Mlibizi is the western terminus for Lake Kariba ferry services.
Msuna & Deka are popular fishing and cruising destinations along the Zambezi River between the Batoka and Devil's Gorges
The little fishing village and boating harbour of Mlibizi lies at the extreme western end of Lake Kariba and is the traditional terminus for the passenger and vehicle ferry service that plies Lake Kariba. Link to Kariba from here on a 22-hour overnight journey via Kariba Ferries.
The overnight ferry service which carries vehicles (but has roof space for only three high-roof 4x4s) is a popular way for visitors to traverse the lake to Kariba town from the Hwange/ Victoria Falls area - or vice versa. Be aware, however, that some ferry sailing dates are provisional and can only be confirmed as and when there are enough bookings to justify a trip. Early booking is essential. Check out the Kariba Ferries advance Sailing Schedule on their website.
The ferry departs at 9.00a.m. but passengers need to embark an hour before this. Some tour operators in Victoria Falls and Hwange offer road transfers to Mlibizi for travellers without a vehicle. However, since the transfer journey is 3+ hours long from Vic Falls, unless you want to make an extremely early morning start, it is usually more convenient to stay in Mlibizi the night before the ferry departs to Kariba.
Accommodation in Mlibizi is restricted to a few privately-owned lodges, self-catering houses, a small hotel and a lakeside resort (self-catering chalets and a campsite) next to the ferry terminal. Pontoon-style boats can be hired for fishing at a daily rate.
The Zambezi is navigable for houseboats and fishing boats upstream from Mlibizi, where the river enters Lake Kariba via the magnificent, steep-sided Devil's Gorge. There is spectacular cruising and some wonderful overnight mooring spots here and up the Gwayi River which meets the Zambezi just above the Gorge.
Further upstream the river opens up at Msuna, (featured in our main image photo courtesy Shaun McMinn Photography) where a number of attractive fishing lodges and chalets are available on a self-catering basis on the mainland or on Msuna Island.
Zambezi Cruise & Safaris offer 2 or 3-night set departure cruises aboard the Zambezi Trader for groups or individual guests from Victoria Falls. Cruises leave Msuna Island harbour to explore the water and land-based delights of the Zambezi River as it flows towards Lake Kariba.
Upstream of Msuna Island, at the confluence of the Deka and Zimbabwe Rivers is the strangely-named Deka Drum - a remote fishing location overlooking the Zambezi River - and yet further upstream (80 kms from Victoria Falls, just below the downstream end of the Batoka Gorge), is Sidinda. There are a few private fishing camps in these areas.
For assistance with booking accommodation, houseboats, transfers and activities in and around the Mlibizi, Msuna, Deka and Sidinda areas, contact:-
Africa Addict (agent in Victoria Falls)
Baobab Bookings (agent in Harare & Kariba)
Heartveld Adventures (agent based in Kariba)
Zambezi Cruise & Safaris
Related articles:-
TRAVEL ADVICE FOR SELF-DRIVERS: Tackling the remote "Back Route": Victoria Falls/Hwange to Kariba/Mana Pools (Travel Blog, April 2022)