Kariba Ferries (Kariba Ferry)

Kariba Ferries service operates between Kariba at the Eastern end of the lake and Mlibizi at the Western end. The ferry Sealion carries up to 70 passengers and 15 standard vehicles on a voyage taking 22 hours (weather permitting).

Facilities on board include: Communal accommodation in the lounge on purpose-made chairs that fold completely flat to form a bed. Mattresses for those wishing to sleep on deck under the stars are available. Travel rugs and pillows are provided for overnight. Two of each sex toilets and hot showers. Licensed cash bar.

Your fare is quoted on a full board basis including teas & coffees.

There is a height restriction on berths of 2 metres for 9 vehicles, 3 berths for vehicles that do not exceed 2.5 metres under a covered deck area and 3 berths with no height restriction (ideal for high clearance 4x4s with roof racks or roof-top tents). If those unrestricted spaces are already occupied, those who are willing to remove roof top tents or roof racks for the duration of the voyage are still able to secure a berth under the deck. Our crew are well versed in this operation and will help, or do this for you and fit it back at the end of the voyage.

Departure time is 10.30am from Andora Harbour West, Kariba and from our loading point at Mlibizi the following day. Passengers are advised to be at the departure /loading point not less than 1 hour prior to sailing. Boarding/loading of vehicles begins at 09.30am. We do encourage all passengers to arrive earlier if they are able and once all vehicles and passengers are on board we may depart earlier, thereby increasing the daylight time on your voyage. This does also mitigate possible late arrival times due to wind

NOTE: Several sailings are provisional and will only be confirmed as and when there are enough bookings to justify doing so. There are many confirmed sailings Please visit our website.

The ferry is available on a charter basis throughout the year, when not sailing to Mlibizi and back and on a regular schedule as often as we can i.e. when demand is high (e.g. during peak holiday times). Prior booking is essential.

Check the Ferry Schedule for sailing dates for the current period at this link: Kariba Ferries Schedule and this link for 2025 http://www.karibaferries.com/booking/2025/

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Reviews 3

Lesley Williamson 26 October 2025

What a fantastic 24 hours! The Kariba Ferry was an absolute pleasure — magnificent food, tea and coffee available all day, a bar with ice-cold drinks and plenty of ice, spotless toilets (when I woke up at 4:30 a.m. to use the loo, someone was already cleaning to ensure everything was ready for the morning rush), clean showers, and an outstanding crew. We travelled the Mlibezi–Kariba route, leaving at 10 a.m. and arriving in Kariba the next morning at 10 a.m., relaxed and ready for our drive back to Harare. The ferry accommodates about 15 vehicles and around 50+ passengers, though we were lucky to have only 21 people on board, giving us plenty of space. You can choose to sleep on deck or on the flat beds inside the boat. Pillows and blankets are provided, but we brought our own bedding and towels for showering. The food was excellent, with three delicious meals served throughout the journey. I would highly recommend this trip — it's not just transport, it's part of your holiday! Experiencing the vastness and beauty of Lake Kariba, with its breathtaking sunsets and sunrises, the incredible starlit sky, and — on moonless nights — the hundreds of twinkling lights from the kapenta fishing rigs, was truly unforgettable. Well done to the entire Kariba Ferry team! Thanks for your compliments and praise. The staff really appreciate it.

Sophie ffrench-Constant, United Kingdom 18 November 2017

Do not expect plush cabins or private bedrooms, the sleeping arrangements are basic with a communal area filled with seats which can be converted into camp beds. If you are prepared for this, then the ferry is an excellent way to cover a lot of ground with very little effort! With the cars parked on the lower deck, the upper deck has an inside area, with the convertible chairs, and an outside area with tables and chairs for eating, drinking or playing games. There is also a quieter small deck area at the front of the boat. Meals are provided, leaving you to just focus on relaxing and passing the time while the ferry does all the hard work. Hi Sophie. Thanks for your positive comments on our service. We have never punted it as anything other than a “Ferry service” that has over the years become a part of the tourist circuit and that many regard as being the highlight of their trip to Zimbabwe and we do believe that we offer value for the money spent on the trip. Many have said that ours is the best food that they have had whilst in the country and this included upmarket lodges that they had stayed in. We look forward to hopefully seeing you again in the not too distant future. Allan Harris Director

Ros Pitman, Zimbabwe 15 April 2017

This is an absolutely GREAT way to cross Lake Kariba - linking Vic Falls and Hwange with Kariba and Mana Pools. We've done it both ways now - the long, hard, bumpy trek by road (potholes and all) and the sit-back-and-relax-with-gin-&-tonic-in-hand way on the Kariba Ferry. I know what my choice will be next time! Make no mistake, this is NOT a luxury cruise. The ferry facilities are basic, but the point is this gets you from A to B with no stress and without wrecking your car in the process! The scenery during the day is awesome. The ferry stops to allow a swim in the Lake (only for the brave!). The food was good and plentiful. Sleeping arrangements are a little rudimentary, but, hey, who cares? It's an overnight adventure! If you're on a self-drive-camping holiday, you'll love the relaxing break that the Kariba Ferry offers!

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Telephone +263 772 232 155

Mobile +263 772 232 177 (WhatsApp)

Facebook www.facebook.com/Karibaferries

Website www.karibaferries.com

Email reservations@karibaferries.co.zw

Price Mid-range

Full Catering

Kariba Ferries (Kariba Ferry) offers you:

Accommodation
- Budget Accommodation
- Ferry
Transport & Transfers
- Ferry Lake Kariba

Kariba Ferries (Kariba Ferry) operates in:

Kariba Ferries (Kariba Ferry)

Reviews 3

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