Kariba Sailing FAQ’s

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Your Kariba/Matusadona trip shouldn’t be confined to land because all the best bits are accessed from the water. We already know that Sail with Elephants is the best way to do this, here is everything you need to know about life on board our Kariba Catamaran Sailboats:

WHAT’s the boat LIKE ?

Our Sailing Catamarans (Wharram Tikki 30′s) are roughly 10 meters long by 5 meters wide. Their catamaran layout offers significantly more living space than a standard monohull. They were specifically designed for Lake Kariba by legendary yacht designer James Wharram.

    • Capacity: Licensed for up to 11 passengers (incl Skipper & 1st mate), ideally 2-7 PAX. We only do private groups so you will have the boat to yourselves with your skipper & 1st Mate.

    • Living Area: The heart of the boat is the cockpit, featuring a central table surrounded by spacious, cushioned seating.

    • Sun Protection: The entire deck is sheltered by an insulated, stretched-canvas roof with roll-down side screens, keeping you cool under the Kariba sun while allowing the breeze to flow through.

Where do we sit?

 There are a thousand places to sit, lean, dangle and recline. The most popular are:

    • The Cockpit: around the central table in deep shade with side breeze.

    • The Foredeck Trampoline: A massive space for “slow-roast sunbathing” through a removeable protective shade-cloth cover.

    • The Net Hammock: Suspended in the netting right the prows, bum inches above the water.

    • Pro Tip: Sitting in the bow hammock during a downwind run, catching the occasional warm splash off the water beneath you is plain decadent.

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Where do we sleep?

Here the Wharram’s design flexibility comes into it’s own. While there are berths inside the port hull, Kariba nights are usually far too warm for sleeping below decks. Instead, we transform the boat:

    • The cockpit table is moved aside.

    • The deck is lined with comfortable mattresses.

    • You sleep under the stars on the trampolines or under the canopy.

    • In mid-winter, if it gets chilly at 2 am, we simply drop the canvas sides, turning the cockpit into a large, cozy tent (Kariba weather is so balmy this is seldom required.)

Will there be mosquitoes?

Generally, not many. Matusadona’s ecosystem is in balance—Most “mozzies” are busy being food for other species. Furthermore, the lake generates consistent on-shore and off-shore breezes in the evenings and mornings, making it difficult for them to fly. We recommend a little repellent round the ankles in the evening for the “stragglers” but it’s rarely a major concern.

Is the boat stable?

Absolutely, Catamarans do not “list” (lean) like traditional monohull sailboats. While Lake Kariba is massive and can produce sizable waves, there is no ocean-style “swell”. When the wind is up, you’ll be too busy enjoying the thrill of sailing to notice the motion. When we moor for the night, it is always on shore in a sheltered, calm cove.

Do we have a motor?

Yes, we do have the old “Tin-wind“. We use quiet, fuel-efficient 4-stroke motors to ensure we stay on schedule if the breeze dies down, though we prefer to maximize sailing whenever possible.

Do we have to stay onboard the Whole Time?  (Shore Activities & Swimming)

We certainly are not confined to the boat:

    • The Shore: We have ZimParks authorization to set up table & chairs on the shoreline for sundowners, dinner and breakfast.

    • Draft: Our boats only pull just 80cm of water, allowing us to maneuver right up to the beach or weave through the famous Kariba \”sticks\” where larger boats can’t go.

    • Swimming: We swim frequently, but only far offshore. Since 1974, the Kariba Ferry has stopped in the middle of the lake for a swim on every voyage without a single crocodile sighting. Crocodiles are shore-dwelling amphibians, not sharks; they prefer to conserve energy on the beach rather than paddle about aimlessly in the deep water.

    • Guided Walks & Game Drives: By Zimparks Rangers, available direct from the boat, subject to boat position.

What’s on the menu?

Wholesome, nutritious Zimbabwean food prepared by our Skipper and 1st Mate. We focus on:

    • Light breakfasts (Yoghurt & Fruit)

    • Light Lunch with plenty Fresh fruits and vegetables.

    • Freshly caught Bream.

    • Dinner is the main meal of the day, served in style onshore on some wilderness beach

    • Dietary Preferences: If you have specific dietary preferences, you are welcome to substitute items to fit your requirements
 
 

HOW DO I FIT THIS INTO MY ZIM TRIP?

  • Park and Sail: Self-Drivers leave your vehicle in our secure Marineland Car Park whilst you sail out & back.
  • Co-ordinate with the Kariba Vehicle Ferry or Matusadona Vehicle Barge so they take your vehicles across the lake and you sail with us, reuniting with your vehicle later.
  • Add into an active Lodge-Hopping itinerary, combine with a Natureways Zambezi Canoeing trip  as an adventure experience between lodge stays.
  • Contact Ant Bown on below to talk it all through, we can make it happen for you.