Cruising In Paradise

CRUISING IN PARADISE ON LAKE KARIBA

The Perfect HolidayWriter: Sally Wynn, Wild Zambezi Photography: Wild Zambezi

Picture the scene: you are relaxing on the deck of one ofLake Kariba’s sleep-aboard safari cruiseboats with a drink in hand and not a care in the world. A golden sun sinks below the horizon of silken water, the massive sky grows crimson and cormorants settle in the black silhouettesofthetrees. Theairiswarm. Afish eagle’s haunting cry pierces the silence of the creek and the lions stirring from their day-time slumbers moan deep-throatily into the spreading darkness.

You have spent the dayon the wide deck of the cruiseboat,with the breeze in your hair as the captain steers the vessel expertly acrossLake Karibato the shores of theMatusadona National Park. A delicious fresh lunch was served by the staff en route. Some family members retired to their comfortable en suite cabins for a short afternoon nap while others lounged on deck, sortingfishinggear,playingcardgames, chatting, relaxing, unwinding...

As the shoreline approached and the crew searched for a suitable mooring spot, you watched hippos wallowing, a herd of elephant drinking in shallows and huge crocodiles sliding silently off sandbanks into the water. The active members of the party embarked on the vessel’s smalltenderboatforanevening’sfishingand game viewing along the shoreline, leaving you to bask in peace until their return at dusk. And now...safely moored up for the night in one of the myriad secluded creeks of the national park, you havethe sounds and the stars of the African night all to yourself. Adelicious candelit dinner on deck awaits...a hot shower and then a warm bed and a peaceful sleep, serenaded by thegrunting of hippos and the gentle lap of waves against the boat.

This is the magic of Lake Kariba—truly a holiday paradise:a 280-kilometre-long ‘inland sea’ of sun-dazzled, sparkling blue fresh water, its shoreline abundant with birdlife and wild animals,itswatersfullofwonderfulfishspecies includingthefamousfightingtigerfishofthe Zambezi. It offers a heap of water-based activities to satisfy all tastes and ages.

And yet, this is one of the most undersold of Zimbabwe’s tourism experiences. Why? This is largely because Lake Kariba has long been

eclipsed by the world-famous Victoria Falls upstream. Firstly therefore, the world-famous Victoria Falls, with its international airport and relatively easy access, tends to outshine the rest of the region’s travel destinations. Lake Kariba, just downstream, is an undiscovered jewel waiting to be unearthed.

Secondly, there is a branding issue. Lake Kariba’s spacious, fully-crewed cruising vessels that provide such idyllic experiences for families and groups of holidaymakers are called ‘houseboats’ by the locals. This terminology is confusing for international visitors, for whom ‘houseboats’ are something entirely different—the water-based equivalent of ‘mobile homes’—not at all associated with glamorous,fun-filled,cruisingholiday experiences. So ‘safari cruiseboats’, therefore, is a more accurate term. A family holiday aboard one of these is really one of the best ways to relax, enjoy the natural wonders of the lake and ensure that everyone has fun.

There are literally dozens of cruiseboats of all different shapes and sizes to choose from— with hire-out rates to suit every pocket. Most of them are berthed in the town ofKaribaitself at the eastern end of the lake, but you can also hire them fromMlibiziorBingaat the western (Victoria Falls) end.

Most boats have comfortable, fully-equipped cabins, some with en suite bathrooms and air-conditioning or fans. The larger boats have enough space for guests to sleep on deck in the open air with mattresses and mosquito nets—a refreshing choice in the hot months from September onwards. You can self-cater (bring all your own provisions, but have meals prepared by the on-board staff) or go for the more luxury, fully-catered, all-inclusive option. Some of the luxury cruiseboats run on set departureschedules,othersareflexible.

The boats are staffed by a captain, assisted by one or more crew members who undertake cooking and deckhand duties. A tender boat for game viewing and/or fishingisusuallyincludedwiththeboat hire,andyoucanoftenhirefishing equipment as well.Most boats have on-board swimming or plunge pools for cooling off in the heat—a winner with the children.

In all cases, you can be assured of the most wonderful, stress-free holiday aboard a Kariba cruiseboat. Once you set off onto the lake, sit back, relax and let Nyaminyami, the river spirit of the Zambezi—partserpent,partfish— show you his best water magic!

For a list of experts to help you book a cruiseboat holiday on Lake Kariba, check out the searchable houseboat listings on WildZambezi.com

WildZambezi.com promotes travel opportunities to the Zambezi’s wild areas, including Victoria Falls, Lake Kariba,Chirundu,Mana Pools and the Lower Zambezi River. We provide searchable listings of operators, activities, accommodation, tours and services. We also offer reliable, independent reviews, news, blogs, and travel advice. www.wildzambezi.com