Abangane Houseboat

Accommodation

This accommodation on Kariba offers a relaxing holiday on an 18-metre twin-hulled houseboat powered by two 85-HP Cummins diesel engines. It is moored at Kulizwe Lodge harbour in Binga, Zimbabwe on the south-western shore of Lake Kariba. The Abangane is able to accommodate 12 visitors comfortably although is registered to take 15. As the boat is “block” booked, cheap holidays per head result from larger parties.

Boarding the Abangane at the harbour should be from 12.00 noon on the day you arrive and disembarkation before 09.00 am on the day you leave. The outstanding crew take care of the Abangane and all the guests’ requirements from serving sundowners, providing meals, linking you up with an iPod dock, directing you to the best fishing spots, or accompanying you into the rivers where bird and game viewing can be spectacular. Obert is the Captain of the Abangane, Frank is the Chef and Jossam is the Deck Hand. They are qualified, friendly, hardworking and particularly good with children.

Although they are not babysitters, they are extremely patient and eager to instruct and help children with their fishing. After an exquisite sunset, there will be little to see but much to hear when the Abangane houseboat anchors close to the shore. Hippos grunt as they leave the water to graze through the night. Tiger fish flap against the steel hulls while the songs of night birds such as owls, nightjars, and water dikkop are distant enough to lull you to sleep. Our normal practice is to sail north-east visiting the Senkwe River, Chete Safari area, and the Ruzi. On the return trip, we stop often at Elephant Bay, only a few kilometres from Binga. This gives guests great opportunities to experience the magic of the Zimbabwean shore of Kariba, the fishing, the sunsets across the Lake and the bird and animal life.

• 2 cabins / changing rooms with 4 bunk beds in total (lower deck)
• 2 shower rooms, 2 separate toilets (lower deck)
• Most passengers sleep on mattresses under mosquito nets (provided) on the upper deck.

Specifications

• 18 metres twin hull
• The boat is powered by two 85 HP Cummins diesel engines.
• The boat is registered to accommodate 15 passengers (12 is a comfortable number) plus a crew of 3 to 4.

Upper Deck

Approximately 75% of the spacious upper deck of the Abangane houseboat is under cover and contains a bar with bottle cooler and ice making machine and the counter doubles as a cosy meal table. Most passengers sleep under mosquito nets (provided) on the upper deck. Two freezers are situated on the deck and a large gas braai (barbeque) unit complements the cooking facilities and provides sociable meal preparation.

Lower Deck

Consist of crews quarters, storerooms, 2 cabins/changing rooms with 4 bunks, 2 shower rooms, 2 separate toilets and a fully equipped kitchen, which include electrical appliances, a gas stove,2 fridges and 3 deep freezers. A shower is situated on the Bermuda deck.

Facilities

Generators provide 220 Volt electrical power to operate fridges, freezers, a hot water geyser, a washing machine, fans and plug points and charges the batteries to service the 12 Volt lighting system. An inverter ensures that the iPod dock (supplied) and fans work when the generators are switched off.

Two twin hulled tender boats powered by 25HP Mariner outboard motors are towed by the boat to allow access to shallow waters for fishing, and game and bird viewing. Please treat them with care. Passengers may bring their own tender boats, but only 3 boats may be towed by the Abangane houseboat.

The Crew A captain, cook and one or two crew members will attend to all your needs. Please advise them of your daily routine, ensure that they get a rest period during the day and are not kept up too late at night.

Laundry There is no laundry service on the boat, but the crew will assist should it become necessary.

Drinking water is filtered, but not chlorinated. You may wish to boil the water, bring chlorine tablets, or buy bottled water. Drinking ice (chlorinated filters) is made at the bar, once the boat has exited the harbor and water can be drawn from the open lake.

Ice blocks for keeping drinks cold in insulated boxes on the rafts can be purchased through Taylors Kwikspar, or Gecko Charter Supplies and Services. (see catering below).

Gratuities are entirely at your discretion and should be related to good service which we are confident you will get on the Abangane houseboat.