Umbohza houseboat – Zimbabwe(Lake Kariba)

Fishing Adventures

Lake Kariba is a popular destination for recreational fishing, particularly for anglers interested in tigerfish. Fishing opportunities depend on the season, location, weather and applicable regulations.

Guests should confirm fishing equipment, bait, licences and any additional fees before departure.

Wildlife Viewing

Explore suitable areas around the lake using the houseboat’s tender boats, subject to the charter arrangements and local conditions. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but the shoreline and surrounding habitats can provide opportunities to appreciate the region’s natural environment.

Birdwatching

Lake Kariba and its surrounding landscapes attract a variety of birdlife. Bring binoculars and a camera to look for birds around the water, islands and shoreline.

Early mornings and late afternoons can be particularly rewarding times to watch birds while enjoying the quieter atmosphere of the lake.

Sunrise and Sunset Cruises

Enjoy the changing colours of the lake at the beginning and end of the day. Subject to the itinerary and conditions, short excursions can offer beautiful opportunities for photography and peaceful sightseeing.

Relaxation and Sunbathing

Not every holiday needs a packed schedule. Spend time reading, listening to music, playing board games, relaxing beside the pool or simply watching the scenery from the deck.

Outdoor Dining and Barbecues

Enjoy social meals and relaxed evenings onboard. A gas barbecue is listed among the houseboat’s facilities. Catering, food supplies, drinks and any special meal arrangements should be confirmed before booking.

Visits to Local Fishing Communities

Depending on the route and permissions, it may be possible to arrange a visit to a local fishing community. Such visits should be planned respectfully and with appropriate local guidance.

Umbohza is equipped for comfortable group travel, with a range of sleeping arrangements and shared living areas.

Accommodation includes:

♦ Two master cabins with queen-size beds.

♦ Three family cabins with double beds and two adult bunks each.

♦ Two twin family cabins with twin beds and two adult bunks each.

♦ Two additional double cabins.

♦ En-suite shower and toilet facilities in the cabins.

Facilities listed for the houseboat include:

♦ Air-conditioned cabins.

♦ Spacious lounge, bar and dining area.

♦ Swimming pool and sun deck.

♦ Outdoor daybeds.

♦ Upper deck with panoramic lake views.

♦ Gas barbecue.

♦ Music system.

♦ Tender boats for selected excursions.

♦ Professional crew, including a captain, chef and deckhands.

Please confirm the current cabin configuration, passenger limit, facilities and operating arrangements before making a reservation.

What Is Included in Your Umbohza Houseboat Charter?

The inclusions depend on the rate and charter package selected. It is important to establish whether you are booking a dry charter, where you arrange your own food and drinks, or a package that includes catering and other services.

Before confirming your booking, ask for a written quotation detailing:

♦ Houseboat hire and the agreed charter duration.

♦ Crew services.

♦ Tender boat availability.

♦ Accommodation and linen.

♦ Meals, drinks and catering arrangements.

♦ Fuel for the houseboat and tender boats.

♦ Fishing equipment, bait and fishing permits.

♦ National park or lake usage fees, where applicable.

♦ Any additional excursion or transport costs.

Smiles Travel & Tours can assist with your enquiry and help clarify the arrangements available for your preferred dates.

Lake Kariba offers different experiences throughout the year, and the best time to visit depends on your interests.

May to August: The cooler, drier months can be comfortable for relaxing outdoors, enjoying the scenery and spending time on deck.

September to October: Temperatures generally rise, and these months can be attractive for fishing and wildlife viewing, although the heat can be intense.

November to April: The warmer rainy season can bring dramatic skies, greener landscapes and seasonal birdlife. Rain and changing weather may affect some excursions.

Conditions vary from year to year. Ask about seasonal fishing prospects, weather expectations and suitable activities before choosing your travel dates.

Umbohza is worth considering for:

• Families wanting to spend quality time together.
• Groups of friends seeking a private lake holiday.
• Fishing enthusiasts planning a dedicated trip.
• Travellers celebrating birthdays, anniversaries or other special occasions.
• Groups looking for a relaxed setting for selected corporate retreats.
• Visitors who enjoy nature, birdwatching, photography and beautiful sunsets.

The houseboat’s larger group layout makes it particularly appealing for travellers who want to share one holiday experience rather than organise accommodation across several separate rooms or properties.

Location: Lake Kariba, with the departure harbour and boarding arrangements confirmed at booking.

Houseboat type: Pontoon-style houseboat.

Cabins: Nine.

Crew: Four, according to published operator information.

Passenger capacity: Published information lists capacity up to 28 guests, but another technical specification lists a lower maximum. The permitted capacity for your specific charter must be confirmed before booking.

Boarding and departure: Confirm the departure point, check-in time, disembarkation time and itinerary with the operator.

What to pack: Lightweight clothing, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, personal toiletries, swimwear, binoculars, a camera and any required personal medication. Bring suitable footwear for moving around the boat.

Safety: Follow crew instructions at all times. Swimming in Lake Kariba carries risks from crocodiles, hippos and other hazards. Only swim if the crew explicitly confirms that the location and conditions are safe, and follow their instructions

A Lake Kariba houseboat holiday offers an opportunity to slow down, enjoy nature and create lasting memories with the people who matter most.

From fishing and birdwatching to relaxing on deck and watching the sun set over the water, Umbohza provides a distinctive setting for a memorable group escape.

Let Smiles Travel & Tours help you plan your journey. Contact us with your intended dates, number of guests and preferred charter duration so that we can assist with availability, pricing and the arrangements for your trip.

Ready to explore Lake Kariba aboard Umbohza Houseboat?

Enquire Today with Smiles Travel & Tours

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How many guests can Umbohza Houseboat accommodate?

Published listings describe nine cabins and a capacity of up to 28 guests, although another technical specification gives a lower passenger limit. Confirm the legally permitted capacity and sleeping arrangements for your booking.

Does Umbohza Houseboat have a swimming pool?

Yes. Published operator information lists an onboard swimming pool with a surrounding deck area.

Are the cabins air-conditioned?

Yes. The published specifications list air-conditioning in all nine cabins. Generator operating hours and the availability of air-conditioning overnight should be confirmed before departure.

Can I go fishing on Umbohza Houseboat?

Fishing is one of the listed activities. Confirm the availability of tender boats, fishing equipment, bait, permits and any additional charges.

Are meals included in the charter price?

Meal arrangements depend on the package. Request written confirmation of whether food, drinks and catering are included or must be supplied separately.

Is Umbohza Houseboat suitable for families?

Its family cabins and spacious communal areas make it a potential option for family holidays. Families should confirm the permitted passenger limit, child safety arrangements and suitable sleeping configurations before booking.

How do I book Umbohza Houseboat?

Contact Smiles Travel & Tours with your travel dates, group size and preferred duration. We can help you enquire about availability, charter rates and the services included in your proposed trip.

NUMBER OF CABINS all en suite

2 Master cabins with queen-size beds
3 Double family cabins with double beds and two adult bunks
2 Twin family cabins with twin beds plus two adult bunks
2 Double cabins with double beds
Maximum Pax 28

Other sleeping possibilities:  The Main lounge has 2 full sized Indian daybeds .

There is a further full sized Indian daybed on the pool deck.

The back deck has 2x double outdoor daybeds.

The top deck has 1 double & 1 single outdoor daybeds.

For those sleeping in the lounge there is a separate toilet &

Shower. For those sleeping outside there is a separate toilet & shower on the 1st deck

Please Note:  Tender Boats are for Game Drives and fishing in the vicinity of the houseboat and are strictly crew driven.  Should you require a speed boat for long distance fishing, please either bring your own which will be towed behind the houseboat leaving behind one of the houseboat tenders, (please bring your own rope for towing and fuel) or you can hire a speed boat from Marineland.  (Contact us for details)

Braai: Gas Braai on board

Swimming Pool:  Yes

Child Proof:  Yes

Life Jackets: Life Jackets are supplied for Max Pax, there are small childrens jackets on board, but please be advised, if you have small children and worried about the sizes, please bring your own.

Max Passengers: 24 Crew: 4 Cabins: 9 Registration Number: KF 2770 Hull Type: : Pontoon Length: 102 ft (31.09m) Engine: 270 HP Caterpillar

Mooring: Marineland Harbour -BOARDING 2pm and DISEMARKING 10am

Large pool of boats within the group, boats will be allocated according
to numbers and requests.

Please Note:  Tender Boats are for Game Drives and fishing in the vicinity of the houseboat and are strictly crew driven.  Should you require a speed boat for long distance fishing, please either bring your own which will be towed behind the houseboat leaving behind one of the houseboat tenders, (please bring your own rope for towing and fuel) or you can hire a speed boat from Marineland.  (Contact us for details)

Rates include:

Houseboat and tender boat hire

Crew

All linen and mosquito nets

All cleaning materials which include, Dish washing liquid, Handy Andy and

Toilet Cleaner

Toilet Paper and Guest Soap

Rates Exclude:

All fuel and outboard oil (the main vessel, tender boats and generators will be full before departure- on return to harbour at the end of the trip you will be required to re-fuel these and settle in USD cash at that time)

Fuel consumption is approximately 75 liters per night for the main vessel and 20 liters per tender per night.

All meals, drinks, condiments, serviettes, and personal toiletries etc.

Fishing equipment and bait

Ice (recommended 4 blocks per day during winter and 5 blocks per day in the summer months)

Swimming towels

National Parks Lake usage and fishing fees

First aid kit

Vehicle parking fees

Crew gratuities

2-night charters – up to Antelope Island

3-night charters – up to Palm Bay

4-night charters – up to Sanyati west

5-night charters – up to Elephant point

6 nights or more – up to the Ume

DIRECTIONS to Marineland HARBOUR –  Umbohza HOUSEBOAT

You turn left at the first Service Station, (Total Garage), and then immediately right going downhill towards Caribbean Bay. You turn right at the foot of the mountain, and then immediate left, pass through the security check point into Marineland Harbour.

Marineland is well sign posted from Total Garage.

Vehicle Parking : Guarded parking provided at $5 per vehicle and $3 per trailer per night

DUNHURAMAMBO HOUSEBOAT CHARTER TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Houseboat Charter Payment Policy All Houseboat charter bookings are subject to the below deposit and payment policy.

Bookings will only be guaranteed if performed in accordance with the below, if there is a request for a booking and you or your client has not paid or forwarded a proof of payment within the below provisional period the booking will automatically be released to the new client.

More than 180 days prior to charter date: 10 % Deposit Paid within 10 Days of provisional invoice

Between 180 and 90 days to charter date: 20 % Deposit Paid within 5 Days of provisional invoice

Between 90 days and 60 Days to charter date: 50% Deposit Paid within 3 Days of provisional invoice

Less than 60 Days to charter date 100 % payment within 3 days of provisional invoice.

Please note:  Balance of ALL outstanding amounts for charter invoices must be received at least 60 days prior to the charter date. Failure to comply will result in the booking being released and all prepaid deposits forfeited

All bookings will be held in provisional status while waiting for the applicable deposit or proof of payment. Once the deposit is received the booking will be regarded as confirmed and you will be subject to the applicable cancellation policy.

Cancellation Policy All houseboat charters are subject to the following cancellation policy:

Cancellation made more than 120 days prior to charter date 100 % refunded of full invoice

Between 120 days and 60 Days to charter date 50 % of full invoice amount is forfeited

Less than 60 days to charter date 100% of full invoice amount is forfeited Please note a 5 % administration fee is charged on all cancellations