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Speedboat Hire - Kariba

Boats can be hired as an additional tender boat for your houseboat trip, for use during your stay at one of the lake islands, for a day’s fishing or for half a day’s fishing/game viewing

boat

Available are a variety of speedboats and transfer boats to be used for boating activities, and the larger transfer boats for transportation of up to 36 max people to the Islands.

Each boat is Captained by an experienced Driver, and no person other than the Captain is allowed to drive.

Speed Boats types

Speedboat Launch Sportster
- 5 people max
Vengeance
- 7 people max
Sabre
- 8 people max
Rapier
- 9 people max
Eagle
- 10 people max

"don't let the trailer get too deep when you are trying to launch the boat" :-)

Boats generally depart at 7.30am, but if you would like to leave earlier for your day’s fishing, arrangements can be made prior to the morning’s fishing excursion.

FULL DAY HIRE is from 7.30am until 5pm
HALF DAY HIRE is from 12 noon until 5pm or or sunrise to 12 noon
PRICE INCLUDES boat and Driver
PRICE EXCLUES fuel, oil, VAT, National Parks Fishing and Lake Usage Fees, overnight allowances for the driver (where applicable), fishing rods, bait, drinks, ice etc.

Fuel is payable on return according to how much petrol was consumed over your trip. Please note that you are required to pay for fuel and outboard oil, which needs to be added as the tanks are being filled. Below are fuel estimates to give you a general guideline as to fuel consumption & distances:

You are within your right to check that the fuel tanks are full before you leave the harbour
Any tanks found not full please report to maxnagement before departure
You are advised to go with your boat driver to fill your tanks on retur

PLEASE NOTE there are NO COOLER BOXES on the boats, you are require to bring your own.

The Captain is in charge of the boat and his word is final. In cases of rough weather, bad behaviour or any other circumstance where the Driver is concerned about his Client’s safety, he maxy return to the harbour or moor at the nearest shoreline

A day on a houseboat

Up at dawn and after rusks and coffee head off for an early morning game cruise near the Kariba shoreline in a tender boat or go fishing

Return to a full brunch / breakfast prepared by the crew who serve and pamper you throughout your houseboat safari

Fishing is best done in the hot hours of the day from tender boats, or at night from the houseboat itself. Tiger fishing for sport and bream fishing for the frying pan. A catch and release policy for anything that is not trophy size or eatable is normal practice on Lake Kariba

Alternatively in the heat of the day tuck into a good book, sunbath or paddle in the Jacuzzi / swimming cage and do some birding /game viewing from the luxury of the houseboat

Lunch is usually followed by a siesta

After an afternoon fishing trip or game viewing session, sundowners are taken on the top deck of the houseboat

Supper is followed by videos / card games or just soaking up the African night sounds and stars with a drink in hand as a wonderful end to the day

No walking is allowed in Matusadona without prior authorisation and unless accompanied by a qualified Professional Guide.

Additional Information

1. 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.

2. 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.

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

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

5. 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.

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

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