Aboard the Zimbabwean Dream: A Southern Africa Riverboat Safari

Nat Hab’s Southern Africa Odyssey is a rare opportunity to discover the waterways and wildlife of Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe. You and 13 other travelers will have uninterrupted access to the islands, inlets and inland wildlife realms of Zimbabwe’s vast Lake Kariba, and will explore four national parks, encountering elephants, hippos, myriad birdlife and more. 

An Elegant Cruise on Southern Africa’s Lake Kariba

The history of Lake Kariba brims with historical mythology. It is described by locals as a spiritually powerful body of water and is revered by the locals of Zambia and Zimbabwe. 

Cruising Lake Kariba will open you up to Africa at its best. Lake Kariba is the world’s largest artificial lake, with a long history for South Africans and conservationists. This UNESCO World Heritage Site sits 810 miles upstream from the Indian Ocean. It is situated along the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, with many towns and settlements around it, including Kariba, Binga Village and Mlibizi in Zimbabwe and Siavonga and Sinazongwe on the Zambian side. Lake Kariba covers 2,300 square miles and is fed by the Zambezi River, which originates in Zambia and flows through Mozambique to the Indian Ocean. 

The Zambezi River flows 1,700 miles through southwestern Africa through deep gorges, across floodplains and over one of the world’s largest waterfalls. In the early 1950s, the decision was made to flood the Kariba Gorge to create Lake Kariba, officially making it the world’s largest artificial lake. This transformation has impacted the region’s locals, ecosystems, economic opportunities and many wildlife species. The dam represents a troubling colonial history and a once-hopeful leap into the future. 

Before the lake could be formed, vegetation was burned, leaving a thick layer of fertile soil as the lake’s bed. This foundation has helped produce the rich ecology that allows this lake to teem with life. The lake, so large it resembles an inland ocean, includes several islands, including Maaze Island, SampaKaruma, Fothergill, Mashape Island, Chete Island, Sekula, Spurwing, Snake Island, Antelope Island and Bed Island Chikanka. Drowned trees extend from the water’s calm surface. Lake Kariba is the site of some of Africa’s best game viewing opportunities. 

Wildlife of Lake Kariba

Panoramic windows throughout the Zimbabwean Dream and a sundeck offer a 360-degree panorama of Lake Kariba and its wildlife. Your journey will be filled with surreal sunsets and close encounters with the abundant wildlife around the lake. This stable water source draws in animals during the dry season, and many don’t need to venture from the shoreline for food.

The shoreline floodplains provide food for herbivores, which fall prey to predators such as lions and leopards. The lake provides the ideal habitat for Nile crocodiles and hippos, which travelers regularly see. You’ll have uninterrupted access to healthy populations of waterbirds, including fish eagles, cormorants and pied kingfishers. Herds of elephants have been known to saunter down to the banks for a drink of water, and many will be accessible for close observations, providing opportunities for wildlife photography. 

Exploration of Four Diverse National Parks

On Nat Hab’s Southern Africa Odyssey, the fun doesn’t end on the shores of Lake Kariba. This trip includes visits to four diverse national parks, celebrated wildlife havens that, along with important rivers, sustain a cornucopia of wildlife. You won’t find another itinerary offering this much variety in a safari destination that features exceptional wildlife without the crowds.

Hwange National Park

Our itinerary includes a quick flight to Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest national park. It is renowned for its huge herds of elephants and buffalo and healthy predator populations. Game drives, bush walks and a viewing platform at camp offer ample opportunities to view wildlife at close range.

Matusadona National Park

You’ll visit Matusadona National Park, a remote area of untouched wooded hills and lakeshore on the southern shore of Lake Kariba. The park is home to elephants, Cape buffalo, impala, waterbuck, side-striped jackal and much more. Cruising on the Zimbabwean Dream means opportunities to see lions, though they are elusive. 

Two prides, about 40 in total, inhabit the park. They are adept hunters, even occasionally killing crocodiles. Bird lovers will appreciate the frequent sightings of the Egyptian goose, marabou stork, saddle-billed stork, Goliath heron, African skimmer and the coveted African fish eagle.

Chobe National Park

In the Chobe region, you’ll spend time cruising the Chobe River’s channels and inlets by motorboat in search of hippos, crocodiles and myriad bird species that frequent this area. You’ll transfer to land to explore Chobe National Park, known as the ‘Land of The Giants’ since it currently supports the largest surviving elephant population in the world. An estimated 120,000 elephants are in the park, covering parts of northern Botswana and northwestern Zimbabwe.

Victoria Falls

Your Southern Africa Odyssey is rounded out with a visit to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls. Victoria Falls is located approximately halfway along the mighty Zambezi River. When the water reaches this point, the river plummets over a knife-edge cliff into a narrow chasm below, creating the world’s biggest curtain of falling water. You’ll explore the rainforest trails and witness the plumes of mist that hover around the waterfall as it roars over the edge. The clouds of mist can be seen rising off the falls from more than 12 miles away, a phenomenon that gives the falls its original name, Mosi-oa-Tunya, which translates to “The Smoke that Thunders.”

Staying Aboard the Zimbabwean Dream

The 108-foot ship is designed with both comfort and breathtaking views in mind. The sundeck is adorned with panoramic windows that ensure travelers never miss a minute of the passing scenery. The upper deck, located at the rear of the boat, has a shaded area with a Jacuzzi plunge pool for relaxation. On the main deck are eight air-conditioned cabin suites with comfortable twin beds, en suite bathrooms and modern amenities.

Two exclusive cabins offer private balconies on either side of the bow, ideal for quiet moments spent admiring the views. Savor creatively prepared international cuisine in the ship’s stylish restaurant, where every meal becomes part of your memorable journey. The vessel is thoughtfully designed to blend comfort and sophistication with unparalleled access to Southern Africa’s majestic landscapes and wildlife. Perfect for travelers seeking tranquility, this private riverboat safari lets you unwind in luxurious comfort while cruising the serene waters of Lake Kariba. Fill your leisure time sunbathing, reading, fishing or simply soaking in the breathtaking scenery from the spacious boat deck.