MV Matusadona is a luxury 3-deck safari cruiser houseboat operating on Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe. Offering exclusive charters between the waters of Zimbabwe and Zambia, the vessel navigates one of Africa’s largest man-made lakes, providing access to the untouched shores and wildlife of the Matusadona National Park region.
MV Matusadona features 3 wood-panelled en-suite guest cabins positioned at the waterline on the bottom deck. Each cabin has a queen-size bed that cannot be split into twins, with comfortable bedding, ceiling fans, and air-conditioning. The vessel accommodates a maximum of 6 guests, with a minimum booking requirement of 2 people (charged at the 3-person rate).
Guests can enjoy tiger fishing on Lake Kariba, wildlife viewing from the boat and via game drives, sunset cruises, birdwatching (including Fish eagles and Kingfishers), guided safari walks on land, and relaxation on board. The charter includes water-based activities and one land-based activity, with additional land activities available at extra cost. Three gourmet meals daily are served in the dining areas.
MV Matusadona operates from 1 March to 30 November annually. The Green Season runs from 1 March – 30 June and 1 – 30 November, while High Season is 1 July – 31 October. Rates start from USD 950 per person per night for a minimum 3-night charter for 2 people, with pricing varying based on group size and duration.
The bottom deck houses the 3 luxury cabins with en-suite bathrooms. The middle deck features a comfortable lounge area, indoor and outdoor dining tables, work stations, WIFI, and a charging station for laptops and cameras. The upper deck offers a plunge pool, fully-appointed bar, couches for sunrise viewing, and deck chairs for sunbathing.
Guests can board at Marineland Harbour (Kariba Town) from 09:00-13:00 or Bumi Hills Airfield from 12:00-15:00. Access is via Kariba International Airport (25 minutes to Marineland), Bumi Hills domestic airfield, or road transfers from Chirundu (2.5 hours, USD 350) or Harare (5 hours, USD 450). Private charters and scheduled flights are available.
The fully inclusive rate covers exclusive use of the luxury vessel, all meals, local drinks, water-based activities, one land-based activity, average fuel consumption, charter positioning from select points, road transfers from Kariba Airport and Bumi Airstrip to harbours, VAT, tourism levies, and laundry. Park fees and levies (USD 60 per person per night) are excluded.
Yes, children aged 6 years and over are welcome aboard MV Matusadona.
The minimum charter duration is 3 nights, with empty nights on shorter charters charged at USD 1,700 per night. All charters operate within specified boarding and disembarking times at designated locations.
MV Matusadona can be combined with other iconic Zimbabwe destinations through three curated packages: “Zambezi Journeys” – a 6-night itinerary pairing Baines’ River Camp in the Lower Zambezi with MV Matusadona on Lake Kariba (receive 10% off the charter when combined with Baines’ River Camp’s Stay 3 Pay 2 special); “Classic Zimbabwe” – a 10-night safari featuring Hwange National Park, Lake Kariba, and Victoria Falls; and “Golden Africa Safari” – a 13-night luxury journey including Rovos Rail, Victoria Falls, Lake Kariba, and Mana Pools National Park.
Tel: +27 (0)33 342 7498
Whatsapp: +27 (0)82 806 4074
1 March – 30 November
1 Mar – 30 June & 1 – 30 November
1 July – 31 October
