Below are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
If your question is not answered below, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
A: The only boat permitted to travel from the eastern side of Lake Kariba to Binga is the Kariba Ferry. Charter boats are restricted to the Eastern Basin of the Lake.
A. You can self drive, transfers are available from Harare and Lusaka or you can fly in with Solenta on their charter flights
A: A boat chartered on a “bare boat” basis excludes all fuel (for the mother boat, tender boat/s, generator), outboard oil, cleaning materials, catering and drinks.
A: Due to recent fluctuations in the cost of fuel approximate costs will be in the region of USD 1.50 per litre for both Petrol and Diesel.
The boat, generator and tender boat/s will be fully fuelled on your departure. (Please ensure a member of your party checks this has been done with the Captain, as we cannot be held responsible for any discrepancies). On return to the harbour the boat will be refueled.
A: Yes, we are more than happy to supply quotes for any inclusions required.
A: Yes, if you place your order on a sale-or-return basis, you will be refunded for the beverages not consumed – as per the terms and conditions of the drinks suppliers.
A: Kariba tap water is provided. However, we strongly recommend you bring your own fresh or bottled water, or order bottled water for the trip.
Kariba is very hot for most of the year, so a good supply of drinking water is essential.
A: Ice is not only required for your drinks but also to keep your food cold when the genenerators are not running.
For Winter Months – 4 blocks per day
For Summer Months – 5 blocks per day
A: A small minority of the boats will supply the above, but rods and reels can be hired from Kariba and tackle and bait may be purchased there, too.
A: Yes, all the boats come with a full crew, made up of Captain, chef and deckhands. Please note that all tender boats are crew-driven only.
A: Yes, you may. However, if 2 tender boats are supplied with the mother boat, you may have to leave one of the mother boat’s tenders behind, in which case this arrangement will have to be made with the Captain.
Please note: towing of your personal boat by the mother boat is at your own risk.
A: No, pets are not permitted on any of our charter vessels.
A: All the boats come fully equipped with gas stoves, fridges, freezers, linen, cutlery and crockery. However, you may be asked to supply your own towels on some boats.
A: If you plan to have toddlers on board, we recommend you opt for a pontoon type boat that has protective mesh railings on the sides. However, children must be carefully watched at all times.
A: No, the latest you may board a boat to travel is 16:30 hours in summer months and 16:00 in winter months.
A: Before departing from the harbour, have a chat to your captain about your requirements, i.e. if you would like to do fishing, or game viewing, or a bit of both. He will recommend the best places to moor for the evenings within manageable sailing distance. A guide line on distances are as follows: –
2 night charter – up to Palm Bay
3 night charter – up to Sanyati West
4 night charter – up to Elephant Point
5 nights and more – up to Ume River
A: We don’t recommend you walk on the shore unless accompanied by a professional, armed Zimbabwean Registered guide, as most wild animals can be dangerous to humans.
If you do disembark, it is at your own risk and you may only go 20 metres from your boat.
No fires are allowed on the shore as you are in a National Park and the risk of bush fires is too great.
A: The whole of the Zambezi Valley is a malaria area. Speak with your doctor before leaving home about prophylactics. You should also bring an insect repellent spray or cream with you to apply topically, especially in the evening. All boats are equipped with mosquito nets and most have screens on windows and doors for use in the evening.
A: Whilst most boats have a basic on-board first aid kit, it is a good idea to bring any specific medications you feel you may require. A good sun hat is advisable, binoculars, reading material and, of course, your camera!
A: Animals commonly seen are elephant, hippo, zebra, impala, crocodile, monkeys – occasionally lion, sable, waterbuck, buffalo and many more.
The most common bird you will see is the fish eagle, but there are also herons, cormorants, king fishers, egrets, gulls – to name a few.
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