Zambezi Cruise & Safaris has launched the completely refurbished Zambezi Trader.

The Trader, as the houseboat is popularly known, is the largest luxury cruise boat on Lake Kariba IN Zambia, measuring 49m long, 15m wide, and weighing 220 tonnes. It offers 29 air-conditioned accommodations split across three decks. All offer private verandas with lake views.

Private and group charters are now available on the houseboat, and the operator, Zambezi Cruise and Safaris, offers tailored services to meet the needs of all travellers.

The boat can accommodate large groups of up to 150 passengers on day tours Conferences, weddings, family vacations, or special-interest cruise holidays can all be hosted on the houseboat.

“Nothing is too much effort to make sure your guests have the greatest possible experience,” says Richard Mutanda, Group Sales and Marketing Manager.

FITs are now accommodated and may book specific departure dates on three-night cruises. “We now have a new product that can work for your FIT and Groups series. We are able to offer scheduled departures on board the Zambezi Trader from April to October 2024, Friday through to Monday, as weekend escapes and extensions to other Zimbabwean safari destinations,” he says.

“Zambezi Cruise & Safaris works closely with African Parks to offer game drives into the Matusadona National Park directly from the cruise vessels, creating both land and lake experiences.”

Guides are continually searching for the unusual and not so easy to see, lion, leopard, big crocodiles and elephants, plus antelope species and “incredible” birdlife.

Lake Kariba, located on the Zambezi River between Zambia and Zimbabwe, is 270km long, and is one of Africa's most scenic lakes. Its rivers provide the finest opportunity for fishing and water activities in a savannah setting abundant with rich wildlife, ranging from impala to elephants.