Zambezi Cruise & Safaris - boats & cruises

Binga, Kariba Town, Lake Kariba, Matusadona

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Zambezi Cruise & Safaris offer a growing collection of privately owned cruiseboats on Lake Kariba, furnished and decorated for a luxury cruise experience.  They also own or manage Safari Lodges in Kariba and Selous (outside Harare).

They offer the following set-departure circuits combining both luxury cruises and safari experiences.

SET DEPARTURE CRUISE & SAFARI CIRCUITS 

  • VICTORIA FALLS CRUISE ADD-ON:  Transfer from Victoria Falls or Hwange National Park to Binga for a 2 or 3-night Lake Kariba cruise experience add on to a holiday.
  • 7 NIGHTS - VICTORIA FALLS, HWANGE & CRUISE CIRCUIT:  Victoria Falls/Hwange National Park/Lake Kariba Cruise circuit  add-on for international travellers or visitors from Botswana and Zambia. 
  • 10-NIGHTS - MATOBO HILLS, HWANGE & CRUISE CIRCUIT:  Includes Shashani Lodge, Matobo Hills;  Hwange National Park;  and a Lake Kariba Cruise.  Circuit finishes in Victoria Falls.
  • 19 NIGHTS - CRUISING THE BEST OF ZIMBABWE CIRCUIT:  Includes Selous (an hour from Harare); Great Zimbabwe, Shashani Lodge, Matobo Hills, Hwange National Park, Victoria Falls, cruising Lake Kariba, Kariba Safari Lodge, Kariba Town, Mana Pools and return to Selous for departure out of Harare. Victoria Falls.  Tour includes a German - English speaking guide.
  • 11 NIGHTS - BEST OF THE ZAMBEZI CIRCUIT:  combines Victoria Falls, a cruise along Lake Kariba to Kariba Safari Lodge in Kariba Town and onto Mana Pools. 
  • 10 NIGHTS - BEST OF THE WEST CIRCUIT:  Great Zimbabwe; Shashani Lodge, Matobo Hills; Hwange National Park and Victoria Falls.

CHARTER OPTIONS
Besides the set travel dates and cruise itineraries, Zambezi Cruise Safaris also offer ‘Full Charter’ options for private groups, conferences, weddings and functions.

Together with unbeatable scenic views , abundant bird & wildlife and those famous Kariba sunsets, you are guarenteed a truly magnificent Zimbabwean experience.

A typical day on board starts with an early morning continental breakfast, followed by game-viewing from tender boats , allowing you to explore the expansive waters of Lake Kariba. You can also try your luck fishing for Kariba Bream or the famous, fighting Tigerfish.  

Back at the boat, a delicious brunch is served on deck as we sail off for our next destination. On arrival you can explore the nearby creeks and inlets with hippo and crocodile populations or just relax with a cool drink and enjoy the legendary Lake Kariba surrounds drifting by.

Leisurely sundowners are followed by a delicious dinner on board in romantic surroundings with the lake waters gently lapping the boat below and the stars brilliant in the vast tropical night sky above.

These cruises are in a class of their own , like nothing offered on Kariba before. It's an all-round luxury experience, with beautifully-appointed en-suite cabins , top rated cuisine, experienced and friendly crew and exquisite natural surrounds

The fleet includes:

Sovereign: (20 pax) 3-deck, pontoon-styled "Catamaran" cruiser with 10 en-suite air-conditioned cabins, large lounge, bar, dining area, and several sun-decks.  This cruiser operates set-date 3-night cruises from Binga at the Victoria Falls end of Lake Kariba.

Umbohza (28 Pax): Offers  5 family cabins (twin/double with 2 bunks); 2 twin/double cabins; 2 master suites.   All rooms are airconditioned, en-suite and have a lake view. There is a large central bar/dining/lounge area, a large pool deck area and an upper viewing deck.

Shikra (20 Pax) Offers 10 twin/double cabins with an optional fold-away bunk.  All rooms are airconditioned, en-suite and have lake views. There is a 14.5 x 8m air-conditioned lounge and dining area with 360 degree views of the lake. A large 4.5m x 2.4m pool, fully shaded, surrounded by a large deck area, plus a further 2 deck areas at the rear of the boat.

Karabezi (14 Pax) Offers 4 twin/double en-suite cabins; 1 twin/double with bathroom opposite; 4 en-suite double cabins; 2 double bunk childrens' en-suite cabins branching off a main double en-suite cabin.  All rooms are air-conditioned and have lake views. There is a large 9m x 7m fully air-conditioned lounge/dining area, a front and back deck and sitting area.

The Zambezi Trader: (68 pax multi-day cruises) (150 pax for day tours) Lake Kariba's largest cruiseboat.  Offers 3 decks - 
A Deck – Gym, Spa, 16 Standard ensuite twin cabins with private balconies and air-conditioning
B Deck – Dining Room, Lounge, Bar, Large pool, Sun decks, 5 Family cabins sleeping max 4 each
C Deck – Private dining, Private bar, Private pool, 8 Luxury ensuites with king size beds, air conditioning and large private balconies.
This cruiseboat is ideal for large parties on day trips (up to 150 people), for hosting corporate functions, weddings, birthday celebrations and conferences or just gathering of friends and family for an unforgettable magic holiday cruise.  3-night scheduled departures on board the Zambezi Trader are now on offer from April to October 2024, Friday through to Monday, as weekend escapes and extensions to other Zimbabwean safari destinations. Zambezi Cruise & Safaris are working closely with African Parks to offer game drives into the Matusadona National Park directly from the cruise vessels, creating both land and lake experiences.

 

Each vessel is accompanied by tender boats and an experienced crew to take you on your daily activities.

Bookings can be done as a Group or as an Individual Traveller on set departure dates. Cabins can be twin/double and there are family rooms as an option.

SAFARI LODGES:  Zambezi Cruise Safaris also owns a group of safari lodges on Lake Kariba and near Harare.  For more details about these, see their separate listings page:  Zambezi Cruise & Safaris Lodges 

 

Related articles and Blogs:-

Beat the Heat (Travel Blog Nov 2021)

Family Fun in the Wild (Travel Blog July 2021)

Warm winter weddings (or honeymoons) in the wild  (Feature Blog - June 2021)

Little Gems in the Wild (Travel Blog May 2021)

Exclusive Use travel options for family and friends (Feature Blog, Feb 2021)

What's UNIQUE about us?  (Feature Blog - Aug 2020)

The Wild Zambezi Culinary Collection (Feature Blog May 2020)

Coming to Lake Kariba in 2021 - the "Zambezi Adventurer"  (Feb 2020)

Zambezi Cruise & Safaris expands with 7 new set-departure circuits for 2020  (Oct 2019)

Kariba Safari Lodge: introducing the WOW factor (Feb 2019)

New Lake Kariba cruising options from Zambezi Cruise Safaris  (May 2018)

On tour in Zimbabwe with Zambezi Cruise Safaris  (Nov 2017)

Plans for 2018:  Scheduled cruises & Kariba lodges  (Nov 2017)

Cruising Lake Kariba out of Victoria Falls (Oct 2016)

Reviews 4

Prince Seth 23 July 2016
Excellent service, hospitable, cheerful crew members, beautiful experience, l loved it. You wanna experience the other beautiful side of life ??? jump onto this cruise experience. l did and wow felt like l went to the moon.
Ian Drummond Hay 16 July 2016
We have been on two cruise safaris in 2014 and 2015 but several weddings prevented our 2016 cruise otherwise we would have gone this year. The food and hospitality is first class and the crew are experienced, knowledgable and nothing is too much trouble. The fishing excursions and game viewing complete with snacks and great wines, beers and G&T's. We spent nights on an island in tree house tents with game drives and walking excursions with experienced guides. Our visits to Zimbabwe have been some of our most memorable. The people we met are friendly, happy and nothing is too much trouble. Bring on 2017 and we will be there boots and all. Karen & Ian
Sally Wynn-Pitman, Zimbabwe 21 November 2014
The Umbohza and Karabezi houseboats offer a degree of luxury and comfort that is unusual on Lake Kariba. The prices are higher than most houseboats, but this is like a floating hotel experience, with air-conditioning, en-suite bedrooms, and all the trimmings. Very comfortable, and a great way to view the lake and its wildlife.
Simon Hayes, UK 30 October 2014
The houseboat (Umbozha) was a big highlight of our trip. (Simon was part of a delegation of UK agents & media visiting Zimbabwe in October 2014)
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Telephone +263 86 88002309
Mobile +263 772 573022 Whatsapp: +263 780 105858
Price Top-end
Self Catering
Full Catering

Specials

LAKE KARIBA PACKAGE
4-night Lake Kariba experience. 3-night cruise on Shikra, Umbohza or Sovreign houseboats for US$3999 (Dry rate, max 20 pax) PLUS 50% off 1 night accommodation at Kariba Safari Lodge or Crowned Eagle Boutique Hotel (pre/post cruise). Ts & Cs apply. Expires: 31 May 2024

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