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Tafadzwa Zimoyo Lifestyle Writer
The vast blue expanse of the Kariba Dam spreads before us in awesome and eye-striking spectacle. The setting is perfect – the majestic Kariba, famed for its shoals of breams and tiger fish which has brought together so many an anglers from the corners of the globe to compete in the tiger-fishing tournament.
It feels wonderful to be part of the selected crowd about to take the maiden ride in the latest luxury boat to moor in the Kariba. What is especially great is the fact that this is a Zimbabwean owned boat.
But on this day, it is the newly-commissioned massive Umbozha House Boat that is the star-attraction to us for it is officially taking to the waters in what is set to be one of the latest novelties ever to grace the Zimbabwean tourism and recreational industry.
This is not just another boat being steered on the waters of the Kariba, but as its name suggests, it is bigger than life and fit for mbozhas – rich people.
The three-storey form looks massive and is a bit intimidating but once you get aboard it is as welcoming and comfy as any other high end hotel, which is what it is. A floating hotel.
“What is truly magical about a houseboat ride is the breathtaking view of the untouched and otherwise inaccessible Kariba that it offers, while you float!” remarked one guest.
Lake Kariba offers some of the best game viewing in the country as different animals lounge about the shores or come to the river to drink.
The man-made lake has become such a natural part of the area that many people find it hard to believe that it was created a few decades ago.
If you like, the whole feeling is like taking one of the leading five-star hotels and floating it on water!
For the land lubbers, getting on a boat for the first time can be sleeping nerve-jerking, but with some few minutes of mustering one’s guts, the fear of being devoured by the crocodiles or drowning is transformed into one of awe and sheer enjoyment as the houseboat takes off, and in this case it was headed for Antelope Island.
The swimming deck is awesome and offers guests a chance to feel at one with the might Zambezi without having to worry about the river’s native inhabitants, especially the incisor-toothed hippos and the ever hungry crocs. Not to mention the slithering serpents.
You can really have a refreshing rest where you are away from it all while enjoying top-of-the-range facilities that are on offer aboard the houseboat and these include food and drinks which are served by hospitable chefs who are always at your elbow to make sure that you are being served.
It is one way that the executive class can also retreat from the hullabaloo of characteristic of the urban set-up as well as the conventional hotels. The best part for me was getting to eat the freshest fish ever.
The houseboat chef prepared the fish, my friend’s catch. Within three hours the fish had been caught, cleaned, cooked and eaten.
How fresh is that?
Dunhu Ramambo group manager Christopher Chiparaushe said the launch of the houseboat is a plus for the country as it promotes tourism.
“To utilise the full potential of Kariba as a tourist destination, it is necessary to identify, develop and promote new and innovative tourism products such as the houseboats,” he said.
He said the boat can accommodate up to 40 people.
Umbozha houseboat captain Marnie Kloppers said he enjoys the lifestyle of cruising and considers it a good day at the office when he sees the satisfied faces of clients.
“I have been in the business for quite a long time and I enjoy my job well. We work according to the request with our clients.
All that is left is for Umbozha to live up to the promise of high standards that have come to be expected from all other reputable house boats on the Kariba.
Online Reporter