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Kariba Car Ferry Service

Save time, fuel, money and over 8 hours (1250Kms) 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

The voyage takes approximately 22 hours in each direction.

On Board Facilities

The ferry carries up to 70 people and 15 vehicles, plies the length of Lake Kariba between Andora Harbour in Kariba town and Mlibizi at the western end of the lake. 

Facilities include: chair-beds inside, mattresses for on deck and all bedding (sleeping is commmunal); toilets and hot showers; 3 full meals; teas & coffees; and a licensed cash bar

Departure Points & Times

from Andora harbour (Kariba) & Mlibizi
09h00 sharp - arrives the following day at 07h00

Passengers to be at embarkation point no later than 08h00 (late arrivals will miss the boat)

The trip takes 22 hours.

Vehicles

There is a height restriction of 1.95metres for 12 vehicles, and 3 parking spaces in an open-deck area with no height restriction (ideal for heavily-packed 4x4s with roof rack tents etc.)

When making enquiries regarding vehicles other than standard types, please supply full dimensional details as to overall length, width and height.

Meals

Three meals are provided lunch, dinner and breakfast.
Morning and afternoon tea will be provided.
Cash Bar


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.


Road Transfer

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

 

Karibean Cruise - US$ 100
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.

Fares

Adults - US$ 100
Children under 12 - US$ 50
Children under 2 - FREE


Motorcycle - US$ 95
Sedan - US$ 100
4 x 2 Pick Ups - US$ 140
4 X 4 Mini Bus (up to 8 seats), Land Cruiser, Land Rover, Nissan Patrol etc. - US$ 160
Trailers - up to 4m : US$ 200
Trailers (6.1m - 6m) : US$ 280

Tariffs include the 2% ZTA levy, 15% VAT

National Parks fees not included.
E and O.E

Schedule 2010 / 2011

Please note - NO sailings October and November

Kariba – Mlibizi
JUNE
1st(Provisional)
7th (Confirmed)
14th (Confirmed)
21st (Confirmed)
28th (Confirmed)
_______________________
JULY
5th (Confirmed)
12th (Confirmed)
26th (Confirmed)
_______________________
AUGUST
9th (Confirmed)
23rd (Provisional)
_______________________

SEPTEMBER
13th (Provisional)
_______________________
DECEMBER
6th (Provisional)
13th (Confirmed)
20th (Confirmed)
27th (Confirmed)
_______________________
JANUARY 2011
3rd (Confirmed)

Mlibizi - Kariba

JUNE
8th (Confirmed)
15th (Confirmed) (Fully Booked)
22nd (Confirmed)
29th (Confirmed)
_______________________

JULY
6th (Confirmed
13th (Confirmed)
27th (Confirmed)
_______________________
AUGUST
10th (Confirmed)
24th (Provisional)
_______________________

SEPTEMBER
14th (Provisional)
_______________________
DECEMBER
7th (Provisional)
14th (Confirmed)
21st (Confirmed)
28th (Confirmed)
_______________________
JANUARY 2011
4th (Confirmed)

A TYPICAL DAY ON BOARD SEA LION

Vessels departs on their voyages promptly at 9:00am. Intending passengers are advised to be at the departure /loading point not less than 1 hour prior to sailing. For security reasons, once the vehicles are loaded, access to the vehicles is restricted. So do not forget to pack an overnight bag of your requirements. We suggest bringing your towel, cameras, binoculars etc.

Soon after departing from Andora Harbour, to our right the Dam Wall may be seen along with the Sampakaruma Group of Islands in the foreground, named after the 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 Sibilobilo Lagoon, which is formed by a series of Islands along the northern border and is overlooked 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 water’s 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 mountains 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 and Kariba Ferries bears no liability whatsoever for any occurrences during such swim.

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 8:00pm.

You may wish to have an after dinner night cap as your crew steer you through the night under the constant supervision of the captain aided by Radar and GPS. The ferry passes Sinamwenda River and then on to Kudu Island where a slight course change takes you into Chete Gorge so named after the Batonka Tribesmen who traded and fished along the river Zambezi. At this point, there were a series of swirling rapids that prevented them from proceeding any further “hence the local name Chete meaning” end or finish. The Gorge narrows to less than 400meters wide, before we once again sail into open water.

Having passed a number of islands, Binga and through Sebungwe Narrows, the ferry will dock at Mlibizi at around 7:00am, where after off loading you may continue your Journey.

It is our sincere hope that this voyage will have proved to be the highlight of your Zimbabwean holiday and that you will ask any member of the crew for anything that you may require, remembering that your safety, comfort and happiness are our first concern.

Please Note: Positively no animals allowed onboard

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