Zambezi Cruise & Safaris has launched the completely refurbished Zambezi Trader, and with the relaunch comes the good news that FITS and groups can now hop onboard for cruises with scheduled departure dates.
The Trader, as the houseboat is popularly known, is the largest luxury cruise boat on Lake Kariba, measuring 49m long, 15m wide, and weighing 220 tonnes. It has 29 air-conditioned accommodations split across three decks. All offer private verandas with lake views and exceptional comfort.
“Nothing is too much effort to make sure you have the greatest possible experience,” says Richard Mutanda, Group Sales and Marketing Manager.
Private and group charters are now available on the houseboat, and the operator, Zambezi Cruise and Safaris, offers tailored services to meet the needs of all travellers.
The boat can accommodate large groups of up to 150 passengers on day tours for an outstanding magical holiday cruise. Trader also accommodates up to 68 pax sharing in the cabins. Conferences, weddings, family vacations, or special-interest cruise holidays can all be hosted on the houseboat.
FITs are now accommodated and may book specific departure dates on three-night cruises. And Mutanda says travel agents are paid commission on bookings for these set-departure-date FIT and Group bookings.
“We now have a new product that can work for your FIT and Groups series. We are now able to offer scheduled departures onboard the Zambezi Trader from April to October 2024, Friday through to Monday, as weekend escapes and extensions to other Zimbabwean safari destinations,” says Mutanda.
“Zambezi Cruise & Safaris works closely with African Parks to offer game drives into the Matusadona National Park directly from the cruise vessels, creating both land and lake experiences.”
Mutanda supplied a sample of the activities over the three-night itinerary.
The days spent on board follow an itinerary of fishing opportunities for those inclined, viewing hippo and crocodile, game-viewing trips around Kariba’s many bays and inlets on tender boats and game drives in Matusadona National Park.
Matusadona is known for its water-based wildlife viewing with wildlife coming down to the lake to drink from May to November, as there is no inland water. Over and above the great land mammal population, Lake Kariba is known as having one of the greatest populations of hippo and giant Nile crocodiles in Africa.
“This is certainly one of last great sanctuaries of the Zambezi River and Southern Africa in general,” says Mutanda.
After a 07h00 wake-up call and a continental breakfast, passengers head off on explorations of the area around the day’s mooring, taking along cool drinks and water. Guides are searching for the unusual and not so easy to see, lion, leopard, big crocodiles and swimming elephants, plus antelope species and “incredible” birdlife. Those who would like to fish can take a different vessel and the guides will teach passengers how to fish too. Enthusiasts can ask the chef to cook their personal catch of the day. After heading back to the houseboat for a relaxing brunch, the crew cast off and the craft sails to the next mooring. An afternoon boat expedition includes sundowners under a beautiful African sunset. Dinner is served on the Zambezi Trader.
On the final day, breakfast is served while cruising back into harbour, then a vehicle takes guests to Kariba airport for their flight back to Victoria Falls. Those guests who have a late departure are welcome to go to Kariba Safari Lodge to relax at the pool and bar area, or enjoy some activities such as the Kariba Dam wall visit and town tour.
Lake Kariba, located on the Zambezi River between Zambia and Zimbabwe, is 270km long, and is one of Africa's most scenic lakes. Its rivers provide the finest opportunity for fishing and water activities in a breathtaking savannah setting abounding with magnificent wildlife, ranging from impala to elephants.
For more information, or to book, go to https://zambezicruisesafaris.com.
