The Zambezi Cruise Safaris offers a relaxing 2 night cruise across Lake Kariba, and we were lucky enough to get one of the first tickets to a front row show.

The trip is offered with an early morning transfer departure from Victoria Falls to Binga, which takes about 4 and a half hours, depending on your luck with roads and bovine traffic. It is a fairly bumpy dirt road ride, some of the way, but well worth a look into rural Zimbabwe as you pass many vacant landscape, and small villages along the way. Once in Mlibizi you are welcomed with a warm smile and a cold beverage before heading down to meet Umbozha. Umbozha is a newly refurbished 28 pax boat consisting of 3 family cabins with double beds and bunks, 2 twin cabins with 2 bunks, two double bedded cabins, and 2 master cabins with Queen Size beds. All cabins are en-suite, with air-conditioning units and views directly onto the lake. There is also an open plan sitting/ lounge/ dining area which is comfortably furnished and well spaced for both intimacy and privacy. On the bottom deck there is a large open-aired sun-bathing area, with a 4m x 3m plunge pool, very useful in Zimbabwe’s scorching sun. There is a smaller deck stretch on either side of the Master suites and the main lounging area, as well as a half shaded deck at the very top near the skipper. Umbozha has a mid-Day departure cruising toward the Sengwe River. We were treated to a fresh light lunch, followed by an afternoon sunset / wildlife cruise of the Sengwe River with drinks and snacks. Umbozha pulls two tender boats behind it, one for fishing and one for game cruises. There was a slight attempt at trawling for Zambezi Tigers behind the small cruise tender as we went along, but there was enough beauty to dampen any spirits effected by no fish nibbles. We departed that evening, after beautiful 3 course dinner, to cross the Bumi Basin overnight. The crossing was fairly bumpy due to some bad winds, and is not recommended for sensitive stomachs if there is wind in the weather forecast. However the sunrise made it all worth it, as you are nearly the end of the crossing and the pink sun gleam sin through your windows. The day in Matusadona is spent on wildlife activities of choice with the option to book a walk or game drive from a partner product. With a chance view of hippos, eli’s, klipspringers and many many rock rabbits along the way. There is plenty of time to catch some sun, read that book you have been avoiding, or getting in a long-awaited siesta. A late afternoon sunset cruise with sundowners is followed by dinner on board whilst the boat docks overnight in Matusadona. The trip is ended with a final cruise to Kariba docks during breakfast. This is a good time to mention that all the meals were very well prepared, and were extremely scrumptious. They do cater to dietary requirements if booked beforehand. The staff didn’t hesitate to make you feel as full and comfortable no matter what your needs were! One of the five star take-aways from the trip is the ease and reliability of the staff. They went out of their way to calm the nerves during windy waters, and create a scene of pure tranquility at all time. Thank you to everyone on board for wonderful hospitality, and a spectacular product! Perfect for groups and big family getaways, this isn’t one you want to miss out on.