sending a very large payment to someone I didn’t know. Everything they booked for us was so well organised, pick ups on time, knowledgeable and friendly guides, clean transport. We did the walking tour of the falls, the sunset dinner cruise, full day at Chobe, the team, lion encounter and the helicopter and every single one was faultless. We were also due to do the lunar rainbow but unfortunately it was cancelled, however boo arranged the refund immediately. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone. We are so grateful to them for making our special holiday even more so.

Read more reviews or Add your own






Simunye - We are One - Live theatre show in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Click to book!
Luxury Journeys by train from Pretoria to Victoria Falls, on the Rovos Rail
Stone Dynamics Gallery in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe






Powered by SBI!

Copyright© 2008 - Tony and Boo Peel. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.