Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe · 4 days · From $1,400 per person · Booked direct with Josh Elliott, owner-operator
Duration4 Days
RegionLake Kariba
Max guests2
Activity levelEasy
Priced per personFrom $1,400
Best monthsApril to October
Overview
Lake Kariba is one of the world's great freshwater wildernesses: 5,400 square kilometres of lake, ringed by game-rich shores and ancient submerged forests. A houseboat safari is the most languid, most distinctive way to experience Zimbabwe's wildlife. Elephants wade into the shallows at dawn. Fish eagles call overhead. Tiger fish detonate beneath the surface. Hippos grunt through the night. Everything moves slowly on Kariba.
Elephants wading at the shoreline at dawn
Tiger fishing — one of Africa's great freshwater challenges
Game-viewing by tender boat — hippos, crocs, elephant
Sunsets over the Matusadona Mountains
Fish eagle calls across the water
Absolute stillness — the most relaxing safari in Zimbabwe
Why book direct with ZimTravellers?
Owner-plannedYou deal with Josh, directly
Generations deepFive generations in Zimbabwe
Private by defaultYour guide, your vehicle
A direct lineMessages answered by Josh himself
Itinerary
Day by day.
Start and finish at Harare Airport. Fly to Kariba by scheduled seat-rate service or private charter, board the houseboat for three nights on the lake, then fly back to Harare. The exact air schedule is confirmed at proposal stage.
LAKE KARIBA
Day 1
Day 1: Harare to Lake Kariba
Meet at Harare Airport and fly to Kariba by scheduled seat-rate service or private charter, subject to the operating schedule for your dates. Transfer to the marina, board the houseboat and cast off for the first afternoon on the lake.
HOUSEBOAT ON LAKE KARIBA
Day 2
Day 2: Game Viewing and Tiger Fishing
Take the tender along the shoreline at first light for elephant, hippo and crocodile, then fish the deeper channels for tiger fish. The houseboat moves slowly between sheltered bays, with the afternoon left open for more fishing or simply watching the shoreline.
HOUSEBOAT ON LAKE KARIBA
Day 3
Day 3: Lake Kariba
A full day on the lake. Use the tender for game viewing and fishing, or stay aboard while the boat works along the Matusadona shoreline. Anchor again for the evening.
HOUSEBOAT ON LAKE KARIBA
Day 4
Day 4: Lake Kariba to Harare
Return to the marina after a final morning on the water, transfer to the airstrip and fly back to Harare Airport. Scheduled seat-rate service or private charter is selected around your dates and confirmed in the proposal.
Lake KaribaHouseboat deckLake KaribaElephant on the shoreLake KaribaHippo yawningTrees on the shore of Lake Kariba.
Where you will stay
Hand-picked, night by night.
Lake Kariba · ZimbabweHouseboat on Lake KaribaDetails in your proposalDestination photograph. Houseboat confirmed in your proposal.
Things to know
Cancellation policy
25% charge (deposit): 90+ days out.
50% charge: 61 to 90 days.
75% charge: 31 to 60 days.
A 25% deposit confirms your itinerary.
Booking basics
Requested and confirmed within one working day.
Prices per person, based on two travelling together.
2 to 10 guests.
Participation & safety
Physical level: Easy.
Private and tailor-made journey cancellation
A 25% deposit is required to confirm your itinerary and is non-refundable.
If we receive your written cancellation more than 90 days before departure, the cancellation charge is 25% of the total booking price.
For cancellations received 61-90 days before departure, the charge is 50%.
For cancellations received 31-60 days before departure, the charge is 75%.
For cancellations received 30 days or fewer before departure, or in the event of a no-show, the charge is 100%.
Certain camps, lodges, private vehicles, permits and special arrangements may impose earlier or higher non-refundable charges. Any such condition will be itemised and disclosed before you pay your deposit and will apply only to the affected component.
Changes requested after services have been confirmed are subject to availability, supplier charges and repricing. A reduction in the number of travellers may increase the per-person price for those who continue to travel.
How booking works
Send your dates and party size. We confirm availability within one working day, usually sooner.
Nothing is charged until your booking is confirmed.
Deadlines are measured in calendar days, Central Africa Time, from the scheduled start of the first affected service. Cancellation must be submitted in writing. Full booking terms: zimtravellers.com/terms-of-service · Policy version 2026-07-11.v1
What’s included
Curated asBucket List Experiences
Included
3 nights aboard a fully staffed houseboat
All meals and soft drinks
Tender boat for game-viewing excursions
Fishing tackle and licence
Captain and crew throughout
Direct WhatsApp line to Josh before, during and after the tour
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