Zambezi Cruise & Safaris' Transcruiser - the MV ‘Zambezi Adventurer’, which, when completed, will be the largest vessel on Lake Kariba, is slowly becoming a reality.
This magnificent ferry-cruiser will be a "game-changer" for 4x4 self-drivers and overlanders who want to connect between Victoria Falls and Kariba/Mana Pools/Lusaka in cruising comfort without detouring all the way round the lake.
The vessel was built in South Africa, then de-constructed and, in October 2019, its components were transported by road to Kariba Town from Johannesburg. The whole thing is now being reassembled on the shores of Lake Kariba, for a potential launch at the end of 2020.
The 53 meter long and 11 meter wide Transcruiser, will have 28 cabins, all en-suite and air conditioned with stunning full glass views directly out to the lake, 2 swimming pools, 2 large air-conditioned bar-dining/lounge areas and numerous outdoor decks.
She will be the largest vessel ever to ply the waters of Lake Kariba (the image above is an artist's impression).
Bookings for the MV ‘Zambezi Adventurer’ are now available for 2021.
She will traverse Lake Kariba with a 3-night cruise between Binga and Kariba, alternating direction every 4-5 days in peak Safari season (April–October inclusive), and weekly from November to March.
The 1st (Lower) deck will comprise of 10 standard twin-bedded cabins with an additional 2 Pullman Bunks (fold out of the wall) enabling each cabin to sleep up to 4 pax.
The 2nd (Mid) deck will house 14 premiere cabins that can either be doubled bedded or twins.
4 larger cabins will grace the top deck, each with a private balcony.
The 3 night cruise will depart from the harbour at mid-day, allowing time for inbound/outbound travellers to arrive from Mana Pools, Hwange, Chobe, Lusaka, Victoria Falls or Livingstone etc. and cruise to her first evening’s stop, for optional water based activities, including game viewing, birding, fishing or just enjoying the scenery and sundowners from her 4 x 18 pax tender boats.
The transcruiser will dock in either Binga or Kariba on the 4th day – mid morning for onward flight or road transfers, or add on a night or two in Kariba at Kariba Safari Lodge or Crowned Eagle Boutique Hotel or in Binga at Masumu River Lodge or Kulizwe Marina Lodge.
Wild Zambezi is following this exciting new initiative with interest and will report on progress.