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Kariba house boats information

All the information you require for choosing a suitable houseboat on Lake Kariba for a perfect vacation

General information - Lake Kariba

The Kariba Town side is better for game viewing but the Binga side is easier and less expensive to reach with ready access from Victoria Falls

Despite the present problems in Zimbabwe, Lake Kariba is safe for tourists and offers houseboats at very good rates which will increase substantially when normality returns

Houseboats over Easter weekend and New Year are at a premium and it is wiser to book for these dates a year ahead. By July, New Year bookings are difficult to secure.

The first night after boarding is normally spent on one of the islands

To reach and enjoy Matusadona it is better to book for a minimum of 4 nights

Fishing

Fishing is good from either end of the Lake but the Binga side has the edge

Tiger fishing is at it's best from spring - September/October but can be caught all year ound. Bream can be caught throughout the year.

Fishing Rods can be hired from a shop for the Kariba dam wall side only. A deposit is paid for each rod, which is refundable at the end of the charter.

Clients must provide their own tackle, or alternatively may purchase fishing tackle from the shop in the harbour, which stocks a large range of fishing tackle and fishing accessories

Game Viewing

Game can be seen anywhere along the shoreline and on the islands but is more easily seen at Matusadona national park

Lake Kariba's waters and shores are home to an unrivalled variety of Africa's flora and fauna

Game viewing is done from "tender boats" which are outboard boats - towed by the main houseboat. (The shoreline has too many trees to safely view from the main boat)

The tender boats may only be driven by the Captain or another licensed Crew member, and are limited to a three kilometer radius of the houseboat

All types of game can be seen. Buffalo and Elephant however relish the pannikin grass growing in the water along the shoreline and are thus more frequently seen.

As the rivers further inland dry up and the animals migrate to the lake edge to be near water. Elephants can often be seen swimming between the shore and islands.

Even so animals, especially elephant, can be seen throughout the year and during the rainy season most animals produce their young and this can be an enchanting time to be onboard watching game

Birdlife is spectacular with up to 480 species in summer

Weather

It is very hot in summer especially during September and October when it is better to ire a boat with air-conditioning or do what the locals do, sleep on the top deck under the stars. Most people enjoy the fresh air on the top deck for eating and sleeping

Winter is wonderful - April to August with warm days, clear skies and stars so close that you try to touch them. No need for air-conditioning

Drinks, Ice & Bait

Ice and beverages (alcoholic & non-alcoholic) can be ordered directly through the Kingdom Calls bottlestore. At the Client's request the bottle store will arrange to deliver your drinks/ice/bait order to the boat, and on your return will collect and return empties shortly after disembarking. Please not there is a small Delivery Charge levied for
this.

5. All drinks are purchased on a sale and return basis. Drinks/ice/bait orders must be paid for before departure, the cost of which includes deposits on all bottles and crates. Any empties (or unopened drinks) that are returned at the end of your charter are refundable.

6. You may settle your drinks bill by either pre paying or in cash at the end of the charter

PLEASE NOTE THAT NO DRINKS WILL BE RELEASED IF PAYMENT IS NOT MADE BEFORE
DEPARTURE AND THE ABOVE CONDITIONS ARE NOT MET.

Charter Costs- Additional Expenses

Diesel for the main boat is sometimes included in the price that you are quoted for your charter but most times not. Please check as this makes a big difference to the final cost

This price does not include the following, which must be paid for separately:
Petrol for the tender boats
National Parks Lake Fees
National Parks Fishing Permits
Harbour Parking Fee per night per vehicle and trailer per night
Catering
Drinks, Ice, bait etc

2.Charter Routes, Limitation of Liability & Client Indemnity

2.1 Due to the escalating price of diesel, strict charter routes apply depending according to the number of days the boat is booked. Please do not ask the Captain to deviate from the route as he is under strict instructions not to travel beyond these limits.

2.2 The houseboat will not sail in adverse weather conditions and the Company cannot be held liable for such delays.

2.3 Upon arrival you will be asked to sign an Indemnity Form by the Captain . Please note that the houseboat will not leave harbour until this form has been signed and returned to the Captain, who in turn will hand it in to our office.

3. Houseboat Facilities & Tender Boats

4. All boats are fully equipped with cutlery, crockery and linen (excluding swimming towels).

5 All boats are equipped with fridges, deep freezers and should all have ample cooler boxes for storing ice, drinks and other perishables.

6 There is a gas stove/oven on the boats. Due to the shortage of gas in Zimbabwe we ask that your meals be pre-cooked to reduce gas usage.This only applies for boats that are self-catered.

7. Your own boat may be towed behind the large pontoon houseboats. Please
note that this is entirely at your own risk. You will also be charged a slip way fee of have your boat launched

Basic Types of houseboats

1) The Cruisers or mono hulls are generally faster, and can carry fewer people. They are better for corporate business trips or families and small groups

2) The Pontoon boats look basically like a floating house perched on top of two or three pontoons. These boats are very practical for larger groups as they are spacious and better for children to run around on. They are stable in rough weather and can generally move closer in shore to the wildlife as they need less water to float in.