This
5000 square km lake, which when built was the largest man made lake in the
world is by far one of my most favourite places to go. Over the years we
have done many houseboat holidays
and they are always great time for family and friends.
The lake is 281 kms long
and at its widest point is 40 kms wide. The lake is studded with islands
and fringed with magnificent mountain ranges like the Matusadona mountains
and the whole landscape is supremely beautiful.
Classic Kariba Sunset
Sunrises and sunset are indescribably beautiful and the absolute magic of
this place can only be understood by those who have visited it and fallen in
love with it.
The warm
clear waters are home to over forty species of fish, the most notable of
course being the tiger fish for which anglers come from around the world to
catch.
The lush shoreline vegetation supports a profusion of bird and wild life,
which is ideal when cruising on your house boat or even on one of the
smaller tender boats, as you explore the shoreline or the many channels and
inlets.
All in all if you are looking for a holiday of total relaxation, with the
added attraction of game and bird viewing, some of the best fishing
available, some of the most outstanding scenic and photographic
opportunities....a Kariba House Boat holiday is ideal for you.
Best Times of year
This is a tricky one as everyone is different, so I would rather give
some information and let you make your choice.
Kariba gets extremely hot during the months September through to March
with temperatures often in excess of 40 degrees centigrade. October and
November are particularly hot and dry before the rains arrive.
The rainy season starts around the middle of November and finishes around the
end of March. This can be a spectacular time, watching the huge thunder
storms brewing over the vast lake, however if you are there when the inter
tropical convergence zone arrives you will have a miserable time, as you can
get 3 weeks of continuous rain with ease.
During the cooler months of April to August the weather is beautiful.
Warm days and cool nights. Beautiful blue skies, chances of rain are very
slight..
The fishing is better in the hot summer months of September to March
Game viewing is pretty good all year round; but is best through the drier
months August to November.
Birdwatching is also phenomenal all year round; Summer migrants arrive
normally around September time.
Over Easter and Xmas and New Year houseboats are very popular and generally fully booked,
so make sure you try to book at least six months in advance..
October is Tiger Fishing competition time at Kariba
Two nights is absolute minimum but a week would be my recommendation.
Gives you time to unwind completely and really get into the ambience of this
idyllic place.
What's Included
These houseboats are all fully staffed with a Captain, chef and crew. Once on
board the most you will have to do is lift your arm to drink your gin and
tonic. You will completely unwind and relax.
The houseboats all have tender boats with them included in the price. So
once you are moored at your night spot, you can then take the smaller boats
out for fishing or game viewing excursions. Its great!!
Kariba House boat 's are all fully equipped with fridges, freezers,
stoves, cutlery, crockery and linen, you just have to bring your clothes and
personal effects. Of course if you decide to self cater, you will need to
bring you own food and drinks.
Please look at each individual boat to see what else is included.
Don't forget Kariba is a Malaria
area so please take the necessary precautions.
If you have any other questions please don't hesitate to
contact us, I am more than happy to answer any
questions you may have.
**Please note that whilst every effort has been made to ensure the details supplied
below are correct, we cannot be held responsible in any way should an item mentioned
below not be on board /broken or miss quoted.
Details: Kariba town hotels are used more by local Zimbabweans who have their own boats and come on holiday. International tourists generally stay at the more
luxurious safari lodges detailed below, where there are more activities and they can enjoy a safari.
Caribbea Bay Resort is probably the most popular hotel, followed by Cutty
Sark Hotel. Hornbill Lodge is a boutique lodge with stunning views, whilst Nzou
Lodge, Cerruti and Wild Heritage offers affordable self-catering accommodation.
Warthogs Bush Camp has backpacker accommodation with a great relaxed atmosphere
and location, while Lomagundi Lakeside also has self-catering and camping
options.
Details: Lake Kariba is a very noteworthy safari destination, although mistakenly
often overlooked by international tourists. The safari lodges that have
developed on the islands and mainland along the
Matusadona shoreline offer some
truly amazing safari opportunities.
The ones we recommend are Spurwing Island Lodge, Musango Island Camp, Bumi
Hills, Changa Safari Camp and Rhino Safari Camp. Each one has its own uniqueness in some way, so please
contact us for more information and details on
each.
Details: This is going to be a very short paragraph as options are very limited
indeed. This western end of the lake is remote, and tourism has never really
taken off. It is very convenient if including Victoria Falls and Hwange in your
holiday plans as it’s a nice drivable little circuit. There are a few houseboats
at this end which are popular and the accommodation available is really for a
night on either side of a houseboat trip.
Masumu Lodge is top of the ranking here and is actually a very nice spot.
Chilila Lodges also have a few nice chalets. These both serve the Chilila
harbour where several of the houseboats are moored and
Zambezi Cruise Safaris depart from.
Kulizwe Lodge serves the Kulizwe harbour, where the other houseboats are moored.
Mlibizi is a bit further west and it is from here that the Kariba ferry
starts and ends. Accommodation is limited to the basic Mlibizi resort, right by
the ferry harbour.
Info coming soon, but feel free to send us an
enquiry...
Details: The once beautiful National Parks, Tashinga Campsite and chalets are today in
a fairly dire state but are still open. Situated at the mouth of the Ume River
in Matusadona National Park, access is very difficult and is either by boat or
via a very arduous 4 x 4 road. Experienced 4x4 self-drivers attempt this, as the
location is beautiful once you get there.
The Lady Jacqueline - Mid range Houseboat Kariba House Boat (Cutty
Sark Bay)
$737
Up to 10 people per night.
Self Catering. Low Season.
Star Rating: ** (2)
• 65ft mono hull cruiser
• Accommodates 10 people maximum - all in cabins
• 2 air-conditioned double cabins (sleeping
4)
• 2 twin cabins with bunks (sleeping
6)
(shared Air-conditioner) • Air-conditioned comfortable saloon, bar, couches, TV
etc
• Upper deck bar, table and chairs, sunbathing. •
Jacuzzi
2024 International Prices: Fully Inclusive rate US$ 342 per person per night - 1 to 4 pax (min 4 pax), US$ 226 per person per night - 5 to 10 pax, Self catering rate US$ 737 (low season), US$ 809 (high season) per boat per day (max 10) - dry boat.
Tehillah Houseboat - Economy Houseboat Kariba House boat
On Enquiry
Up to 14 people per night.
Self Catering. All Year.
Hull: 49.21ft (15m) twin pontoon with Cummins 6cyl turbo diesel engine Cruising Speed: 6 – 6.5 knots Tender Boats: Large steel pontoon (10 pax) with a 25hp Mariner and a small fibre glass (3 pax) 5hp Tohatsu Power supply: 12 volts lighting system, small generator for charging cell phones etc Cooking: Gas Cold Space: there are three gas fridges and two large cooler boxes that will provide all the cold space you need. Crew: Captain, Cook and Deckhand Number of passengers: Accommodates 8 people comfortably and up to 14 maximum
Description: Tehillah is designed to be cool and spacious. It comprises of 4 identical cabins, which have double cupboards and a dressing table. Two fold-out beds in the living area downstairs and mattresses upstairs make up the remaining beds for a full boat of 14. Children and singles often enjoy sleeping on the top deck in the breeze and with a view of the stars - there are six mattresses available in this case. Mosquito nets are provided for every bed. Clients are advised to seek advice as to how best protect themselves against malaria which is prevalent in Kariba.
The boat has two showers, an inside shower with a gas heater and an external shower for cooling off during the day. There are two toilets. Tehillah runs a 12V lighting system which requires no “noisy” generators to spoil the tranquil sounds of Africa as the sun goes down. There is a small generator, which is normally run while the boat is moving, to provide charging for all electronic devices.
The upper deck covers the entire area of the boat with an 8-seater table, two fixed daybeds, two movable loungers, and a bar. The majority of the upper deck is covered, with an open portion and loose mattresses for the sun-tanners at the front! Meals are served either on the lower deck or the upper deck under a covered area.
Also situated on the back deck is a wood braai.
All crockery, cutlery and linen are supplied. Guests are to provide their own toilet paper and cleaning materials. i.e. sunlight liquid, toilet spray, soap etc. (client’s to provide own wood, charcoal, fire lighters, etc)
The crew have their own cabin and ablutions.
Extra Facilities: There is a secure 4x4x1m swimming cage. Please bring your own swimming and bath towels.
Additional Information: catering, ice, rod hire, tackle purchase and bait can be organised at an extra cost. All fuels used is for the client’s account and has to be settled on completion of the cruise. Mooring: Carobeck Harbour (Andora). There are shaded parking bays available in Carrobeck Marina where the houseboat is moored. You will be charged a parking fee by the local caretaker. Boarding: 12 Noon | Disembarking: 10 AM
Nyati Houseboat - Mid-range Houseboat Kariba House boat
On Enquiry
Up to 14 people per night.
Self Catering. Low Season.
Hull: 18m twin steel pontoon with Single engine 220hp Cummings Cruising Speed: 2 to 3 knots Tender boats: One mini pontoon seating 6-8 passengers with a 30hp Mercury. One Bumi speed boat seating up to
7 passengers with a 100hp Mercury motor. Power supply: 220 volts 5kva solar system with backup 5kva generator Cold space: Ample freezer, fridge and cooler boxes. Crew: Captain, Cook and Deckhand Number of passengers: Accommodates 8 people comfortably and up to 14 maximum
Description: Nyati is a perfectly designed boat for families. It comprises of 1 double cabin with en-suite on the master cabin. Then another 3 twin cabins. All the cabins are air conditioned which runs off the generator. There are 2 separate showers, 3 toilets and wash basin to service these sleeping areas. Upstairs on the top deck, there is enough sleeping space for up to 8 pax on couch beds.
Nyati has a fully equipped kitchen galley in front on the lower deck. At the rear of the same deck a lounge / dining area which can be used for meal times and is enclosed and air conditioned. The crew have their own cabin and ablutions.
Extra Facilities: The top deck is spacious, 60% covered and nicely laid out with a splash pool and fitted Bar. Mooring: Breezes Harbour
The OB Joyful - Mid-range houseboat Kariba House Boat
$380
Up to 12 people per night. Self Catering.
Low Season.
Hull: 70ft (21.336m) twin steel pontoon with 2 x 4-cylinder Cummings 4BT motors Cruising speed: Between 4 and 7 knots (weather permitting) Tender boats: There are 2 x 14ft Dory tender boats, each with a 40hp engine. They can each take a max pax of 5 plus the driver (crew driven ONLY.) Power supply: 220 volts system switching to 24 volt DC system when the generators are switched off Cold space: Ample freezer and cooler boxes Crew: Captain, Captain’s Assistant/On-board Mechanic, Cook and Deckhand Number of passengers: Accommodates 8 people comfortably and
up to 12 maximum
2024 International Price: US$380 per night up to 12 people; self catering excludes meals, drinks and fuel.
Description: OB Joyful is a lovely, air-conditioned boat. It comprises of 2 twin cabins on the lower deck with en-suite bathrooms with toilet, shower and basin. Then another 2 twin cabins on the upper deck with a hand basin in each room, sharing a separate toilet and shower. All the rooms are air-conditioned. For those wanting to sleep out on the top deck, there is enough sleeping space for up to 12 pax on mattresses.
The upper deck has a lovely fitted bar, with lots of room for the 2 tables and chairs that most guests prefer set up for their meals.
The lower deck has a saloon area with a breakfast area which is air-conditioned.
The crew have their own cabin and ablutions.
Extra Facilities: The forward upper deck has a splash pool with loungers and seating area, with a
large umbrella. Please bring your own swimming towels. Mooring: Cutty Sark Harbour
Osprey Houseboat - Mid-range Houseboat Kariba House boat
On Enquiry
Whole vessel - Up to 26 people per night.
Self Catering.
Hull: 90ft (28m) double deck pontoon Cruising Speed: 9 knots Tender Boats: 1 x 16-seater pontoon – has a roof with a Yamaha 25hp engine. 1 x 12-seater pontoon with a Parsons 30hp engine. Only the crew of Osprey are permitted to drive these boats Power supply: Main generator is a 6kva with a portable 5kva backup Cold Spaces: Kitchen with fridge and freezers Crew: Five - Captain, Cook and 3 Deckhands Number of passengers: Accommodates up to 26 guests
Details: The Osprey is a large pontoon houseboat with 12 cabins sleeping a maximum of 26 people. 8 twin cabins on the lower deck and 4 cabins on the upper deck, 2 of which are family cabins sleeping 3 in each. There are 4 bathrooms on the lower deck with showers, toilet and hand basins.
There is a fully equipped kitchen on the lower deck with gas stove/oven and fridge/freezers.
On the upper deck there is a Spacious Lounge Area and feature bar with dining area. A Sun Deck with sun loungers and a jacuzzi – shade awning over the pool area as well adjustable tarps if more shade is needed over the sun lounge area.
The crew have their own cabins and ablutions.
Extra Facilities: A 4m x 4m Swimming cage which has bench seats built inside this cage for those who wish to sit in the water in the sun. There is a wheelchair available on board and the boat is wheelchair friendly including a ramp for embarking and disembarking Additional Information: Sun deck with sun-loungers and a jacuzzi – shade awning over the jacuzzi area, as well as adjustable tarps to increase the shaded area. The ramp leading onto the boat from shore has been modified to suit a wheel chair and the stair case leading to the top deck has a ramp with winch system. All the passageways are large and spacious for easy access for wheel chairs. There is also a ramp from the Bermuda deck that locks into place on the tenders so that the chairs can be rolled onto the tender boats to enable all guests to fish or game view Mooring: Andora Harbour
Boarding: 12 Noon
Corsaro Houseboat - Luxury Houseboat Kariba House boat
On Enquiry
Up to 8 people per night.
Self Catering. Low Season.
Hull: 60ft cruiser with 2 x 350hp Cat Engines Cruising Speed: 8 knots Tender Boats: 2 tender boats, being an Interceptor with a 200hp Optimax engine, and a Falcon with a 140hp engine. Both tender boats seat 8 pax. Power supply: There is a 10kva inverter system that runs all appliances on 220v and 12v systems, with a 15kva backup Marine generator for emergencies. A square plug extension is located on the top deck, clients will need to bring adaptors if necessary. Crew: 2 crew comprising Captain, and 1 cook/deckhand. Number of passengers: Accommodates 8 people maximum -
all in cabins and top deck
Details: 2 queen bed en-suite cabins, 1 cabin with
“L” shaped bunk beds, mattresses and mosquito nets provided for
guests who wish to sleep on the top deck. There is a 3 rd shower
room and toilet. The back deck has a covered dining / relaxing area,
and there is also a covered top deck with jacuzzi, bar, lounge area.
A fully fitted kitchen is located on the bottom deck.
Extra Facilities: Aircon. The whole boat has removable mosquito netting including both deck areas.
All the cabins, as well as the inside salon area have air conditioners. There are also remote
controls for the air cons. There is a large ice maker on board for guests enjoyment. Additional Information: A gas braai can also be found on top deck. Mooring: Lake Safaris Harbour Boarding: 12 Noon | Disembarking:
10:30 AM
Sovereign Houseboat - Luxury Houseboat Kariba House boat ( Binga)
$1425
Per person - 3 night trip.
Fully Inclusive. All Year.
Star Rating: **** (4)
• 92ft cruiser • 10 air-conditioned cabins - 6 double cabins, and 4 twin cabins
• Luxury vessel which accommodates up to 20 people
• 2- and 3- night safaris on Lake Kariba, starting in Binga • Air
conditioned with multiple levels • Pool, large lounge, dining room and bar
2024 International Fully Inclusive Price: From US$ 1425 per person per 3 night trip.
Shikra Houseboat - Luxury Houseboat Kariba House boat
$1425
Per person - 3 night trip.
Fully Inclusive. All Year.
Hull: 105ft (32m) Twin Steel Pontoon with Twin Cummins Turbo Charged engines Cruising Speed: 10 knots Tender Boats: 2 x tenders are supplied with the capacity to carry 20 pax at any given time. Power supply: 220 volts AC and 12volt DC systems Cold Spaces:
COLD SPACE
Ample freezer and cooled boxes Crew: Five - Captain, Cook and 3 Deckhands Number of passengers: Max pax is 20 guests (all in cabins)
2024 International Fully Inclusive Price: From
US$ 1425 per person per 3 night trip for up to 20 people.
Details: Shikra is a very upmarket houseboat which was actually christened after a
bird of prey; the Goshawk. The boat can accommodate 20 guests, all in en-suite cabins that are fully
air conditioned. The 10 cabins are laid out in twin cabin format. The boat has a generously
proportioned lounge and dining area, offering panoramic views of the landscape beyond, coupled
with stylish interiors. The large lounge, dining room and bar are also fully air-conditioned with wide
windows. The crew have their own cabins and ablutions.
Extra Facilities: Splash pool on the middle deck as well as a fitted Bar. Additional Information: Catering, ice, rod hire, tackle purchase and bait can be organised at an extra cost. All fuels used is for the client’s account and has to be settled on completion of the cruise. Mooring: Marineland Harbour Boarding: 12 Noon | Disembarking: 10 AM
Per person - 3 night trip.
Fully Inclusive. All Year.
Star Rating: **** (4)
• 3 luxury vessel options, accommodate between 14 and 30 people
• Set itineraries between Kariba and Binga • Air
conditioned vessels with multiple levels • Pool or jacuzzi on
each boat, lounge, bar, dining room and open deck areas
2024
International Fully Inclusive Price: US$ 1425 per person per trip (3 nights - 8
to 20
passengers).
The Catalina - Luxury Houseboat Kariba House Boat (Binga)
$2500
Up to 10 people per night.
Self Catering. Low Season.
Star Rating: **** (4)
• 120ft catamaran
• Accommodates 10 people luxury and up to 16 maximum
• 5 en suite Air conditioned cabins
• Air conditioned TV Lounge
• Air conditioned Lounge and bar area
• Pool
2024 International Price: US$ 2500 per night up to 10 people; Fully inclusive of meals, drinks and fuel; US$ 1800 per night up to 10 people; Self catering option excludes meals, drinks and fuel.
Details: Binga is on the western section of Lake Kariba
and hosts only a few houseboats. The wildlife at this end of the
lake is not nearly as prolific as the Kariba side on the east, but there
are far fewer boats on this side of the lake, so it's less congested
and wilder.
Binga is easily accessible from Victoria Falls and Hwange, so
combining a Binga houseboat holiday with Hwange National Park and
Victoria Falls is easy to arrange. The houseboats offer
self-catering and catered options, and vary in size - perfect for
groups and families.
A holiday on Lake Kariba needs a bit of time for you to really enjoy
and we recommend at least two nights to a week to really soak in the
essence of this blissful place. You can see which boats we recommend
by clicking on the "More Info" link below.
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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.
Location: Kariba
town, Zimbabwe.
Location: Lake
Kariba shore, Zimbabwe.
Location: Lake
Kariba shore, Zimbabwe.
Location: Lake
Kariba shore, Zimbabwe.
Star Rating: ** (2)
Star Rating: **** (4)
Star Rating: **** (4)
Star Rating: **** (4)