Kariba car Ferry
Running so irregularly and mainly only over
school holidays that until things normalize in Zimbabwe, not worth considering
Save time, fuel, money, frayed nerves, over 8 hours of driving and
at least one nights hotel stop by taking your car the length of lake
Kariba using the Kariba Car Ferry service
Map
of Kariba ferries route
Ferry Times - 2006
KAR denotes Kariba: MLB denotes Mlibizi
January 2006
KAR - MLB 02 January : MLB - KAR 03 January
KAR - MLB 05 January : MLB - KAR 06 January
The voyage takes approximately 22 hours in each direction, during which
time you will be served with three meals together with morning and afternoon
tea or coffee which is included in the tariff. There is a fully stocked
cash bar aboard
On-Board Accommodation
You and your family can relax in the spacious panoramic-windowed saloon,
laze on the open deck or enjoy the upper shaded deck.
At night you settle down in our fully-reclining bed/armchairs. Pack
overnight bag and towels.
General booking information
When making enquiries regarding vehicles other than standard types,
please supply full dimensional details as to overall length, width and
height.
Book well in advance when planning a connection during "peak"
season: December/January, Easter, July/August especially if you have
a vehicle to consider.
Get to the departure point at Milibizi or Kariba by 07:30 in the morning.
The Department of National Parks and Wildlife Management charge you
the equivalent of US$5 (subject to change without notice) as you enter
the Ferry Gates - carry small change and insist on a receipt.
Alternatives by road include the route via Livingstone and Siavonga
in Zambia - recommended - (approximately 6,5 hours) - it's tarred but
potholed - you may need a visa. Another option is the "back road"
via Binga - a 4 x 4 is recommended, it's essential during the rainy
season.
A Typical Day Aboard "Sea Horse" or "Sea Lion"
The vessels depart on their voyages promptly at 09:00. Intending passengers
are advised to be at the departure/loading point not less than 1 hour
prior to sailing. For security reasons, once vehicles are loaded, access
to vehicles is restricted. So do not forget to pack an overnight bag
with personal and other requirements.
"Soon after departing from Andora Harbour, to our right the Dam
Wall may be seen along with the Sampakaruma Group of islands in the
fore-ground, named after a local chief. The small rocky outcrop to the
left of these is called Rhino Island, so called due to the rescue of
a particularly belligerent Rhino during the famous "Operation Noah".
This being the widest point of the lake at 32 kilometres.
After cruising across the south eastern basin, we arrive at the Sibilobilo
Lagoon, which is formed by a series of islands along its northern border
and is over-looked by the well known Bumi Hills Safari Lodge. This whole
area abounds with many varieties of game and birds, numbers of which
may frequently be seen at the waters edge. Binoculars at this time are
a decided advantage. The animals swim regularly between the islands
and indeed to and from the mainland. A cold buffet lunch will be served
at this time. As we leave the lagoon via the gap between the Lubangwa
and Namembere Islands, most passengers settle down to an after lunch
nap in our fully reclining bed/armchairs. The ferry continues its journey
between the northern shores of the islands forming Sibilobilo Lagoon
and another chain of islands which form a channel. Game is often seen
in this area. We now enter the "Kota Kota" Narrows which is
named after the mountain on the northern shore.
The lake then opens into the Sengwa Basin through which we travel some
kilometres offshore. Weather and time permitting, your captain will
stop, for those who wish it, to allow a refreshing swim in the warm
semi-tropical waters. Passengers should note that whilst we consider
swimming in open water as being safe, it is at their own risk! It is
strictly prohibited to climb on the roof and passengers are reminded
that they are required to obey all instructions from the captain or
crew.
Shortly thereafter, you will almost certainly be witness to an African
Sunset second to none, whilst enjoying a cool sundowner from the bar
before dinner is served at approximately 20:00.
You may wish to have an after dinner night-cap as your crew steers
you through the night under the constant supervision of the captain,
aided by radar. The ferry passes the Sinamwenda River and then on to
Kudu Island where a slight course change takes you into the Chete Gorge,
so named by the Batonka tribesment who traded and fished along the river
before the harnessing of the Zambezi. At this point, there were a series
of swirling rapids that prevented them from proceeding any further hence
the name "Chete" meaning the end or finish. The gorge narrows
to less than 400 metres wide before we once again sail into open water."
Having passed a number of islands, Binga and through the Sebungwe Narrows,
the ferry will dock at M'libizi at around 07:00 whereafter off-loading
you may continue your journey.
The ferry service may be used by those without vehicles either on our
Karibean Cruise, which encompasses the return trip starting from either
end, or alternatively, as a means to the other end which is very popular
with the back packers, who would thereafter hitch-hike to their next
destination. An option worth considering as a backpacker is to take
the flight between Victoria Falls and Kariba - it's appreciably quicker
and often cheaper!
N.B. When making enquiries regarding vehicles other than standard types,
please supply full dimensional details as to overall length, width and
height. Special attention must be paid to non-removable attachments.
Overall lengths of car and caravan or trailer combination must be given
when coupled. Under no circumstances change your vehicle or add a trailer
without first contacting us to ensure that space is available for such
alteration. In such circumstances, Kariba Ferries reserves its right
to refuse to load your vehicle against forfeiture of the fare paid in
full.
Regrettably, due to non-arrivals, we have to advise that we cannot
confirm a booking until we are in receipt of a 50% deposit. Should this
not occur, Kariba Ferries reserves its right to resell the booking.
Final payment is due 45 days prior to sailing, likewise should this
not occur, we reserve the right to resell the booking. Late bookings
can often be accommodated "out of season", bookings required
during school holidays and peak season must be done well in advance
- we recommend a minimum of six months.
Cancellations will be charged at the following rates:
31 days or more ...................10% of fare
15 - 29 days ........................ loss of deposit
14 days or less .................... forfeiture of full fare
Please note that no animals are allowed on board
Planning guidelines: Kariba Ferry
Book well in advance when planning a connection during "peak"
season: December/January, Easter, July/August especially if you have
a vehicle to consider.
We hold provisional bookings for a maximum of 4 days pending receipt
of a 50% deposit. Provisional space is released automatically unless
confirmed. See our payment procedure. (Apologies for this un-user-friendly
policy)
If you have a vehicle, supply dimensions particularly the height including
roof rack/accessories when making an enquiry. Note that trailers carry
a relatively heavy surcharge.
Get to the departure point at Milibizi or Kariba by 07:30 in the morning.
Remember to pack an "overnight bag" with towels. You'll sleep
on "loungers" - blankets are provided. Take reading materials.
The tariff includes three meals plus morning and afternoon tea/coffee.
There is a cash bar on board.
If you're a backpacker, you'll need to catch a lift between Victoria
Falls and Milibizi. Also consider the flight between Kariba and Victoria
Falls as very suitable alternative to the ferry.
The Department of National Parks and Wildlife Management charge you
the equivalent of US$5 (subject to change without notice) as you enter
the Ferry Gates - carry small change and insist on a receipt.
Alternatives by road include the route via Livingstone and Siavonga
in Zambia - recommended - (approximately 6,5 hours) - it's tarred but
potholed - you may need a visa. Another option is the "back road"
via Binga - a 4 x 4 is recommended, it's essential during the rainy
season.
Look at "temporary bases" in Kariba
Our prices are generally quoted in US dollars, net and exclusive of
bank charges. Payments can be made in USD, GBP or Euro.
A provisional booking is only "confirmed" subject to availability
and on receipt of a deposit.
The value of the deposit and terms of payment on the balance will be
spelt out during the enquiry stage. Our normal terms are 20% deposit
with the final balance due 60 days prior to travel. In some cases (usually
only for group bookings or set date departures) a deposit of up to 40%
is required.
No reservation is confirmed without prior payment unless agreed to in
writing and no vouchers are issued unless full payment has been received
Contact Us
by email:
 Tel: + 27 (0)31 762 2424 ask for Niki, Maxine or Carien
SKYPE - afrizim (S.Africa + 2 hrs) World Times office hours
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
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