F.A.Q'S

F.A.Q'S (Frequently Asked Questions) for houseboats on Lake Kariba and upper Zambezi

How much will fuel cost?

It depends on the size of the boat, distance travelled and how much air con you use. Diesel boats tend to be much less expensive to operate.

What is supplied as far as cooking utensils ?

Ø All boats are fully equipped with cutlery, crockery and linen.
Ø All boats are equipped with fridges, deep freezers and should all have ample cooler boxes for storing ice, drinks and other perishables
Ø 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

Can we tow a small boat or jet ski?

Tender Boats as they are called are included on almost all boats for game viewing and fishing.
Ø 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. The tender boats are ideal for fishing and game/bird viewing
Ø Your own boat may be towed behind pontoon houseboats. Please note that this is entirely at your own risk. You will also be charged a slip way fee of ZW$5,000.00 to have your boat launched.

Is fishing gear supplied?

No, only basic gear is supplied on some boats. Clients should provide their own tackle or hire fishing gear at the harbour

Hire of Fishing equipment and Bait

- The current rate to hire a rod, reel and line is approx Rands 20 [US$5] per rod per day and ZAR20 per tackle packet. Each packet contains 2 x Tiger Traces, 4 x Bream Hooks and Sinkers and when available 2 x Floats. Bait is ordered when ordering your drinks.

Lake usage fee: U$ 15 per passenger. US$10 for South Africans. (This will cover a period from 2 - 7 nights). This is best paid in US$ to avoid exchange rate hassles

National Parks Fishing permits costs per person per day.

Bait

Worms and dry kapenta (and wet kapenta when available) can be organised for you at extra cost. Massess is now an illegal commodity according to National Parks with large penalties if found on the boat.

Clients must speak to the captain regarding the best places to fish.

A half kg of dry and wet kapenta bait each is supplied in the fully catered option at Binga as is ice

Is it OK to take along toddlers?

A young toddler on a boat requires constant observation, in case they fall overboard. As long as you take proper precautions you and they can have a great houseboat vacation. Make sure they have a comfortable life vest and keep it on them at all times. Have things for them to stay busy with during slower times so you don't end up having to entertain them nonstop. Some boats provide netting around the deck
which is also a help. This is It and Philadelphia are the safest boats for toddlers

Do we have to clean the boat before we leave?

You should return the boat in the same condition it was when you took it.

Are pets allowed?

Is insurance included?

All rental companies insure their boats. Some offer additional insurance for you to purchase. The renter is responsible for any damages or the deductible if it is necessary to file an insurance claim.

How many people can sleep on a boat?

It depends on the boat and size. Never bring more people than they allow as it is against the laws. Utilizing the maximum permitted can be uncomfortable.

Where do you stay overnight?

Generally you can either anchor out close to an island or along the shoreline of the mainland.

Can we leave the houseboat to go onshore?

Passengers are reminded that you are not allowed to walk more than 20 metres from any boat moored on the Matusadona National Park shoreline, unless you are accompanied by a registered Zimbabwean Professional Guide who has an operators license for the Matusadon National Park. Anyone breaking this rule is liable to a large spot fine and/or arrest as is the ship's captain.

Can we make a fire on the shore

Under NO circumstance must a fire be made on the lake shoreline and smoking is only permitted on deck and not in the cabins

Feeding Animals

The animals you see in the Park are WILD animals and it is strictly prohibited by law

The Captain's word is final

Yes, the Captain of the boat has the final say once you are on board and passengers will not interfere with his running of the boat. Any passenger who does, will cause the whole charter to be cancelled and the boat shall return to harbour.

Noise Levels

Please remember others and keep noise levels to a minimum, especially when your boat is harboured on the shoreline of the Matusadona National Park or close to other houseboats.

Litter

Please DO NOT be tempted to throw litter overboard, this includes cigarettes

It is essential that Malaria prophylactics be taken when visiting Zimbabwe

Airport Taxes

US$30 Departure Tax is required when leaving Zimbabwe by charter flight.
US$100 and US$50 notes are not accepted.
Departure tax is included in airfares on scheduled flights

Rules and Tips

Ø The harbour does not permit people to stay in the harbour overnight. This is a Lake Navigation ruling, and unless special arrangements have been made prior to your arrival, you will have to seek alternative accommodation if you arrive after 5pm

Ø Kariba is a malaria area and bilharzia is prevalent in the lake. It is advisable to take the necessary prophylactics as prescribed by your doctor. Swimming in the lake is definitely not advisable.

Ø Beware of ever-present crocodiles and hippos, which inhabit the lake

Ø The generators on the boats can only run for a maximum of five hours a day. This is sufficient time to keep the deep freezes and refrigerators cold. All generators have to be switched off latest by 20h00. This is a National Parks Law. Please do not ask the Captain to extend the hours of the generator.

Ø On air conditioned vessels, the air conditioners will only be turned on while the generators are running.

Ø Guests may board at 12 noon and on the day of departure must
disembark by 10am on their return to the harbour.

Ø The road to Kariba has become a hazard with cattle, sheep and wild game on the roads, so please take care when traveling

Adverse Weather Conditions
Weather conditions on the lake vary from time to time and can change very quickly.

It is a STRICT CONDITION of your houseboat hire agreement that you and all those in your party clearly understand the following: In the Captains opinion, if the weather develops or show signs of developing into conditions that may danger human life or threaten the safety of the houseboat, his decision NOT to proceed and seek shelter is final.
Please note that you will be required to pay entry and fishing fees to the National Park Board when you board the houseboat. This must be paid in cash and please ensure you have the correct amount as change is not given. Also... insist on a receipt!

The Captain and crew are there to ensure your stay aboard the houseboat is comfortable, enjoyable and as safe as possible.
Their employment contract has a strict NO ALCOHOL ONBOARD HOUSEBOATS condition and if broken will result in their IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL from employment, forcing unnecessary hardships upon them. It is important that you DO NOT attempt to encourage crew members to drink alcohol

What should be on the boat:

Refrigerator/Freezer, Stove , Oven , Microwave, Pots/Pans, Dishes & Cutlery, Coffee Pot, Cooking Utensils, Linens/Pillows, TV/VCR, Clothes Hangars , Hot & Cold Water
Cleaning Supplies, Garbage Bags, Biodegradable Soap, BBQ / Braai, Cooler
Outdoor Furniture, AM/FM stereo/CD player, Marine Radio, Fire Extinguisher,
Life Jackets (emergency use only), Emergency Flares, First Aid Kit, Compass,
Tender Boat on tow. Crew: Captain, Chef and or Deckhand in their own quarters

Charter Routes, Limitation of Liability & Client Indemnity

1. Due to the escalating price of diesel, strict charter routes apply depending on the number of nights the boat is booked for. Please do not ask the Captain to deviate from the route as he is under strict instructions not to travel beyond these limits
2. The houseboat will not sail in adverse weather conditions and the Company cannot be held liable for such delays
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

Lake Kariba (ka-ree-ba) and its environs (5,000km²) is a large untouched wilderness and offers an incomparable experience. A vacation of a lifetime and now more affordable than ever before. A house boat safari offers an opportunity to enjoy

Imagine a Mediterranean-type cruise with the luxury of your own spacious cabin with private facilities and the same splendid sunsets and seascapes. Then add Elephant, Buffalo, Hippopotamus, Waterbuck and other Antelope which you can view from the sundeck at surprisingly close quarters. Throw in Fish Eagles,

Kingfishers, Herons, Darters, Cormorants and Plovers. And we haven’t even mentioned the fighting Tigerfish and River Bream (Tilapia) which attract game isherman from all over the world.

Kariba is a freshwater paradise of over 5,000 square kilometers which stretches some 300 km along Zimbabwe’s north-western border. Its waters and shores are home to an unrivalled variety of Africa’s flora and fauna. The Matusadona National Park on the south-eastern shores is a wildlife sanctuary with probably the largest concentration of black rhino in the world.

Houseboats and cruisers are very much a part of Kariba Lake. On this man-made lake, roughly 280km in length and 32km in width, one will find a variety of these vessels, ranging in size and quality (from basic/budget to luxury/upmarket)

Safety
The political problems surrounding Zimbabwe hasn't affected the northwest including Kariba, Victoria Falls and Hwange which are still safe and quiet and is welcoming a large number of tourists who appreciate the present low prices

What should we do about food and drink?
There are two options: Firstly, you can bring your own food - the peference with most of our clients - and the crew will be happy to cook for you. Bob, our skipper, worked at one of the premier hotels in Kariba as a chef before he chose a "life on the lake", and can prepare gourmet dishes. Drinks can be bought on a 'sale and return' basis from the marina. Ice can also be organized through the marina

What should I do to prepare for a trip on Little Mermaid?
Kariba is within a malaria area, therefore you should visit your doctor or a pharmacy on arrival in Zimbabwe and get their advice on anti-malaria prophylactic appropriate within the Zambezi Valley. For more information check the Health and Safety section (Click here)

The sun is harsh so remember your sun tan lotion and a broad-rimmed sun hat.

Find your binoculars, bird and animal book as these are essential when surrounded by nature. Dig out that novel you have been wanting to read, but do not expect to finish reading it as there is always something far more interesting going on not far from the boat

Houseboats generally sleep 10-12 people, so most people try to fill up the boat to keep the cost per person as low as possible. Putting a group together is easy. Here are several suggestions for who you might include on your trip

Next Page: Maps >>

Houseboat hire from either end of the lake:Kariba Town or Binga

Kariba town
At the dam wall. Here you will find a larger selection of houseboats and more easily seen game at Matusadona

Binga

Houseboats berthed at Binga
Catalina   Lady Jacqueline   Meremaid     Abangane    Barbelle    Foxy 1     O.B.Joyful   Induna   Heart of Africa   Kholisa 2  Lucky Fish

For a more detailed map of Lake Kariba ( It opens in separate window)

By water

Kariba ferries have overnight car ferry transfers from Mlibizi to Kariba Town return which run intermittently these days

Houseboats on the Victoria Falls/Binga side of lake Kariba

Binga- Mlibizi on the Victoria Falls side of lake Kariba.
is easier to hire your Houseboat from if you wish to
include Victoria Falls in your itinerary.

Mlibizi is 250 kms by tarred road from Victoria Falls
via Hwange national park. Binga is 80 kms further on.Specials:  Some of the best priced boats on Lake Kariba

Conference Facilities on Lake Kariba

The Southern Belle has got to be the most unique venue for a small corporate function or group travel event. Ideal for business conferences, weddings, anniversary or birthday treats

Houseboating

This must be one of the most relaxing ways to spend a few days. Lake Kariba Houseboating holidays are legendary and most days are calm and sunny. The sunsets and sunrises are spectacular.

You can hire a cruiser or pontoon with cabins and crew to serve you in style, or take your own food for the chef to prepare.

There are basically 2 types of design of boat, monohulls and pontoons

* The pontoon boats look basically like a floating house perched on top of two one 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 wild life as they need less water to float in.
* The mono hulls are generally faster, although not always so and can carry fewer people comparing the size of boat. They are generally better for corporate business trips or families. All the really upmarket boats are mono hulls and facilities can compare to a 5 star hotel

Air-conditioning

which are not necessary, aircon being the most sought after requirement. Lake law is that all generators be turned off ater 10 o' clock in the evening. This means they are no use for sleeping in cabins, however are very pleasant when having dinner in the dining room should you wish to eat inside. Most people enjoy the fresh air on the top deck.

If you have small children it is very important you ask for a child friendly boat. Having to watch children 24 hrs a day can destroy your relaxing holiday. Saying this, even the child friendly boats still require close supervision at all times.
No of cabins is not always as important as you may think. Kariba is very hot and there is nothing nicer than sleeping on the deck under the stars. Most people do this as the cabins are very hot and end up being used only for changing in.
Tender boats on a boat are quite important as you need to move up and down the shoreline game viewing or fishing. Should the boat not have tender boats, you can hire speedboats from Marineland to take with you on your houseboat trip.
The distance up the lake you can travel is determined by the no of nights you charter the boat for, so it doesn’t help to hire a fast upmarket mono hull for the sole purpose of spending all day cruising up the Lake if you only have the boat for 1 or 2 days. The major determination when costing a boat is its fuel consumption, so these distances are usually not negotiable.

Fuel is all privately imported and expensive, but there is no shortage despite what the media maintains. Cost is approx R5 per litre and is readily available provided you pay in forex i.e US$ or South African Rands cash.

Please note that most houseboats and cruisers are moored in Kariba. However we also have some vessels on the south-western tip of the lake (Binga/Mlibizi). It is advisable that when chartering a houseboat/cruiser, a stay of not less than 3 nights and not longer than 5 nights is recommended. Vessels are rented out on either a bare boat/self-catering basis (no meals/refreshments/teas/coffees) but there are also various catering options available - which are recommended. Most charters leaving from Kariba, dependant on the length of the booking, will spend the duration of the charter at various mooring points along the Matusadona National Park shoreline (south of Kariba town).

Lake Kariba Map

Events such as an annual sailing cruiser regatta and a tiger fishing tournament
take place within the park.

Huge number of crocodiles and elephants abound the lake and shores.
There is plenty of wildlife to be seen on the banks of the lake such as
buffalo, rhino, numerous antelope and is host to prolific birdlife including
the Goliath heron, open-bill storks, grey heron and fish eagle.

Hidden fishing camps and much game can be seen by cruising the lake shore.

The Chete Safari, Sibilobilo and Hurungwe areas which border on the lake are
used largely for sport hunting and the Matusadona National Park is used for
wildlife safaris by commercial tourist concerns. There are several communal
lands in which controlled netting has become a lucrative local industry.

When to Go:

April to early October are best with the winter months of May to July sharp
and crisp The summer heat from October to February can be unbearable if
you are not in an air-conditioned cruiser
On a pontoon houseboat you can sleep on deck as very few of them have
noisy air-conditioners but they are slower than cruisers. Your choice!

How to get there
Kariba is 366 Kms from Harare and 806 Kms from Bulawayo.

Flights from Victoria Falls and Harare. Charter planes and boats operate
between Kariba and lodges on it's islands and shores.

The Kariba car ferry

Lake Kariba An enormous man-made waterway, covering an area of over 6500
sq kms, was completed in 1958, for the purpose of providing the country with
much needed hydro-electricity.
The lake has since developed into one of Zimbabwe's greatest water playground
with water skiing, sailing and fishing being big sports.

Swimming is not advisable due to the huge number of crocodiles and elephants
that abound the lake and shores.
There is plenty of wildlife to be seen on the banks of the lake such as buffalo, rhino, elephant, many other smaller species of mammal and host to prolific birdlife, including the Goliath heron, white egrets, grey heron, fish eagle and open-bill storks. Game viewing can also be seen by cruising the lake.

Please do not swim in the lake, the resort does have two swimming pools.
The waters are infested with crocodiles and Hippos. Do not drink water
Straight from the river or lake, fresh water is supplied on the boat.
Remember your fishing tackle, landing nets and keep net. Suggested
Number of persons in one party is 8. We recommend that before it gets
Dark you make adequate preparation for the night in terms of mosquito
Repellents and we recommend that during the day you have adequate
Sunscreen protection.

EXTRA COSTS

NATIONAL PARKS - charge a separate fee for Lake usage and fishing
Usage, please make sure you carry cash for this.

7. General Information:

Ø The harbour does not permit people to stay in the harbour
overnight. This is a Lake Navigation ruling, and unless special
arrangements have been made prior to your arrival, you will have to seek
alternative accommodation if you arrive after 5pm.

Ø Kariba is a malaria area and bilharzia is prevalent in the lake.
It is advisable to take the necessary prophylactics as prescribed by your
doctor. Swimming in the lake is definitely not advisable.

Ø Beware of ever-present crocodiles and hippos, which inhabit the
lake

Ø No smoking is allowed in any of the cabins, only on the open
decks.

Ø The generators on the boats can only run for a maximum of five
hours a day. This is sufficient time to keep the deep freezes and
refrigerators cold. All generators have to be switched off latest by
20h00. This is a National Parks Law. Please do not ask the Captain to
extend the hours of the generator.

Ø On air conditioned vessels, the air conditioners will only be
turned on while the generators are running.

Ø Guests may board at 12 noon and on the day of departure must
disembark by 10am on their return to the harbour.

And finally, the road to Kariba has become a hazard what with cattle,
sheep and wild game on the roads, so please take care when traveling.

I hope I have covered everything, should you need more information please
do not hesitate to contact me.

The following suggestions and ideas are the result of many years of experience, and are intended to help make your trip more fun. What works for one person does not necessarily work for another, so you may find only bits and pieces of this useful to you. Feel free to use your imagination to expand your experience on a houseboat in any way you can think of. The idea is to have fun, and there are lots of ways to do it.

Contact Us

by email:

We require: Your name, Date on and off board, No of passengers, Contact details

A provisional booking will be made and will not be confirmed until a deposit on charter rate is paid. Should a deposit not be paid the booking will automatically be released 14 days from date of provisional booking

Next Information Page: Fishing Information>>

Safaris

Victoria Falls
Livingstone

Houseboats

Canoe Safaris
Mobile Safaris
Walking
Fishing Safaris

Weddings
Honeymoons
Conferences

Destinations

Botswana
Mozambique
Namibia
Zambia
Zimbabwe

Coach Tours
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Houseboats

Zimbabwe
• Kariba(45)

• Binga (9)

Above Vic Falls
Chobe-Zambezi

Botswana
Okavango river

In this section

• Catering
• FAQ
• Fishing-1
• Fishing-2
• Kariba-Ferry
• Refunds
• Speedboat Hire