Meremaid Houseboat

This is a mid-range Kariba houseboat option moored in Binga

Introduction

The Meremaid Houseboat made a comback in September 2021 after a complete overhaul of the boat and appears completely brand new. The houseboat has a comfortable capacity of 12 guests in 6 beautiful twin cabins, but can easily accommodate up to 20 guests. There is a separate toilet upstairs for guests wishing to sleep on the top deck where there is enough sleeping space for up to 8 people on air mattresses.

It is a semi-luxurious houseboat with spacious air-conditioned en-suite cabins (one has a bath and the others have showers) containing wash-basin and mirror, in elegant yet simple design. The covered lounge, dining area and bar are quite inviting, with beautiful wood furnishing and comfortable seating.

Covered lounge and bar area

The Meremaid is a traditional "pontoon" Binga houseboat which makes travelling a bit slow, but the advantage is the wide-open decks and plenty of space to relax and enjoy bird and game viewing, as well as the scenery, whether on the sun beds or by the plunge pool on the top deck.

The houseboat is serviced with a crew of four to take care of your every need. The crew consists of a captain, chef, and two deck hands with their own quarters and ablutions. The Meremaid houseboat has good facilities on board, including music equipment to entertain yourselves, DSTV, as well as limited gym equipment.

Read more about Lake Kariba and a Houseboat holidays

Our Opinion

We like the comfortable price of the Meremaid when it comes to the overall trip cost per person - of-course the more guests the better the price per person.

Accommodation on Meremaid Houseboat

• 6 air-conditioned en-suite twin cabins - one with a bath and the others with showers (lower deck)
• Separate toilet (upper deck)

Twin cabin

Boat Specifications

• Cabins can take up to 12 guests, but 20 people can be accommodated on the Meremaid Houseboat
• 86ft. Double Decked Pontoon style houseboat with 2 x Perkins 100hp engines
• Three pontoons - two carry a max pax of 4 and one carries a max pax of 8

The Lower Deck

• 6 x Air-conditioned cabin room
• There is a fully equipped kitchen

The Upper Deck

• Splash pool
• Loungers
• Fully equipped air-conditioned bar and lounge area
• Bar fridges
• Music system, DSTV
• Under-cover dining area and 12-seater dining table located adjacent to the plunge pool
• Limited gym equipment
• There is also a gas braai, as well as a wood braai
• Sleeping space for up to 8 people on air mattresses, plus separate toilet

Upper deck

Tender Boats:

• 3 x tender boats
• Fishing gear is not supplied, please bring your own

Facilities and Services

• Crew: 4 - comprising Captain, chef and deckhands
• 6 en-suite twin cabins with air-con running on solar.
• Additional bathroom on the upper deck
• 220 volts 15 kva solar system with 2 back up generators (37kva & 6kva). Plug points are square so clients should bring adaptors if necessary. There is also a cigarette lighter in the bar where phones and camera batteries can be charged.
• Fully equipped and air conditioned bar and lounge area and undercover dining area
• Plunge pool on the upper deck
• Music system and DSTV
• Limited gym equipment on board
• Braai facility
• Three pontoon tender boats

Children

• Children 4 years and older are welcome.

Boarding times - Embark 12 noon and disembark 10am

Meremaid Houseboat Charter Prices 2024

Self catering cost of charter is US$ 1223 per night for a up of 12 passengers.

Included in the Boat Hire:
Houseboat and Tender boat hire; Crew; All linen and mosquito nets; Cutlery and crockery

Excluded:
Fuel*; All meals, drinks, condiments etc; Toilet Paper; Bathroom Soap & Dishwashing Soap; Fishing equipment and bait; Ice; Bath and Swimming towels; Mosquito repellent National Parks lake usage and fishing fees First aid kit Vehicle parking fees
* A fuel deposit of $300 is required before boarding. If there is leftover fuel, the balance will be refunded, but if the fuel consumption goes higher than $300 worth, guests will be required to settle the balance.

Fully inclusive cost of charter is available on request. Contact us for your requirements.

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.

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