Southern Africa > Zimbabwe > Lake Kariba > The Matusadona

The Matusadona  |  Kariba Cruiser
Luxury Safari Motor Cruiser on Lake Kariba
3 Double Bedrooms - Sleeps 6

Meticulously built over a number of years with imported materials, “Matusadona” is the ultimate of style and comfort on Lake Kariba. Matusadona is finished in African hardwood timbers and furnished with rich fabrics, leather and Egyptian cottons, Matusadona has been described as “an intimate luxury lodge on the water”. With spacious air-conditioned cabin accommodation for up to seven passengers, situated right on the waterline, you’ll feel at one with nature. The gentle lapping of waves, the frequent grunt of the hippos, the distant lion’s roar, the cough of a leopard, the eerie cry of the Fish Eagle and all the attendant sounds of Africa – you’re in the real bush whilst cocooned in the lap of luxury. Attached is a speed-boat for transfers and a game-viewing pontoon geared for water-based game viewing. A completely different experience to land-based game viewing, watching a herd of elephants coming down to drink, so close you can almost touch them.
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​​​Attached is a speed-boat for transfers and a game-viewing pontoon geared for water-based game viewing. A completely different experience to land-based game viewing, watching a herd of elephants coming down to drink, so close you can almost touch them, their calves frolicking in the water with their mothers suspiciously standing by, is a truly memorable experience.
​On sweltering summer evenings, sip on refreshing cocktails in the Jacuzzi under the stars, or at the bar, and on the odd chilly African evening, warm up with a Cognac in the cosy saloon and watch a variety of wildlife documentaries.​
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Travelling to a different and secluded mooring every day, you will always awaken to a new experience, be it on one of the numerous islands, up one of the rivers, or in the Matusadona National Park, these are experiences that many can only dream about.
Matusadona is perfect for an amazing family holiday, a romantic honeymoon or simply a break from ‘real’ life.

Matusadona is ideally suited for groups of up to 6 guests. The vessel measures 28.6 meters in length and 6.85 meters on the beam.

She comprises 3 decks:
Matusadona Safari Motor Cruiser, Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe
Reservations: +27 878 222 335
Start Planning Your Kariba Houseboat Safari Now!
​Cabin Deck | Lower
Three en‐suite guest cabins with queen size beds are located on the lower deck. A 4th en‐suite single cabin is allocated to your on‐board manager. These cabins are accessed via an indoor staircase from the saloon. The spacious crew quarters are accessed through a separate entrance on the bow.

Saloon Deck | Middle
The middle deck comprises a gourmet galley (including washing machine, tumble dryer, 2 fridge‐freezers, electric oven, gas hob, microwave), the wheelhouse, an al‐fresco breakfast area and an indoor saloon.. The indoor saloon offers a dining area and coffee station, a business desk and a lounge complete with DVD player, sound system, a choice of board games and a small library collection.

Palm deck | Upper
The spacious open plan outdoor entertainment area on the upper deck offers 360 degree views of Lake Kariba and offers 2 lounge areas, dining area, bar and an open air jacuzzi.​
​OTHER FEATURES
  • Jacuzzi
  • Daily Laundry Service
  • Four Crew Members (Also qualified in advanced First Aid)
  • Morning Game Drives at Bumi Hills ($100 per person)
  • On‐board water filtration system (reverse osmosis) to provide purified drinking water throughout
  • Inverter system for lights and some power points during the times that the generators are not in use
  • Ice Machine with a capacity to produce over 40 kg of ice per day
  • Air Conditioning throughout the Saloon and Cabin Decks.
  • Life Jackets
  • Fire Extuinguishers
  • Fire Blankets
  • Radio Equipment
  • Satellite Telephone (Cellular reception is intermittent and dependent on location on the lake)
Rates: Matusadona Houseboat Rates

3 Night Charter
2 Passengers - $3150 per night ($1575 per person per night)
3 Passengers - $3400 per night ($1134 per person per night)
4 Passengers - $3650 per night ($913 per person per night)
5 Passengers - $3900 per night ($780 per person per night)
6 Passengers - $3900 per night ($650 per person per night)
4 Night Charter
2 Passengers - $2900 per night ($1450 per person per night)
3 Passengers - $3150 per night ($1050 per person per night)
4 Passengers - $3400 per night ($850 per person per night)
5 Passengers - $3650 per night ($730 per person per night)
6 Passengers - $3650 per night ($609 per person per night)
5 Night Charter or longer
2 Passengers - $2650 per night ($1325 per person per night)
3 Passengers - $2900 per night ($967 per person per night)
4 Passengers - $3150 per night ($788 per person per night)
5 Passengers - $3400 per night ($680 per person per night)
6 Passengers - $3400 per night ($567 per person per night)
  • Rates are quoted per night in United States Dollars. Rates depend on the number of passengers on board. Charters are subject to a minimum of 3 nights and a minimum of 2 passengers.
  • Matusadona is chartered out on a private basis only.
  • Check-in: Marineland from 09h00: Bumi Hills/Changa from 11h00
  • Check-out: Marineland before 12h00: Bumi Hills/Changa before 10h00
  • Fuel is based on cumulative average operation of the main engines over a maximum of 3½ hours per day. Combined average operation of generators over a maximum of 12 hours per day.
  • Matusadona offers one complimentary game drive in the Matusadona National Park per charter, availability of a vehicle and guide permitted. Game drives are operated by either Changa Safari Camp or Bumi Hills Safari Lodge, depending on the charter. Game drives have to be arranged prior to departure to ensure availability.
  • Matusadona keeps limited stock of angling tackle on board. We recommend that avid anglers bring their personal angling tackle.
  • Matusadona is ideally suited to accommodate 6 guests in 3 cabins (queen size beds). In addition, 4 children aged between 6 and 15 can be accommodated with extra mattresses and down sleeping bags at an additional charge of US$ 250 per child per night.
  • Matusadona can accommodate children from 6 years and older.
  • Matusadona operates from 15 January to 15 December annually.​
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