Kariba Houseboat rates. Ideal for couples / groups from either end of the lake
LAKE KARIBA VIDEO , ZIMBABWE
OUR CRUISES
MATUSADONA WILDLIFE/FISHING CRUISE : CREATE YOUR OWN DATES WITH A MINIMUM OF 3 NIGHTS AND 4 CABINS
Departs & returns to Kariba Town / Harbour (but we can collect or drop you from any of the Matusadona partner lodges)
Cruise across the Lake to the Matusadona National Park to our first night mooring in a secluded bay or river inlet. Scrumptious local fresh cuisine often utilizing fish caught ourselves during the trip.
Daily activities of YOUR choice from our tender boats (tenders are the smaller boats that travel with the main houseboat) 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 our partner lodges.
Many guests combine 2-3 nights of a Matusadona lodge /partner product with this cruise and we can easily transfer you or collect you from these properties at any suitable time to yourself.
TWO OR THREE NIGHT KARIBA TO BINGA CRUISES
Departing from Kariba mid-morning followed by a scrumptious buffet lunch while cruising the lake to the far end of the Eastern Basin near the famous Bumi Safari Lodge.
We moor on one of the islands or the shoreline for an afternoon of wildlife activities and sundowners from the tender boats then after dinner cruise through the night to the Sengwe River Basin. Morning & afternoon adventures into the beautiful & remote Sengwe River system with its great birding and possible wildlife sightings followed by sundowners and an evening beach braai.
On day three we enjoy leisurely breakfast aboard the main vessel while cruising to Elephant Bay/Masumu River Lodge. From here those on the 2 night cruise will depart for onward transfer.
For those staying aboard for a 3rd night we will enjoy activities in and around Elephant Bay and the Binga area or simply relax on board, followed by sundowners from the tender boats and dinner.
Day four we cruise to harbour over breakfast for a mid morning onward transfer to your next destination.
TWO OR THREE NIGHT BINGA TO KARIBA CRUISE
Early morning collection from your Victoria Falls/ Hwange/Livingstone/Chobe Lodge or Hotel, followed by an interesting transfer to Binga.
Depart harbour by midday followed by scrumptious buffet lunch while cruising the lake to the beautiful and remote Sengwe River. Late afternoon activities include exploring the River system with its great birding and possible wildlife sightings followed by sundowners before returning to the boat for a relaxing beach braai.
After dinner we cruise to the Eastern Basin near Bumi Hills Safari Lodge. Spend the day enjoying activities including fishing, game viewing from tender boats or optional game walks and game drives in the Matusadona national park from one of our partner lodges.
End the day with relaxing sundowners as you enjoy a sunset cruise.
On day 3 we enjoy a leisurely breakfast aboard the main vessel, those on the 2 night cruise will depart to caribou labour for onward transfer.
For those staying aboard for the third night there will be activities around the bays and inlets or simply relax by the pool.
Day four we cruise to harbour as we enjoy breakfast and arrive for your midday onward transfer.
TWO NIGHT VIC FALLS – SENGWE RIVER CRUISE
Early morning departure from Victoria Falls/Hwange National Park/Livingstone/ Chobe to Binga arriving for a mid-day departure cruising to the Sengwe River. Evening activities & sunset wildlife cruise down the Sengwe River followed by drinks and dinner on board.
Early morning activities of fishing, guided walks or game viewing followed by brunch whilst we cruise to Elephant Bay where we moor on one of the Island’s with a sandy beach where we relax around a camp fire and watch the sunset over the lake followed by a beach braai.
Morning activities and cruise back to Binga harbour for your onward transfer.
Full Lake. Kariba to Binga / Mlibizi Cruise
VALID FROM: 01 JANUARY 2017 TO 31 DECEMBER 2018
Rates are per person sharing
TWO NIGHT SENGWE RIVER CRUISE Binga – Sengwe River-Elephant Bay – Binga |
US$ 790 |
THREE NIGHT SENGWE RIVER CRUISE Binga – Sengwe River- Ruze River –Elephant Bay – Binga |
US$ 1095 |
THREE NIGHT FULL LAKE CRUISE Kariba – Binga / Binga – Kariba |
US$ 1295 |
THREE NIGHT MATUSADONA WILDLIFE CRUISE Matusadona National Park |
US$ 1185 |
HOUSEBOAT CRUISES- LAKE KARIBA, ZIMBABWE
More about houseboats in this fleet
GENERAL DETAILS
All rates are quoted in United States Dollars (USD) or Equivalent INTL Currency
Rates are inclusive of all taxes and levies ( where applicable )
All rates are per person sharing in a cabin
Umbhoza has Two master suites on the second deck Zambezi Cruise Safaris reserves the right to limit the number of single cabins
Zambezi Cruise Safaris reserves the right to sail ANY of our three vessels on ANY cruise
OUR CRUISE RATE INCLUDES
All Taxes and Tourism Levies
Fullboard – ( All Meals )
Beverage – All Local Zimbabwean – 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.
All fishing equipment and bait
OUR CRUISE RATES EXCLUDE
All National Parks Fees
Land based activities and canoeing
Land based National Parks and entry permits ( where applicable)
All road and Air Transfers
Visa Costs
Travel Insurance
VESSEL SPECIFICATION
KARABEZI
2 – Twin Bedded Cabins en-suite
2 – Double Bedded Cabins en suite
2 – Double bunk children cabins/ guide, branching off main double en-suite cabin(separate door to main boat)
1 – Twin bedded Cabin with bathroom opposite
6 x Single Fold out beds lounge (charter only)
UMBHOZA
2 – Master cabins on second deck, Queen size beds 2 – Double bedded cabins
2 -Twin cabins (2 beds) and two adult sized bunks ( total 4 adult beds)
3 – Family cabins – Double bed & Two adult sized bunk beds
SHIKRA
10 – Twin cabins, which convert to queen double beds, each cabin has one fold away bunk for an extra adult or child
All cabins are air conditioned with views directly onto the Lake
Fully air-conditioned lounge , dining and bar area
Swimming Pool ( Jacuzzi on Karibezi)
Various sundecks and shaded areas
CHILD POLICY
No children under 7 years (Unless full charter) ,over 12 years charged as adult
One adult sharing a cabin with a child under 12 will be charged at full adult sharing rate
*Please note there are no separate children activities , menus and programs on the cruises but we will endeavour to accommodate wherever possible
TOUR GUIDE POLICY
Each cruise will have a guide/ host on board for activities courtesy of Zambezi Cruise Safaris
*Please note *For guided group series there is no specific tour guide cabin on our boats , therefore (unless a vacant cabin is available, for which there will be no charge ) the guide will be required to use day beds on the covered deck areas with mosquito nets and public ablutions.
Tour Guides not using a dedicated cabin will be charged at $ 75 per person / night
If a cabin is required for the guide / pilot this will be charged at standard cabin rate
*Please note* Unqualified tour guides (Zimbabwe Regs) cannot walk /canoe or guide any activities alone.
Activities available on the boats
Complimentary boat based activities (from tender boats ) included in the rate : Fishing, Game Viewing ,Birding and Sunset Cruises.
Additional Activities on offer for an additional fee consist of :
Game Drive in the Matusadona
Professional Guided Game Walks
Tonga Fishing Village Tour
Canoeing
CURRENCY
Zimbabwe operates in USD/GBP/Rand and Euros , please ensure you bring sufficient cash (hard currency)to cover any extras such as land based activities , gratuities , donations etc
*Please note *No credit card facilities on board the vessels
COMMUNICATION
There is mobile network coverage for 70 % of the Lake and very limited 3G and mobile internet
There is no WIFI or internet connectivity on board of the vessels
CLOTHING / ACCESSORIES
Dress code onboard is casual
It is imperative that all clients have a wide brimmed hat /sunglasses/ sun block /mosquito repellent and are taking anti malarial treatment
Recommended Accessories ; Binoculars ,camera, torch ,reading material (Kindle ) , electrical adapters ( boats are equipped with 3 pin square 220 volt plug points)
Recommended Clothing :Light long sleeved shirt , jogging pants , flip flops, walking boots( if bush walking) , swimming costume, lightweight safari clothing
*Please note* Long sleeved clothing and trousers should be lightweight and are a precaution against mosquitoes at night when on the open deck (watching the stars when we are crossing the Lake)
CRUISE DATES
Zambezi Cruise Safaris has scheduled FIT Cruise departure dates for 2018 for the Sengwe River Cruises and Full Lake Cruises from Kariba to Binga and Binga to Kariba .However we are able to create further dates of any length based around group series bookings.
Matusadona Wildlife & Fishing Cruises are booked upon request and limited to Group Series and or with minimum of 4 Cabins.
Any cancellations or amendments to cruise departure dates will be communicated at least 60 days prior to any departure date
NO SAIL POLICY
Zambezi Cruise Safaris has a minimum number of cabins sold policy to ensure that the vessel sails
SENGWE RIVER CRUISE – 3 cabins
KARIBA to BINGA /BINGA to KARIBA – 5 cabins
MATUSADONA WILDLIFE CRUISE – 4 cabins
SAFARI CRUISE PACKAGES – ( See cruise packages for min /max pax)
Any cancellation of cruises will be communicated to the client at least 60 days prior to the Cruise departure date
DEPARTURE TIMES & DETAILS
SENGWE RIVER CRUISE – Boarding times between 12:30 & 13:30
(Transfer collections from Vic Falls Hotels from 06:30 – 07:30)
Disembarking Day – Cruise arrives in harbour between 09:00 & 10:00 – drops at VFS Hotels between 14:30 & 16:00
KARIBA to BINGA FULL LAKE CRUISE – Boarding times between 11:00 & 12:30 (Transfers depart Harare / Pamuzinda – 06:30)
Disembarking Day – Cruise arrives in harbour between 09:00 & 10:00
BINGA to KARIBA FULL LAKE CRUISE – Boarding times between 12:30 & 13:30 (Transfer collections from Vic Falls Hotels from 06:30 – 07:30)
Disembarking Day – Cruise arrives in harbour between 11:00 & 12:00
MATUSADONA WILDLIFE & FISHING CRUISE – Boarding times between 12:00 & 13:00 (Transfers depart Harare / Pamuzinda – 06:30)
Disembarking Day – Cruise arrives in harbour between 11:00 & 12:00
*Please Note* For Packages these can vary according to requirements
TRANSFERS – All rates for all transfers available on request
BOAT TRANSFERS
Are available to all of our partners lodges on Lake Kariba ; Rhino Safari Camp , Bumi Hills Safari Lodge , Musango Safari Camp
ROAD TRANSFERS
HRE International to Pamuzinda(1hr30min)to Kariba/ Mana Pools(4 hr 30)
Kariba to Mana Pools (Chirundu) (2hr30min)
Mana Pools to Pamuzinda(5hrs) / Harare International (1hr30min)
Victoria Falls to Binga and Binga to Victoria Falls (5hrs)
Hwange Main Gate to Binga and Binga to Hwange Main Gate (3hrs)
AIR TRANSFERS –(Min 4 Pax)
Zambezi Cruise Safaris can organise a seat and charter rate for Air Transfers from Victoria Falls to Binga/ Binga to Victoria Falls / Victoria Falls – Bumi Hills/ Bumi Hills to Victoria Falls / Kariba to Victoria Falls / Victoria Falls to Kariba and all destinations including Pamuzinda Safari Lodge
HEALTH & SAFETY
A health and safety talk will be given to all passengers prior to the cruise departure. At least two members of each vessel’s crew are fully trained in first aid within the past three years.
All of our vessels are fully equipped to their maximum passenger capacity with life jackets ,life rings and life rafts .On board is also a fully stocked first aid box.
Each vessel travels with at least one tender boat which also acts as a rescue lifeboat from the main vessel
All of our vessels are equipped with a navigation and radio system and are in contact with other vessels and the Lake Captains in Kariba and Binga
Lake Kariba and Zambezi River /Valley are Malaria areas and we suggest all clients take the necessary prophylactics. ( Please consult your local doctor for further advice )
INSURANCE
Zambezi Cruise Safaris are fully insured by the respected SATIB Insurance group who is underwritten by the Lloyds of London
All clients must however take out personal travel insurance and this must be produced if requested
GUESTS NATIONALITY / PASSPORTS
On all confirmed bookings (or within 30 days of travel ) agents must produce a copy of the passenger’s passport page showing nationality Please note* : This is a requirement of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority of Zimbabwe
2018 Departure dates – Sengwe River Cruise – 2 nights
jan |
feb |
mar |
apr |
may |
jun |
jul |
aug |
oct |
nov |
dec |
13 – 16 |
17 – 20 |
09 – 12 |
07 – 10 |
13 – 16 |
08 – 11 |
04 – 07 |
12 – 15 |
13 – 16 |
04 – 07 |
07 – 10 |
27 – 30 |
17 – 20 |
28 – 01 May |
27 30 |
10 – 13 |
14 – 17 |
20 – 23 |
17 – 20 |
|||
31 – 03 Jun |
24 – 27 |
25 – 28 |
28 – 31 |
the afrisafaris group