Baobab Bookings – a Zimbabwean based agency offering a selection of accommodation, houseboats, transfers and activities throughout Zimbabwe, but specialising in and around Kariba Town, Lake Kariba, Binga, Mlibizi and other areas, including Victoria Falls, Hwange, Matopos, Mana Pools, Eastern Highlands area, Gonarezhou, Chimanimani.
We also offer a selection of activities in the Vic Falls and Livingstone areas and destinations in the Chobe area.
The core business of the company is the self-catering lodges at Charara - on the shores of Lake Kariba, east of Kariba town - Wild Heritage, Nzou and Cerruti Lodges. On offer are 3 or 4 bedroom lodges, fully-equipped for self-catering, each with its own cook/houseman; most have private swimming pools, and air-conditioning. Gorgeous lake views; close encounters with wild life (elephant, zebra, hippo, jackal, buffalo, resident leopard in the area; waterbuck; etc.). Tender boats are available to hire for fishing, game viewing and recreational purposes. Fishing rod hire is also available.
Baobab Bookings also specialise in the hire of houseboats in Binga (at the western end of the lake) and in Kariba town (at the eastern end, near the dam wall). These include luxury and middle-of-the-range boats accommodating from 4 people up to 50 people. A huge variety of houseboats on offer. Road transfers; charter flights or commercial flights to or from the houseboats can be arranged.
Victoria Falls or Livingstone accommodation at either 3-5 star hotels, lodge accommodation or self-catering venues are offered, including the various activities, airport transfers, etc.
Kariba Ferry bookings can be made, with all arrangements, including accommodation the night before, transfer to or from the Ferry etc. taken care of.
Reviews 134
David Krige, Australia
15 October 2024
Loraine and her team were absolutely outstanding. We had such a wonderful houseboat trip to Kariba with absolutely no issues. Highly recommend Boabab Bookings for any African adventure that will have you relaxed from start to finish!
Thanks so much Dave – so pleased all went so well and thank you again for your support. Look forward to assisting you again in the future
Luc Raeymaekers, Belgium
28 September 2024
Thanks a lot Lorraine for your professionally handling our booking of the house boat 'Mtepatepa'. We really appreciated your swift communication and your assistance to make our stay in Kariba a wonderful experience. The crew on the house boat was fabulous. We hope to be back next year.
Thank you so much! I look forward to assisting you again on your next trip.
Ashley King, Zimbabwe
20 September 2024
Very well managed booking by Loraine. Once again it was faultless - thank you. Visited Matusadona for four days (highly recommended) and then Houseboat.
Karl Finnegan, Ireland
24 August 2024
Thanks so much to Loraine at Boabab for assisting us in arranging a trip of a lifetime to Zimbabwe in August 2024.
Everything ran very smoothly with all our transfers and our visit to Sable Valley Lodge in Hwange was an unforgettable experience, followed by further fun and activities in Vic Falls while staying at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge. Who could then forget he visit to 'Wild is Life' in Harare and meeting the rescued animals at high tea?!
From the time we began arranging our trip and then while being there, everyone could not have been more friendly or helpful and the locations were stunning. I could not recommend it higher.
Our experience as a family in Zimbabwe will always remain with us!
Neil Marlborough, Switzerland
15 August 2024
Loraine's recommendations and bookings for our family holiday around Zimbabwe exceeded all expectations. From Gona-re-Zhou to Hwange and Vic Falls Baobab Bookings was super friendly and professional. All accommodation, service and experience outstanding, and not a single hiccup the whole trip. Thanks so much Loraine and looking forward to our next trip with Baobab.
Carolyn Price, Zimbabwe
9 January 2023
4 nights on Return to Eden over New Year - the best time ever. Thank you, and the crew were just brilliant. Thank you Loraine for your very good service/support.
Thank you Carolyn - much appreciated
A. Nijland, The Netherlands
18 December 2022
21B Hornbills (Wild Heritage on Lake Kariba): Great place. We enjoyed it immensely. And Ngoni took good care of us. He is very nice man.
Thank you, Albert and wishing you and your family a very happy 2023
Lars and Gitte Kristiansen, Denmark
8 December 2022
Once again :-) Thank you for looking into all the options one can book in beautiful Zimbabwe. We chose Changa Safari Camp for 3 nights, plus boat transfers from Marineland. All went perfectly, such friendly service. Our stay at Changa was beautifully amazing, such personal, friendly service. Game drives, walking safari, boat trip to Sanyati gorge and fantastic sunsets, also sunrises. Also a great place just to relax and switch off. We should have stayed 4 nights, so much to do. Back in Denmark, we are already planning our next trip :-)
Thank you Loraine for all your support.
Tom Pickles, UK
13 October 2022
A huge thank you to Loraine for organising the most amazing trip between Victoria Falls and Chobe. From the very start she made everything so easy and was always on hand to efficiently answer any queries or to research any ideas. From the moment we arrived everything was faultlessly organised. We cannot wait to arrange another trip to Zim and will, without doubt, be going to straight to Loraine to help. I cannot recommend her highly enough
THANK YOU so much what an awesome review - really appreciate this. What a pleasure working with you too.
Gemma, Zambia
3 October 2022
We loved our trip on Voyageur, comfortable beds and aircon were a welcome treat! The crew were wonderful, will definitely be back!
Thanks Gemma - much appreciated
AR, Zimbabwe
27 September 2022
Thank you for helping organise a wonderful charter on Vunduful. It was the first time on a houseboat for several of our party. Very enjoyable and comfortable. Fishing was a bit disappointing but will definitely be booking through Baobab again.
Paul Greener, Portugal
16 August 2022
Loraine handled with great professionalism a complicated itinerary for us from Victoria Falls, Kariba, Mana and back to Harare involving charters, transfers, houseboats and canoeing with multiple partners . The trip went like clockwork, which is not a given in the sometimes eccentric conditions of travel in Zimbabwe. I strongly recommend the service.
THANK YOU Paul - this is such a great review - really appreciate this
Kim Ferreira, Zimbabwe
2 July 2022
We had a stunning holiday at Nzou in Kariba. So relaxing and enjoyed our special family time. Thank you Loraine for organising everything so efficiently. We can not wait to book our next holiday.
Michelle Scott Elliot, Zimbabwe
3 May 2022
We loved Vunduful and our 5 nights were so relaxing. The crew were amazing and the fishing was superb. Thanks Loraine for organising it all and for answering all our questions (even the daft ones!) Will definitely be booking again next year.
Liam Carpenter, Zimbabwe
19 April 2022
Amazing Easter weekend at Wild Heritage booked through Loraine / Baobab Bookings. The staff at the Lodge #13 were fantastic. John is very pleasant and made great meals. I would definitely recommend.
Graham, South Africa
19 April 2022
Many thanks once again Loraine. Always such a pleasure booking trips with you (it's like having a friend in the travel industry :-)). Highly recommended to anyone wanting to travel to this part of the world. Looking forward to "our" next trip.
Thank you so much for your review and yes I agree it is like we have become friends over all the years that you have been dealing with me
Thank you for all your support. Look forward to assisting you with your next adventure.
Louise Cochrane, Zimbabwe
14 January 2022
Such a breeze dealing with you Lorraine, thank you! Always great efficient service. All the best for 2022.
Tracy, Zimbabwe
10 January 2022
Loraine - just wanted to say a huge thank you, once again for your efficient and helpful service as always! We had a magnificent time on Sahwira for 5 nights. The staff were super friendly and helpful, Robert our chef was amazing! The boat is well laid out, with plenty room and clean! Will definitely be booking this boat again!!! Now one of my favourite boats on the lake!!! Thank you!!!!
Thanks so much for your review Tracy – so pleased all went so well – much appreciate you posting this review too. Look forward to assisting you again in the future. Take care until next time. With kind regards. Loraine
Fafie M, Zimbabwe
23 December 2021
We booked our group holiday through Loraine and honestly we enjoyed our time at Wild Heritage 7 & 19 as well as Nzou 24. Our cooks John, James and Philemon were wonderful and they made our stay so so easy. We are definitely using her services again!
Kundayi, Zimbabwe
17 November 2021
Thank you sooo much Loraine for your speedy and professional service. We inquired about a stay at Matetsi and all Loraine needed was our preferred dates. After that we literally had a confirmed booking within hours. I would highly recommend her services to anyone who's on the market for a great holiday and looking for someone who brings results to the table.
Surbhi, Zimbabwe
10 November 2021
We booked our trip to Vic Falls with Loraine. She is spot on with everything from sharing options for stay, along with all activities and suggestions for things to do in the area. She is incredibly patient and replies every small query you have. All our bookings were spot on from pick ups, drops, check ins.. The attention to detail in the bookings was just amazing. We didn't have to wait a minute for any pre booked activities.
I am very happy that we booked with Baobab and Loraine and needless to stay will be booking all our future trips through her. I highly recommend her!!
Dear Surbhi. Thank you so much for the review on the Wild Zambezi site and also on my Facebook page. It was such a pleasure assisting you and I really look forward to assisting with your next trip. Take care until next time. With kind regards, Loraine.
Shonet, Zimbabwe
21 June 2021
Thanks to Loraine for organizing our lovely trip last month on board Tantalika. Always efficient and very good with communications. Thank you Loraine.
Thanks so much for taking the time to post a review – really appreciated and so pleased you had such a good trip. Look forward to assisting you with all your other plans this year. Loraine
KP, Zimbabwe
21 June 2021
Awesome service from Loraine and booked us at Spurwing, Kariba. Very nice resort and friendly staff, good place to be with family and friends away from day to day stress, just relaxing with game drive and most importantly FISHING for a non fishing person, what an excellent experience. Food was good, catered to our vegetarian requirements. Definitely to go back place...the transport from Marineland in speed boat is an excellent experience too...all together thumps up and keep up the good work
Thank you so much for your feedback and your review – I am so pleased to hear that you had such a good stay. And I look forward to assisting you with your next trip. Loraine
Sean, South Africa
28 April 2021
Awesome service from Loraine at Baobab bookings! She really goes the extra mile and is an absolute pleasure to deal with. Super quick and efficient service too. I can't recommend Baobab highly enough for Zim bookings!
Thank you so much for your review and your very kind and generous comments Look forward to assisting you again in the future. With kind regards Loraine
Simba Nyika, Zimbabwe
25 April 2021
Amazing place and excellent service from Loraine and the staff that took great care of us during our stay at Kariba. I would definitely recommend anyone to check out their place and most definitely will do a return visit. Worth every penny.
Thank you for taking the time to post a review – I am really happy to hear that you enjoyed your trip so much. Look forward to assisting you again in the future.
Marco, Italy
20 April 2021
Great work from Loraine. Quick and effective booking. No additional fees, and she fixed the issues of the down payment, which was waived. Very much recommended.
Thank you for your review Marco – very much appreciated and look forward to assisting you with your next trip
SCHMITT, France
12 February 2021
Thank you again to Loraine for her professionalism, her services, recommendations and her availability, another wonderful time at Wild Heritage in Kariba. Thanks to her.
Thank you sincerely for your review – much appreciated and look forward to assisting you again in the future. With kind regards.
Loraine
Lorna Grant, Zimbabwe
14 January 2021
Loraine's service is fast, efficient, and she was helpful with every aspect of booking us onto a houseboat. Highly recommended. Thank you Loraine!
Dear Lorna. Thank you so much for your review – very much appreciated. Look forward to assisting you again with your next trip.
With kind regards, Loraine
JB, Zimbabwe
11 January 2021
Had an excellent trip to Vic Falls. Was rather last minute but Loraine pulled through with options. Beauty of it, is I just gave Loraine my preference, itinerary and activities required, and she sorted everything out flawlessly. Didn't even have to worry about anything. Thank you very much Loraine.
Thank you so much for your review JB – so pleased you enjoyed your trip and that all went flawlessly. Look forward to assisting you with your next trip.
Isheanesu, ZImbabwe
5 January 2021
Thank you to Loraine for her wonderful efficient service with our booking for Kariba for Dec! We had a wonderful time at Nzou Lodges #14.
Tatenda Murungweni, Zimbabwe
4 January 2021
Loraine did an excellent job, the bookings were hustle free and her recommendations. we had a great holiday thank you Loraine
GRAEME WATERFALL, ZIMBABWE
4 January 2021
BOOKING AND INFORMATION FROM LORRAINE VERY GOOD, HOUSE BOAT GREAT, STAFF GOOD, SPECIAL MENTION TO THE CAPTAIN. WONDERFUL FEW DAYS. WILL BE BACK! THANK YOU TO ALL.
Moyra Wayte, Zimbabwe
3 January 2021
Number 17 Wild Heritage was spotless and perfectly clean with all the equipment for every need. The chef was absolutely incredible and helpful. The view was spectacular especially from the beautiful pool. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay
Rutendo, Zimbabwe
23 December 2020
Loraine was fantastic! Very efficient and very responsive, booking through Baobab was a breeze. We had a great time at the Victoria Falls Safari Suites, the special was way more than what we expected. The food was 5 star! Definitely booking our next family holiday with them.
Hussein M, Zimbabwe
2 December 2020
We had an exceptional time at Chikwenya. We had gone as a family of 6 and would like to thank Lorraine for everything. From the time of booking and till we got back, everything went smoothly. Will definitely book again with Lorraine.
Corinne , Zimbabwe
2 November 2020
Nzou lodge has a very refreshing , restful vibe. An amazing experience seeing the animals come right by the lodge. Would definitely come again.
Raphael Khumalo, Zimbabwe
2 November 2020
Thanks Lorraine for recommending Nyamatusi in Mana Pools for our 36th wedding anniversary. We are very grateful to the staff for giving us a memorable stay. They were all knowledgeable and willing to help. The accomodation was great, food very good and the game drives memorable. Thanks to the tenacity of our tour guide Cloud, we were able to see a lot of game much more than we have seen before.
Natalie, Australia
13 January 2020
We had a lovely stay at Hornbills Haunt and Plovers Pad at Wild Heritage! The houses were great and Stefan, Ngoni and Tumai were wonderful. Loraine was fantastic with our booking and all our queries. We will definitely be using Baobab bookings again! Thank you!
Thanks Natalie – very pleased to hear that you enjoyed your stay
Ashley, South Africa
13 January 2020
Thank You Loraine for making our family trip to Binga on the Ponty House Boat an enjoyable and memorable trip.Trustworthy, timeous, honest and dependable. Always helpful. Highly recommended. The owners and staff of the Ponty House Boat must also be commended. Always friendly and helpful. The chef on board for the freshly baked birthday cake on board for my daughters birthday, and the three de lich ous meals a day. What a relaxing experience on board. Thank you guys.
Thank you so much for taking the time to post this review – and I am so pleased to hear that you had such a good trip. Look forward to assisting you again in the future. With kind regards and warmest wishes, Loraine
Ilana Lapham, Zimbabwe
5 January 2020
Lorraine was incredibly helpful and the houseboat trip with the Philippa was amazing. The crew were very efficient and we didn't want for anything.
Booking the holiday was such a breeze and I can't wait to plan the next trip!
Thank you Ilana. Very much appreciate you taking time to submit a review and thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your houseboat trip. Look forward to assisting you again in the future. With kind regards and warmest wishes, Loraine
Brian Lewis, South Africa
1 January 2020
What a truly remarkable piece of paradise! The views, the facilities and the friendly staff make this one of the most enjoyable holidays for families. Loraine and her Team run an exceptionally slick operation and went out of their way to ensure that we were comfortable and happy at all times. I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this phenomenal establishment.
Thank you Brian. Very much appreciate you taking time to submit a review and thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your stay. Look forward to assisting you again in the future. With kind regards and warmest wishes, Loraine
Lawrence Kamba , Zambia
31 December 2019
Many Thanks to Baobab bookings for making our holiday memorable, we were booked into Nzou Lodge 14 and Lodge 5 , and the atmosphere gave the whole family an amazing time to refresh and relax , late afternoon drive to the plains gave us an opportunity to see the elephants , hippos and other game animals, and some of our family had a rare opportunity to see a leopard. We look forward to coming back again to Nzou for a wonderful experience.
Thank you Lawrence. Very much appreciate you taking time to submit a review and very pleased to hear that you enjoyed your stay. Look forward to assisting you again in the future. With kind regards
And warmest wishes. Loraine
Dilan Bhikha, Zimbabwe
20 November 2019
Just want to thank Lorraine for Booking and managing our houseboat trip to Kariba. Booking a trip has never been easier. OB JOYFUL is a great house boat and the crew are great to say the least. Captain Godfrey kept us entertained on the boats with his good humor and Warren the chef never left us starving.
Thanks Lorraine again for the great service and we'll be in touch next time we plan to go on holiday.
Regards Dilan
Germain Labonne, France
30 August 2019
Thank you Lorraine for having organized our wonderful stay at Kariba Lake. Wild Heritage is a lovely place to visit, with an amazing view and very comfortable. Definitely we will come back.
Thank you for taking time to post this review – and thank you again for your booking. Look forward to assisting you with your next stay. Loraine, Baobab Bookings
Kim + Deon, Zimbabwe
19 July 2019
Thanks Loraine for organising our amazing trip on Zambuka. We had a fantastic time, it is truly one of the best houseboats we've ever stayed on. The crew was amazing, and we were well looked after and well fed. A bonus was that the Zambuka is so fuel efficient, and we used much less than budgeted for. We can't wait to go on another trip...
Thanks so much Kim & Deon – absolutely thrilled that you had such a good time on Zambuka – look forward to assisting with your next trip :-)
Wayne Harris, Zimbabwe
13 May 2019
Dear Loraine, thanks for looking after us in Kariba. Our stay at Plovers Pad, Wild Heritage was excellent, we enjoyed every minute of our stay, and will be back. Kennedy took excellent care of us :-) Again thanks for all your help and we'll be seeing you soon.
Michelle van Rooyen, Zimbabwe
5 May 2019
We had a very lovely break on the Golden Mariner. It's a very beautiful, neat and well kept boat with lots of space. And the crew was amazing they made sure we were well catered for and they were never intrusive at all. Kudos to Chris who is an amazing chef.
Thank you so much Loraine for the efficient service. It's really heart warming to deal with people who have customers at heart. I was also especially impressed that even the owner of Golden Mariner gave us a heads up on the fuel situation in Kariba. Luckily we didn't encounter any challenges over the Easter break.
Will definitely be making all my local bookings via Baobab Bookings!
Thanks so much Michelle – so appreciate you taking the time to post this amazing review – look forward to assisting you again in the future
Warmest wishes until then. Loraine
Richard Pollen, Zimbabwe
29 April 2019
Many thanks Loraine for organising our booking at Nzou over the Easter weekend. Was an awesome few days of chillaxing. Thanks once again for a job well done.
Tammy, Zimbabwe
27 February 2019
Thank you Loraine for organising a wonderful Half term break for us and our friends and family at Changa! We were well taken care of as the service and staff are always brilliant. The rooms are amazing with incredible views of the lake and wildlife. It is heaven there!!
It is always such a treat to be in Kariba enjoying the hot weather, fishing and time relaxing by the pool. Thank you Loraine for looking after every detail of the trip and always being on hand to organise any changes.
Bill, Zimbabwe
13 January 2019
I'd like to thank Lorraine for organising our trip to #11 Wild Heritage. Everything was very clean, modern and comfortable with Lazarus doing a great job of looking after us.
Managed to fill up with both diesel and petrol from NAU which was a real bonus given the fuel queues all the way up to Kariba.
And on the last evening we had a visit on our front lawn from two bull elephants which just seemed to cap off a perfect holiday.
Two points to note:
1. The bream fishing has changed from putting on a worm on a hook and dobba dobba to using game block and rabbit pellets for chumming. Perhaps in your notes you could mention this for the random fishermen.
2. Most of the plug points are round when in Zimbabwe we tend to use square, so maybe a mention to bring up adaptors to charge camera batteries etc.
Once again many thanks and we will return.
Dear Bill. Thank you sincerely for your review and for your invaluable feedback – it really helps us to hear things like this from you. Look forward to assisting you again in the future. With kind regards and warmest wishes. Loraine