Kariba Ferries (Kariba Ferry)

Kariba Town, Lake Kariba

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Kariba Ferries service operates between Kariba at the Eastern end of the lake and Mlibizi at the Western end. The ferry Sealion carries up to 70 passengers and 15 standard vehicles on a voyage taking 22 hours (weather permitting).

 

Facilities on board include: Communal accommodation in the lounge on purpose-made chairs that fold completely flat to form a bed. Mattresses for those wishing to sleep on deck under the stars are available. Travel rugs and pillows are provided for overnight. Two of each sex toilets and hot showers. Licensed cash bar.

 

Your fare is quoted on a full board basis including teas & coffees.

 

There is a height restriction on berths of 2 metres for 9 vehicles, 3 berths for vehicles that do not exceed 2.5 metres under a covered deck area and 3 berths with no height restriction (ideal for high clearance 4x4s with roof racks or roof-top tents). If those unrestricted spaces are already occupied, those who are willing to remove roof top tents or roof racks for the duration of the voyage are still able to secure a berth under the deck. Our crew are well versed in this operation and will help, or do this for you and fit it back at the end of the voyage. 

 

Departure time is 10.30am from Andora Harbour West, Kariba and from our loading point at Mlibizi the following day. Passengers are advised to be at the departure /loading point not less than 1 hour prior to sailing. Boarding/loading of vehicles begins at 09.30am. We do encourage all passengers to arrive earlier if they are able and once all vehicles and passengers are on board we may depart earlier, thereby increasing the daylight time on your voyage. This does also mitigate possible late arrival times due to wind

 

NOTE:  Several sailings are provisional and will only be confirmed as and when there are enough bookings to justify doing so. There are many confirmed sailings Please visit our website.

 

The ferry is available on a charter basis throughout the year, when not sailing to Mlibizi and back and on a regular schedule as often as we can i.e. when demand is high (e.g. during peak holiday times). Prior booking is essential.

 

Check the Ferry Schedule for sailing dates for the current period at this link: Kariba Ferries Schedule and this link for 2025 http://www.karibaferries.com/booking/2025/

 

Reviews 2

Sophie ffrench-Constant, United Kingdom 18 November 2017
Do not expect plush cabins or private bedrooms, the sleeping arrangements are basic with a communal area filled with seats which can be converted into camp beds. If you are prepared for this, then the ferry is an excellent way to cover a lot of ground with very little effort! With the cars parked on the lower deck, the upper deck has an inside area, with the convertible chairs, and an outside area with tables and chairs for eating, drinking or playing games. There is also a quieter small deck area at the front of the boat. Meals are provided, leaving you to just focus on relaxing and passing the time while the ferry does all the hard work. Hi Sophie. Thanks for your positive comments on our service. We have never punted it as anything other than a “Ferry service” that has over the years become a part of the tourist circuit and that many regard as being the highlight of their trip to Zimbabwe and we do believe that we offer value for the money spent on the trip. Many have said that ours is the best food that they have had whilst in the country and this included upmarket lodges that they had stayed in. We look forward to hopefully seeing you again in the not too distant future. Allan Harris Director
Ros Pitman, Zimbabwe 15 April 2017
This is an absolutely GREAT way to cross Lake Kariba - linking Vic Falls and Hwange with Kariba and Mana Pools. We've done it both ways now - the long, hard, bumpy trek by road (potholes and all) and the sit-back-and-relax-with-gin-&-tonic-in-hand way on the Kariba Ferry. I know what my choice will be next time! Make no mistake, this is NOT a luxury cruise. The ferry facilities are basic, but the point is this gets you from A to B with no stress and without wrecking your car in the process! The scenery during the day is awesome. The ferry stops to allow a swim in the Lake (only for the brave!). The food was good and plentiful. Sleeping arrangements are a little rudimentary, but, hey, who cares? It's an overnight adventure! If you're on a self-drive-camping holiday, you'll love the relaxing break that the Kariba Ferry offers!
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Telephone +263 772 232 155
Mobile +263 772 232 177 (WhatsApp)
Price Mid-range
Full Catering
Kariba Ferries (Kariba Ferry) operates in:

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